Equinom opens new research and development centre in Israel

Israel’s seed-breeding company Equinom has built a new research and development (R&D) centre in Kibbutz Givat Brenner.

The new centre will enable the company to produce source ingredients starting at the seed level for the food industry while creating seed solutions from seed-to-table.

It will help fast-track Equinom’s efforts to develop advanced non-GMO smarter seeds.

The company noted that the new facility will enable all its main departments to work and communicate in an interactive or cooperative manner throughout the seed breeding and development process.

Equinom CEO Gil Shalev said: “We faced a slew of challenges reshaping an antique warehouse into a modern facility.

“But sustainability plays a big part in Equinom’s core values. Our decision to relocate to an old warehouse instead of building an entirely new facility is in line with our commitment to combine traditional treasures with high-tech capabilities.”

The new site includes a seed processing lab with phenotypic analysis, biochemistry lab, food application lab, and a sensory lab.

The four labs will play a key part in guiding the breeding programme for the company’s ‘Smarter Seeds’.

Equinom marketing vice-president Itay Dana said: “Consumers are now demanding clean-label plant-based products.

“By discovering appealing textures starting at a seed level for, as an example, meat analogues, we can dramatically reduce the need for extensive processing.

“This means food manufacturers are better able to provide consumers products with cleaner – and clearer – labels.”