In a move aimed at reshaping the plant-based food sector, Meala FoodTech Ltd., an Israeli biotech startup, has partnered with global nutrition and wellness company dsm-firmenich to introduce Vertis PB Pea—a multifunctional pea protein designed to streamline ingredient labels while enhancing the texture and nutritional profile of plant-based meat alternatives.
The ingredient, now available across European markets through dsm-firmenich, represents a significant step forward in the clean-label movement. Developed using proprietary biotechnology and protected by two patents, Vertis PB Pea combines the functionalities of traditional binders such as hydrocolloids into a single, allergen-free component. The innovation delivers superior binding, gelation, emulsification, and protein enrichment, enabling manufacturers to simplify their formulations without sacrificing performance.
“This is exactly where our product comes in,” says Tali Feldman Sivan, CBO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech. “It addresses both functionality and clean-label demands, while replicating the sensory profile and experience of conventional meat products.”
Vertis PB Pea has demonstrated promising results in applications such as burgers, sausages, and nuggets. Its thermostability allows it to maintain structure under varied cooking conditions, while its ability to retain water and deliver juiciness has proven critical for texture-sensitive formulations. The ingredient is labeled simply as “pea protein,” aligning with a growing consumer preference for recognizable, natural ingredients.
A pan-European study by the EIT Food Consumer Observatory underscores this trend, revealing that 67% of European consumers are wary of unfamiliar ingredients, and 56% actively try to avoid processed foods. As demand rises for healthier, less-processed alternatives, food manufacturers face mounting pressure to reformulate products that balance taste, convenience, and transparency.
The launch also marks a strategic expansion of dsm-firmenich’s Vertis™ plant protein portfolio. “We are grateful to our partners at dsm-firmenich, who offer decades of experience as industry leaders in bringing innovative products to market,” said Hadar Ekhoiz Razmovich, CEO and co-founder of Meala. “Their application support, regulatory expertise, and ability to drive global commercial rollouts are unprecedented. We’re impressed by their innovation-driven approach and deep understanding of the food industry. dsm-firmenich believed in us from the very beginning—not only as investors, but as true partners—offering guidance, trust, and strategic support that helped lay the foundation for this powerful collaboration.”
The partnership between Meala and dsm-firmenich combines both distribution and venture capital, enabling broader international rollout of Meala’s texturizing protein. With production already underway in Europe, the company is now poised to scale its offering globally and accelerate the evolution of clean-label plant-based products.
“We’re looking forward to working with dsm-firmenich to lead the new era of plant-based alternatives that successfully merge high performance and robust nutrition, to create a new generation of delicious, better-for-you and better for the planet meat alternatives,” Razmovich added. “Meala delivers a powerful, high-protein texturizing solution, providing manufacturers with a scalable alternative to less-desirable additives.”
Founded in 2021, Meala FoodTech is led by product innovation experts Hadar Ekhoiz Razmovich, Tali Feldman Sivan, PhD, and Liran Gruda. The company is backed by a strong group of investors, including The Kitchen Hub, dsm-firmenich Ventures, Lasenor Emul SPA, EIT Food, and Milk & Honey Ventures. United by a mission to redefine food production, Meala is focusing on the development of clean-label, functional ingredients that support the growing demand for better-for-you foods.
Find out more at: https://www.mealafood.com