How to drive shift to local protein sources in Southeast Asia

Strategic shift toward local protein​

The venture offers a sustainable, locally sourced alternative for animal protein in Southeast Asia, a region increasingly dependent on soy imports, which are expected to reach one-third of global soy derivative imports by 2028.

Indonesia and Malaysia, dominating the global palm oil market with 83% of production (USDA, 2024), produce 8.9 million tons of low-value palm kernel meal annually. This byproduct, due to its high fiber content and low digestibility, is often exported, leaving Southeast Asia reliant on imported soy for animal feed.

The joint venture plans to use European Protein’s patented fermentation technology to convert palm kernel cakes into highly digestible feed for monogastric animals and farmed fish, aiming to reduce dependence on imported proteins. This technology will also be applied to soy, rapeseed, and seaweed, enhancing processing efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts.

Innovative technology​

European Protein maintains that its proprietary solid-state lacto-fermentation, patented by its parent company Fermentationexperts, represents a “unique” industrial-scale application. It uses significantly less water and energy, cutting environmental impacts by up to 63% compared to traditional methods, according to a third-party study [1]. The process reportedly enhances the nutritional value and digestibility of feedstock while reducing antinutrients.