Protein Production Technology Podcast

In this episode of the PPTI Podcast, experts from research, biotechnology, and food innovation discussed how systems thinking could help reshape the future of nutrition. The panel included Annick Verween of VIB; Ali Osman, Diana Oliveira, and Harry Barraza of PfX Biotech; Amy Williams of The Good Food Institute Europe; Filipa Soares of Cell4Food; and David Laubner of Sennos.
The conversation explored the role of precision fermentation, the importance of shared standards and metrics, and how digital and sensor technologies are improving production efficiency. Panelists also discussed the potential of bioactive ingredients and the need for closer collaboration across science, technology, regulation, and markets to support scalable, sustainable food systems.
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In this episode of the PPTI Podcast, Dr Muyiwa Akintoye, Chief Product Officer at Planetary, discussed the opportunities and challenges involved in developing mycoprotein-based foods. He explained the need to balance nutrition with taste and texture, outlining how growth conditions, strain selection, and fermentation control influence flavor development.
Dr Akintoye also addressed strategies for reducing off-notes, the impact of clean-label expectations, and lessons drawn from the evolution of plant-based and dairy alternatives. He explored the structural properties of mycoproteins, including fiber alignment and downstream processing, and how these factors contribute to the fibrous texture and bite associated with animal protein.
Throughout the conversation, he emphasized the role of ingredient design and process optimization in ensuring mycoprotein products meet consumer expectations for quality, taste, and sustainability.
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In this episode of the PPTI Podcast, Sonia Huppert, Global Innovation Marketing Leader at IFF, discussed how the company was redefining sensory experiences for alternative proteins. She outlined how IFF combined consumer insights, AI, and advanced taste modulation technologies to optimize flavor, texture, and mouthfeel across plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cell-based proteins.
Huppert also addressed the ongoing challenge of replicating juiciness, succulence, and authentic flavor, and explained why multi-sensory experiences were critical to consumer acceptance. She highlighted how emerging innovations were supporting the development of high-protein products that delivered on taste, health, and enjoyment.

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In this episode of the PPTI Podcast, experts from intellectual property, biotechnology, and investment examined how companies in alternative proteins can navigate the patent landscape as the sector matures. The discussion featured Gilbert Verschelling, CTO of The Protein Brewery; Tim Fronzek, Co-founder and CEO of Nosh.bio; Casey Lippmeier, CTO of Checkerspot; Andrew Tindall and Kerry Rees of HGF; and Andrew D Ive, Founder and Managing General Partner at Big Idea Ventures.
The conversation explored why intellectual property has become central to securing investment, forming partnerships, and protecting competitive advantage. Panelists discussed what types of innovations can and cannot be patented, the role of robust data in supporting claims around taste and texture, and how companies balance patents with trade secrets.
The episode also addressed the commercial value of process patents, strategies for navigating prior art, and why establishing a clear IP strategy early is critical for startups operating across fermentation, alternative proteins, and food biotechnology.

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In this episode of the PPTI Podcast, the conversation focuses on how to make plant proteins work for both real food and real consumers. Host Nick Bradley is joined by experts from Happy Plant Protein, VTT, Bühler, and Planted to explore how innovation, functionality, and consumer expectations intersect in the next phase of plant-based development.
The panel discusses how cost-effective processes and simplified formulations can reduce complexity without compromising nutritional or sensory quality. They examine consumer priorities – from taste and affordability to clean-label appeal – and highlight the importance of diverse ingredient strategies in building a more sustainable food system.
By comparing different approaches to protein functionality, from solubility to texture, the speakers underline the value of collaboration between technology developers, ingredient producers, and food brands. The discussion offers a 360-degree view of the opportunities and challenges in scaling plant-based proteins for mainstream adoption.