Nourish Ingredients Establishes European Hub in the Netherlands
Nourish Ingredients, a leading Australian deep tech company in precision fermentation and animal-free fats, is opening a new European commercial hub in Leiden
The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion and underscores the Netherlands’ reputation as a premier destination for sustainable food innovation.
The Netherlands provides the ideal home for companies focused on sustainable agrifood production and innovation and is a recognized leader in food science. It is pioneering the shift towards alternative proteins and agritech development with the world’s largest agrifood R&D investment and hosting the production and R&D operations of all top 10 agrifood players.
Founded in 2019, Nourish Ingredients is at the forefront of developing advanced, animal-free fats that enhance the taste, texture and aroma of plant-based and hybrid foods. Their breakthrough “designer fats” are produced using precision fermentation, enabling food manufacturers to replicate the sensory experience of animal products while supporting cleaner labels and more sustainable supply chains.
New Leiden location at the heart of Europe’s sustainable food hub
The new Leiden hub will serve as Nourish Ingredients’ global commercial center, housing innovation, product development, customer demonstration facilities and commercial operations. The facility is located at BioPartner 5, the Netherlands’ first energy-neutral laboratory, placing Nourish Ingredients at the heart of one of Europe’s most advanced ecosystems for sustainable food technology. The company will operate alongside other food-tech innovators, such as Vivici, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the region.
James Petrie, Co-founder and CEO of Nourish Ingredients commented: “Setting up a hub in Europe represents an enormous opportunity for Nourish Ingredients as we scale our animal-free fats globally. The region is home to the world’s largest food manufacturers, brands and provides unparalleled support for sustainable food innovation. Establishing our commercial hub in the Netherlands allows us to work directly with European customers and partners, tapping into local networks that will accelerate our growth.”
Access to pilot fermentation facilities
The decision to establish the European base in Leiden was driven by access to pilot fermentation facilities, proximity to key partners and the strength of the regional ecosystem. Nourish Ingredients joins a growing number of food innovators, such as Meatable, Planet B.io and Protein Port, that have identified the Netherlands as the perfect place to nurture their ideas and grow.
With the Leiden hub expected to be fully operational by 2026, Nourish Ingredients is well positioned to accelerate the adoption of sustainable, animal-free fats in Europe and beyond.
Source: Nourish Ingredients and InnovationQuarter
21 October 2025