“We’ve been focusing on snackables for more than 15 years,” Manfred begins. “Our focus is not on the main components of the meal, but on side dishes and snacks.” Willem adds: “In addition to potato products and vegetarian snacks this, of course, also includes vegetables. There’s so much you can do with vegetables.” Thanks to Aviko’s mission ‘Bringing joy to tables’ and Cosun Beet Company’s ambition to realise ‘Bright beet solutions’, the two companies are on the same page. “At Cosun, we’re working hard together on developing new vegetable products. Our falafel burger based on Fidesse®, an ingredient from Cosun Beet Company, is a great example.”
Exploring possibilities
Fidesse® is an ingredient made from beet pulp, a co-product of the sugar production process. It has unique properties that are ideal for plant-based food products. “Meat substitutes, for example,” Manfred points out. “Despite Aviko not being active in that market, we’re very interested in the possibilities that Fidesse® could offer us. We particularly liked the high-fibre content and juiciness. When Cosun Beet Company contacted us to explore the possibilities for using Fidesse® in snacks together, we needed no convincing.”
Testing and refining
The experts at Aviko and Cosun Beet Company got to work testing the functional properties of Fidesse® and its use in finished products. Manfred: “Cosun Beet Company had already developed a number of applications, including the falafel burger. This is where we saw a match with Aviko. Together, we further developed the recipe for the burger and added the finishing touches in our factory in Spain. And this has led to a fantastic result.”
Strength of the organisation
Willem: “This really shows the strength of the organisation. Throughout Royal Cosun’s business groups, lots of smart people are working on great new developments, including ones that are contributing to the protein transition. This cooperation means we’re able to make rapid progress. Whereas Cosun Beet Company has all the knowledge about all the components of sugar beet, we in turn have all the expertise about processing ingredients into finished products. We’re the ‘playground’ for Cosun to test ingredients from the broader Cosun portfolio on Aviko products.”
Distinctive product in the market
Willem explains that the falafel burger with Fidesse® is distinctive in the market. “Compared to similar soy-protein-based products, Fidesse® has a very different texture and a more pleasant mouthfeel. It’s smoother, because Fidesse® retains more moisture.” But that’s not the only advantage, Manfred adds: “The production of Fidesse® also requires much less energy and it’s a co-product of sugar production, enabling us to get the most out of the entire plant.”
The next step: falafel bites
Building on the success and recipe of the falafel burger, Aviko has developed a second, trendy variation: the falafel bites. “Just like the burger, these bites stand out thanks to their juicy texture. And with their appealing shape and flavour profile, combined with a low individual weight of 12 grams, they are ideal as a snack or side dish,” Willem explains. The flavour profile of Aviko’s falafel products has already led to great successes both at home and abroad: the falafel bites are featured in a dish at the well-known Dutch tapas chain ’t Zusje. In addition, the international Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chain will run a promotion with Aviko’s falafel bites in early 2026, and they have also been included by a major food service customer in Canada.
Looking ahead, Willem says: “We’re also exploring other products in which we can apply Fidesse®.” Aviko will again be working closely with Cosun Beet Company on this development. Manfred adds: “The beauty of the cooperation is that you continue to inspire one another and are able to realise great new products together. This gives us an edge in the market.”
Taste first
Aviko’s falafel products are deliberately not introduced under a specific sub-range for plant-based products. “The focus in communication is very much on taste and texture,” Willem explains. This successful approach was also used when introducing the Celebrate Veggie Patties in the summer of 2025. With this product line, Aviko is responding to the growing consumer demand for tasty plant-based alternatives to, for example, hamburgers made with animal proteins.
“Thanks to the culinary expertise within the Aviko R&D team, we are able to develop recipes where consumers won’t miss the animal proteins,” Willem says. “This allows us to appeal to a broader target group. And the favourable price compared to animal-based products makes it more attractive for the hospitality and food service sector to put our plant-based products alongside meat and hybrid products on the menu.”