Royal Cosun Secures Government Support for Potential Plant-Based Protein Facility

Key Takeaways

• Royal Cosun has received a subsidy commitment from the Lithuanian government to support a potential plant-based protein facility.
• The project remains under evaluation, with a final investment decision expected in 2026.
• The initiative aligns with Cosun’s strategy to expand its plant-based protein portfolio.
• Lithuania is being assessed as a favorable location due to infrastructure and investment conditions.
• Separately, Cosun has also signed a tailor-made agreement with the Dutch government to support sustainability investments.

Royal Cosun Advances Plans for Plant-Based Protein Expansion

Royal Cosun has announced that it has been granted a subsidy commitment by the Lithuanian government to support the potential construction of a facility dedicated to high-quality plant-based proteins. The company stated that Lithuania offers favorable conditions for this type of investment, and the commitment will be considered as part of its ongoing decision-making process.

Cosun expects to complete its internal evaluation and reach a final decision on the investment in 2026. No final construction decision has yet been confirmed.

The potential project forms part of Cosun’s broader ambition to unlock the full value of agricultural crops while contributing to a more circular and resilient food system.

Plant-Based Proteins as a Strategic Growth Area for Royal Cosun

Strengthening the Protein Portfolio

Royal Cosun has identified high-quality plant-based proteins as a key growth market. The continued development of its protein portfolio supports three strategic priorities: ensuring stable and healthy earnings for members and growers, building a future-proof supply chain, and strengthening Cosun’s position in plant-based ingredients.

According to the company, expanding into plant-based proteins offers a new revenue model while reinforcing its long-term role in food and ingredient markets that are evolving toward alternative protein sources.

Lithuanian Subsidy Commitment Supports Investment Assessment

Decision Expected in 2026

The subsidy commitment from the Lithuanian government represents an important milestone but does not yet constitute a final investment decision. Cosun indicated that the support will be factored into further evaluations related to feasibility, location, and long-term strategic fit.

The company did not disclose financial details related to the Lithuanian subsidy at this stage.

Royal Cosun Also Secures Dutch Government Support for Sustainability Projects

Tailor-Made Agreement Covers Multiple Production Sites

In a separate announcement, Royal Cosun confirmed that it has signed a tailor-made agreement with the Dutch government to support its sustainability ambitions. The agreement was signed alongside Minister Sophie Hermans (Climate and Green Growth), State Secretary Thierry Aartsen (Public Transport and the Environment), and several Dutch provinces.

Under the agreement, the Dutch government will make up to €105 million available to Cosun, with a maximum of €73 million allocated in the first phase. The funding includes both financial and non-financial support focused on reducing CO₂ and nitrogen emissions.

Investments Target Electrification and Green Gas Production

Upgrades Across Key Facilities

The first phase of the agreement enables Cosun to accelerate sustainability investments at its production sites in Vierverlaten (Cosun Beet Company), Steenderen (Aviko), and Venray (Aviko Rixona). Planned measures include electrification at the Vierverlaten and Steenderen sites and the production of certified green gas at Venray.

Hans Meeuwis, CEO of Royal Cosun, said the agreements support the company’s efforts to remain competitive while advancing sustainability goals. He noted that cooperation with government and access to supportive frameworks are essential for achieving long-term environmental and economic objectives.

Together, the Lithuanian subsidy commitment and the Dutch sustainability agreement reflect Royal Cosun’s parallel focus on expanding its plant-based portfolio while continuing to invest in lower-emission production systems across its existing operations.