Fruit pits from plums, cherries, peaches or apricots usually end up in the trash. In fruit processing, over 500 million kilos of pits are thrown away every year in Europe alone. For Austrian start-up Kern Tec GmbH, this is a source of raw materials for new foods. The potential of this upcycling idea has also convinced the system service provider BayWa. Through its investment arm, BayWa Venture GmbH, the Munich-based company is now joining the food tech start-up as a partner and investor.

Fruit pits as raw material for new foods

"If we want to work sustainably for global food security, we have to think out of the box," says BayWa board member Marcus Pöllinger. "Innovative approaches such as the upcycling of food waste show what is already technically possible today - and what opportunities this opens up for reducing food waste on the one hand and producing food in a more resource-efficient way on the other."

Seeds as healthy powerhouses

The real powerhouse is inside the fruit: The seeds of stone fruits are full of nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are important for a healthy diet. The protein content is 25% and is comparable to the protein content of a turkey breast. Fruit kernel seeds can also keep up with plant-based protein sources like nuts and almonds. In terms of sustainability, fruit seed products perform better: Compared to nuts and almonds, no cultivation area is required and at the same time 90% water and CO₂ are saved.

"As BayWa, we assume that there is a high level of acceptance among consumers for foods derived from fruit pits. After all, they not only taste good, but are also healthy - both for the individual and for our planet," says Kristal Golan, Head of New Protein Solutions and Senior Venture Manager at BayWa. The Austrian start-up already has numerous products in its portfolio. Its offerings range from cooking oils and nougat cream to milk, yogurt and ice cream alternatives. The products have been on the market under the "Wunderkern" brand since April of this year.

Shells and press cake are also processed

The shells left over after cracking the seeds are also recycled and used to make to-go cups or replace microplastics in cosmetics. Press cakes from oil extraction can also be reprocessed. According to the company, a new technology that separates the harmful hydrocyanic acid produced in the process is scheduled to go into operation in 2023.

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