Finnish company Enifer has reached a commercial milestone by launching its Pekilo mycoprotein on the European consumer market.
This sustainable ingredient has become the key component of Levendo, a new range of premium semi-moist food for adult and senior dogs developed by the Dutch brand HenArt. The launch responds to growing demand from pet owners seeking sustainable protein alternatives without compromising on nutritional quality or taste.
- The product and its formulation: Levendo consists of a baked, semi-moist biscuit formulated in the Netherlands under the strict guidelines of the European federation FEDIAF. It contains 11.5% mycoprotein combined with pea and potato proteins, hydrolysed yeast and algae oil.
- Properties of Pekilo mycoprotein: Derived from the Paecilomyces fungus, this protein contains over 60 per cent protein and 22 per cent fibre. It offers a complete profile of essential amino acids, natural beta-glucans and low ash and fat content, making it ideal for weight-management diets and grain-free products.
- Scientific validation: In a 60-day feeding trial involving 16 dogs, the ingredient demonstrated high digestibility and palatability, with no adverse effects on faeces and improvements in biomarkers associated with immune activity.
- Origin and technological revival: The use of this fungal strain originated in Finland in the last century. Enifer, founded as a spin-off from the VTT research centre, revived and adapted the process in 2020 to feed the fungi with agricultural and food industry by-products using a submerged fermentation system.
- Infrastructure and scalability: Enifer is currently investing 33 million euros in a commercial plant in Kirkkonummi (Finland). Having operated pilot lines, the start-up plans to begin large-scale production in 2027 with an annual capacity of 3,000 tonnes.
The launch of Levendo consolidates the transition of mycoprotein from a promising laboratory technology to a commercial reality in everyday pet nutrition. Backed by €49 million in funding and an upcoming Series C funding round, Enifer is already preparing to enter the human food sector after making progress with the relevant regulatory procedures in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
Further information: HenArt® | Premium pet food made from insects and plants
