Agriculture

A Denmark-based food innovation company has developed a proprietary, mycelium-based product that delivers a unique sensory profile: a crispy, high-contrast exterior combined with a moist and tender interior. Following broad market validation through leading convenience retail chains and foodservice partners, the company is now preparing for international expansion and requires a transition from semi-manual production to a fully automated, continuous manufacturing line. The product was recently awarded Denmark’s Best New Plant-Based Product of the Year 2025. Its formulation is based on a nutrient-dense blend of mycelium and natural ingredients. The company operates with strong sustainability principles and aims to scale production efficiently while maintaining premium texture, consistent quality, and food safety for export markets. To support its growth strategy, the company seeks a Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) in Europe capable of handling an annual volume exceeding 1 million units (+100 tons) from Q2–Q3 2026. A central technical requirement is the ability to perform a one-sided sauce drizzling step—this is a core part of the company’s IP and essential to its unique product identity. The intended partner will operate as a strategic long-term collaborator rather than a standalone vendor, contributing to process optimisation and supporting the company’s expansion into new EU markets. Advantages and innovations: Proprietary blend of mycelium and natural ingredients creating a differentiated “bite” and sensory profile. Strong market traction with validated demand in retail and foodservice. Award-winning innovation recognised nationally (2025). A signature production step, precise one-sided sauce drizzling, supports a unique appearance and taste profile not present in competing products. Opportunity for partners to enter a fast-growing segment of the plant-based market with a high-volume, repeat-production item. Clear specifications and detailed production guidelines provided by the company. Long-term cooperation potential with ongoing process development and expansion into new formats. The company has attracted significant funding and investment, demonstrating their sound financial set up and market potential The business has been awarded numerous prizes, both for their concept and market approach, as well as for their product quality They have a large portfolio of professional clients in the food catering service and professional restaurateurs, which facilitate market entry and enable more rapid expansion. Technical Specification or Expertise Sought: The CMO should possess: A continuous, automated production line suitable for blending, forming, coating, frying, freezing, and packaging. Capability for controlled, one-sided sauce drizzling (non-negotiable). Experience with breaded, coated, or formed plant-based products. Ability to form oval-shaped units of approx. 70 g per piece. Optional: automated skewering.is a significant advantage, but optional. Certification: minimum ISO 22000; BRC/IFS. Experience in foodservice packaging and frozen product handling. Quality management systems suitable for supplying to international markets. Expected role of a partner: The ideal partner is a European food manufacturer with established experience in coated, fried, or plant-based products. The partner should be able to: Provide contract production under outsourcing or supplier agreements. Operate a continuous line meeting the specific technical requirements, especially the one-sided sauce drizzling step. Ensure compliance with international food safety standards and certifications. Collaborate closely on process optimisation, scale-up, and potential product line extensions. Engage in a long-term strategic partnership supporting the company’s expansion into new European markets. Quality & Compliance Standards: To maintain their existing partnerships and expand into new EU markets, partners must meet: ● Minimum: ISO 22000 and experience in foodservice packaging. ● Preferred: GFSI-recognised certification (BRC/IFS) is highly valued..