In a major step for mycoprotein innovation, Finnish startup Enifer has applied for novel food approval from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its Pekilo mycoprotein, setting the stage for regulatory applications in the US, UK, and Singapore. This marks the first such application from a Nordic mycoprotein producer as it accelerates its journey to market with sustainability and nutrition at its core.
Building a Foundation in Europe with Rigorous Standards
Enifer’s choice to start with EFSA approval reflects Europe’s high standards for safety data, which Enifer CEO Simo Ellilä sees as strategic. “Europe is the natural market for our first factory in Finland. Compiling our safety data to meet EFSA standards gives us a solid foundation to expand into other jurisdictions,” said Ellilä to Green Queen Media. This approach allows the company to build on rigorous standards and streamline approval in other markets, including Singapore, the UK, and the US.
Enifer’s €50 million financing to date—including €24 million in Series B funding, state loans, and EU grants—is helping the company bring its ambitious plans to fruition. Enifer’s upcoming production facility in Kirkkonummi, Finland, set to open in 2025, is expected to produce up to 3,000 tonnes of Pekilo per year, meeting the protein needs of approximately 40,000 people with a minimal environmental footprint: Pekilo emits just 1.66 kg of CO₂e per kg of protein, 98% lower than beef and half the emissions of milk production.
An Upcycled, Sustainable Protein for a Range of Applications
Pekilo mycoprotein, produced through a submerged biomass fermentation process similar to brewing soy sauce, has a rich history. Initially developed in the 1970s as an upcycled protein source from the forestry industry, it was traditionally used in chicken and pig feed. Today, Enifer has adapted Pekilo for food-grade applications, using sustainable feedstocks such as lactose permeate from dairy production to deliver a nutrient-rich, fiber-filled protein with a neutral taste.
This adaptability allows Pekilo to be used in various formulations, from pet food and aquaculture feed with protein contents above 60%, to human food applications at around 55%. Its neutral flavor profile makes it ideal for blending into baked goods, plant-based meats, alternative dairy, and protein snacks.
“Pekilo can be produced at a competitive price point, leveraging our efficient bioprocess and food industry side streams,” explains Ellilä. “We’re positioned to compete with conventional proteins on price from day one.” Enifer has already partnered with Nutreco’s aquafeed division, Skretting, as well as consumer giants Purina and Valio to integrate Pekilo into their product lines.
Pathway to Market: Singapore as the Launchpad
While Europe’s novel food approval process is one of the world’s most complex and lengthy, Enifer’s past use of Pekilo in animal nutrition and recent updates to EFSA protocols give the company optimism. Ellilä expects a three-year timeframe for European approval, while applications in Singapore and the US are imminent. Singapore’s streamlined regulatory framework and track record in supporting novel proteins make it likely to grant Enifer’s first approval, positioning Singapore as a launch market for the company. In the US, Pekilo is expected to undergo a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) review to comply with FDA regulations.
“Given the likelihood of Singapore’s approval coming first, we’re planning a limited launch in high-protein snack bars,” says Ellilä. “Pekilo’s fiber and protein make it ideal for these products without introducing off-flavors.”
Rising Interest in Fungi Proteins: A Growing Market Opportunity
Enifer’s push for approval comes amid an upswing in investor interest in fungi-based proteins, which saw nearly 30% more funding in 2024 than in all of 2023. With alternative proteins on the rise, mycoprotein companies are gaining momentum. Recent major funding rounds include a $100 million Series C for Meati, a $58 million Series B for Infinite Roots, and a $28 million round for MyBacon producer Ecovative.
As Enifer positions itself within this booming industry, Pekilo’s sustainable, versatile, and cost-effective profile offers a glimpse of how mycoproteins may soon become staple ingredients in mainstream diets, contributing to a more resilient food system.