Avebe Inaugurates New Potato Protein Line

Starch producer Avebe has announced the opening of its new production line for food protein in Gasselternijveen, the Netherlands.

On August, 27, Cees Bijl (pictured:left) and Henk Jumelet (pictured: right), members of the Drenthe Provincial Executive, took part at the ceremony. The line was built with cooperation and input from the Drenthe Provincial Executive, Aa en Hunze Council and the Water board. Henk Jumelet referred to Drenthe, and Gasselternijveen more specifically, as “the protein hub of the Netherlands” where the use of potato protein for food is driving innovation.

Potato protein used to be a waste product and was discharged into the canals together with the juice. Later on, a process was developed to extract the protein for use in cattle feed. Since 2007, Avebe has been developing a potato protein for food known as Solanic, an edible protein.

The new line will enable Avebe to expand protein production for human food. There is a significant market demand for vegetable protein that has the same functional properties as animal protein. Sustainability is another important factor alongside the fact that the company’s proteins have a high nutritious value.