The Hamburg-based start-up Microharvest produces proteins via fermentation using bacteria that grow on waste streams such as molasses. This provides a sustainable and relatively inexpensive alternative to meat and plant-based proteins. The company currently focuses primarily on animal feed but is working towards approval for human consumption.
The company, founded in 2021 by Luisa Cruz, Jonathan Roberz, and Katelijne Bekers, is growing rapidly. It recently announced plans to build a factory at the chemical complex in Leuna, near Halle in Germany. With this new factory, it aims to significantly scale up production and further reduce costs. €45 million is being invested in this factory, and the annual production capacity will reach 15,000 tonnes of protein. That is equivalent to the amount of protein produced per day from approximately 150,000 broiler chickens.
The technology is fast, stable, and scalable, which the company says is essential to keep up with the growing demand for affordable meat substitutes.
Bron: Financieel Dagblad 30 April 2026, Hamburgers werken aan doorbraak in markt voor vleesvervangers