Singapore-based companies TurtleTree and Mad Foods have joined forces to elevate Mad Foods’ oat milk coffee beverages by incorporating TurtleTree’s precision-fermented lactoferrin ingredient.
The partnership focuses on enriching Mad Foods’ ready-to-drink (RTD) Mad Coffee range with added health benefits, including immune support, gut health, and iron regulation. This move aligns with the growing consumer demand for functional beverages that promote physical and mental well-being.
Addressing a Critical Demand for Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin, a protein commonly derived from mammalian milk, is widely used in supplements and infant formulas. However, its limited supply has posed challenges for broader applications, such as sports nutrition, adult and elderly care, and women’s health.
To address this issue, TurtleTree has leveraged precision fermentation technology to produce a scalable, vegan-certified version of lactoferrin, branded as “LF+.” The high-value protein received self-GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in November 2023, enabling TurtleTree to begin commercializing and scaling production to meet rising global demand.
Mad Foods Expanding Horizons
Mad Foods, which currently serves over 3,000 retail locations across Singapore and Malaysia, plans to expand its operations to Australia. Its RTD coffee lineup offers options such as single, double, or decaf espresso paired with oat milk.
By integrating TurtleTree’s LF+ ingredient, Mad Foods aims to cater to health-conscious consumers in the fast-growing functional beverage market. The partnership underscores a shared vision to innovate and scale products that prioritize nutrition and accessibility.
Leaders Speak on the Collaboration
Fengru Lin, CEO of TurtleTree, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential to expand the accessibility of functional nutrition products. “We are thrilled to support Mad Foods’ mission and their entry into functional nutrition. This collaboration enables us to scale our product globally while contributing to Mad Foods’ success in Singapore, Australia, and beyond,” Lin said.
Echoing this sentiment, Angelique Teo, co-founder and creative head of Mad Foods, emphasized the market potential. “Our global distributors and retailers are incredibly excited about this partnership. Entering the $45 billion functional beverage market provides us with a significant opportunity for exponential growth,” Teo remarked.
The Road Ahead
The collaboration between TurtleTree and Mad Foods signals a broader shift toward beverages that offer enhanced nutrition and functionality. As the partnership unfolds, both companies are poised to make significant strides in the global functional beverage industry, setting a new benchmark for innovation and consumer health.