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Multinational food company Sigma Foods has entered into a collaboration agreement with food ingredient manufacturer Onego Bio to evaluate the commercial potential of Bioalbumen. The non-animal egg protein, produced utilising precision fermentation technology, is being explored as a strategic solution to ongoing vulnerabilities within the global egg supply chain.

The partnership aims to mitigate risks associated with pricing volatility and avian flu-related disruptions. By integrating a shelf-stable, animal-free alternative, food manufacturers can potentially safeguard supply continuity while maintaining the functional, nutritional, and sensory performance of traditional eggs.

Maija Itkonen, CEO and Co-Founder of Onego Bio, noted that the ingredient is designed to strengthen product stability for global food manufacturers navigating an increasingly vulnerable agricultural sector.

Research and Development Application Trials

Under the terms of the agreement, Sigma Foods and Onego Bio will conduct a series of R&D initiatives. The companies have outlined a framework that includes comprehensive feasibility assessments, prototype development, and application trials utilising commercially relevant food matrices.

According to the companies, early-stage evaluations of Bioalbumen have yielded promising results, demonstrating functional and nutritional performance comparable to traditional animal-based benchmarks.

Corporate Sustainability Strategy

The integration of precision fermentation ingredients aligns with broader industry shifts toward environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance. For Sigma Foods, the collaboration represents an investment in science-based innovation and responsible ingredient sourcing.

Gregorio De Haene, Chief Technology Officer at Sigma, stated that exploring non-animal egg proteins allows the company to stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while reinforcing its long-term sustainability and supply security objectives.

Upcoming Industry Demonstration

To showcase the practical application of the new ingredient, Andrea Nieto, Product Development Manager at Sigma Foods, will participate in a live formulation webinar alongside Onego Bio in April 2026. The industry event will detail how Bioalbumen performs in real-world product formulations and provide insights into the early commercial testing results.