Motif FoodWorks is on a mission to revolutionize the plant-based food industry. While many companies in this sector have focused on replicating the basic structures of animal-based foods, Motif has gone further by seeking to understand and replicate the sensory experiences that make food truly crave-worthy. At the heart of this mission is the concept of “rewriting food design rules,” a phrase that encapsulates the company’s approach to innovation. The company’s breakthrough technologies are enabling the creation of plant-based foods that mimic not only the nutritional profiles of meat but also its mouthfeel, flavor, and aroma. With products like HEMAMI^™ and APPETEX^™, Motif FoodWorks is reshaping the market, offering alternatives that taste, feel, and cook like their animal counterparts. These innovations are setting the company apart from others in the plant-based space, which often struggle to match the sensory appeal of traditional meat products. By integrating insights from food science, biotechnology, and sensory research, Motif is tackling some of the biggest challenges in plant-based food development. The company’s team of experts draws on cutting-edge technologies and a vast network of academic and industry partners to design plant-based solutions that not only meet but exceed consumer expectations.

Innovative Technologies at the Core

The company’s approach to food innovation goes beyond the usual process of ingredient substitution. Motif FoodWorks focuses on the scientific understanding of how food behaves and is experienced. This is why the company is conducting pioneering research into oral processing physics — the study of how food is chewed and broken down in the mouth. This unique angle allows Motif to perfect the sensory characteristics of their products, such as texture, juiciness, and melting characteristics, all of which are critical to the consumer eating experience. Motif’s dedication to understanding the full sensory experience is evident in its proprietary technologies. HEMAMI^™, for example, is a plant-based ingredient that replicates the rich umami flavor and aroma of meat using naturally occurring heme protein. Unlike other plant-based products, HEMAMI^™ delivers the distinctive flavor of animal meat without relying on animal-based ingredients. This breakthrough not only caters to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives but also offers an environmentally sustainable solution to the meat industry’s ecological challenges. Equally revolutionary is APPETEX^™, a plant-based ingredient designed to recreate the texture of animal tissue. By leveraging Motif’s deep understanding of food science and sensory insights, APPETEX^™ provides the same springy, juicy chewdown that consumers crave in meat. This technology enables plant-based products to closely resemble the texture of real meat, giving consumers an experience that goes far beyond the simple taste of a plant-based substitute.

Strategic Partnerships for Future Growth

Motif FoodWorks has established exclusive partnerships with some of the most respected names in the biotechnology and food industries. Through its collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks, Motif has gained access to a vast DNA database, enabling the company to discover proteins that solve key taste, nutrition, and texture challenges in plant-based food development. This partnership has positioned Motif to lead the way in creating animal-free proteins through precision fermentation, allowing the company to produce sustainable ingredients at scale. In addition to its partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks, Motif has teamed up with Vectron Biosolutions, a microbial strain development and protein production company. This collaboration focuses on creating the next generation of animal-free proteins through precision fermentation, with the goal of enhancing the taste and texture of dairy alternatives and improving the nutritional levels of plant-based foods. These partnerships not only provide Motif with access to cutting-edge technology but also speed up the company’s time to market by leveraging the expertise of its partners. By working with a global network of scientists, universities, and technology platforms, Motif FoodWorks is setting the stage for the next generation of plant-based food innovations.

Commercializing Innovation with Expertise

One of Motif FoodWorks’ key differentiators is its ability to bring innovative products to market quickly and efficiently. While many startups in the plant-based food sector struggle to scale their innovations, Motif leverages its seasoned team of experts, who bring decades of experience in the food industry. This knowledge enables the company to navigate the complexities of product development, from the initial discovery phase to commercialization. Motif’s commercial and supply chain teams have a deep understanding of the food industry, which allows them to optimize products for customers and ensure a seamless market introduction. This expertise translates into faster time-to-market and greater flexibility for Motif’s customers, who benefit from the company’s ability to integrate new plant-based products into their existing operations.

Sustainability at the Heart of Innovation

Motif FoodWorks is committed to creating plant-based food solutions that are not only delicious and nutritious but also sustainable. The company recognizes the environmental impact of the food industry and is dedicated to reducing that footprint through its innovative products. By replacing animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives, Motif is contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land requirements associated with meat production. Motif’s sustainability efforts go beyond product innovation. The company is also focused on creating a sustainable supply chain that minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency. Through its partnerships with organizations like Ginkgo Bioworks and Vectron Biosolutions, Motif is driving forward the development of sustainable food technologies that are aligned with the principles of a circular economy.

Brian Brazeau: A Visionary Leader in Food Innovation

Brian Brazeau, CEO of Motif FoodWorks, brings a wealth of experience and passion for biotechnology to the company’s leadership. With a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota, Brian has spent his career at the intersection of biotechnology, food, and agriculture. Prior to joining Motif, he was a partner at Ferment, a company creation studio that develops biotechnology product companies. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles at Novozymes, Cargill, and DSM. Brian believes that biotechnology is essential to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including food security and sustainability. Under his leadership, Motif FoodWorks is pushing the boundaries of food science to create innovative, sustainable food solutions that appeal to consumers and benefit the planet.

Future of motif food works

Motif FoodWorks is at the forefront of the plant-based food revolution, leveraging biotechnology and cutting-edge science to create products that are not only better for the planet but also better for consumers. With breakthrough innovations like HEMAMI^™ and APPETEX^™, the company is setting a new standard for plant-based alternatives, offering taste, texture, and nutritional benefits that rival their animal-based counterparts. With a commitment to sustainability, strategic partnerships, and an experienced leadership team, Motif FoodWorks is poised to lead the future of food.

Brian Brazeau, Chief Executive Officer

"Motif FoodWorks is committed to unlocking the full potential of plant-based foods. We aim to create products that are not only good for the planet but also exceed consumer expectations in taste, texture, and nutrition."