One of the largest biotechnology investments in Lithuania in recent years is gaining momentum – the construction of Pentasweet’s €65 million brazzein sweet protein factory. This major national investment project has entered a new stage: a symbolic capsule has been placed into the foundations of the future factory at the Vilnius City Innovation Industrial Park. The factory is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2027.
“Lithuania is consistently strengthening its high value-added economy and is capable not only of creating innovation but also of turning it into real projects. The Pentasweet factory is the first brazzein production center of its kind in Europe, demonstrating that Lithuania can be among global leaders in life sciences. This is a meaningful investment not only in the economy but also in people’s health. Solutions that enable reduced sugar consumption have great potential to transform the food industry and everyday habits,” commented Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.
The factory, covering more than 8,000 square meters on a 1.2-hectare site, will become the first production center in Europe for brazzein – a sweet protein that is 1,500 times sweeter than sugar. This innovative product opens opportunities for the food industry to reduce sugar content without compromising taste or functionality, while positioning Lithuania among one of the first countries in the world to produce this ingredient.
“Today’s placement of the capsule into the foundations of the future brazzein factory marks an important step in realizing a long-developed vision and consistent work. Brazzein production is an extremely complex process that can only be executed by organizations with very high level of expertise. This is the result of decades of development in the life sciences sector for Lithuania,” said Danas Tvarijonavičius, Chairman of the Board of Pentasweet.
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has granted Pentasweet’s project the status of a major investment project. Its implementation will contribute to the development of innovation in the country, strengthen Lithuania’s position in the life sciences sector, and open export opportunities to international markets.
“Innovations of this scale do not happen by chance – they require not only a strong scientific base, talent, and a functioning ecosystem, but also active government involvement. Pentasweet reflects the result of targeted investment and collaboration, where technology developed in Lithuania successfully transitions into high value-added manufacturing and targets global markets,” said Minister of Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas.
Pentasweet has developed its own efficient brazzein production technology, enabling the production of this sweet protein without the use of scarce natural resources – a fruit growing in Central and West Africa which is where brazzein is originally found in nature. The precision fermentation process also allows for more efficient use of raw materials – resulting side streams are planned to be directed towards further energy generation, such as biofuel production.
“Biotechnology is currently one of the most promising and innovative industries. Pentasweet’s investment is also highly innovative – the factory being built will be the first of its kind in Europe and one of the first in the world. This allows Lithuania to take pride in becoming an increasingly strong hub for high value-added investments, where such unique projects create jobs, build competencies, strengthen the economy, and enhance the country’s international competitiveness. This is an investment we can rightfully be proud of,” said Elijus Čivilis, CEO of Invest Lithuania.
Most processes at the Lithuanian factory will be automated, and around 30 new highly qualified jobs will be created – from biotechnologists and engineers to automation specialists. Pentasweet deliberately chose Vilnius as the location for its factory due to the availability of highly qualified talent and expertise.
“The decision of a biotechnology company with strong international growth potential to establish itself in Vilnius is an important recognition for the city. It reflects the strengthening role of Vilnius as a center of high value-added economy and innovation. Talent is concentrated here, modern infrastructure is being developed, and a favorable environment is being created for high value-added projects,” commented Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.
Brazzein – a high intensity sweet protein- is produced using precision fermentation. Due to its molecular properties as a pure protein – it does not negatively affect the human microbiota nor cause blood glucose spikes, making it suitable for anyone looking to reduce sugar intake.
“Our main goal is to contribute to the promotion and development of healthier dietary solutions. We believe that the broad application of brazzein in the food industry has strong potential to replace added sugar or other sweeteners. This enables the creation of healthier products without compromising taste or increasing cost,” said D. Tvarijonavičius.
The factory project is partially financed through a loan from the National Development Bank ILTE. This factory is a technologically complex industrial facility, where structural, architectural, and engineering solutions must be fully aligned with a highly sensitive production technology. Partners in Lithuania include construction contractor Naresta, project manager Viconus, technology designer TEC Consulting, building and process designer TEC Industry, and architecture studio MAMA architects.
