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November 25, 2024 from Times of Israel:

"Imagindairy seeks to partner with food companies for the production of dairy products like cheeses, yogurts, and ice cream made with its animal-free protein

"Israel has granted local foodtech startup Imagindairy Ltd. regulatory clearance to market and sell its animal-free proteins, used in the production of dairy duplicates such as milk, cheese, and yogurts, to consumer

"Imagindairy is the second company after Israel’s Remilk to secure clearance from the Health Ministry that its animal-free whey protein can be safely used in the production of dairy duplicates. The approval clears the path for the sale of dairy products such as cream cheese, ice cream, and yogurt made with Imagindairy’s animal-free whey proteins in collaboration with food manufacturers.

"Earlier this year, Imagindairy obtained regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market and sell its animal-free whey protein to food manufacturers in the US.

"Founded in 2020 by CEO Eyal Afergan, Dr. Arie Abo and Prof. Tamir Tuller, Imagindairy has developed precision fermentation technology that teaches microorganisms such as yeast or fungi to produce milk proteins that the startup says are identical to those in cow’s milk, with the same taste, texture, functionality and nutritional value, yet free of hormones.

The" startup was planning to launch products in Israel together with the Strauss Group, once it had the necessary regulatory approvals. French dairy giant Danone made a strategic investment in Imagindairy in May last year, which the startup said could pave the way for collaboration on developing animal-free dairy products."