ISRAEL | Microalgae protein innovator Brevel, Ltd. has signed a development and commercialisation agreement with the most prominent Israeli beverage company, The Central Bottling Company (CBC Group).
The partnership will develop functional beverages and dairy alternatives containing Brevel’s high-value microalgae protein and oils.
Under a long-term purchase agreement that spans 10 years, Brevel will supply CBC with its algae-derived raw ingredients, including extracted protein, functional oils, and antioxidants.
Brevel’s proprietary technology for cultivating microalgae was built on a breakthrough process that combines light with sugar fermentation in indoor bioreactors. This innovative approach has efficiently produced nutrient-rich microalgae in large quantities without needing genetic modification.
Microalgae’s natural components of nutrients include protein, lipids, fibre, and bioactive antioxidants derived from photosynthesis. Traditionally limited to dark environments, fermentation produces high microalgae at very high yields and affordable costs.
Brevel is the first company to unite the two processes and bring fermentation out of the dark. The resulting ingredient is a white, neutral-tasting powder containing 60 to 70 percent microalgae protein concentrate.
The powder can be seamlessly integrated into a broad spectrum of meat and dairy alternatives as a natural plant-based protein booster. It has functional properties that allow it to replicate the textures, flavours, and behaviour of animal proteins while providing the same sensory experience.
“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,” said Yonatan Golan, Brevel’s co-founder and CEO.
“This co-venture will be instrumental in keeping Brevel at the forefront of developments in food-tech and climate-tech.”
CBC Group is Israel's largest beverage company and the national franchiser of such global brands as 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 commercial alliance, CBC Group directed strategic investment in Brevel in the company’s last seed-funding round of nearly USD 20 million.
“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,” said Lihi Rothschild, Head of Innovation for the CBC Group.
“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.”
Brevel recently established a commercial factory in Southern Israel. Inaugurated in June 2024, the new state-of-the-art facility has the capacity to produce hundreds of tons of microalgae protein powder per year.
“Our first commercial pilot plant is already primed to meet the first wave of our joint business development goals, delivering great tasting, better-for-you, sustainably sourced products to the growing population of health-conscious consumers,” added Golan.
