Kinoko-Tech, an Israeli food-tech startup, has made remarkable progress in the realm of sustainable food production by entering into a strategic commercial agreement with Metaphor Foods, the innovation arm of Hela APAC. Announced in 2024, this collaboration is poised to revolutionize the alternative protein industry in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The agreement, which includes a significant strategic investment, will facilitate the large-scale local production of Kinoko-Tech's fungi-based protein products in Australia starting in 2025. Moreover, the deal outlines ambitious expansion plans into neighboring markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and New Zealand.
Founded in 2019 by Jasmin Ravid, Hadar Shohat, and Dr. Daria Feldman, Kinoko-Tech has quickly gained attention for its innovative approach to plant-based proteins. The startup employs solid-state fermentation (SSF), a proprietary process that grows fungal mycelium on legumes and grains. This cutting-edge technique is licensed from Yissum, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s technology transfer company, and is designed to maximize the nutritional content of the food, enhancing both protein and fiber levels while maintaining an all-natural, minimally processed profile.
What sets Kinoko-Tech’s approach apart from traditional food production methods is the sustainability and efficiency of its technology. The company's SSF process not only significantly boosts the protein content in food products but also delivers a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.
Additionally, this process transforms the carbohydrates in grains and legumes into more bioavailable nutrients, all while minimizing waste and energy consumption. Impressively, the environmental footprint of producing Kinoko-Tech’s products is even smaller than that of growing tomatoes, making it an exceptionally sustainable solution in the global fight against climate change.
A Diverse Product Range for a Growing Market
Kinoko-Tech’s offerings include a wide array of food products aimed at both consumers seeking healthier alternatives and the foodservice industry. The company's "center of the plate" products, such as plant-based sausages, patties, kebabs, and meatballs, mimic the taste and texture of conventional meat while providing a more nutritious and environmentally friendly alternative. Additionally, Kinoko-Tech is developing snack items like muesli bars, protein bars, and crispy chips, all made from its fermented fungi-based ingredients.
The versatility of Kinoko-Tech’s products is one of its standout features. By manipulating the fermentation process and using different legumes and grains, the company can create a variety of textures and flavors. These products have been described as having a unique umami taste, combining the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the heartiness of legumes, providing a rich and satisfying experience for consumers.
Partnership with Metaphor Foods and Hela APAC
The strategic partnership with Metaphor Foods, part of the Hela APAC group, marks a significant milestone in Kinoko-Tech's expansion plans. Hela APAC is an innovation leader in the food industry with a global presence spanning over 70 countries and 10 manufacturing plants. The collaboration will begin with local production in Australia and aims to scale rapidly across Southeast Asia and Oceania, covering markets like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
Hela APAC will oversee the rollout of Kinoko-Tech’s products, ensuring that the company’s fungi-based, protein-rich foods are efficiently distributed throughout the region. This partnership is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable food solutions in the APAC region, where rising consumer awareness around environmental issues and health is driving a surge in plant-based protein alternatives. The low capital expenditure required for the production setup—thanks to Kinoko-Tech's minimal processing needs—makes the partnership even more attractive for rapid regional scaling.
“We’re excited to partner with Metaphor Foods and bring our technology to new markets,” said Jasmin Ravid, CEO of Kinoko-Tech. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in scaling up our production and making a meaningful impact on global food sustainability. With Metaphor Foods and Hela APAC’s expertise, we’re well-positioned to expand our reach across the APAC region.”
According to Kinoko-Tech CEO Jasmin Ravid, the collaboration with Metaphor Foods is a "significant milestone" in the company’s journey to expand its impact on global food sustainability. By harnessing Hela APAC’s extensive network and market reach, the partnership allows Kinoko-Tech to tap into some of the fastest-growing markets for alternative proteins in the world. This initiative is part of the broader trend of plant-based food companies leveraging advanced fermentation techniques to meet the rising global demand for meat alternatives, a market expected to grow substantially over the coming decade.
Geoff Gordon, Director of Metaphor Foods and Hela APAC, has expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing that the introduction of Kinoko-Tech’s fungi-based products will play a transformative role in the food industry. He noted that the ability to produce high-quality, sustainable foods with a minimal environmental footprint aligns perfectly with the goals of Hela APAC and its clients across the region.
Geoff Gordon, Director of Metaphor Foods and Hela APAC: “At Metaphor Foods, our role is to facilitate transformational food tech startups like Kinoko-Tech, enabling them to make a global impact. We’re thrilled to be part of their journey, starting in Australia and soon expanding to other key markets in Asia and New Zealand. Kinoko-Tech’s technology is truly a game-changer in the food industry.”
While the current agreement focuses on production in Australia and the broader APAC region, Kinoko-Tech is actively exploring opportunities for similar partnerships in other regions, including Europe and the United States. The company’s scalable, low-cost production model and commitment to sustainability make it an attractive partner for food manufacturers and distributors worldwide.
Kinoko-Tech is also positioning itself as a key player in the global alternative protein market by continuing to refine its fermentation technology. By utilizing different strains of fungi and various legume bases, the company is constantly innovating and expanding its product portfolio. As consumer demand for sustainable, nutritious food alternatives continues to grow, Kinoko-Tech’s fungi-powered solutions are well-positioned to lead the way in transforming the future of food.
Kinoko-Tech's partnership with Metaphor Foods marks a critical step in the company’s global expansion efforts and reinforces its commitment to sustainable, innovative food production. By leveraging the power of fungi and solid-state fermentation, Kinoko-Tech is poised to make a significant impact on both the alternative protein market and global food sustainability. As production ramps up in Australia and other APAC markets, the future looks bright for this pioneering startup.
Kinoko-Tech is making waves in the APAC region by expanding its fungi-based food products through a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to introduce sustainable, healthy, and innovative food options to a growing market. By leveraging advanced technology and local expertise, the company is set to redefine the future of plant-based diets in the region.
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