Agronomics Limited - Liberation Labs Announce Manufacturing Partnership

Rhea-AI Summary

Agronomics (LSE:ANIC) announced that its portfolio company Liberation Labs has formed a manufacturing partnership with Dutch startup Vivici. Liberation Labs will produce Vivici's flagship ingredient, Vivitein™ BLG, a dairy protein made through precision fermentation, at its Richmond, Indiana facility starting in 2026. The facility, currently in late-stage construction, features a 600,000-liter capacity with dedicated downstream processing. Agronomics has invested US$27 million in Liberation Labs, with the position currently valued at £34.1 million, representing ~23% of Agronomics' Net Asset Value as of December 2024. The partnership aims to address growing protein demand in the US market, enabling the production of innovative products like clear protein drinks, protein powders, and vegan-friendly protein bars.

Positive

• First commercial contract secured by Liberation Labs for its precision fermentation facility
• Partnership expands production capabilities into the US market with 600,000-liter capacity
• Vivici's product has received full FDA approval in the US
• Agronomics' investment in Liberation Labs has appreciated to £34.1M from US$27M investment

Negative

• Commercial production won't begin until 2026
• Facility is still under construction, presenting potential timeline risks

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN / ACCESS Newswire / May 8, 2025 / Agronomics (LSE:ANIC), a leading listed company in the field of clean food, is delighted to announce that its portfolio company, Liberation Labs Holdings Inc. ("Liberation Labs") has announced a manufacturing partnership with Dutch ingredients startup Vivici ("Vivici").

Jim Mellon, Executive Chair of Agronomics, said: "Global protein demand is outstripping supply, and there is a growing need from food companies to invest in alternatives which are scalable and sustainable. Companies like Vivici, which have received full FDA approval in the US and have strong financial backing, are ideal partners. Liberation Labs has made tremendous commercial strides in 2025, as it establishes itself as the global partner in commercialising bioproducts, from foods to materials and more. On the back of the fundraise announced at the start of the year, the signing of the first commercial contract is a significant step from Mark and the team in the successful execution of the company's commercial strategy."

To date, Agronomics has invested a total of US$ 27 million (c.£21.9 million) in Liberation Labs which, subject to audit, is currently carried at £34.1 million. This position represents c.23% of Agronomics' last stated Net Asset Value as at 31 December 2024.

The full announcement is set out below without any material changes

RICHMOND, Ind. (May 7, 2025) Liberation Labs today announced a manufacturing partnership with Dutch ingredients startup Vivici. Liberation Labs will produce Vivici's flagship ingredient, Vivitein^TM BLG, at its Richmond, Indiana facility when commercial production begins in 2026.

The New Standard of Protein, Vivitein™ BLG is a dairy protein (beta-lactoglobulin) produced through precision fermentation enabling B2B customers to launch disruptive, differentiated and better overall products to consumers in the US market. These include clear water-based protein drinks with innovative flavors, clean protein powders with superior muscle-building performance and rapid absorption and vegan-friendly protein bars with luscious chewy textures.

"Vivici is a perfect reference case for our facility - a company seeking cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing of a novel protein ingredient that unlocks a range of other healthy and innovative products," said Mark Warner, founder and CEO of Liberation Labs. "We love what Vivici is doing and will be proud to play a role in their success."

Liberation Labs is in the late stages of constructing its first commercial-scale, purpose-built, precision fermentation biomanufacturing facility with a capacity of 600,000 liters and a fully dedicated downstream process. The plant will produce a range of bio-based materials, including building block ingredients for food, chemicals and other industrial products at a scale and cost that will fill a pressing need among both new and established consumer packaged goods companies and other industrial manufacturers.

"As awareness of the important role protein plays in supporting active lifestyles continues to grow, American consumers are demanding higher quality and greater quantities of protein in their diets." said Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici. "Our partnership with Liberation Labs expands our European manufacturing capabilities, providing US customers with increased supply security for Vivitein™ BLG."

About Liberation Labs

Liberation Labs is commercializing precision fermentation with a global network of purpose-built manufacturing facilities that enable the next wave of biotechnology advancements to produce bio-based consumer products at scale. We combine modern technology with fit-for-purpose design to bring reliable and cost-effective solutions that meet customer demand across the world. Our flagship facility in Richmond, Indiana is expected to begin production in 2026 and we have begun a feasibility study for a second plant in Saudi Arabia. More information is available at www.liberationlabs.com.

Agronomics Limited	Beaumont Cornish Limited	Canaccord Genuity Limited	Cavendish Capital Markets Limited	Peterhouse Capital Limited	33Seconds Limited
The Company	Nomad	Joint Broker	Joint Broker	Joint Broker	Public Relations
Jim Mellon Denham Eke	Roland Cornish James Biddle	Andrew Potts Harry Pardoe	Giles Balleny Michael Johnson	Lucy Williams Charles Goodfellow	Jack Ferris Calum Warren-Piper
+44 (0) 1624 639396 info@agronomics.im	+44 (0) 207 628 3396	+44 (0) 207 523 8000	+44 (0) 207 397 8900	+44 (0) 207 469 0936	agronomics@33seconds.co

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SOURCE: Agronomics Limited

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What is the manufacturing partnership between Liberation Labs and Vivici?

Liberation Labs will produce Vivici's Vivitein™ BLG, a dairy protein made through precision fermentation, at its Richmond, Indiana facility starting in 2026.

How much has Agronomics (AGNMF) invested in Liberation Labs?

Agronomics has invested US$27 million (£21.9 million) in Liberation Labs, with the position currently valued at £34.1 million, representing 23% of Agronomics' Net Asset Value.

What is the production capacity of Liberation Labs' Richmond facility?

The facility has a capacity of 600,000 liters and includes a fully dedicated downstream process for producing bio-based materials.

What products will be made using Vivici's Vivitein™ BLG protein?

Vivitein™ BLG will be used in clear water-based protein drinks, clean protein powders for muscle building, and vegan-friendly protein bars.

When will Liberation Labs begin commercial production for Vivici?

Commercial production at the Richmond, Indiana facility is scheduled to begin in 2026.