What Meelunie does

Meelunie B.V. is a privately held Dutch global supplier and producer of plant-based starches, sweeteners, and proteins, operating since 1867 with headquarters in Amsterdam. The company serves customers in food, animal nutrition, and industrial applications across 100+ countries via a network of 10+ regional offices in the Netherlands, Denmark, USA (Detroit and Chicago), Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, China, Singapore, and Australia. Logistics operates at 17,000+ containers per year across 4,500 orders, tracked through proprietary in-house software that supports 11 languages. The company markets under established brands including Windmill (registered globally, including as 風車 in China), Eagle Potato Starch, and Promill, alongside an OEM ingredient portfolio distributed to industrial and B2B buyers.

The company's portfolio spans starches (potato, tapioca, corn, wheat, fava, pea), sweeteners (dextrose, sorbitol, high-maltose syrup, maltodextrin), and proteins (fava bean isolate 90%, soluble fava protein isolate, fava concentrate and textured protein, pea protein isolate and concentrate, rice protein, brown rice isolate, vital wheat gluten). Flagship specialty capacity is concentrated at the MeelunieGPI fava protein isolate facility in Hedensted, Denmark, which opened Spring 2024 with SiccaDania processing equipment and a 17-year R&D methodology developed with the University of Copenhagen. The facility extends into co-products (Fava Bean Fiber, launched 2025) and a circular-economy partnership (CALIBRA project with GoodFuels, Enerpy, TNO) converting fava bean hulls into biofuel via pyrolysis. Meelunie holds B Corp certification (June 2024, 91.9 points) and operates CO2-tracking infrastructure through integrations with CarbonCloud, BigMile, and CarbonLeap, with carbon offsetting via FairClimateFund-certified credits.

Revenue derives from B2B ingredient sales on quote-based pricing tailored to volume and specifications, sold direct from regional offices and via a customer portal that also surfaces per-shipment emissions data. End customers include food manufacturers (bakery, meat alternatives, dairy alternatives, sports nutrition, confectionery, beverages), animal nutrition producers (pet food, aquafeed, livestock feed), and industrial users (paper, cardboard, bioplastics, textile, gypsum, oil drilling). Marketing combines direct field sales, industry events (Protein Transition Congress, Munich Transport Logistics Expo, WOMAG Asia), earned media in trade publications (Food Dive, Vegconomist, Food Ingredients First, Protein Magazine), sustainability reports, and the corporate website. The company employs 101-250 people representing 30+ nationalities, speaks 20+ languages, and has no disclosed external institutional investors, maintaining founder/management-controlled ownership.

Name

Meelunie

Legal name

Meelunie B.V.

Website

https://meelunie.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1867

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Meelunie B.V. is a privately held Dutch global supplier and producer of plant-based starches, sweeteners, and proteins serving food, animal nutrition, and industrial customers in 100+ countries via 10+ regional offices, anchored by its MeelunieGPI fava bean protein facility in Denmark.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. B2B Ingredient Sales: Meelunie generates revenue through the sale of plant-based ingredients including starches, proteins, sweeteners, and fibers to food, animal nutrition, and industrial customers worldwide. The company operates as a global supplier and producer with its own production facilities and broad portfolio.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Meelunie is a global supplier and producer of plant-based ingredients, manufacturing and distributing starches, proteins, sweeteners, and fibers derived from fava beans, peas, potatoes, tapioca, wheat, corn, and rice. The company serves food, animal nutrition, and industrial customers in 100+ countries through its own production facilities (including the MeelunieGPI fava protein plant in Denmark) and a network of international sales offices, complemented by logistics, formulation support, and CO2 footprint reporting services.

Product overview

Meelunie is a global supplier and producer of plant-based starches, sweeteners, and proteins with over 150 years of history since 1867. The company operates a broad portfolio of food, animal nutrition, and industrial ingredients organized around core product lines: fava bean ingredients (Protein Isolate 90%, Soluble Protein Isolate, Protein Concentrate, Textured Protein, Fiber, Flour, and Starch), pea proteins (Isolate and Concentrate), rice proteins, wheat products (Starch and Vital Wheat Gluten), corn starches (including Waxy), tapioca starch (organic and conventional), potato starch (Windmill brand), and specialty sweeteners (Dextrose, Sorbitol, High Maltose Syrup, Maltodextrin). The portfolio also includes dedicated pet food ingredients. Meelunie's flagship innovation is the pioneering fava protein isolate facility in Denmark producing climate-friendly, locally-grown alternatives to soy. The company is B Corp certified and emphasizes sustainability through the 'Plant Based Positive Impact' mission.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Windmill: Globally popular food ingredient brand known for reliability and quality starches.
• Promill
• Eagle Potato Starch

Products and services

• Fava Bean Protein Isolate 90% High-purity (>90%) plant protein isolate with neutral odour and taste, processed in Denmark, for use in meat analogues, non-dairy products, sports nutrition, and bakery applications.
• Soluble Fava Bean Protein Isolate Soluble plant protein with strong emulsifying properties acting as a plant-based egg and dairy replacer for foams, fillers, milk alternatives, mayonnaise, soups, sauces, and sports nutrition products.
• Fava Bean Protein Concentrate High-protein fava bean ingredient with minimum 60% protein content produced via dry milling, used in meat analogues, non-dairy products, sports nutrition, and animal feed.
• Textured Fava Bean Protein Textured fava protein available in flakes, nuggets, mince, and chunks formats providing firmness and bite for plant-based meat alternatives such as burgers, bolognese, chicken pieces, and sausages.
• Fava Bean Fiber Insoluble fava bean fiber with neutral taste and excellent water- and oil-holding capacity, enhancing texture, mouthfeel, and gut health in plant-based dairy, meat alternatives, bakery, and pasta/noodle products.
• Fava Bean Flour Versatile gluten-free flour from fava beans for bakery, non-dairy analogues, and breakfast cereals.
• Fava Bean Starch Versatile starch with neutral odour and taste for gluten-free bakery, Asian cooking applications (glass noodles, soups, sauces), and confectionery.
• Potato Starch (Windmill brand) Superior starch with the highest viscosity and whiteness among starches and a neutral taste, sold under the internationally recognized Windmill brand, for soups, sauces, noodles, dumplings, snacks, bakery, coatings, paper, and bioplastics.
• Pea Protein Isolate Versatile plant protein providing a high-protein solution for plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, sports nutrition, and pet food.
• Pea Protein Concentrate Clean Taste Pea protein concentrate with approximately 55% protein and neutral taste profile through deflavoring, for meat analogues, dairy alternatives, soups, sauces, and gravies.
• Rice Protein High-protein rice ingredient for animal feed applications including aquaculture feed and livestock feed.
• Brown Rice Protein Isolate High-protein rice ingredient rich in branched-chain amino acids for sports nutrition applications including energy bars and protein powders.
• Tapioca Starch Starchy flour from cassava roots for bakery products, snacks, soups, sauces, puddings, processed meats, paper industry, and dairy desserts.
• Organic Tapioca Starch Organic tapioca starch providing crispy crust and chewy texture for bakery, thickening for sauces, and binding in plant-based meats.
• Corn Starch Versatile corn starch with gelling and binding properties for soups, sauces, plant-based meats, instant foods, and bakery applications.
• Waxy Corn Starch High amylopectin corn starch (minimum 94%) with high viscosity for sauces, gravies, salad dressings, puddings, and snack expansion applications.
• Wheat Starch Wheat starch with excellent thickener, stabiliser, and ingredient carrier properties for bakery, Asian cooking (noodles, dumplings), plant-based meats, and confectionery.
• Vital Wheat Gluten High-protein binding wheat ingredient for bakery applications, plant-based meats, and pet food, providing texture and nutritional content enhancement.
• Dextrose Monohydrate White crystalline glucose providing sweetness and energy for bakery, beverages, confectionery, and dairy applications.
• Sorbitol Powder Low-calorie sweetener with cooling effect for confectionery, bakery, desserts, and tabletop sweetener applications.
• High Maltose Syrup Natural sweetener with little to no fructose for confectionery, processed foods, beverages, and brewing industry applications.
• Maltodextrin Versatile food additive providing complex carbohydrates for athletes, shelf life extension, and thickening for sauces and soups.
• Potato Starch Petfood Grain-free and gluten-free carbohydrate source and binder for pet food applications, with low carbon footprint.
• Pea Protein Isolate Petfood Pea protein with essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fibers for pet food applications.
• Potato Protein Petfood Grain-free, non-GMO, gluten-free protein option with 80% protein content, high binding capacity, and low carbon footprint for pet food.
• Pea Starch Medium-viscosity pea starch with high amylose content and excellent gelling properties for glass noodles, jelly confectionery, and gluten-free bakery applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Carbon emissions reduced by 80-90% on shipping routes through fuel switch partnerships with CarbonLeap
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BigMilecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Partnership to calculate and track carbon emissions across all transport modes in the supply chain. BigMile's certified SaaS platform provides data-driven insights into each shipment, extending Meelunie's calculations beyond sea freight to include all modalities including pre- and on-carriage emissions. Calculations follow the GLEC Framework and are verified against ISO 14083.
• CarbonLeapcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partnership to decarbonize shipping operations by substituting fossil fuels with second-generation biofuels made from used cooking oil or food waste streams. Reduces carbon footprint by 80-90% on routes including Rotterdam-Hong Kong and Rotterdam-Shanghai. Uses Mass Balance Principle and CarbonBank service for blockchain-based carbon allocation.
• PW AdviesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022External consultants who helped measure and validate Meelunie's carbon emissions calculations following Greenhouse Gas Protocol standards.
• CarbonCloudcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Partnership to calculate and communicate climate footprint of food products throughout the supply chain. CarbonCloud's science-based platform distills systematic climate knowledge for food companies, enabling Meelunie to make climate-informed decisions for its fava protein factory and communicate product footprints transparently.
• SiccaDaniacoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Supplier of cutting-edge processing technology for Meelunie's fava protein isolate manufacturing facility in Hedensted, Denmark. The facility opened in Spring 2024.
• University of Copenhagen (UCPH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 202117-year research partnership developing breakthrough process methodology for fava bean processing that removes bitter taste and valorizes the entire bean. This methodology enables Meelunie's proprietary fava bean ingredient production.
• MeelunieGPIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Joint venture for building and operating the fava protein isolate manufacturing facility in Hedensted, Denmark. MeelunieGPI website at meeluniegpi.com showcases the sustainable factory operations.
• GoodShippingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Decarbonization partner offering service to make transportation more sustainable and carbon neutral by replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives, specifically marine biofuels supplied by sister company GoodFuels.
• GoodFuelsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Pioneer in development and commercialization of biofuels for transport. Participates in CALIBRA research project converting lignocellulosic feedstocks like fava bean hulls into biofuels via pyrolysis.
• EnerpyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Organization involved in valorisation of food waste, owner of patented RMO (Reactor for Organic Material) installation technology. Collaborating to process fava bean hulls into biofuel through the CALIBRA research project with TNO and GoodFuels.
• TNOminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Research organization collaborating in CALIBRA project to convert lignocellulosic feedstocks (fava bean hulls) into biofuels via pyrolysis technology.
• Life SkillsminorOthers · 1 January 2020Amsterdam-based organization helping young people (10-18) develop life skills and self-confidence. Meelunie supports through donations of laptops and smartphones, employee volunteering (Bekim Mehovic is ambassador), and fundraising campaigns.
• FairClimateFundcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Strategic partnership for carbon offsetting and climate action. FairClimateFund provides Gold Standard and Fairtrade-certified carbon credits from clean cookstoves projects in Laos, Cambodia, and India. Partnership supports underprivileged families with cleaner cooking solutions while enabling Meelunie's carbon neutrality claims.
• HoogwegtminorOthers · 1 January 2019Mentioned alongside Meelunie in Ukraine fundraising efforts. Joint initiatives for fundraising and humanitarian support.
• Oxfam NovibminorOthers · 1 January 2017CEO Marco Heering serves as ambassador for Oxfam Novib's entrepreneurs support program, supporting microfinance initiatives that help people in developing countries establish businesses and improve their livelihoods.
• WOMAG AsiaminorOthers · 1 January 2017Women in Agribusiness organization founded in Singapore. Meelunie colleague Tatiana Pochet is a committee member. Organization has 100+ members, 1000+ LinkedIn followers, and hosts events for 150+ companies in Southeast Asia agribusiness sector.
• Green Business Club ZuidasminorOthers · 1 January 2011Foundation connecting companies, government agencies, and knowledge institutions to make Amsterdam's Zuidas business district more sustainable. Meelunie signed the 2021-2025 Ambition Statement. Commitments include Zero Waste Zuidas by 2030.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Meelunie
• Facebookfacebook.com/meelunie
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/meelunie

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Meelunie