Roquette eyes plant-based boom in China, boosting investment amid rising demand for alt-meat and dairy

24 May 2021 --- Roquette has celebrated the 20th anniversary of its plant in Lianyungang, China, marking two decades of investment, growth and commitment in the country. This comes amid a plant-based boom in Asian markets.

The Asian market, and China, in particular, present a considerable opportunity for plant-based innovation. The Chinese government has initiated massive health initiatives as part of a nationwide focus, driven by the ambitious Healthy China 2030 plan.

Roquette is investing in nutritional solutions to respond to health demands from Chinese consumers, which are unique, diversified and intertwined with local food and dining habits and culture. 

The company offers a wide array of customized solutions for a new culinary experience in taste and texture, and health benefits. 

These include sugar reduction/replacement, fiber enrichment, plant-based protein, PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) enrichment, and texture and taste improvement.

Earlier this month, Azelis increased the scope of its distribution agreement with Roquette for its food product range in China. The company has a long-standing relationship with Roquette. This latest move strengthens Azelis’ lateral value chain and expands its presence in the food and health market segment across the Asia Pacific region.

Chinese market
In 2019, the plant was selected as the leading pilot for upgrading traditional manufacturers to “Intelligent and green enterprises” by both the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People Republic of China and the Ministry of Economics and Finance of France. 

In 2020, the site was certified as “Green Manufacturer” by the China Starch Industry Association to recognize Roquette’s power and centralized heating project. Roquette is also committed to reducing carbon emissions and has already achieved a 30 percent reduction since 2019 for this plant. 

Additionally, Roquette has two other manufacturing plants in China, in Wuhan and Nanning. 

In 2019, the opening of the new “Food Innovation Center,” including R&D and customer technical service in Shanghai, was also a key milestone for Roquette to enhance closer partnerships with customers and further develop tailored nutritional solutions to the Asian market. 

Roquette continues to invest and consolidate its leadership position in food, nutrition and health markets worldwide.In China, Roquette has made significant investments to reduce its environmental footprint and strengthen relationships with local communities. The company organizes regular “Open Day” activities to invite the residents in neighboring communities to visit the plants and address production safety and environmental impacts. 

These developments, and a strong focus on people, helped Roquette secure the “Top Employer” certification in China for the last three years.

“We have conducted targeted investments over the last few years to become a pioneer of plant proteins for food, nutrition and health markets,” adds Pierre Courduroux, CEO of Roquette. 

“China is the perfect example of how local people can benefit from our global expertise and innovation to address their expectations better. We work closely with our customers and partners to develop recipes that enable people to maintain a healthy lifestyle with nutritious foods that taste and feel good.”

Global expansion 
Roquette is responding to consumers’ demand for healthier nutrition. 

One of the most relevant trends in China, the whole of Asia and elsewhere, is the rise of new gastronomy based on plant protein. In this market, Roquette is already making considerable investments.

In 2020, the company started the commissioning of the world’s largest pea protein facility in Portage la Prairie, Canada, while investing in its existing plant in Vic-sur-Aisne, France. 

Thanks to these global industrial capacities, Roquette will be “uniquely positioned to serve customers worldwide and better meet the growing demand for plant protein,” it says. 

Edited by Elizabeth Green