As a global leader in innovative food solutions, Puratos has officially joined the EPIC-SHIFT project, a groundbreaking EU-funded initiative aimed at transforming food systems through the exploration of novel foods and alternative proteins. With its deep expertise in research and development, Puratos will play a key role in assessing the potential of sustainable protein sources.
On 6–7 May 2025, the EPIC-SHIFT project consortium gathered at historic Lund University in Sweden for the official project launch. This innovative, collaborative research project—Securing Holistic and Impactful Food Systems Transformation with Novel Foods Based on Alternative Proteins—is supported by €4.5 million in funding from the Horizon Europe programme and brings together 20 partner organisations from 14 countries.
The project aims to support the EU Protein Strategy by providing an unprecedented and independent knowledge base on the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of novel foods derived from alternative protein sources (NFAP), as options for protein diversification in human diets. The project will focus on proteins derived from fungi, bacteria, micro- and macroalgae, insects, as well as agricultural and aquacultural by-products.
To achieve this, the project will assess a wide range of topics, including market dynamics, investment incentives and barriers, nutritional and health benefits, just transition principles, the impact of regulatory frameworks on market access, and the acceptance of novel foods by various food system actors, including consumers. Thanks to its multi-actor approach and engagement opportunities, the project will foster collaboration and co-creation among researchers, industry representatives, public authorities, policymakers, and civil society actors. All project findings will ultimately provide recommendations on potential pathways for more sustainable, healthy, resilient, and fair protein diversification in the EU.
“At Puratos, we believe that innovation in food must go hand in hand with sustainability and societal impact. Through EPIC-SHIFT, we are proud to contribute our expertise in food science and consumer insights to explore the full potential of alternative proteins. Our goal is to help shape a future where nutritious, sustainable, and delicious food is accessible to all, while supporting the resilience of the European food system.”
Bram Pareyt – R&D Director, Puratos
