Nourish Ingredients partners with CABIO Biotech to scale Tastilux production in Asia-Pacific

Australian biotechnology company Nourish Ingredients has entered a strategic agreement with CABIO Biotech, a leading Chinese company specializing in microbial fermentation and synthetic biology. The collaboration aims to produce Tastilux, Nourish’s flagship animal-free fat ingredient, at scale for the Asia-Pacific market.

Tastilux is a premium specialty ingredient developed through fermentation, designed to provide a rich, meaty flavor and aroma while enhancing the cooking experience of alternative proteins. As the demand for plant-based and sustainable foods grows worldwide, this partnership positions Tastilux to meet market needs across Asia and beyond.

Under the agreement, CABIO Biotech will manufacture Tastilux at its advanced facilities, known for their efficiency and commitment to quality. CABIO’s state-of-the-art infrastructure includes expertise in bio-fermentation, non-solvent extraction, refining, winterization, and microencapsulation. Nourish Ingredients sees the partnership as a way to secure a robust and consistent supply chain while reducing production waste and achieving scalable, high-quality production.

“Our strategic partnership with CABIO Biotech marks a pivotal moment for Nourish Ingredients,” said James Petrie, CEO of Nourish Ingredients, who co-founded the company in 2019 with Chief Technical Officer Dr Anna El-Tahchy. “By leveraging CABIO’s established expertise, we’re not only derisking our supply chain for expansion but also enhancing our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative food solutions at scale.”

The collaboration signals a significant step in Nourish Ingredients’ global expansion strategy. CABIO’s deep understanding of the Chinese market and its regulatory landscape will facilitate Tastilux’s entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for plant-based foods. While China’s plant-based meat sector remains a niche portion of the broader food market, its potential is immense.

China consumes nearly 100 million tons of meat annually. If even 1% of this consumption shifts to plant-based alternatives by 2026, it would represent a market of one million tonnes per year. By 2028, industry projections suggest this market could be worth US$3.5 billion, highlighting the vast opportunity for companies like Nourish Ingredients.

CABIO will support distribution and sales within the Chinese market by leveraging its extensive networks and local expertise. Meanwhile, Nourish Ingredients will focus on leading commercial engagement in other global markets, with CABIO providing manufacturing support. This dual approach allows both companies to capitalize on their respective strengths.

The partnership also emphasizes sustainability. Tastilux production uses fermentation processes that transform natural sources into high-value ingredients while minimizing environmental impact. CABIO’s facilities are equipped to optimize resource efficiency and reduce waste, aligning with Nourish Ingredients’ commitment to sustainable innovation.

“Together, we’re set to efficiently produce top-tier products, opening doors to both the dynamic Chinese market and broader international opportunities,” Petrie said.

Jimmy Wang, Vice President of CABIO Biotech, highlighted the alignment of values between the two companies. “This collaboration combines Nourish’s cutting-edge product development with CABIO’s manufacturing excellence and market insights, positioning us to meet the surging global demand for superior food ingredients. Together, we’ll set new standards in the alternative protein industry,” Wang stated.

CABIO’s extensive experience in bio-fermentation and ingredient production, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, positions it as an ideal manufacturing partner for Tastilux. For over 20 years, CABIO has been at the forefront of functional ingredient innovation, supplying high-quality solutions to global markets.

Tastilux is designed to address a critical challenge in the plant-based food sector: replicating the taste and texture of animal-derived fats. Consumers often cite taste and texture as barriers to adopting plant-based diets. Tastilux delivers a “delicious animalic taste,” which Nourish Ingredients believes is key to winning over hesitant consumers.

The product enhances alternative protein dishes by providing the rich, savory qualities traditionally associated with animal fats. From plant-based burgers to sausages, Tastilux ensures that consumers don’t need to compromise on flavor or cooking performance.

“By focusing on premium, high-functionality ingredients like Tastilux, we’re reshaping the plant-based food experience,” Petrie said. “Our goal is to provide solutions that not only meet consumer expectations but exceed them.”

While the initial focus is on scaling Tastilux, the partnership between Nourish Ingredients and CABIO Biotech holds potential for future product development. Both companies are exploring opportunities to expand into other categories within the alternative protein sector, leveraging their combined expertise in fermentation and ingredient innovation.

“The collaboration between Nourish Ingredients and CABIO Biotech is built on a foundation of strong interpersonal connections and shared values,” Wang said. “This fosters an environment that promises to drive innovation and growth in the food technology sector.”

With the global plant-based market continuing to expand, this partnership positions both Nourish Ingredients and CABIO Biotech to capitalize on growing consumer demand for sustainable, high-quality food options.

The agreement not only strengthens Nourish Ingredients’ presence in Asia but also underscores its commitment to transforming the global food system. As the company scales Tastilux and explores new opportunities, it remains focused on delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that address the evolving needs of consumers and the planet.

Through this collaboration, Nourish Ingredients and CABIO Biotech are poised to lead the way in making plant-based foods more accessible, appealing, and sustainable for a growing global audience.