Happy Plant Protein and German ingredient manufacturer Crespel & Deiters have entered into a collaboration to bring Happy Plant Protein's patented dry extrusion technology to commercial scale at Crespel & Deiters' production facility, operated by ECP B.V. in Helmond, the Netherlands.
This marks an important milestone in the industrial deployment of Happy Plant Protein's technology — representing the first commercial-scale production of our technology by an established European ingredient manufacturer.
Demand for high-quality, European-grown plant protein ingredients continues to grow as food manufacturers seek alternatives to imported and highly processed proteins. At the same time, manufacturers are looking for production methods that improve efficiency while making better use of locally available crops.
Happy Plant Protein's patented one-step dry extrusion technology addresses these challenges by producing textured vegetable protein (TVP) directly from locally grown legumes without the need for protein isolates, chemicals, or water-intensive processing. The process preserves valuable raw material components while reducing processing complexity, enabling ingredient manufacturers to create functional plant protein ingredients more efficiently.
At the Helmond facility, the companies are currently working with faba bean.
The resulting ingredients offer a better taste and aroma, helping to reduce the bitterness and beany off-notes commonly associated with legume ingredients. Their texture and functionality can be tailored for a wide range of applications, including meat analogues, hybrid products, ready meals and snacks.
The technology also enables efficient utilisation of the carbohydrate-rich fraction, which can be used in applications such as gluten-free baking, plant-based dairy alternatives and pet food.
For Crespel & Deiters, the collaboration supports the company's strategic expansion beyond wheat into a broader range of plant-based raw materials. For Happy Plant Protein, it represents the first commercial-scale implementation of its technology by a major, established European ingredient manufacturer.
As Europe's food industry continues to invest in resilient, locally sourced ingredient supply chains, this collaboration demonstrates how innovative processing technologies can help unlock the potential of European-grown protein crops.
We look forward to working with Crespel & Deiters to bring next-generation plant protein ingredients to food manufacturers across Europe.