A EUR 65 million investment in Unibio to build world’s largest single-cell protein plant
A new investment from the Saudi Industrial Investment Group (SIIG) will support Unibio in building what is expected to become the world’s largest single-cell protein plant in Saudi Arabia, supporting food security for a growing global population.
As global food systems face increasing pressure from population growth, climate constraints and the need to reduce environmental impact, alternative protein pathways are gaining strategic importance. The joint venture between SIIG and Unibio will establish large-scale production of single-cell protein in Al Jubail, using fermentation technology to roll-out new global production capacity, grow operation capabilities, and accelerate innovation and commercialisation.
The facility will supply both domestic and international markets and marks a significant step towards industrial-scale production. The plant is expected to produce 50,000 tonnes of Uniprotein® annually in its initial phase, with plans to scale to more than 300,000 tonnes in the coming years. The investment underscores how Denmark’s innovative biotechnology is delivering scalable solutions for resilient and resource-efficient food systems globally.
Scaling fermentation-based protein production
At the core of the project is Unibio’s proprietary U-Loop® fermentation technology, which enables the production of single-cell protein using methane as feedstock. The process allows for efficient and stable output without the need for arable land and with low water use, making it independent of weather conditions that affect conventional protein sources.
The resulting product, Uniprotein® , is approved for use in animal feed in the European Union and has been successfully tested across aquaculture and livestock. It provides a high-quality alternative to traditional protein sources such as fishmeal and is free from pesticides, fully traceable and non-GMO.
“We are delighted to welcome SIIG as a significant investor in Unibio. Their investment will enable us to play a pivotal role in meeting our customers’ need for sustainable protein and improving food security,” says David Henstrom, CEO of Unibio.
Scaling Danish biosolutions through global partnerships
The project reflects a broader strength within Denmark’s agri-food sector, where collaboration between research institutions, companies and international partners drives the development of advanced biosolutions. The joint venture between SIIG and Unibio is a clear example of how Danish-developed technology can be scaled through international partnerships with shared strategic ambitions.
For Unibio, the project marks a major scale-up of its technology:“The world needs innovators who collectively want to find a solution to providing food stability for future generations,” says David Henstrom, CEO of Unibio.
By combining industrial capacity in Saudi Arabia with advanced fermentation technology from Unibio, the project shows how international partnerships can accelerate new solutions for the future of food. To ensure food security for a growing global population, Unibio’s large-scale single-cell protein production represents a sustainable, long-term approach to a more resilient global food system.
Source: Unibio