Heura Foods, a Spanish startup focused on producing 100% plant-based, sustainable, and healthy food products, has secured a €20 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to further develop and market innovative plant-based products. This agreement will boost Heura’s research, development, and innovation (RD&I) capabilities, enabling the company to expand its product range to include plant-based meat, cheese alternatives, and higher-protein products.
Heura Foods, based in Barcelona, is a leader in the bioeconomy sector, pioneering plant-based foods designed to improve food composition by replacing saturated fats and cholesterol with ingredients rich in fiber, antioxidants, and high protein content. The loan will enable Heura to develop new plant-based products, incorporating legume-based proteins and healthy fats, to provide nutritious alternatives to traditional meat and ultra-processed foods. It will also support the scaling up of production capacity by financing equipment for Heura’s laboratories and co-manufacturers’ facilities in Spain.
This investment is part of the European Investment Bank’s broader strategy to support European innovation and the bioeconomy sector, while fostering healthier and more environmentally friendly food systems across Europe. The agreement is backed by InvestEU, an EU program designed to unlock over €372 billion in investments by 2027, aimed at supporting sustainable business growth and innovation in the food industry.
Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB Group, commented, “The EIB’s support for innovation and biotechnology is vital to maintaining Europe’s technological leadership. With this financing, we are strengthening Spain’s startup ecosystem and responding to consumer demand for sustainable food products.”
Alessandro Izzo, EIB Director of Equity, Growth Capital and Project Finance, added, “This agreement exemplifies how the EIB is enhancing its support for companies at the forefront of the bioeconomy. Investing in plant-based foods is a significant step towards building a healthier, more sustainable food system in Europe, contributing to EU food security and sustainability goals.”
Marc Coloma, co-founder and CEO of Heura Foods, stated, “Innovation is essential to improving our lives and health. Our commitment to simple processes, legumes, healthy fats, and science helps create nutritious, delicious food aligned with today’s challenges. Our goal is to make this food accessible to everyone.”
Lucas González Ojeda, Acting Director of the European Commission Representation in Spain, emphasized, “Innovation is key to improving the competitiveness of Europe’s agri-food industry. This investment, supported by InvestEU, will create economic opportunities, jobs, and reinforce Europe’s leadership in the global food sector.”
The EIB loan, guaranteed by InvestEU, is a critical component of the EU’s strategy to empower businesses, drive innovation, and build a more sustainable food future.
