In 2020 – OptiCept and Cerealiqs initiated the work, developing a solution to use the CEPT technology to improve the manufacturing process and characteristics of oat milk. This resulted in a joint patent application. A unique innovation within the area of oat milk.
Fast forward a year, OptiCept added the global consultant firm AFRY as a partner to strengthen the development and innovation process.
In early September we conducted the first tests and an industrial evaluation for the treatment of oat milk. Using the juiceCEPT® application for treating plant-based milk.
The goal of the evaluation was to develop properties in oat milk, such as improved quality, foamability and reduce the need for added enzymes.
A cleaner product with good foamability with dense foam and stable properties has thus been demonstrated – that, without any need for the addition of extra enyzmes.
The test results also show that OptiCept’s treatment increased the number of proteins and health-beneficial fibers in the form of beta-glucans.
Further tests to refine the application and optimize the integration process of OptiCept’s technology are scheduled for early next year.
The finished product for full-scale launch to the market is expected to be completed by the completion of CEPT7, a next-generation CEPT® generator during the first quarter of 2022.
As previously communicated, OptiCept has, together with the global engineering and design company AFRY, entered into a collaboration to jointly develop and evaluate systems for future food production, where AFRY will be a global partner for the implementation and integration of OptiCept Technologies systems and technology. The now-completed industrial evaluation of oat milk was the first step in the collaboration between OptiCept, Cerealiq, and AFRY.
“Our technology and application in plant-based beverages have shown good results and we see a very large potential. Together with our partners, we are well on our way to developing the next generation of technology for the production of oat milk (or plant-based beverages). Our ambition to obtain a cleaner and healthier product has thus taken a major step forward through the industrially conducted test. In addition to qualitative benefits, we also see opportunities for improved process efficiency at a lower cost, ” says Johan Möllerström, CEO of OptiCept Technologies.
Unlike other plant-based kinds of milk, oat doesn’t have the same long history. Its creation is in fact credited to a Swedish scientist, Rickard Öste, who went on to form Oatly.
Oatly has been leading the way in recent years, showing a three-fold increase in worldwide sales. Nowadays, also a publicly listed company on the New York Stock Exchange.
During 2020, oat milk sales in the United States alone increased to $213 million. Making it the second most consumed plant-based milk after almond milk.
The market is in a state of strong growth – the reason why could be explained by consumer analysis.
This indicates that the dairy-like taste, health perception, and environmental sustainability, are the main reasons for its growing popularity.
The prognosis for the market is $995 million USD by 2027.
OptiCept and Dole join forces to improve juice production efficiency. OptiCept and Dole join forces to improve fruit and vegetable production efficiency. Will explore the potential of the CEPT platform.
This modern giant, despite its humble reddish-brown-gray shell and earthy exterior, has a world of usefulness and life in it.
OptiCept delivers innovative solutions for Food & Plant Industries to improve quality, performance & reduce waste.
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