Branston’s Potato Protein Extraction Facility to Start Production Early in 2024

Early in 2024, Branston, one of the biggest suppliers of potatoes in the UK, will start production at its new “pioneering” facility for potato protein extraction.

Along with other goods like French fries, the company is today most recognized for its fresh potatoes. Branston intends to grow by manufacturing protein for the food business, though, as consumer demand for plant-based diets keeps rising.

It was first announced in 2021 that the facility would be built; it is the first of its sort in the UK. At the time, Branston stated that it would devote about GBP6m to the endeavor, which will only make use of UK-grown potatoes. Branston has appointed Tom Seagrief as general manager of the facility in advance of its debut. He joined the group over ten years ago as a graduate student and is now back with the business.

“The world is our oyster when it comes to the potential uses of potato protein, with the market for plant-based foods continuing to grow. I am thrilled to be part of the Branston journey as we fine-tune and scale up our operations to meet the demand for UK-grown functional protein,” Seagrief said, cited by the Vegconomist.

In 2013, the Branston team first started looking into the most efficient approach to extracting protein from potatoes. The technique has been scaled up from a lab-based level to a commercially viable operation after ten years of research and development.

“With the official factory opening due in early 2024, we’re focusing on recruitment to expand our highly skilled team. We’re also testing and optimizing the final product, now in its pre-production phase, and working closely with potential customers to ensure we’re ready to gear up for full production,” Tom Seagrief added.

Technical uses for potato protein include binding, gelatinization, and emulsification. The ingredient can be found in a variety of foods, including baked goods, deli products, meat substitutes, and more. According to market research, the business for potato protein is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, partly due to growing interest in plant-based diets and health concerns.