Clean Food Group Raises £4.5M for Sustainable Fat Production

Clean Food Group (CFG) has successfully closed a £4.5 million funding round, bolstered by an additional £700,000 non-dilutive grant from Innovate UK. This significant capital injection, led by Clean Growth Fund and New Agrarian, will accelerate the scaling of CFG's innovative process for producing yeast-derived oils and fats from food waste.

The UK-based biotechnology firm is at the forefront of developing sustainable alternatives to conventional fats and oils, crucial ingredients across the food and cosmetics industries. By leveraging advanced fermentation techniques with specialized yeast strains, CFG transforms food industry byproducts into high-value oleochemicals. This approach not only addresses the environmental impact of traditional oil production but also enhances supply chain resilience, a critical factor given current global geopolitical and climate-related volatilities.

This latest funding follows a pivotal acquisition in 2025, where CFG secured a substantial 1 million-liter fermentation facility in Knowsley, Liverpool. This expansion positions the company to become the world's largest producer of yeast-derived oils and fats. The strategic move significantly enhances CFG's manufacturing capacity and operational capabilities, enabling it to meet growing market demand and fulfill existing industrial collaborations with major FMCG and ingredient manufacturers.

The market for sustainable ingredients is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness and regulatory pressures. The global market for specialty fats and oils is projected to reach tens of billions of dollars in the coming years, with a significant portion seeking sustainable and ethically sourced alternatives. CFG's technology directly addresses this demand, offering a compelling solution that aligns with circular economy principles and reduces reliance on resource-intensive agricultural practices.

Tom Ellen, Chief Financial Officer at Clean Food Group, emphasized that the new capital will be instrumental in bringing the large-scale fermentation facility fully online. He stated the funds are key to realizing the company's long-term vision for sustainable food manufacturing. The company's flagship product, CleanOil™ 25, has already received regulatory approval for use in cosmetics across the UK, US, and Europe, underscoring the versatility and market readiness of CFG's offerings.

Industry observers are optimistic about CFG's potential. Rodrigo Hortega de Velasco, Managing Partner at Döhler Ventures, highlighted the consistent demonstration of both technological strength and commercial viability in CFG's sustainable platform. Echoing this sentiment, Jim Mellon, Chairman and Founder of New Agrarian, pointed to the critical need for supply chain resilience. He noted that CFG's scalable science offers a genuine solution to the pressing challenge of securing essential ingredients, presenting a rare combination of a strong investment case and a vital solution to a generational problem.