WOA Breaks New Ground with Patent-Backed Lupin Protein Milk
Wide Open Agriculture has developed a novel lupin protein milk formulation that overcomes longstanding technological hurdles, lodging a patent to protect its innovation and gearing up for global commercialisation.
- WOA develops proprietary lupin protein milk with creamy texture and superior foaming
- Patent application lodged to safeguard unique formulation and processing methods
- Partnership with Univar Solutions China targets booming tea and coffee beverage markets
- Formulation aligns with sustainability goals and whole lupin seed utilisation strategy
- Innovation addresses key barriers limiting lupin-based milk alternatives
A Breakthrough in Plant-Based Milk
Wide Open Agriculture Ltd (ASX – WOA) has announced a significant technological advancement in the plant-based milk sector with the development of a novel lupin protein milk formulation. This new product promises a creamy texture, clean flavour, and exceptional foaming performance, qualities that have historically eluded lupin-based milk alternatives due to technological challenges.
By overcoming these barriers, WOA positions itself at the forefront of an emerging global milk analogue category, offering a product that not only tastes better but also meets the functional demands of barista-style and functional beverages.
Strengthening Intellectual Property and Market Position
To protect this innovation, WOA has lodged a patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, covering both the unique composition of the formulation and the novel processing methods. This move is a strategic effort to build a robust intellectual property moat, ensuring that competitors cannot easily replicate the product.
The patent safeguards WOA’s proprietary protein isolate and process know-how, which are central to delivering the superior taste, texture, and foaming properties. This intellectual property strategy is critical as the plant-based ingredient market matures and competition intensifies.
Commercialisation and Market Opportunity
WOA is set to commercialise its lupin protein milk through partnerships with global B2B distributors, notably Univar Solutions China. Univar has identified the tea and coffee beverage markets in China, valued at an estimated A$68 billion by 2025, as key entry points for WOA’s high-performance plant proteins.
This partnership leverages Univar’s established distribution channels, accelerating WOA’s access to a fast-growing segment of the beverage industry that demands clean-label, sustainable, and functional plant-based ingredients.
Sustainability and Nutritional Credentials
Beyond functionality, lupin protein offers compelling sustainability credentials. It boasts a complete amino acid profile and a significantly lower carbon and water footprint compared to dairy and other plant proteins. WOA’s formulation aligns with its “whole of lupin seed” strategy, aiming to maximise resource efficiency and support environmentally responsible food systems.
This positions WOA not only as an innovator in taste and texture but also as a contributor to the broader shift towards sustainable food production.
Looking Ahead
While the patent application is a critical milestone, the path to market adoption will require successful commercialisation and consumer acceptance. WOA’s ability to scale production, navigate regulatory approvals, and maintain its technological edge will be key factors in determining its impact on the plant-based milk market.
Bottom Line?
WOA’s patent-backed lupin milk innovation sets the stage for a new chapter in sustainable plant-based beverages.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the patent be granted, and what is the expected timeline for exclusivity?
- How quickly can WOA scale production to meet anticipated demand in China and beyond?
- What feedback will early commercial partners and consumers provide on taste and performance?
