Hydrosol’s unit for plant based has become an autonomous company, called Planteneers, as of 28 September.
“We intend to continue to grow with both companies,” emphasises Torsten Wywiol, CEO of the Stern-Wywiol Gruppe. “With that in mind, it will be important to focus on each of their strengths, and further build on them for both brands with the appropriate strategies in each case. That’s the reason we separated the plant-based field out of Hydrosol. To put it differently, our former ‘plant based baby’ has grown up and is ready to strike out on its own. We’re bundling its capabilities in a dedicated company.”
At Planteneers we’re concentrating on the development of trend product concepts in the growth categories
Dr Moser said: “The category of plant-based solutions for alternative forms of nutrition has already attained remarkable scale. But it still offers significant further growth opportunities, which we can make much better use of with a dedicated company and a focused strategy.”
According to A.T. Kearney, through 2040 worldwide revenue with plant-based alternatives to meat products will more than triple to USD 450 billion. For alternative dairy products, Future Market Insights prognisticates a doubling of the market volume through 2029 to around USD 34.6 billion. Plant based is also rapidly becoming a new normal in out-of-home eating.
“Through intensive research, creative ideas and tireless pioneering spirit, at Planteneers we intend to play an active role in shaping the future of the industry,” said Dr Moser. “We’re definitely moving beyond just stabilising and texturising. At Planteneers we’re concentrating on the development of trend product concepts in the growth categories.” The focus is on plant-based alternatives to meat, sausage and fish products, dairy products and deli foods, as well as hybrid products.
Planteneer’s parent company Hydrosol plans to use its primary competencies of stabilising and texturing to assist the development of Planteneer’s products.
Dr Moser said: “We’re positioning Planteneers as a cornerstone within the group.” Issues like environmental protection and animal welfare, as well as health, are currently the main drivers for consumer purchases of plant-based alternatives, and the growing world population is bringing a new dynamic to the field. “Plant-based alternatives are gaining enormously in importance. Planteneers is our clear commitment to this rapidly expanding category”.
