A new MycoTechnology partnership will scale production of mycoprotein and eliminate food waste in Oman; while Quorn and Drew Barrymore expand their
partnership with a new educational series, “Myco101.”
MycoTechnology, Oman Investment Authority partner to scale alternative protein in the region
Image credit: Mycotechnology, Inc
The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and
Colorado-based foodtech innovator MycoTechnology,
Inc. have established a groundbreaking joint venture
that will use locally grown dates in Oman to produce high-quality,
mushroom-based protein. The two parties will collaborate on a state-of-the-art
production facility in Oman to scale up and commercialize this novel source of
nutritious, sustainable protein. It represents the next generation of innovation
driven by MycoTechnology's proprietary fermentation
platform, which harnesses mushroom
mycelia to create transformative ingredients. The new joint venture will operate
as Vital Foods Technologies LLC.
"MycoTechnology is excited to be co-operating with Oman Investment Authority to
build this highly innovative food oasis in the desert,” said MycoTechnology CEO
Alan Hahn. “It represents a breakthrough in the quest to bring food security
to Oman and the wider region. This initiative will be transformative — and not
just for the Middle East. We are foraging for the future, unlocking the
ancient power of culinary mushrooms to feed the world's growing population with
a solution that's been beneath our feet all along."
OIA is Oman's sovereign wealth fund — entrusted with managing, investing and
developing the Sultanate's national and international assets. The strategic
partnership between OIA and MycoTechnology is in line with Oman Vision
2040,
which aims to attract modern technologies to the country. It links OIA's local
knowledge and public sector relationships with MycoTechnology's cutting-edge
technology, aspires to transform the food supply landscape in the region and
reflects OIA's commitment to achieving a sustainable future by increasing local
food production.
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"In our international investments at OIA, we target localizing advanced modern
technologies. Our partnership with MycoTechnology will deliver substantial local
benefits as we pioneer the proteins of tomorrow,” says Ibrahim Al Eisri,
Director of Private Equity at OIA. “It will support our mission to enhance food
security, diversify the Omani economy, and create well-paying jobs in an
eco-friendly new sector. This joint venture will be the foundation that enables
Oman to foster a new generation of talent in the sphere of food technology, here
and further afield."
Oman is one of the world's top 10 producers of dates, growing about 400 thousand
tonnes per year. However, more than half of that currently goes to waste or
animal feed. The new joint venture is expected to upcycle a significant portion
of these excess dates, using the natural sugar present in the fruit as a source
of fuel for the production of mushroom-based protein.
Construction of the new facility is due to start in early 2023 on a 10-hectare
site. Commercial production is scheduled to begin by the second quarter of 2025,
with up to 16,000 tonnes of dates to be processed each year. Once operational,
the partners intend for the new facility to evolve into the Middle East's
leading innovation hub for food technology.
Quorn, Drew Barrymore launch animated crash course in 'Myco101'
Image credit: Quorn/YouTube
Late last year, mycoprotein brand Quorn launched a
multi-year collaboration with actress Drew Barrymore and welcomed her as its
first-ever CMO (“Chief Mom Officer”). Since then, they’ve been working to
further Quorn’s mission to provide healthy, lower-impact protein options and
educate consumers on mycoprotein – the
sustainable protein invented by Quorn decades ago (the brand
launched
in 1985), long before it was trendy — and its role in a sustainable food future.
Today, they release “Myco101” — an animated crash course in all things
mycoprotein.
The shorts, by esteemed animator Jim Tews, are voiced by “Professor
Barrymore” with a special appearance from “ChiQin” – an animated version
of her co-star from her original ad for Quorn entitled “Best
Friends.” The Myco101 animations
help break down the unique and intricate details of mycoprotein — the meat-free,
soy-free, whole-food super protein in all Quorn products; as well as the process
for making it — fermentation, the same process that creates other favorite foods
including bread, wine, beer and cheese. Because of the unique taste and texture of
mycoprotein, Quorn products replicate the experience of eating meat in a
sustainable way with far less impact on the
environment.
“As the inventors of mycoprotein, Quorn is at the forefront of food
sustainability," Barrymore says. “These animated shorts really encompass the
brand’s lighthearted spirit while raising awareness around the amazing planetary
and health benefits of mycoprotein. Beyond Quorn, I truly believe fungal
proteins are the next big thing. From housing materials to technology and even
high-end
fashion,
we’re seeing it take shape in so many incredible ways. I’m proud to be able to
help tell this story and champion something I believe in.”
Published May 4, 2022 2pm EDT / 11am PDT / 7pm BST / 8pm CEST
Sustainable Brands Staff