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TurtleTree Takes On Alternative Protein Heavyweights
SG biotech startup poised to disrupt US market with precision fermentation
Osama Khalid
December 15, 2023
• Singapore biotech TurtleTree plans 2024 US launch of lactoferrin to shake up alternative protein.
• Using precision fermentation, not cows, TurtleTree makes the iron-binding immunity nutrient.
• With local aspirations too, the startup takes on incumbents, testing if its dairy protein can disrupt.
While the alternative protein sector in the US is dominated by chicken and whey, one Singapore-based startup aims to shake things up with a different dairy protein.
Lactoferrin, huh?
TurtleTree produces lactoferrin, a nutrient found in small amounts in milk but benefits immunity, gut health, and more.
Unlike traditional producers, TurtleTree uses precision fermentation rather than cow’s milk.
“You need 42 grams of whey per serving to get its bulking or muscle-building effect,” said Fengru Lin, CEO and co-founder. “Meanwhile, a 0.1-gram serving of lactoferrin provides benefits around immunity and iron binding.”
The company’s LF+ product is a direct alternative to cow’s milk-derived lactoferrin, addressing supply constraints.
TurtleTree is gearing up for a US launch in early 2024, obtaining self-affirmed GRAS status for safety.
TurtleTree’s expansion plans
Besides entering the sizable US alternative protein market, TurtleTree also plans to sell products in its home base of Singapore.
This would support the country's “30 by 30” goal to produce 30% of nutritional needs locally by 2030.
With precision fermentation technology, TurtleTree aims to disrupt traditional protein incumbents. The startup will find out in 2024 whether its lactoferrin can turn the alternative protein market on its head.
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