Arvesta launches new protein plant in Belgium

Arvesta’s protein installation “Nuverta” is officially operational, marking an important milestone in the company’s mission. Located in Belgium, the plant produces protein concentrates, starch and fibre from local raw materials, which can be used to make high-quality feed and food products.

Arvesta launches new protein plant in BelgiumThe full-service partner for the agricultural sector, Arvesta has announced the official opening of “Nuverta”, its innovative protein facility in Mettet, Belgium. This facility, the only one of its kind in Belgium and the Benelux, marks an important milestone in Arvesta’s mission: “From Field to Future”. The company explained the special feature of this protein plant as its ability to produce high-quality vegetable protein concentrates from local raw materials such as yellow peas. This creates new income models for farmers and ensures the production of healthy, local, plant-based products.

SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
The new protein plant in Mettet produces high-quality vegetable protein concentrates from local raw materials, in this case yellow peas. The project contributes to the sustainable production of animal and human food, enhances the value of local raw materials and offers new business models to local farmers, Arvesta stated.

“This installation is an investment in technology and in the future of agriculture. We are convinced that this step brings us closer to our vision of an economically and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector,” said Niek Depoorter, CEO of Arvesta. “We connect farmers with the rest of the food chain. Thanks to our expertise, we can support various partners with innovative solutions that are good for both people and the planet.”

SUPPORTING FARMERS
Arvesta works closely with local farmers in Belgium and France to grow yellow peas. “Through this cooperation, we offer farmers a guaranteed market for their crops,” explained Kris Moerman, BU Director Agri & Horti at Arvesta. “This not only creates new income models, but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices.”

VISION FOR THE FUTURE
With 2,300 experts and years of experience, Arvesta invests in innovative solutions. The protein plant in Mettet produces protein concentrates, starch and fibre from local raw materials, which can be used to make high-quality feed and food products. “We do this not because we have to, but because we firmly believe in sustainable agriculture,” expressed Simon Eyers, Product Director at Arvesta.

“We also recognise that the food industry has a strong demand for local, healthy and sustainable ingredients. With our products made from local yellow peas, we can meet this demand. Together, we can work towards a food chain that is both economically and ecologically sustainable,” added Charlotte Van Tendeloo, Business Development Manager at Arvesta.

LAUNCH EVENT
On 9 January 2025, Arvesta marked the opening of the protein plant in Mettet. The press conference also unveiled the protein plant’s new brand, Nuverta. Several speakers explained how this progressive step benefits both farmers and the food industry.

Facts and figures of the plant have been explained as:
• Location: Mettet, province of Namur, Belgium
• Surface area: 400-500 m²
• Height: 13-14 metres
• Project duration: already four years in development
• Food-proof zone: specially designed zone for production and storage
• Reduction in CO2 emissions: 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per hectare thanks to the cultivation of yellow peas
• Impact: 4500 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided, equivalent to driving a diesel car around the world 13 times.
• Unique in Belgium: collaboration with local farmers to process proteins from yellow peas
• Production capacity: 12,000 tonnes of yellow peas per year
• Finished products: 3,000 tonnes of protein powder, 7,500 tonnes of starch, 1,500 tonnes of fibre.
• Team: 11 dedicated employees
• Sales markets:
     • Proteins: Food and pet food industries
     • Starch: Food, pet food and animal feed industries
     • Fibre: Animal feed industry