Merck and mantro enter the foodtech market
The laboratory division of Merck KGaA has, in partnership with the German company builder Mantro GmbH, established EdiMembre Inc, a Massachusetts-based company set to deploy Merck’s technologies for the production of structured meat alternatives – primarily Merck’s edible membranes.
“The formation of EdiMembre represents a significant milestone in the alternative protein industry,” said Manfred Tropper, CEO of mantro GmbH, who has joined EdiMembre’s board as a non-executive member. “By combining Merck’s cutting-edge technology with mantro’s company-building expertise and strong investor backing, we have created a powerhouse capable of driving real change in sustainable food production. I am thrilled to be part of this journey and confident in our ability to make a lasting impact.”
Leveraging Merck’s cell culture media, EdiMembre aims to commercialise Merck’s edible membrane platform in the United States—the globally dominant market for alternative protein products. Edible membranes enable the creation of complex tissue structures for the scalable production of cultivated meat and pasta.
EdiMembre is financially supported by a US$400,000 pre-seed investment from Siddhi Capital, Replicator VC, Meach Cove Capital, and Cellular Agriculture Ltd. The company will utilise countertop edible hollow fibre bioreactors to enable industry-validated production of whole-cut cultivated meat and legume protein-based pasta.
Most recently, other German heavyweights including The Cultivated B have also turned to Northern America to aid in scaling up alternative protein production.
GEA
