Novel Foods Group bets big on precision fermentation to produce elusive sweetener

In Dubai, Novel Foods Group is planning a $500-million precision fermentation production hub to scale production of brazzein, a sweeter-than-sugar protein found in the difficult-to-cultivate West African Oubli plant.

According to vegconomist, a deal was reached between Novel Foods Group, Glatt Group, BioEngineering AG, and CB Consultancy AG to scale production of brazzein using fermentation instead of trying to grow West African Oubli, which is mostly found in remote areas.

 “We believe people should enjoy the sweetness they love without sacrificing health or taste,” said Alaa Al Ali, shareholder and Member of the Board of Novel Foods Group.