12 Jan 2016 --- Recent climate changes and freshwater shortages in a growing number of regions around the world inspired Hinoman, Ltd., to seek a complete water-management solution for its vegetable protein cultivation system, which uses maximum protein with minimum water use.
“We designed a precise hydroponics cultivation system that can answer water-management challenges in a wide range of geographical locations,” Udi Alroy, VP of Business Development for Hinoman, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. “Hinoman’s proprietary hydroponic cultivation process is fully adjustable and suitable for vast variety of climates. It optimizes water usage and is especially applicable to semi-desert areas such as in South California, as well as colder climates.”
Hinoman’s patented technology utilizes a semi-closed-environment system to control and optimize the Mankai plant, a high-protein strain of duckweed grown in shallow water. In comparison to soy, kale, or spinach, Mankai, utilizes 10 times less water to grow as a crop. This ensures stable and sustainable production for 12 months of the year.
“Imagine how beneficial it is for growers seeking water management solutions, including fully recyclable water management,” explains Ron Salpeter, CEO for Hinoman. “The race for alternative protein has just began, and the winners will be the companies that will provide a vegetal, non-GMO, high-protein ingredient, with maximum proximity to urban centers. Consumers demand high value, sustainable protein, locally or regionally sourced and with proven traceability. Hinoman offers an affordable, comprehensive solution that supports urban cultivation, or cultivation in proximity to food manufacturers.”
“Hinoman guarantees the plants will remain pure, clean, uncontaminated and free from pesticides and other non-desired residues. The resulting high-protein vegetable exceeds food safety and food security requirements under the very strictest international standards”, adds Alroy.
Alroy goes on to tell
FoodIngredientsFirst that Hinoman's goal is to be able to supply the increasing need for alternative proteins in the coming years: "The need for sustainable sources of food and especially protein is increasing double digit and our offering is targeted to these global trends."
"Hinoman's Mankai supply a superior nutritional profile (above and beyond a complete protein), making it a key nutritional source into mass foods such as pasta, noodles, breads, shakes & beverages, it is clean and clear label, free of soy and gluten, suitable for mass audience as well as niches such as vegans, gluten free, lactose free and more."
by Elizabeth Kenward
