Pune-based startup Proeon is revolutionizing the nutraceutical industry by converting peanuts into high-purity protein isolates. Aiming to replace unsustainable animal proteins, the company has seen an eight-fold revenue jump as global demand for clean eating surges.
- Proeon produces 'Proeon Peanut 80', an 80% pure protein isolate derived from Gujarat's groundnuts.
- The startup recorded an 8-fold revenue growth between 2024 and 2025, with projections to grow 5x more by 2027.
- The venture focuses on reducing the environmental footprint associated with animal-based protein production.
In an era where global food security is under threat, Kevin Parekh and Ashish Korde, veterans of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, have launched a bold initiative to reshape how the world consumes protein. Their Pune-based startup, Proeon, founded in 2018, is tackling the critical issue of protein deficiency in India while addressing the ecological crisis caused by industrial livestock farming.
The genesis of Proeon aligns with a broader national concern. In 2018, former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu highlighted that inadequate consumption of pulses, meat, and eggs had led to persistent protein deficiency across India. Proeon's mission is to bridge this nutritional gap using exclusively plant-based sources, ensuring that health does not come at the cost of the planet.
The Science of Sustainable Nutrition
Developing a viable alternative to animal protein required rigorous scientific validation. The Proeon team spent years analyzing nearly 40 native Indian crops—including millets, oilseeds, and pulses—evaluating them based on nutrition, taste, functionality, and supply chain stability. Working in collaboration with the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru, they eventually perfected their flagship product: Proeon Peanut 80.
This product is not just a supplement but a highly refined protein isolate containing 80% pure protein, rich in fiber and healthy fats. Because it maintains clean sensory properties and high digestibility, it has become a preferred ingredient for over 25 global brands, ranging from agile startups to multinational food giants, creating everything from protein bars to high-protein flours sold in the US, Europe, and India.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Proeon is positioning itself at the intersection of the 'Clean Label' movement and the 'Climate Action' imperative. Animal-based proteins, particularly red meat and dairy, are primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions and consume vast amounts of land and water. By leveraging India's status as a top groundnut producer, Proeon is creating a circular economy that benefits local farmers in Gujarat while providing a scalable solution for a global population heading toward 10 billion.
"The transition to plant-based proteins is no longer a dietary choice but an ecological necessity to avoid requiring more than one Earth to feed humanity."
Currently operating out of the Venture Center in Pune, Proeon is scaling rapidly. With two existing factories producing 150-200 metric tonnes of protein isolates monthly, the company is currently expanding its capacity by another 500 metric tonnes per month to meet skyrocketing international demand.
| Feature | Animal-Based Protein | Proeon Plant Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | High GHGs, High Water Use | Low GHGs, Sustainable |
| Source | Livestock/Dairy | Gujarat Groundnuts |
| Digestibility | Varies (can be heavy) | High (Clean Isolate) |
| Sustainability | Low (Land intensive) | High (Crop-based) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Proeon Peanut 80?
It is an 80% pure protein isolate derived from peanuts, designed to be a sustainable, high-fiber, and healthy alternative to animal proteins.
Where is Proeon's protein used?
It is used by over 25 global brands in products like protein bars, cookies, snacks, and high-protein flours across India, the US, and Europe.
