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- Wide Open Agriculture (WOA) is one step closer to making a plant-based protein out of lupin
- In August, the company detailed its plan to turn Australian lupin into protein, as many consumers are now looking for an alternative source of protein to add to their diet
- The company has partnered with Curtin University, the CSIRO, and Process Partners in a five-stage program to help achieve this goal
- Now, significant optimisation work has been completed at Curtin University and the university will now prepare for the testing and validation phase of its protein development
- So far, food-grade and pilot-scale trials continue and are on track to be completed in late November
- On the market this afternoon, WOA is up 7.83 per cent and trading at $1.24 per share
Wide Open Agriculture (WOA) is one step closer to making a plant-based protein out of lupin.
In August, the company detailed its plan to turn Australian lupin into protein, as many consumers are now looking for an alternative source of protein to add to their diet.
To achieve this, WOA has teamed up with Curtin University, the CSIRO, and Process Partners.
Where are they now?
Significant optimisation work has been completed by Curtin University. This work includes key processes being smoothed out, such as the reduction in processing steps, confirming key temperatures and confirming protein yields from WA grown lupin.
Curtin is now preparing for the testing and validation phase of the food-grade samples from the pilot trials.
Now, those assessments are progressing and are on track to be completed in late November. These trials have continued despite the tough restrictions in Melbourne due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Why lupin?
Australian sweet lupin is high in protein compared to other cool-season legumes such as lentils, peas and chickpeas. It has the potential to have positive impacts on human health, such as reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and bowel cancer.
Currently, the lupin market value is valued up to $200 million, and 96 per cent of the grain is consumed by livestock. Interestingly, 60 per cent of the global supply is produced in WA.
On the market this afternoon, WOA is up 7.83 per cent and is trading at $1.24 per share at 1:00 pm AEDT.
