Alt-protein start-up Brevel has signed an agreement with fellow Israeli company The Central Bottling Company (CBC Group), to develop functional beverages and dairy alternatives containing microalgae protein and oils.

Under a long-term purchase agreement spanning ten years, Brevel will supply CBC with its algae-drived raw ingredients, including extracted protein, functional oils and antioxidants.

Brevel’s proprietary technology is centred around an innovative process that combines light with sugar fermentation in indoor bioreactors. The approach enables the efficient production of nutrient-rich microalgae in large quantities without the need for genetic modification.

Microalgae’s natural component of nutrients includes protein, lipids, fibre and bioactive antioxidants derived from photosynthesis. Fermentation is responsible for producing microalgae at very high yields and affordable costs, however the process is traditionally limited to dark environments.

Through Brevel’s technology, a white, neutral tasting powder is developed, consisting of 60-70% microalgae protein concentrate. The powder can be seamlessly integrated into a broad range of meat and dairy alternatives to enhance nutritional profile. Additionally, it has functional properties that allow it to replicate the textures, flavours and behaviour of animal proteins.

CBC Group is Israel’s largest beverage company and the national franchiser of global brands including Coca-Cola, Carlsberg and Muller alongside major domestic juice and dairy brands. CBC also has a strong presence in Eastern Europe and South Africa/MENA region.

As part of the partnership, CBC invested in Brevel in the start-up’s latest seed funding round, which raised nearly $20 million.

Yonatan Golan, Brevel’s co-founder and CEO, said: “We feel extremely fortunate to collaborate with, and enjoy the support of, such a major force in the beverage arena, not only in Israel but also internationally. This co-venture will be instrumental in keeping Brevel at the forefront of developments in food-tech and climate-tech.”

Golan added that Brevel’s first commercial pilot plant, inaugurated in Southern Israel in June 2024, is primed to meet the first wave of the two companies’ joint development goals. The facility has the capacity to produce hundreds of tons of microalgae protein powder annually.

Lihi Rothschild, head of innovation for CBC Group, said: “As we pursue our strategy of continuous innovation to deliver superior products that respond to evolving trends and customer demands, partnering with Brevel is a natural fit. The company’s groundbreaking approach gives us the opportunity to explore new categories and solutions and opens new doors in terms of the range of exciting consumer applications we can offer.”