MicroHarvest scales microbial protein into European pet food retail

MicroHarvest, a Hamburg-based biotechnology company, announced that its microbial fermentation–derived protein ingredients have reached more than 1,800 retail locations in Germany and recently launched in the UK, with over 15 new pet food product launches confirmed for the second quarter of 2026. The company reports strong early demand, including repeat orders from partners such as Hey Bones, Vetura, and aniAMA. MicroHarvest is also progressing plans for a large-scale production facility in Leuna, Germany, with a target annual capacity of 15,000 tonnes and projected completion by end of 2027.

"What we are seeing now is a clear shift from initial product launches to repeat demand and strong portfolio expansion. Our international partners are not just testing the ingredient; they are building it into multiple products and scaling volumes. That's a strong signal that microbial protein can work within real commercial environments, from formulation through to consumer acceptance."

—Katelijne Bekers, CEO and co-founder of MicroHarvest

• MicroHarvest's ingredients are produced via a 24-hour fermentation process using regional agricultural side streams, making production independent of environmental constraints.
• Partners span established brands and direct-to-consumer players across dog and cat snack categories in Germany and the UK.
• The planned Leuna facility would significantly expand production capacity to 15,000 tonnes annually, with completion targeted for end of 2027.
• The company describes its commercial model as an ingredient platform, enabling partners to integrate microbial protein into existing formulations and manufacturing processes.