Strategic collaboration between Standing Ovation and Ajinomoto Foods Europe to scale animal-free casein production

Standing Ovation, a French biotech firm specializing in precision fermentation for alternative dairy proteins, has announced a strategic partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE), a subsidiary of the Japanese Ajinomoto Group. This collaboration will focus on producing animal-free caseins at AFE’s biomanufacturing facility in Nesle, France, with the goal of revolutionizing the dairy industry through sustainable innovation.

Casein, the primary protein in milk, is essential for producing diverse dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Using its patented precision fermentation technology, Standing Ovation has developed Advanced Casein, a product that replicates the functional and sensory properties of traditional dairy proteins without involving animals. This innovation promises to significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with conventional dairy production.

Standing Ovation, founded in 2020, has quickly established itself as a global leader in fermentative casein production. The partnership with AFE marks a significant milestone in its growth. AFE’s manufacturing site, located near many of Standing Ovation’s primary customers in the dairy sector, leverages local raw materials and renewable energy sources. This proximity and sustainability focus align closely with Standing Ovation’s environmental objectives.

The collaboration brings together Standing Ovation’s cutting-edge technology and AFE’s decades-long expertise in industrial biotechnology. AFE, a leader in biomanufacturing, operates bioreactors exceeding 100 cubic meters in capacity and offers advanced fermentation capabilities. This partnership allows Standing Ovation to scale its production and deliver high-performance alternative proteins to the dairy industry.

Hiroshi Kaneko, President of Ajinomoto Foods Europe, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the shared commitment to innovation and sustainability: “We are delighted to partner with Standing Ovation, as our shared commitment to creating economic, sustainable, and social impact is deeply rooted in both our organizations. With food innovation at the heart of Ajinomoto Group's legacy, we are eager to leverage our expertise in precision fermentation to support their large-scale manufacturing efforts.”

Yvan Chardonnens, CEO of Standing Ovation, highlighted the benefits of AFE’s manufacturing capabilities: “We are very excited about this new partnership with one of the world's leading food companies. As a global player with historical expertise, Ajinomoto is an ideal manufacturing partner for us. Their leading fermentation capabilities in France will enable us to meet our customers' needs by providing them with high-quality, sustainable proteins.”

The environmental benefits of Advanced Casein are noteworthy. This animal-free protein significantly reduces CO2 emissions, conserves water and land, and offers functional and nutritional qualities comparable to conventional dairy proteins. These attributes position it as a transformative solution for addressing sustainability challenges in the food sector.

Ajinomoto Foods Europe has a rich history in biomanufacturing and industrial fermentation. With over 50 years of experience, AFE has built a reputation for producing amino acids, specialty ingredients, and precision-fermented bioproducts. Its capabilities extend across food, personal care, crop protection, nutraceuticals, and bio-based fine chemicals. Since 2022, AFE has expanded into contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services, supporting clients in scaling precision fermentation products.

For Standing Ovation, this partnership also strengthens its position as a key player in France’s food sovereignty initiatives. By producing caseins locally and sustainably, the company aims to contribute to reducing dependency on imported dairy proteins while promoting environmentally conscious food production practices.

Standing Ovation’s plans for global expansion include launching its flagship protein in the USA in 2025. With the support of this partnership and its ongoing collaborations, such as a strategic agreement with the Bel Group in 2022, the company is well-positioned to become a global leader in food innovation and sustainability.