NEW TECH FOODS

Israeli biotech start-up Novella Innovative Technology has partnered with Australian ingredient developer Metaphor Foods to bring next-generation natural food preservation solutions to market.

The collaboration will integrate Novella’s proprietary AuraCell technology – which grows bioactive compounds directly from plant cells – into Metaphor’s Hela Natvance range of natural food-protection systems. The partnership aims to provide manufacturers with antioxidant and antimicrobial ingredients that are clean-label, cost-effective and waste-free.

Initial applications will target meat and poultry, with further potential across seafood, dairy, baked goods, alternative proteins and pet food.

Geoff Gordon, CEO of Metaphor Foods, said: “This is a long-term strategic commitment in a market with high demand for natural solutions. We’re integrating Novella’s solution into our natural food-protection systems to bring it to market quickly, responsibly and effectively. While the initial focus is on meat and poultry preservation, the strategic potential of this partnership extends across dozens of revenue-generating categories, including seafood, dairy, baked goods, alternative protein products and pet food.”

Novella’s technology is said to reduce resource use by 99% compared to traditional cultivation and offers batch-to-batch consistency. The platform addresses key industry challenges such as off-flavours, limited efficacy and supply chain instability common with traditional natural preservatives like tocopherols and rosemary extract.

Lab trials conducted at Hela-Schwarz’s facilities showed Novella’s ingredients extended shelf life by 30%, while reducing costs and maintaining performance equal to or better than existing natural antioxidants.

The companies have signed a seven-year supply agreement valued at $10 million, focused initially on the meat industry, but with broader implications for the APAC food sector.

Itay Dana, co-founder of Novella, added: “We’re not just offering an ingredient – we’re reshaping the very definition of natural preservation for food products. This partnership energises the mutual vision to deliver cleaner, cost-parity solutions to the food and nutraceutical industries. Our technology platform and the diverse range of products currently in development address some of the most pressing challenges the food manufacturing industries face today.”

Dana continued: “We are in the final stages of scaling up production and validating batch-to-batch consistency. These activities are part of our execution plan to guarantee full readiness for the commercial launch of our product by beginning of 2026.”