March 22, 2024

Insights from the Innovation Mission to Denmark

On March 17 – 20, 2024, Jeroen Willemsen (Innovation Lead Protein Transition at Foodvalley) and several TPC-partners went on an innovation mission to Denmark. This visit was planned with the goal to network and get inspired in the field of protein transition and was organized by the Province of Noord-Holland, Amsterdam Trade & Innovate and OostNL. This mission offered a chance to explore Denmark’s advancements in protein transition. This collaborative initiative, involving public and private entities, focuses on sharing knowledge and business opportunities within the protein ecosystem.

Some of our insights:

#ShorteningTimeToMarket

  • 43 Dutch participants joined, among which 18 TPC partners;
  • Round table with Dutch & Danish experts: ‘creating long term partnerships is key’. E.g. between producer and retailer, between the Netherlands and Denmark;
  • Product innovations at the Food Expo Herling:
    • Tempty: hybrid product combining Marlow-Ingredients’ Mycoprotein and Quinoa
    • PerfectSeason: vegetable burger with Danish roots

#PlantifyingTheFoodIndustry

  • Agro Food Park Aarhus:
    • PlanetDairy: hybrid dairy – nondairy cheeses branded as Audu
    • Arla showcasing JÖRD (‘earth’), oat-based drinks and yoghurt
  • Danish Ministery for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries: round table on the Danish Action Plan on Plant Based Foods, including a multi-million Plant Based Food Grant.

#MoreProteinSelfSufficient

#GoldenBean
Seven Danish Protein Transition-experts received a Golden Bean-pin as a token of appreciation for their protein transition work and the bond between the Netherlands and Denmark.

Next Innovation Mission: France
April 16-18, an trip to France is organised by RVO, exploring plant-based proteins for meat and dairy alternatives.