Signal Fonterra has invested in Vivici, which claims 87% less water than cattle-derived whey protein

Summary

The report cites Fonterra, the world's largest dairy exporter, as evidence that incumbents are taking precision fermentation seriously. Fonterra has invested in Vivici, a precision fermentation start-up. Vivici produces beta-lactoglobulin, the main protein found in whey, at industrial scale. According to the report, its process uses 87% less water than producing the equivalent protein from cattle. The case sits alongside commercial launches by Perfect Day, Nestle and EVERY, showing that established players and newcomers alike are moving in. For dairy-export economies, the outlook suggests, such shifts could bring new pressure as protein production becomes less tied to land and herds.