Solanic to open factory number two

Potato protein maker Solanic is on course to open a second, far larger, manufacturing facility in 2010 next door to a potato starch facility in Ter Apelkanaal run by parent company Avebe.

Solanic, which started production at its first factory next to Avebe's plant in Gasselternijveen in September this year, uses patented mild separation technology instead of the traditional heat coagulation method to extract proteins from the starch factory's waste stream.

The proteins were proving very popular as replacements for egg and dairy-based ingredients in meat analogues, soups and sauces, whipped cream, meringues, sausages, paté and ice cream, said Solanic director of commerce Frank Goovaerts. "Milk and egg proteins have become much more expensive lately - and they are also allergens, which many manufacturers are trying to avoid. In many cases, we can offer a significant cost saving because you don't have to use as much potato protein to get the same effect. In an aerated dessert, you can use 1% protein instead of 2.5-4% milk proteins. You can also replace whey or caseinate in a yoghurt, egg-free meringue or non-dairy Frankfurter sausages or patés, which use caseinate for structural reasons like water binding and texture. In paté, potato protein has far superior emulsifying properties and enhanced flavour release."

But companies were also discovering novel applications, said Goovaerts. "We have one firm trialling it to clarify wine - they're now running a high volume trial to see if results achieved in the lab are scalable."

Separately, Solanic is also working with a major food manufacturer to develop a protein fraction with potential in the weight management market through its ability to stimulate the appetite suppressing hormone CCK, said Goovaerts. "There are several clinical trials in progress. We're hoping partners might be in a position to get products on the market in 2009-2010."

If Solanic were to set up plants at Avebe's two other potato starch processing factories in Germany as well, it could produce 30-35,000t annually, said Goovaerts.