MicroHarvest confirms 15 new pet food launches as microbial protein gains retail scale across Europe and UK

MicroHarvest has confirmed accelerating commercial traction for its microbial protein ingredients across Europe and the UK, with more than 15 new pet food product launches scheduled for Q2 2026 as the company moves from initial listings into repeat demand and broader portfolio expansion.

• MicroHarvest confirmed more than 15 new pet food SKUs launching across Europe and the UK by the end of Q2 2026 with multiple partners.
• Its microbial protein ingredients have already reached more than 1,800 retail locations in Germany alongside direct-to-consumer sales and recent UK launches.
• The company has progressed plans for a 15,000-ton annual capacity production facility in Leuna, Germany, targeted for completion by the end of 2027.

The Hamburg-based biotechnology company produces protein ingredients through biomass fermentation using regional agri-food side streams. Its ingredients have already been incorporated into dog and cat snacks sold through direct-to-consumer channels and in more than 1,800 retail locations in Germany, alongside recent launches in the UK.

Taken together, these developments represent one of the first instances of microbial protein reaching consumers at retail scale in Europe, marking a shift from pilot-stage innovation toward sustained commercial presence.

Early market performance has indicated strong demand, with several partner products selling through initial volumes quickly and generating repeat orders. The company described this as a transition from early-stage product introductions to consistent commercial activity across multiple brands and formats.

At least 15 additional SKUs are scheduled for launch by the end of Q2 2026 with multiple partners, including Hey Bones, founded by animal health influencer Murat Colak, as well as Vetura and aniAMA, VULFI’s direct-to-consumer brand. VEGDOG, one of MicroHarvest’s earliest commercial partners, has continued expanding its portfolio following launches across both dog and cat treat categories.

“What we are seeing now is a clear shift from initial product launches to repeat demand and strong portfolio expansion,” said Katelijne Bekers, CEO & Co-founder of MicroHarvest. “Our international partners are not just testing the ingredient; they are building it into multiple products and scaling volumes. That’s a strong signal that microbial protein can work within real commercial environments, from formulation through to consumer acceptance.”

The latest wave of launches builds on earlier commercial milestones. In November 2025, MicroHarvest and VEGDOG introduced VEGCAT Pure Bites, described as the first ready-to-buy cat snack to incorporate the company’s microbial protein. The product followed the earlier Pure Bites for Dogs and marked an expansion into cat nutrition, a category traditionally more difficult to address with alternative proteins.

At the time, Bekers said the launch demonstrated the versatility of the platform, noting that the company could produce protein in 24 hours through fermentation while maintaining consistency and scalability. The ingredient was developed to support digestibility and tolerability, particularly in applications targeting sensitive animals.

MicroHarvest’s commercial progress has run in parallel with efforts to scale production capacity. In February 2026, the company selected Industriepark Leuna in Saxony-Anhalt as the site for its first large-scale production facility, marking a transition from pilot operations to industrial manufacturing.

The planned facility is expected to deliver annual production capacity of 15,000 tons and is targeted for completion by the end of 2027. The project has secured up to €5.46 million (US$5.89 million) in German federal funding under the Federal Funding Programme for Energy and Resource Efficiency in Industry, supporting the scale-up of energy- and resource-efficient biomanufacturing processes.

MicroHarvest has described the Leuna investment as a step toward embedding its fermentation technology within established industrial infrastructure, building on earlier pilot-scale work in Lisbon. The company previously reported that its commercial pilot plant in Lisbon was completed in six months, enabling rapid progression from laboratory development to production-relevant volumes.

The production model is based on fast-growing bacterial strains fed on agricultural side streams, including molasses, allowing protein to be produced within a 24-hour cycle. The process operates independently of soil, seasons or climate variability, supporting consistent output.

MicroHarvest has also highlighted environmental performance as part of its value proposition, stating that its fermentation process emits 98% less CO2 and requires 85% less land and 94% less water than conventional animal protein production.

Its focus on pet food reflects the sector’s demand for reliable, high-performing protein ingredients that can support both product innovation and supply resilience. By operating as an ingredient platform, the company enables partners to integrate microbial protein into existing formulations and manufacturing processes without requiring major changes to production systems.

This approach has supported adoption across a broad partner base, from established pet food brands to emerging direct-to-consumer companies, and across multiple product categories. Germany remains MicroHarvest’s most developed market, supported by its Hamburg headquarters, while the UK has emerged as an additional growth market following recent launches.

The expansion of retail presence and product pipelines reflects a broader trend of fermentation-based proteins moving into commercial applications. While much of the alternative protein sector continues to focus on scaling technologies, pet food has emerged as a near-term route to market where functionality, regulatory pathways and consumer acceptance can align more quickly.

With products already on shelves, additional launches scheduled and industrial-scale production in development, MicroHarvest’s microbial protein has continued to establish its commercial presence within the European pet food sector, supported by repeat demand and expanding partner portfolios.