The focus of the cooperation is on the yellow pea, a versatile and protein-rich crop that can be cultivated locally and has great potential for sustainable nutrition. KWS owns a wide selection of yellow pea seeds whose suitability for improving Billie Green products is being tested as part of the collaboration. The most suitable seed will be identified through a systematic evaluation process and selected for cultivation. After harvesting and processing, protein from these peas will be used in a targeted way in Billie Green’s products. The Osnabrück-based company thus aims to develop plant-based meat alternatives with an improved texture, a high-quality nutritional profile, and full flavor – for more variety in the chilled food section.
“Our customers expect products from Billie Green that taste great and offer top quality. The collaboration with KWS covers the entire value chain, from breeding suitable pea varieties, to European cultivation and processing into marketable products,” says Georg Achterkamp, Managing Director of Billie Green, explaining the idea behind the cooperation. KWS is contributing its many years of expertise in breeding, food analytics and protein extraction, and Billie Green its know-how in product development and marketing. “Together with Billie Green, we are shaping the future of plant-based nutrition by driving innovation and expanding the value chain – from seed to fork. Our seeds form the basis: Through targeted breeding, we are developing pea varieties that are perfectly tailored for use as a high-quality ingredient in food,” says Alexandra Molitor, Commercial Director Food Ingredients at KWS. Opting for local production also strengthens European agriculture, ensures stable supply chains, and provides greater transparency with regard to origin and ingredients.