“Superbrewed Food Secures Patent for Postbiotic Protein, Bolstering Position in Alt-Protein Market”

Superbrewed Food Secures Patent for Postbiotic Protein Ingredient

Fermentation startup Superbrewed Food has achieved a significant milestone by securing a patent for its proprietary Postbiotic Protein ingredient. This patent, coupled with the attainment of self-affirmed GRAS status, gives the company a competitive edge in the alternative protein market. The development enhances the appeal of Superbrewed Postbiotic Protein to consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies.

The patent follows a period of substantial growth for Superbrewed Food. In 2022, the company attained self-affirmed GRAS status for its postbiotic protein and initiated a strategic collaboration with The Bel Group, makers of Babybel and The Laughing Cow, to develop cheese products with its postbiotic cultured protein. Superbrewed Food also made an appearance at the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in 2023.

Patent Details and Implications

The US Patent Application Publication (No. 2023/0320399) covers a broad spectrum of applications for the production and commercialization of bacterial biomass ingredients. With an 18-year market exclusivity, this patent encompasses all forms of bacterial-biomass proteins, including natural, non-GMO, and GMO organisms with a protein content of 60% or higher. It also extends to various production methods and feedstocks, including sugar, agricultural waste, and CO2.

Superbrewed Food claims that its patented Postbiotic Protein, derived from microflora native to the company’s microbiome, offers superior nutritional and functional benefits over other plant and microbial proteins. It comprises all nine essential amino acids.

Superbrewed Food Introduces a New Class of Proteins

Bryan Tracy, the CEO and co-founder of Superbrewed Food, expressed his excitement over the patent: “Securing this patent celebrates the tremendous efforts of Superbrewed Food’s innovation team, and it represents a true breakthrough in food ingredients. We are excited to provide unique combinations of benefits and strong IP protection to our customers in the fast-growing and competitive alternative protein market. And most importantly, consumers are soon to have access to a new class of proteins that deliver all aspects of better eating.”

Industry Insights and Consumer Trends

In an interview with vegconomist, Marie-Benedicte-Charpentier, marketing and growth director at ADM, commented on the growing interest in postbiotic products: “58% of global consumers perceive a connection between the function of bacteria in the gut to wider aspects of well-being. With that, interest in gut microbiome-supporting solutions, including […] postbiotics, is on the rise.” As a result, other companies like 21st.BIO in Denmark are using precision fermentation to produce animal-free proteins, and Dutch ingredients startup Vivici has partnered with Gingko Bioworks to advance the production of sustainable animal-free dairy proteins.

Future Plans for Superbrewed Food

Looking forward, Superbrewed Food plans to commence commercial-scale production and expand its product offerings across North America and globally. The company anticipates launching its first products in Q4 2024, marking another significant milestone in its journey to revolutionize the alternative protein market with its patented Postbiotic Protein.