Lantmannen Secures €50 Million EIB Loan to Build New Pea Protein Facility
April 3, 2025 – The European Investment Bank (EIB) granted a loan of €50 million to Lantmannen, a prominent European company operating in agriculture, machinery, bioenergy, and food products, for the production of a new pea protein plant in Lidkoping, Sweden. The new plant is expected to process over 40,000 tonnes of peas annually.
Construction of the new plant is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. It aims to enhance the European Union’s food security by reducing dependence on imported proteins. The project aligns with the EU’s objectives to boost self-sufficiency in plant proteins and promote sustainable agriculture.
The new plant will produce premium quality plant-based protein for diverse food and beverage applications, including bread, protein bars, meat alternatives, beverages, and dairy substitutes. It will play a key role in meeting the growing demand for vegan proteins in the region.
Thomas Ostos, Vice-president of EIB, stated, “We are looking to strengthen both the food supply and climate work in Sweden and the European Union by supporting Lantmannen’s investment in the production of new pea protein plant.” He added, “Our grant of €50M EIB Loan to Lantmannen is a very good example of how European cooperation can create local benefits”.
Plant proteins are witnessing high demand globally. This is mostly due to rising health and wellness trends, growing environmental concerns, and growing vegan and flexitarian populations. Courtesy of this high plant-protein demand, the future of pea protein industry looks bright.
According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global pea protein market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.1% during the assessment period. Total industry size will likely reach US$ 609.2 million by 2032.
“Food and beverage manufacturers are rapidly shifting their preference towards using plant-based proteins due to health, ethical, and environmental concerns. Thus, expansion of new facilities, like that of Lantmannen’s, will play a key role in meeting this demand. It can also help stabilize or reduce prices in the region,” says a senior analyst at CMI.”
Lantmannen’s, new pea protein plant will strengthen the company’s position in the plant-based protein industry. It also marks a significant step toward building a more sustainable and self-reliant European food system.
Growing consumer interest in vegan proteins will create lucrative growth opportunities for pea protein manufacturers. Companies like Nutri Pea Limited, Glanbia Plc, and Roquette Freres may also follow Lantmannen’s suit and start establishing new production facilities. This will further boost growth of the pea protein industry during the forthcoming years.
Sources:
Company: Lantmannen
Multimedia Company: FoodBev Media Ltd
