Bankom completes largest soybean processing expansion to boost non-GMO ingredient production
The projects represent the largest production expansion in its history, creating a fully integrated manufacturing platform capable of serving rapidly growing global demand for high-quality plant-based ingredients.
SERBIA – Serbian nutrition and ingredients producer Bankom has finalized a landmark expansion of its soybean processing operations, marking the largest infrastructure upgrade in the company’s history.
The strategic development project includes a state-of-the-art hexane extraction facility alongside an advanced textured soy protein (TSP) production site, establishing a fully integrated manufacturing hub designed to meet growing global demand for premium non-GMO plant-based ingredients.
The newly commissioned soybean processing unit boasts a daily processing capacity of 400 metric tons of soybeans, equivalent to approximately 140,000 metric tons annually.
Equipped with advanced solvent extraction technologies, the upgraded unit delivers higher operational efficiency, improved extraction yields, and consistent product quality that satisfies rigorous international standards for both human food and animal nutrition applications.
Complementing the primary extraction facility is an adjacent textured soy protein plant scheduled to commence commercial operations in September.
The TSP facility will add up to 20,000 metric tons of annual production capacity, significantly broadening Bankom’s portfolio of functional soy proteins tailored for plant-based meat alternatives, ready-to-eat meals, protein-fortified snacks, and specialized nutritional formulations.
Mladen Pesut, Deputy General Manager at Bankom, emphasized that the investment responds directly to evolving market dynamics where food producers prioritize supply chain resilience, complete product traceability, and non-GMO integrity.
Pesut stated that the expanded platform equips Bankom with the operational flexibility and scalability needed to support multinational clients, framing the expansion not as a final destination, but as a foundation for further strategic investments aimed at expanding production capabilities and diversifying product lines.
The company has positioned non-GMO sourcing as a core differentiator in a European market increasingly focused on traceable, sustainably produced plant proteins.
Soy-based ingredients, including full-fat soybean breakage and textured soy protein, are used across bakery, confectionery and broader food manufacturing applications for their protein content and functional properties, with textured soy protein produced through extrusion of soybean flour into flakes, cuts or pieces.
The investments arrive at a time when demand for plant proteins continues to accelerate across Europe and international markets. Manufacturers are seeking dependable regional suppliers capable of ensuring shorter supply chains, transparent sourcing and consistently high product quality.
Bankom said its expanded production platform has been specifically designed to address these market needs through modern process automation, strict quality management systems and efficient manufacturing technologies.
Headquartered in Belgrade with primary industrial facilities in Obrenovac, Bankom currently exports its soy ingredients to over 40 countries across five continents.
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