New models. More proteins.
VALPRO Path drives sustainable, locally sourced food innovations to meet the growing demand for healthy, eco-friendly products. By developing business models for high-protein crops like peas, lupins, chickpeas, faba beans, and lentils, we enhance the value chain and reduce environmental impact. Our 5 Innovation Production Systems (IPSs) that act as Living Labs across Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Denmark use advanced technology and strategic partnerships to create scalable, sustainable solutions for consumers, producers, and the agri-food sector. From plant-based burgers and beverages to legume pasta and crop optimization tools, our business models enhance the value chain, while promoting transparent, future-focused food systems.
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Plant-Based Burgers
IPS1, Led by UNITO, ITALY
Farmers turn lentils and chickpeas into fresh burgers
on-site — adding value, cutting food miles, and
meeting the growing demand for plant-based meals.
Why It Works:
- RSupports local farms
- R Fresher, healthier food
- RNew income streams
Business Models
Direct Sales • Subscription • Catering
Climate-Smart Variety Tool
IPS2, Led by AU, DENMARK
Farmers use smart varietal tools to match crops to local conditions, improving yield, quality, and resilience.
Why It Works:
- R Smarter crop choices
- RBetter performance by region
- RScience meets sustainability
Business Models
Subscription plans • Pay-per-consultation
•Freemium tools • Consulting services & non-profit model
Intercropping for Protein Yield Optimization
IPS3, Led by TEAGASC, IRELAND
Peas and faba beans grow better together,
intercropping improves stability, reduces lodging and increases returns for food and feed producers.
Why It Works:
- RHigher, more stable yields
- RNatural crop support
- R Reduced risk for farmers
Business Models
Subscription plans • Pay-per-consultation • Freemium tools • Retainer-based services
Smart Labels
IPS4, Led by TEAGASC, IRELAND
Products with carbon and nutrient tracking give consumers a clear look at what’s inside and behind their plant-based food.
Why It Works:
- R Low-emission, nutrient-rich foods
- RTransparent, tech-enabled sourcing
- RTaps into eco-conscious markets
Business Models
Wholesale • Private labelling
Legume Pasta
IPS5, Led By UNITO, ITALY
Artisan pasta made from lentil and chickpea flour delivers taste, nutrition and sustainability, with regional sourcing from field to fork.
Why It Works:
- R Protein-packed and gluten-free
- RLocally made with bold flavor
- RStrong market appeal across Europe
Business Models
Direct online sales • Subscription boxes • Farmers’ markets • B2B collaborations
- Developing the peanut industry in Europe
- Using pulse flours in confectionery products
- Development of a nutrient tracking tool
- Hermetic bagging systems to enable cross-regional applications for plant proteins
- Technologies that allow localised processing of plant proteins
Project Coordination:
Dr. Ewen Mullins
Head of Crop Science Department at Teagasc and VALPRO Path Project Coordinator
Oak Park, Carlow R93 XE12, Ireland
ewen.mullins@teagasc.ie
Project Communication:
Prof. Dr. Mladen Radišić
CEO, Foodscale Hub
foodscalehub.com
Narodnog fronta 73,
Novi Sad Serbia
mladen@foodscalehub.com
VALPRO Path project is co-funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee.