Aker BioMarine, a biotech company dedicated to harvesting Antarctic krill is expanding its ingredient portfolio with the launch of INVI, a hydrolyzed protein isolate.

The new ingredient has excellent nutritional properties, is rich in minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, and has high solubility, which makes it ideal for powder and ready-to-drink beverages, as well as broader food and beverage applications.

“Five years ago, we set a goal to launch a best-in-class protein ingredient and I am excited to announce that we have reached this milestone with the launch of INVI,” said Matts  Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine.

INVI has been enzymatically hydrolyzed into predigested peptides, which speed up uptake and mix well with beverages. Its average protein purity is above 90% and contains all the essential amino acids.

Further, INVI is heat-stable and can be processed at high temperatures with minimal end-product precipitation. In addition, its high water-binding capacity of INVI can give a smoother texture and moistness to end products.

As consumers continue to look at reducing their meat and dairy intake  marine derived sources, like INVI, can become an alternative to conventional protein sources.

“In order to help meet the future food demands for the world’s growing population and to provide alternatives to land-based food production, we need to look at the oceans for innovative solutions and opportunities,” said Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine.

“Sustainable operations have been at the heart of Aker BioMarine since its inception. Our ambition is to produce 5000 metric tons of INVI for our partners looking to shape the future of the protein market.”

“Aker BioMarine’s krill fishery is one of the most sustainable and well-managed fisheries in the world. Like other products in our portfolio, INVI Protein will carry the same Marine Stewardship Council and Non-GMO certifications and will adhere to the same high-quality standards. Also, we are finalising the US self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) determination and will soon start to prepare the FDA GRAS notice for INVI.”

With the help of Norwegian government funds, the company is in the process of building a protein plant and is looking to bring new partners onboard to create prototype samples, conduct clinical research supporting functional uptake claims, consumer insight reports, regulatory support and other technical and market developments.