We are very happy to welcome and introduce Gertjan de Wit, Director, and Karl Bradler, Commercial Project Manager from De Wit Speciality Oils, as our new partner in the Global Plant-Based Foods & Proteins EcoSystem. De Wit Specialty Oils is a firm involved in seed cultivation and oil production since 1978. Its mission is to provide high-quality (organic) vegetable and marine oils to support the health and well-being of humans and animals while following sustainable practices. Read on to learn more about De Wit Specialty Oils, and why they joined the EcoSystem!
Can you shortly describe De Wit Oils as an Ingredient Partner?
De Wit Speciality Oils produces and markets a wide range of specialty oils. We supply high-quality vegetable oils that are an essential ingredient for various plant-based products. We specialize in oils that are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6. At De Wit, we are constantly looking at ways to innovate to supply high-quality and sustainable products to customers worldwide. Currently, we are working on a ground-breaking project called EcoXtract®. EcoXtract® is a renewable upcycling technology: a 100% bio-based solvent made from crop by-products. Solvent-based extraction of vegetable oil is an essential step for many plant-based products, especially for vegetable oils and proteins from special flower seeds.
How did you hear about the Bridge2Food Global Plant-Based Foods & Proteins EcoSystem?
We already recognized the activity of Bridge2Food in the protein area. Due to our activities in specialty oils and protein processing, we believe that it is very helpful to be part of this network and participate with network partners on new sustainable developments and projects. We are looking forward to introducing and developing our new products from protein and fibers for plant-based food within the EcoSystem. The EcoSystem can help us work closely to our network partners which can drive innovation. We are the perfect partner to supply high-quality ingredients that can be implemented in innovative plant-based food concepts.
What is the main challenge for the globe in relation to the protein transition?
The main challenge is producing proteins in a sustainable way. To use nearly every plant-based protein source (not just offering products based on 2 or 3 protein sources) and to commercialize it is a challenge that could also offer differentiation to the users of plant-based food.
What kind of role in the transition would your organization like to fulfill?
To ensure the commercialization of specialty proteins based on flower seeds, in order to improve existing plant-based products. We do this by using new functional ingredients based on proteins and fibers.
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About the EcoSystem
275+ Industry Leaders from 110 Organisations are partnering since 2019 in the Global Plant-Based Foods EcoSystem, to accelerate the transition towards a more plant-based diet, with better foods, produced in a sustainable way, as well as increase food security with an abundant supply of proteins for food, feed, and pet food markets.
Innovation, Research & Development Leaders from Food Brands, Ingredient & Processing Companies, Institutes, Universities, Grower Associations, and Breeders collaborate on such a future with concrete actions, deliverables, and outcomes. To be involved in the EcoSystem and to join bi-weekly meetings, you can register here. To get all details on the EcoSystem, you can check out this page.
