Agribusiness giant Bunge has inaugurated a soy protein concentrate facility in Morristown, Indiana, its first such US facility in more than 40 years and now the largest of its kind in the country. The plant is dedicated exclusively to food-grade production and positions Bunge to expand its supply of plant protein ingredients to food manufacturers across North America and beyond.
Targeting formulation pain points
The facility was developed in direct response to feedback from food manufacturers, who cited earthy or beany off-flavors, poor color, and inconsistent supply as the primary barriers to wider use of soy protein in finished products. Bunge says its processing technology at the Morristown site addresses these issues, producing light-colored concentrates with a clean flavor profile.
“At the heart of Morristown, one thing remains constant: our customers. This facility exists because we listened to what customers told us they needed and built something different to serve them better,” stated Brian Douville, Vice President, Emulsifiers and Proteins at Bunge.
The concentrates are intended for use across plant-based meat, cereals, premixes, bakery, and snack applications, categories where texture and neutral flavor are increasingly non-negotiable for formulators trying to meet consumer expectations.
Scale and supply chain integration
Bunge says the facility is designed to serve customers ranging from emerging brands to large global food companies, with the capacity and supply reliability needed to support growing protein ingredient demand. The site also sources Indiana-grown soybeans, creating a direct link between local agricultural production and food-grade ingredient manufacturing.
Bunge has indicated it will use the facility’s integrated supply chain to work with farmers on regenerative agriculture practices, with the stated goal of improving soil health and reducing the carbon footprint associated with its soybean sourcing.
“Morristown is a promise to our customers, our farmer partners, and our communities to deliver great-tasting and great-looking foods, real value, and truly exceptional service,” said Douville.
