Naturex and MycoTechnology sign global distribution agreement for shiitake mushroom fermented plant protein

Avignon, France and Aurora, CO USA, 18 September 2017. In a continuing effort to bring new innovative solutions to customers, Naturex has signed a global distribution agreement via its Open Innovation program (Ingenium) with Colorado-based start-up, MycoTechnology, for their PureTaste®, shiitake mushroom plant protein.

Global demand for protein continues to grow strongly in all major markets. Almost three out of four consumers in the US indicate that they are very interested in protein and high protein content is reported to be one of the top factors influencing brand choices, according to research from Health Focus International*. “Interest in protein is also growing in Asia, with China leading the way,” said Timothee Olagne, VP Marketing, Nutrition & Health, Naturex. “At the same time, the vegan and vegetarian trend gains momentum and drives consumers' interest in plant-based proteins, with one third of consumers indicating that they prefer non-animal protein, according to Mintel and Innova**. As a result, launches of products containing plant-based proteins have grown by high double-digits in the last few years.”

MycoTechnology's patent-pending fungi fermentation technology delivers a highly functional, great tasting and sustainable protein with all 9 essential and 11 non-essential amino acids. PureTaste is also a highly digestible protein, scoring a 1.0 using the DIAAS methodology, making it comparable to animal-based products. The unique process to make PureTaste takes advantage of vertical space, using large fermentation vessels that recapture energy and water to maximize sustainability.

 “When MycoTechnology showed us PureTaste Protein for the first time we knew we had a big opportunity on our hands. It fits perfectly with our strategy to expand our nutritional offer with unique ingredients that are superior in terms of taste, solubility, nutritional profile and specific health benefits. We look for companies that are innovative and push the envelope with sustainable, natural and consumer relevant solutions. PureTaste checked off all the boxes and we knew we had to team up with them in a big way,” said Olagne.

“We are excited to partner with Naturex to help bring PureTaste Protein to the market. Their global sales presence, distribution reach, and professional team make them an ideal partner. Together we will be able to deliver high quality, functional protein that enhances our customers lives,” said Alan Hahn CEO of MycoTechnology.

*Health Focus International 2017, **Mintel GNPD, 2016, Innova Market Insights, 2015

About Naturex

Naturex sources, manufactures and markets natural speciality ingredients for the food, health and cosmetic industries. As the Natural Maker, the company actively supports the global shift from synthetic to natural through an offer built on two main focus areas: My Natural Food and My Natural Selfcare. Naturex's portfolio includes colours, antioxidants, speciality fruits & vegetables, phytoactives, and numerous other plant-based natural ingredients, designed to create healthy, authentic and effective products.

The Group's strong commitment to quality, sustainability, continuous innovation process, and the talent of its people are at the heart of its success.

Headquartered in Avignon, France, Naturex has experienced steadily-increasing growth throughout the last 25 years. The Group employs 1,700 people worldwide and in 2016 had revenue of €404.4 million.

The Group is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment B – Index: Euronext Next 150, Enternext CAC PEA-PME 150, CAC Small & Mid, CAC Small, Gaïa - Ticker: NRX - Reuters: NATU.PA - Bloomberg: NRX:FP - DR SYMBOL: NTUXY

 NATUREX, From Nature to You

• Contacts

Carole Alexandre

Investor Relations

Tel.: +33 (0)4 90 23 78 28

[email protected]
Anne Catherine Bonjour

Actus Finance Press Relations

Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 93

[email protected]

About MycoTechnology

MycoTechnology, headquartered in Aurora, Colorado is a food technology company which solves the biggest challenges in the food and beverage industry by using fungi fermentation. Their flagship product, ClearTaste®, is the worlds first organic bitter blocker, which helps companies reduce the sugar content and improve general flavors of their products by blocking bitterness. Their second commercial product, PureTaste, is a high quality clean tasting alternative protein made through the fermentation of Shiitake mushrooms.

Your MycoTechnology contact:

Alan Hahn

President and CEO

[email protected]

Tel: +1 303.578.9648

Source: Actusnews