Israeli Startup Plantopia Opens World's First Cow-Free Dairy Protein Factory
Israeli startup Plantopia has opened a pilot factory at Kibbutz Shdmot Dror in central Israel, utilizing a novel technology to produce dairy proteins from oat sprouts. The facility, spanning approximately 1,000 square meters, is located near the kibbutz's dairy farms and the Caesarstone factory.
This milestone follows a $9 million funding round that included strategic investors like U.S. dairy giant Schreiber Foods. The opening event was attended by representatives from major Israeli food companies such as Tempo, Tnuva, and Yotvata, as well as the Arkin Capital investment fund.
Founded in 2018 by Tal Lutsky and Amir Tiroler, with collaboration from Professor Alexander Weinstein of the Hebrew University, Plantopia's technology transforms oat sprouts into biological production units for milk proteins. The process involves germinating oats in controlled conditions, introducing specific bacteria that genetically instruct the plants to produce casein protein, and then extracting and purifying the protein into a white powder.
Plantopia states that the entire process, from seed to powder, takes a few days and yields milk proteins structurally identical to those found in cow's milk. The company is also developing demonstration products, including mozzarella, halloumi, and feta cheeses, marketed as 'clean label' and lactose-free.
"This factory is a clear expression of an economy connected to a grand vision," said Tal Lutsky, co-founder and CEO. "We have essentially established the world's first dairy that does not require cows." He highlighted the technology's potential to revolutionize dairy production, offering plant-based products identical to animal-based ones, at a competitive price, without geographical constraints or polluting emissions.
Due to the war, Plantopia relocated some operations from its northern facilities, where it maintains growing sites, to the central region. The company plans to scale up its model and establish similar factories globally to commercialize its technology.
