Bunge debuts new soy protein concentrates at IFFA ahead of US$550M Morristown facility launch

GERMANY – Bunge has introduced a new range of soy protein concentrates at this year’s IFFA trade fair, positioning the product line as a cost-efficient, clean-label solution to support the next wave of plant-based food manufacturing.

Held from May 3 to May 8, 2025, in Frankfurt, the event provided the global food industry a platform for innovation, primarily for the meat and alternative protein industry.

The new concentrates are scheduled to launch commercially this fall and mark a major step forward in Bunge’s protein strategy, coinciding with the near-completion of its US$550 million state-of-the-art production facility in Morristown, Indiana.

Once operational, the Morristown site is expected to become the world’s largest food-grade plant protein production facility, significantly scaling Bunge’s capabilities in the alternative protein sector.

The investment reflects rising demand for functional and affordable plant-based ingredients, especially in markets aiming for price parity between plant-based and animal-derived products.

According to Bunge, each soy protein concentrate in the new line delivers approximately 70% protein and 17% dietary fiber (dry basis), with options available in both non-GMO and conventional formats.

Bunge will offer the concentrates in both powdered and textured forms, making them adaptable for multiple applications including snacks, meat analogues, beverages, and baked goods.

According to Mark Stavro, Director of Marketing for Global Emulsifiers & Proteins at Bunge, cost considerations remain a central concern for plant-based food manufacturers.

“A lot of them in the plant-based meat world are trying to make sure that they can achieve price parity between alt-meat products and animal meat products. By giving them an affordable product, they are able to hit that price parity and grow their business much more profitably,” he told Food Ingredients First during the IFFA showcase.

Beyond production scale and product innovation, Bunge’s Morristown facility is designed to enhance the company’s end-to-end supply chain by fostering close ties with local soybean farmers engaged in regenerative agriculture practices. This approach aligns with Bunge’s sustainability targets, including emissions reduction and traceability across the sourcing and production value chain.

The launch comes amid broader corporate developments, as Bunge navigates regulatory hurdles around its proposed US$34 billion merger with Glencore-backed Viterra.

The merger, which would create one of the world’s largest agricultural trading firms, has been delayed due to trade tensions between the U.S. and China.

Bloomberg reports that Chinese regulators have raised concerns around industry concentration and food security implications, though both companies remain engaged in dialogue with authorities and are optimistic about securing approval.

Meanwhile, at its 2025 Annual General Meeting in Switzerland, shareholders of Bunge Global SA (NYSE: BG) approved a $2.80 per share annual cash dividend, to be disbursed in four equal quarterly payments.

The company also announced the appointment of Linda Jojo to its Board of Directors. Jojo, who retired from United Airlines in 2024 after serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, brings deep expertise in digital innovation and enterprise cybersecurity.

“Linda’s experience will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and better connect farmers to consumers,” said Mark Zenuk, Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Board.

The company also acknowledged the retirement of directors Sheila Bair, Bernardo Hees, and Michael Kobori, and confirmed four conditional board appointments related to the Viterra transaction: Anne Jensen, Adrian Isman, Christopher Mahoney, and Markus Walt.

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