The Californer - TurtleTree debuts first-ever animal-free lactoferrin--one of milk's most valuable and functional proteins--in world-first tasting

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WOODLAND, Calif. , March 16, 2023 ~ TurtleTree, a global leader in animal-free functional dairy proteins, has today debuted the world's first precision fermentation-produced lactoferrin —LF+—a high-value bioactive milk protein and one of the most powerful parts of cow's milk, with great functional benefits for immunity, iron regulation, and digestive health.

To celebrate the launch of LF+, TurtleTree hosted an exclusive tasting event tonight in San Francisco. Guests were able to enjoy LF+-powered food and beverages that deliver delicious, unadulterated flavor coupled with health-boosting benefits.

Lactoferrin is a highly-prized, health-boosting, pink-hued bioactive protein found naturally in cow's milk. However, due to its low concentrations and current resource-intensive extraction processes, access to lactoferrin is limited for many people. The cost of lactoferrin reflects the significant resources necessary to extract it; it retails at between $700 to $1,500 USD per kilogram compared to whey which costs approximately $1 USD per kilogram. Up to 10,000 liters of milk—or nearly 50 cows producing a week's worth of milk—is required to obtain just 1 kilogram of purified lactoferrin.

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Lactoferrin is already used in supplements and infant formulas today but supply scarcity means that demand cannot be met for other fertile segments like sports nutrition where the protein's iron-regulating benefits can improve physical performance. Furthermore, for conscious consumers who make the switch to plant-based milk where lactoferrin is not inherently present, maintaining intake of this important nutrient can be a struggle.

TurtleTree has developed a solution by using precision fermentation—harnessing microbes as tiny factories embedded with lactoferrin's unique recipe—to remove high methane-emitting cows from the lactoferrin supply chain and unlock an abundant, sustainable, and affordable source of the highly-prized nutrient. This will enable the fortification of plant-based dairy products and other everyday foods so that all segments of the population can enjoy lactoferrin's benefits.

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TurtleTree Founder and CEO Fengru Lin said: "By unlocking access to one of the most powerful and multifunctional proteins in milk, we are envisioning a better food future where more people than ever before can improve their personal nutrition sustainably." KBW Ventures Founder and CEO Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed added: "As one of TurtleTree's early investors we recognized that transforming the food system requires studied innovation; a commitment to science and both ingenuity and integrity." Good Food Institute Co-Founder and President Bruce Friedrich concluded: "The development and debut of this highly valuable animal-free dairy protein is yet another innovative breakthrough that creates more sustainable food choices."

TurtleTree anticipates commercial launch for LF+ in Q4 2023 with a clear path to profitability on a per unit basis within six to 12 months.

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