Brevel, CBC Group forge alliance to introduce microalgae-enriched consumer products

ISRAEL – Microalgae protein innovator Brevel Ltd. has penned a commercialization agreement with The Central Bottling Company (CBC Group), Israel’s largest beverage company to introduce functional beverages and dairy alternatives enriched with Brevel’s proprietary microalgae protein and oils.

Under a 10-year purchasing agreement, Brevel will supply CBC with its algae-derived raw ingredients, including extracted protein, functional oils, and antioxidants. 

The partnership marks a significant step in expanding the adoption of microalgae-based ingredients in mainstream consumer products.

Brevel’s breakthrough in microalgae cultivation

Brevel’s proprietary technology for cultivating microalgae integrates light with sugar fermentation in indoor bioreactors, a pioneering approach that enhances nutrient production while ensuring high yields at reduced costs. 

Unlike conventional fermentation, which typically occurs in darkness, Brevel’s innovative process utilizes controlled lighting to optimize the synthesis of key nutrients, including proteins, lipids, fiber, and bioactive antioxidants.

The resulting ingredient is a neutral-tasting white powder comprising 60-70% protein concentrate. 

It is designed for seamless integration into a variety of plant-based food products, including meat and dairy alternatives, providing enhanced texture, flavor, and nutritional value without genetic modification.

CBC Group’s strategic investment in Brevel

CBC Group, the official Israeli franchiser of Coca-Cola, Carlsberg, and Muller, has a strong presence in Eastern Europe and the MENA region. 

The company participated in Brevel’s latest seed funding round, contributing to the nearly US$20 million raised to support commercial-scale production.

“As we pursue our strategy of continuous innovation to deliver superior products that align with evolving consumer trends, partnering with Brevel is a natural fit,” stated Lihi Rothschild, Head of Innovation at CBC Group. 

“Their approach enables us to explore new product categories and expand our range of sustainable food solutions.”

Scaling up production: Brevel’s new commercial facility

In June 2024, Brevel inaugurated a state-of-the-art commercial facility in southern Israel with the capacity to produce hundreds of tons of microalgae protein powder annually. 

The site will ensure a consistent supply of Brevel’s high-value ingredients, allowing CBC to incorporate them into new product lines targeting health-conscious consumers.

“Our first commercial plant is already primed to meet the initial demand, delivering great-tasting, sustainably sourced products to the market,” noted Yonatan Golan, co-founder and CEO of Brevel. 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with CBC Group, a leader in the beverage sector, as we drive forward innovations in food-tech and climate-conscious nutrition.”

New era for sustainable protein

Brevel, founded in 2016 by brothers Yonatan, Ido, and Matan Golan, was established with the mission of developing nutritious, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternatives to animal proteins. 

The company’s patented fermentation-light hybrid technology enhances the production of complete proteins, overcoming traditional barriers that have limited the economic viability of algae-based proteins in the food industry.

Compared to soy and pea protein, Brevel’s microalgae protein boasts superior flavor and color, is non-allergenic, and offers a significantly lower environmental footprint in terms of water and land use, as well as CO2 emissions.

By integrating this advanced protein into consumer products, Brevel and CBC Group aim to set new standards for sustainable and functional nutrition, opening avenues for broader applications in the global food and beverage market.