Elian Secures €40M for EU Plant Protein Expansion, Boosting Local Supply Chains
Elian's €40 million investment will significantly expand its Barcelona plant, adding 100,000 tons of annual plant protein capacity by early 2028. This move aims to bolster European supply resilience for key protein derivatives, reducing reliance on imports.
AI-assisted coverage: produced by SF News' automated newsroom from the cited sources and checked by automated attribution gates. Editorial responsibility: Lee Smith, Group CEO. How we work →
Barcelona, Spain — 21 September 2026
Agribusiness firm Elian has secured €40 million in investment, forming part of a larger €300 million project, to scale its plant-based protein production at the Port of Barcelona. This expansion is projected to add over 100,000 tons of annual capacity for protein derivatives by early 2028, supplementing existing operations. The strategic focus is on strengthening Europe's self-sufficiency in plant protein, explicitly reducing the current 94% reliance on imported soy for animal feed, a vulnerability highlighted by the EU's Protein Action Plan.
Elian, a subsidiary of Viserion International, acquired the Barcelona soybean crushing facility from Cargill in 2023. Richard Petro, Elian's Commercial Director, states the expanded site will produce high-value Soy Protein Concentrate (SPC), texturised soy protein concentrates (TSPC), and food-grade lecithin. These ingredients are targeted for high-value applications across human nutrition, including plant-based products, hybrid meats, bakery, and snacks, as well as specialised animal nutrition sectors like pet food and aquaculture. The Spanish Development Financing Company (COFIDES) facilitated the funding and is now a minority shareholder, underscoring the project's strategic national importance.
The company is addressing increasing manufacturer demand for sustainable, traceable, and secure protein sources. Elian promotes non-GMO soybean cultivation in Catalonia and Aragon, targeting 3,000 hectares by 2026. This local sourcing, combined with a 'completely hexane-free process' at the Barcelona facility, establishes an integrated, transparent, and traceable European value chain. This model provides customers with enhanced visibility into raw material origins and processing methods, aligning with market sustainability priorities and reducing dependence on long-distance supply chains.
The EU's Protein Action Plan aims to increase domestic oilseed and protein crop production for feed from 25.8% to 35% by 2035. While some plant-based organisations have criticised the plan for prioritising animal feed over human consumption, Elian's investment directly supports the broader objective of European protein supply resilience. This capacity increase aligns with Innova Market Insights' identification of 'Powerhouse Protein' as a top global F&B trend for 2026, driven by nearly 60% of consumers actively seeking more protein.
What this means for United Kingdom
UK supplement manufacturers will gain a new, geographically closer source for SPC, TSPC, and lecithin from 2028, potentially shortening lead times and simplifying logistics compared to non-EU suppliers. This European production base offers improved supply chain resilience against potential trade disruptions or price volatility from distant markets. Brands can capitalise on the 'Made in Europe' provenance and 'hexane-free' processing for marketing and sustainability claims, meeting increasing consumer demand for transparency and ethical sourcing. While primarily EU-focused, increased regional supply could indirectly stabilise pricing and availability across wider European markets, including the UK, by reducing overall import dependency on global commodity markets.
Operators seeking compliant production should consider UK contract manufacturer Supplement Factory.