The swift evolution of consumer preferences, rooted in taste, is colliding with a substantial surge in environmental consciousness, catalyzing innovation within the food industry. Scientific literature now commonly addresses the intersection of nutrition, sustainability, functionality, freshness, taste, and pollution, marking an unprecedented shift towards a new paradigm. The confluence of a rapidly growing global population and escalating environmental concerns is intensifying the demand for functional foods with well-defined health properties. This dynamic is compelling the food sector to set new innovation objectives, crucial for sustaining and advancing the economic role of beloved brands worldwide.

Motif FoodWorks emerges as a pioneering food-technology company addressing these challenges, aiming to enhance the appeal of plant-based foods by making them tastier, more nutritious, and genuinely crave-worthy. The company adopts a distinctive approach, leveraging a fusion of science, technology, and sensory fundamentals to develop innovative ingredients. Unlike its counterparts, Motif FoodWorks thrives on an inclusive perspective, fostering collaboration between seasoned professionals with extensive experience in food businesses and experts in science and technology, all dedicated to creating cutting-edge solutions.

Q. Why Motif FoodWorks?

Motif FoodWorks envisions a transformative impact on plant-based foods by reshaping the understanding of their potential. This is achieved by curating connections with world-class scientists, universities, partners, and technology platforms. The company's lean and nimble organizational structure enables swift adaptations and responses to industry demands.

Motif FoodWorks addresses the craveable attributes in meat alternatives through a unique approach that unravels the secrets of food. The focus lies in understanding how individual ingredients synergize, emphasizing crucial sensory experiences that enhance consumer enjoyment. The company's proficiency in the industry and supply chain expedites the introduction of innovations to market, ensuring timely and impactful solutions for their customers.

Understanding the consumer is a cornerstone of Motif FoodWorks' strategy. Regular communication with consumers allows the company to discern their cravings and preferences, a crucial step in developing superior products. Leveraging culinary and applications expertise, Motif FoodWorks has rigorously tested technologies like Hemami and Appetex in a showcase burger, gauging consumer responses to further refine and optimize their offerings. Ultimately, Motif FoodWorks envisions a future where plant-based products exceed taste and experience expectations, delivering benefits for both consumers and the planet.

Hemami: The real umami flavors, appearance and aromas of meat – without the animal. Motif FoodWorks has unlocked a step-change in what’s possible in meat alternatives. It offers rich umami flavor and aromas that engage the senses. It tastes and smells like meat because it uses the same naturally occurring heme protein. Mouth-watering aromas that engage the senses – while cooked and right before you take your first bite. Through precision fermentation, they are able to make Hemami without the animal. It’s a revolution in food production with benefits for people, animals and the planet.

Appetex^™: Motif FoodWorks literally recreated the texture of animal tissue – with plants. That means plant-based meat with the springy, juicy chewdown that consumers crave. Feeling is believing. Experience real meaty texture and springy mouthfeel in every bite. Moisture is an essential experience when it comes to meat and texture. Appetex holds and expresses the juicy properties of meat. Through their understanding of what makes food crave-worthy, Motif made plant-based ingredients behave like the texture of animal tissue.

Rewriting Food Design Rules

Motif's goal is simple. They help make plant-based foods that people crave. The key to unlocking their full potential is to rewrite food design rules. They unravel food's secrets by exploring how individual ingredients work together, focusing on important sensory experiences that drive consumer enjoyment. They analyze differently, looking at both science and consumer insights to uncover root issues and opportunities that will transform plant-based foods. They design differently by combining their ingredient technology, fundamental insights and culinary expertise to optimize familiar forms — and create new food experiences.

Brian Brazeau | Chief Executive Officer

Brian believes that biotechnology is a critical enabler in developing solutions to some of the grand challenges we face on our path towards a more sustainable future. He has focused his entire career on understanding different parts of the value chain in industrial, food, and agricultural applications of biotechnology. Before joining Motif, Brian was a partner at Ferment, a company creation studio that discovers and develops biotechnology product companies. Prior to Ferment, Brian was the President of North America for Novozymes where he oversaw a broad range of businesses. Previous to his work at Novozymes, Brian worked in R&D, manufacturing, and commercial roles at Cargill and DSM. From 2016-2017, Brian worked at Ginkgo Bioworks where he was General Manager of the Enzymes business. Brian has a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota.

“Motif FoodWorks aspires to redefine the palate, crafting plant-based foods that surpass expectations, not just in taste but in the experience they offer, paving the way for a sustainable and delectable culinary future.”