PHW-Gruppe and Kynda Biotech join forces for sustainable protein production

The PHW-Gruppe, a leading German family-owned company renowned for high-quality poultry specialties, alternative protein sources, and health products, has entered into a strategic partnership with Kynda Biotech. Kynda, a biotech startup based in Jelmstorf, Lower Saxony, focuses on producing mycoprotein through industrial biomass fermentation using fungal mycelium. This collaboration is designed to advance sustainable protein production by utilizing by-products from the food industry.

In addition to the partnership, Kynda Biotech has successfully raised €3 million in seed funding. The investment round was led by Enjoy Ventures through its Invest-Impuls Scale fund, with participation from PHW-Gruppe and Swiss climate tech investor Clima Now. Impact-oriented investor C.E.L.L. Investment is expected to join in a subsequent closing. The funds will be allocated to scaling up production capabilities, expanding Kynda's production facility in Jelmstorf, and accelerating the commercialization of mycoprotein products.

Kynda utilizes proprietary fermentation technology to convert food industry side streams, such as okara—a by-product of soy milk and tofu production—into high-quality mycoprotein. The process takes only 24 to 48 hours, significantly reducing water usage and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional protein production methods. The resulting mycoprotein is rich in essential amino acids, dietary fiber, and possesses a natural umami flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in plant-based food applications.

Marcus Keitzer, PHW-Gruppe's Board Member responsible for Alternative Protein Sources, stated, "Both we and our retail partners see the use of mycoprotein as a promising approach to further optimize the taste and price parity of vegan products. The partnership with Kynda enables us to develop innovative formulations and strengthen our position in fermentative raw material production."

The partnership complements PHW-Gruppe's ongoing efforts to diversify its protein offerings. The company previously introduced a vegan product line in 2015 and has strategic partnerships with companies like Beyond Meat and SuperMeat. The collaboration with Kynda further supports PHW's commitment to sustainable and innovative protein solutions.

Kynda plans to commence operations at its expanded production facility near Hamburg in the second quarter of 2025, aiming to produce several thousand tons of 'Kynda Meat' annually. Co-founder Daniel MacGowan emphasized, "Many of our customers require thousands of metric tons of product. This investment will allow us to increase our production capacity with our partners to meet those needs and reach the mass market."