Bühler, Givaudan, and MISTA unveil extrusion hub in San Francisco

USA – Bühler, Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing, and MISTA have inaugurated their cutting-edge extrusion hub at the MISTA Innovation Center in San Francisco, California.

The event, held on April 4th, marks a significant milestone in MISTA’s quest to drive food innovation forward while underlining the steadfast commitment of Givaudan and Bühler to revolutionize the food system.

This collaborative initiative opens up fresh avenues for companies to engage in innovative product development trials for extruded products. 

Equipped with a state-of-the-art 30-millimeter twin-screw Bühler extruder, the hub facilitates both high-moisture and low-moisture extrusion processes, catering to a diverse range of products including plant-based meats, snacks, and cereals.

What sets this facility apart is its capacity to translate trial results seamlessly to full-scale production equipment. With an impressive output of up to 50 kilograms per hour, companies now have an unprecedented platform to explore and realize new possibilities in product development.

Speaking at the event, Ian Roberts, Chief Technology Officer at Bühler, underscored the pivotal role of collaboration and technological advancements in shaping the future landscape of the food industry. 

He emphasized, “The MISTA facility demonstrates that these collaborations provide real results,” emphasizing the imperative of building sustainable food systems to meet the needs of a burgeoning global population.

Echoing this sentiment, Fabio Campanile, Global Head of Science and Technology at Givaudan, emphasized the company’s dedication to plant-based alternatives and innovation. 

“Adding extrusion capabilities at MISTA expands our vast innovation network and further demonstrates our commitment to the alternative protein space,” Campanile said.

The inauguration of the extrusion hub at MISTA aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of the Global Innovation Network spearheaded by Givaudan and Bühler. 

This network, which includes facilities in Zurich, Singapore, and Brazil, underscores a collective dedication to driving innovation and supporting customers worldwide.

The launch of the hub coincided with the biannual MISTA in Action program, held in March, which brought together industry luminaries, startups, and executives from around the globe to explore collaborative advances in the food industry. 

Scott May, Founder and Head of MISTA, expressed confidence in the hub’s ability to accelerate the development of sustainable and delicious food solutions. 

“Through the nodal network, unique collaborations, access to new technologies, and domain expertise, MISTA empowers companies to reimagine innovation and drive positive change for companies and the industry,” he remarked. 

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