France-based Avril opened Innolab, the company’s first internal laboratory dedicated to human food and animal nutrition. Avril points to Innolab as promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration and the integration of expertise in science, data, and industrial processes.
Avril took a new step in its innovation strategy with the opening of Innolab, its first integrated laboratory, located at the heart of the group’s campus in Bruz (near Rennes, France). Designed to foster cross-functionality collaboration and synergy between food, feed, and data expertise, the company describes the space as being dedicated to designing the food of tomorrow.
A STRATEGIC DRIVER TO SUPPORT TRANSITIONS
The laboratory is focused on addressing the needs of Avril’s business units and the support of its clients. Nearly 50 researchers are united around a common mission: To provide concrete and innovative solutions and technical support to tackle the challenges of agricultural, food, and environmental transitions.
According to Paul-Joël Derian, Innovation and Sustainable development Director: “Innovation is the driving force behind Avril’s development. It has historically supported the group’s growth, and Innolab continues this ambition by accelerating it in line with our strategic plan Ambition 2030. By combining their expertise in food, feed, and data, the teams propose new solutions for agriculture, food, and the environment. These solutions help support our clients’ performance and accompany them in their own innovation processes. Whether they are farmers, breeders, or industrialists, we provide them with new opportunities and sustainable products that meet the development of their activities, consumer expectations, and societal needs.”
A FOOD LAB TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS
The FOOD division of Innolab develops applications and recipes based on in plant-based ingredients derived from oilseeds (sunflower, rapeseed) and legumes (peas, faba beans) for human consumption. According to the statement, it supports all the group’s subsidiaries, especially those recently acquired and specializing in plant-based products, such as Vivien Paille Ingredients and Sunbloom Proteins. The aim is to position new ranges of ingredients across multiple application markets: desserts and spreadables, bakery-pastry products, main courses, and sauces.
With this lab, Avril aims to strengthen its ambition to become a leading player in the plant-based ingredients sector by creating new, high-value-added food applications.
A FEED LAB TO SHAPE THE LIVESTOCK FARMING OF TOMORROW
Strategically located in the heart of France’s livestock region and close to the nutrition and animal expertise teams of Sanders and MiXscience, the FEED division of Innolab is designing solutions to meet key challenges in animal agriculture: Farm competitiveness and product quality, greenhouse gas reduction, disease prevention, and animal welfare.
Innolab houses in vitro testing capabilities that replace traditional animal testing. By simulating the digestive systems of ruminants, poultry, and pigs, Avril notes that the lab is fully equipped to develop new nutritional and functional innovations.
One such initiative includes the development of the PROVEA® range: New plant protein concentrates (>50% protein) from peas, faba beans, and sunflowers. Intended for aquaculture, pet food, and young animal nutrition, the company states that the range offers a sustainable alternative to imported soy, with reduced carbon emissions and full European traceability.
A DATA LAB TO STRUCTURE, PREDICT, AND TRANSFORM
The DATA division supports all activities of Innolab by providing modeling, prediction, artificial intelligence, and data science. It analyzes, and enhances data from the FOOD and FEED laboratories, as well as from Avril’s clients and partners across the agricultural and agri-food sectors.
The company explains that, in animal nutrition, digital tools and sensors support performance monitoring, early detection of anomalies, and accurate, real-time recommendations for field technicians. Additionally, in human nutrition, data helps optimize formulations, better understand ingredient transformation, and speed up product development.
The DATA division is also actively engaged in advanced research projects, connecting in in vitro tests with field trials. Additionally, it plays a key role in measuring the environmental impact of Avril’s innovations, according to the announcement. Through this approach, data becomes a tangible tool to improve products, better meet clients’ expectations, and reinforce the Group’s CSR commitments.
A COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION CAMPUS
Innolab goes far beyond a traditional laboratory, Avril emphasizes. It promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration and the integration of expertise in science, data, and industrial processes all within an inspiring work environment designed for Avril teams and future talents. It also strengthens Avril’s ties to the local academic ecosystem (UniLaSalle, Institut Agro de Rennes-Angers, ESA Angers), scientific partners (INRAE, CNRS), and competitiveness clusters (Valorial, B4C), the company states.
