Are Big Food Players Finally Waking Up to the Power of Alternative Proteins?

Scott Mathias
Feb 6
2 min read

It looks like the big food players are finally paying attention. Israeli microalgae protein innovator Brevel has just signed a major development and commercialisation deal with The Central Bottling Company (CBC Group), Israel’s largest beverage powerhouse and the local Coca-Cola franchiser.

That’s right. One of the biggest names in beverages is betting on microalgae.

Source: Brevel - Uses of microalgae in drink products.

Under the 10-year deal, Brevel will supply CBC with its nutrient-dense, algae-derived ingredients, including protein, oils, and antioxidants, to create a new wave of functional beverages and dairy alternatives. The goal? Sustainable, high-protein drinks and plant-based dairy actually tasting good.

If you've been looking sideways at the wave of soy- and pea-based protein products, here’s the plot twist; microalgae might just be the dark horse in the alternative protein race.

Brevel’s tech is a first-of-its-kind hybrid process - combining light and sugar fermentation - to produce high-yield, high-protein microalgae at an affordable price. Unlike traditional fermentation (which relies on darkness), Brevel’s method supercharges the algae’s natural photosynthesis process, resulting in a neutral-tasting white powder packed with 60–70% protein.

The kicker? No green gloop, no funky aftertaste. Just clean, functional plant protein blending seamlessly into nutritious food and drinks.

This isn’t just a local deal. CBC Group has a global footprint, stretching across Eastern Europe, South Africa, and the MENA region. As part of the agreement, CBC has also thrown strategic investment into Brevel’s latest $20 million seed funding round which is a serious signal Big Food is finally putting real money behind alternative proteins.

Brevel’s CEO, Yonatan Golan, sees this as a watershed moment. "We’re thrilled to have CBC’s backing—not just as a customer, but as a partner in redefining the future of food-tech and climate-tech."

With its brand-new commercial factory in Southern Israel now online (shown left), Brevel is gearing up for large-scale production. Hundreds of tons of microalgae protein per year will soon be hitting the market—right as consumers demand more nutritious, sustainable, and alt-protein options that don’t suck.

Brevel’s move with CBC hints at a bigger shift - legacy food and beverage brands are finally realising they need to evolve or be left behind.

Plant-based 1.0 was all about riding the hype. But consumers today want clean labels, real nutrition, and alt-proteins actually delivering. If CBC’s move is any indication, the food industry’s next major evolution is already underway.

The question is. Who’s next?

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