Arvesta Launches Benelux’s First Plant-Based Protein Facility, Boosting Local Farming and Innovation

Arvesta states that the facility is unique in Belgium and the Benelux, marking an weighty milestone in its mission: ‘From Field to Future’. The special feature of this protein plant is its ability to produce high-quality vegetable protein concentrates from local raw materials such as yellow peas.

This is intended to create new income models for farmers and ensure the production of healthy, local, plant-based products.

Vegetable protein concentrates from local raw materials

The new protein plant in Mettet produces high-quality vegetable protein concentrates from local raw materials, in this case yellow peas.

The project contributes to the sustainable production of animal and human food, enhances the value of local raw materials and offers new business models to local growers. “This installation is an investment in technology and in the future of agriculture.

We are convinced that this step brings us closer to our vision of an economically. Environmentally sustainable agricultural trade,” states Niek Depoorter, CEO of Arvesta. “We connect producers with the rest of the food chain. Thanks to our expertise, we can support various partners with innovative solutions that are good for both people and the planet.” Arvesta works closely with local farmers in Belgium and France to grow yellow peas. “Through this cooperation, we offer farmers a guaranteed market for their crops,” explains Kris Moerman, BU Director Agri & Horti. “This not only creates new income models, but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices.”

Strong demand for local, healthy and sustainable ingredients

With 2,300 experts and years of experience, Arvesta invests in innovative solutions. The facility is set to produce 3,000 tonnes of protein powder, 7,500 tonnes of starch, and 1,500 tonnes of fibre from local raw materials annually.

For the food sector, the protein powder and starch will serve as key components, catering to the growing appetite for plant-based and functional food products. While the protein powder will as well be utilized in the pet food sector, the starch has applications across food, pet food. Animal feed industries. “We do this not because we have to, but because we firmly believe in sustainable agriculture,” explains Simon Eyers, Product Director.

“We in addition recognise that the food sector has a strong appetite for local, healthy and sustainable elements. With our products made from local yellow peas, we can meet this demand.

Together, we can work towards a food chain that is both economically and ecologically sustainable,” adds Charlotte Van Tendeloo, Business Development Manager.