DSM to acquire Norwegian producer of pea derived protein, starch and fiber

The Norwegian company is well-positioned in the buoyant alternative protein market, supplying proteins, starches and dietary fibers for plant-based foods, pet food and animal feed, said DSM.

Based in Tau on the south-west coast of Norway, Vestkorn Milling has 55 employees, and sells its ingredients globally.

DSM said the acquisition will help it secure its goal of building an alternative protein business and the acquired portfolio of plant proteins will provide synergy with the Dutch company’s CanolaPRO rapeseed protein isolate, set to be launched commercially next year.

Feed portfolio 

Vestkorn Milling’s feed product range, which is produced without the use of processing aids or chemical compounds, includes pea protein, pea starch and pea fiber; the products have application in fish, pig, poultry and ruminant diets.

Inclusion levels depend on product and animal species, said the company. “Our products are used to both increase the digestible protein content in the formulations and to improve the physical quality of the pellets.”​

Its pea starch is described as a very effective binder, its pea protein is non-GMO and has a “high-quality amino acid profile”​ while its pea fiber is produced from the hull of dry yellow peas and green peas, with it containing “a high level of dietary fibers, of which around 75% is insoluble and moderately fermentable.”​

Aslak Lie, CEO of Vestkorn Milling, said that, with DSM, the firm gets a long-term oriented owner that will fuel further growth and expansion.  

The deal is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in Q4 2021.