A new phase in Pentasweet’s €65 million investment – foundations laid for Europe’s first sweet protein production facility

One of the largest biotechnology investments in Lithuania in recent years is gaining momentum – the construction of Pentasweet’s €65 million brazzein sweet protein factory. This major national investment project has entered a new stage: a symbolic capsule has been placed into the foundations of the future factory at the Vilnius City Innovation Industrial Park. The factory is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2027. 

The factory, covering more than 8,000 square meters on a 1.2-hectare site, will become the first production center in Europe for brazzein – a sweet protein that is 1,500 times sweeter than sugar. This innovative product opens opportunities for the food industry to reduce sugar content without compromising taste or functionality, while positioning Lithuania among one of the first countries in the world to produce this ingredient. 

The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has granted Pentasweet’s project the status of a major investment project. Its implementation will contribute to the development of innovation in the country, strengthen Lithuania’s position in the life sciences sector, and open export opportunities to international markets. 

Pentasweet has developed its own efficient brazzein production technology, enabling the production of this sweet protein without the use of scarce natural resources – a fruit growing in Central and West Africa which is where brazzein is originally found in nature. The precision fermentation process also allows for more efficient use of raw materials – resulting side streams are planned to be directed towards further energy generation, such as biofuel production.

Most processes at the Lithuanian factory will be automated, and around 30 new highly qualified jobs will be created – from biotechnologists and engineers to automation specialists. Pentasweet deliberately chose Vilnius as the location for its factory due to the availability of highly qualified talent and expertise. 

Brazzein – a high intensity sweet protein- is produced using precision fermentation. Due to its molecular properties as a pure protein – it does not negatively affect the human microbiota nor cause blood glucose spikes, making it suitable for anyone looking to reduce sugar intake. 

The factory project is partially financed through a loan from the National Development Bank ILTE. This factory is a technologically complex industrial facility, where structural, architectural, and engineering solutions must be fully aligned with a highly sensitive production technology. Partners in Lithuania include construction contractor Naresta, project manager Viconus, technology designer TEC Consulting, building and process designer TEC Industry, and architecture studio MAMA architects.