It looks that many milk startups India are finding their way to success through innovation. Just like this milk company in India, named – Zero Cow Factory – which changes the meaning of milk production.
For aspiring entrepreneurs eyeing the dairy business or milk business, this case study is not just a source of inspiration but a profound exploration that challenges conventional notions of milk production. So, what does this milk startup in India do, here’s a quick recap.
Key Highlights: –
- Zero-Cow Factory is a Surat-Based Start-up, founded by Parini Kapadia and Sohil Kapadia in 2021 (India)
- The milk company in India is renowned for making country’s first animal-free milk protein and dairy products (notable for its A2 milk protein alternative) made using precision fermentation.
- Zero-Cow-Factory company extracts milk using bioengineering the microbes & precision fermentation.
- So far, company has secured a $4 million (INR 32 Cr) seed funding round led by prominent investors, including Green Frontier Capital, GVFL, and Pi Ventures.
Introducing “Zero Cow Factory” & Their Founders
Zero Cow Factory, a startup founded in 2021 by Parini Kapadia and Sohil Kapadia, is making waves in the dairy industry for the past couple of months.
Based in Surat, India, the company claims to having the first to introduce animal-free milk protein and dairy products, proudly presenting the world’s first A2 milk protein.
Their innovative approach by which the duo is garnering the fame involves bioengineering microbes and precision fermentation, which seems to be redefining traditional milk production methods.
The Food Science Behind Zero-Cow
Precision fermentation, a sustainable brewing technique, is at the core of Zero-Cow Factory’s success. Sohil Kapadia explains the process, detailing how the startup identifies specific gene segments responsible for milk protein production in animals like cows.
The team then manually synthesizes DNA codes, inserting them into microorganisms. These microorganisms are trained to produce identical or similar proteins in a lab environment.
The company’s focus on animal-free casein (the chief ingredient that gives milk its white colour and an essential for cheese) production, claimed as the most complex protein not commercialized globally, sets it apart.
Don’t worry if things are getting little complicated. We have the this scientific term explained in an easy language below. Take a look
What is Bio-engineered Microbes & Precision Fermentation?
In modern biotechnology, the emergence of bioengineered microbes and precision fermentation has revolutionized various industries, inspiring the milk business too, and one good example is Zero Cow Factory.
The milk company is using genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) and the sustainable brewing technique known as precision fermentation to produce animal-free milk. But how it happens, let’s see.
Bioengineered Microbes:
Genetically engineered microbes, or GEMs, are organisms modified through advanced biological techniques such as genetic recombination.
These techniques involve in vitro molecular biology methods that manipulate the genetic composition of microorganisms.
The applications of GEMs are diverse, ranging from enhancing the nutritional value of food products to producing antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, and even playing a role in environmental sustainability by decomposing organic matter and biodegrading oil spills.
Precision Fermentation:
Precision fermentation, on the other hand, harnesses the power of genetically modified microorganisms to produce organic protein molecules.
The process involves a meticulous sequence of steps, starting with the identification of specific gene segments responsible for protein production in animals.
These gene segments are then synthetically replicated in the laboratory and inserted into microorganisms. Sohil, a pioneer in precision fermentation, explains the meticulous process further.
“We identify the genes responsible for protein production, synthesize DNA codes in the lab, and insert them into microorganisms. Through precision fermentation, these microorganisms are trained to produce proteins at scale, followed by a purification process to obtain the final product.”
Sohil Kapadia (Co Founder: Zero Cow Factory)
In the pursuit of sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives, startups like Zero Cow Factory are pushing the boundaries of precision fermentation.
Focused on animal-free casein production, Zero Cow Factory aims to commercialize the production of complex proteins, particularly casein.
Transforming microorganisms into miniature production factories. By inserting specific genes into their DNA, these microorganisms are programmed to produce proteins, enzymes, and other compounds crucial for various industries, from pharmaceuticals to food and beverages.
Market Outlook:
The global precision fermentation market is poised for remarkable growth, with an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 38.73%.
Projections suggest that by 2027, the market will soar to USD 2079.24 million, underlining the increasing recognition and adoption of precision fermentation as a pivotal player in the sustainable food production landscape.
The marriage of bioengineered microbes and precision fermentation represents a paradigm shift in how we approach food production, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sustainability.
As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of not only meeting the demands of a growing population but doing so in a way that respects the planet we call home.
Read More: – Milk Business Generates Profit Up to ₹87,000/Month, See How
Why Zero-Cow Milk?
In recent years, a ground breaking innovation has taken the dairy industry by storm – Zero-Cow Milk. This unconventional dairy alternative stands out by eliminating the need for animals and plants, relying solely on microbes.
The perfect example is this milk business that redefines the way we view and consume milk, but raising a question “Why zero-cow milk?” During our research, we have found some benefits of animal free or cow free milk which are discussed below.
How is the Milk Company in India Trying to Make an Impact?
- Zero-Cow Milk could be a perfect choice for lactose intolerant individuals, being entirely lactose-free and easy on digestion.
- The milk company in India 0% cholesterol in its milk making it Ideal for cholesterol-conscious consumers, aimed at reducing cholesterol intake, promoting heart and brain health.
- Zero-Cow Milk embraces sustainability and ethics by eliminating dairy farming, reducing environmental impact, and catering to cruelty-free and eco-friendly consumer preferences.
- Conventional milk’s hormonal content raises concerns about potential imbalances and issues like infertility, but Zero-Cow Milk could be preferable choice for those cautious about hormone intake.
- Zero-Cow Milk Factory boasts a 99% reduction in land use, 98% less water consumption, 65% less energy consumption, and an 84% reduction in CO2e emissions, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible dairy production.
- The company’s use of precision fermentation not only reduces environmental impact but also contributes to building a more sustainable and efficient future for the dairy industry.
- The company’s flagship product, featuring A2 Beta-casein, emerges as a beacon of health by eliminating the notorious A1 milk protein, renowned for causing indigestion.
The real game-changer lies in the purity of the alternative protein products, boasting an impressive 99% pure protein content. What’s more, these products proudly wear the badge of being free from lactose, antibiotics, growth hormones, and saturated fats. With so many things, the milk claims to replicate the real ones.
Zero Cow Factory & Its Competitors
It appears that Zero cow factory isn’t the sole player in this industry. The milk company in India might be lacking competition.
But, on global level, brands such as Perfect Day, New Culture, ReMilk and Imagindairy, Real Deal Milk, and De Novo dairy are already making dairy products using the same precision fermentation technology.
Investors Of Milk Company “Zero Cow Factory”
Zero Cow Factory’s vision has garnered significant support, evident in the $4 million (INR 32 Cr) raised during a seed funding round.
With co-leadership from Green Frontier Capital, GVFL, and Pi Ventures, this injection of capital propels the startup into the next phase of its journey.
Current Status
As of the present, Zero Cow Factory is positioned in the research and development (R&D) stage. Leveraging precision fermentation technology, the startup is dedicated to creating animal-free proteins and dairy products.
The current focus is on refining and advancing the production processes and formulations. Looking ahead, Zero Cow Factory has outlined its business strategy, intending to adopt a business-to-business (B2B) approach.
The plan involves establishing partnerships with fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, forging collaborations that will facilitate the distribution and sale of the innovative products to end consumers.
This strategic direction aligns with the company’s vision to bring its sustainable and animal-friendly alternatives to a broader market through established retail channels.
Conclusion
The business model of Zero Cow Factory aligns with the growing market demand for alternative milk products that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. However, it’s worth noting that there are already various non-dairy milk options on the market, such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. But, a product that specifically emphasizes the absence of both animal and plant ingredients, relying solely on microbes, could attract a unique niche market like FMCG and Pharmaceuticals.
