ADM’s Local Sourcing Enriches Product Innovation Field

ADM’s new locally sourced soy and wheat protein portfolio in EMEA provides opportunities for product diversification​​

European consumers want to know: “Where exactly does my food come from – and is it sustainable?” Rightfully, they are increasingly interested in the origins of their foods, and if that origin is sustainable to ensure there is enough for everyone who wants it for the long-term.

Beyond nutrient density and profile, consumers are keen on supporting their local food economy, which enriches their communities and regions. According to market research from FMCG Gurus “Sustainability Survey Europe,” 59% of European consumers sought out more local foods and beverages to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. In France, for example, 20% of consumers say they are more interested in seeing ingredient sourcing information on packaging, according to FMCG Gurus’ “Covid-19 – Understanding Consume One Year On.”

ADM, the protein nutrition solutions pioneer, ensures that its soy ingredient portfolio is sourced throughout Europe. “With our European-grown soy protein concentrate, there’s a great opportunity to leverage a sustainable, quality plant-based alternative protein in your products,” comments Juan Benitez Garcia, President Global Savory. “Our locally sourced and processed soy protein concentrate can easily help you achieve your transparency and sustainability goals.”

Because millions of Europeans are both new to and maintaining plant-based diets, responsible sourcing is critical. ADM procures agricultural commodities throughout Europe (and the globe) and understands how its vast supply chain has a direct impact on the land use and biodiversity of those regions, as well as the lives of individuals living and working there. “ADM has been diligent and purposeful in investing and expanding our processing footprint globally, to drive availability and bring locally sourced plant proteins across regions to ensure reliable, safe and traceable sourcing to meet the rise in demand,” Mr Garcia explains.

To prove its commitment to supporting locally sourced crop materials to European food manufacturers, ADM is a founding member of Fields of Europe to ensure product is European and locally certified. Fields of Europe is a framework for verifying European origin, sustainability and non-GMO origin of arable crops and food products throughout the supply chain. As a co-founder of Fields of Europe, ADM aimed to satisfy the clear need for one framework to define food ingredients from European origin and their attributes for the entire market to simultaneously create a level playing field and improve sustainable agricultural production on a large scale.

“ADM is well positioned to promote sustainable market growth globally, to meet this important shift in consumer lifestyles and plant nutrition-focused future,” Mr Garcia emphasises.

ADM’s European Ingredients​

ADM’s vast portfolio includes non-GMO, locally sourced in Europe and identity-preserved soy and wheat proteins.

Soybeans sourced in Europe are used to produce non-GMO identity preserved (IP) Arcon^®​ F Soy Protein Concentrate. Arcon^®​ F IP is a very fine powder for meat and plant-based applications, bakery items, beverages, protein supplements and fermented foods. It has 69% protein content, and a neutral taste and colour, allowing for great formulation flexibility, and is lactose-free.

Arcon^®​ T Textured Soy Protein is also made from soybeans sourced in Europe and is non-GMO. Arcon^®​ T is textured soy protein concentrate/crumbles perfect for texturized ground plant-based meat application; its meat-like texture promotes moisture and fat retention while also providing an attractive mouthfeel. Arcon T^®​ has 65% protein content, neutral taste and colour, and is lactose-free.

Textured Wheat Protein is also sourced in Europe and provides food brands with enhanced taste and texture to achieve a meat-like chew and mouthfeel, as well as increase water-binding in meat and seafood applications.

ADM has one of the world’s largest, most versatile portfolios of soy protein concentrates, supported by proficient technical ingenuity. ADM brings 75 years of experience in alternative protein and flavor design to the table, and finishes with top culinary and R&D expertise to give you an edge in developing consumer-preferred plant-based food and beverages.

Mr Garcia summarises, “Our processing standards and partnerships with European growers help ensure a flavourful, nutritious and sustainable product from farm to finished solution.