Avril opens groundbreaking Innolab to pioneer sustainable food, feed solutions

FRANCE – Avril, a French international agro-industrial group, has launched its first-ever internal laboratory, Innolab, marking a strategic milestone in the French agribusiness group’s innovation roadmap. 

Located at its headquarters campus in Bruz, near Rennes, Innolab aims to transform the future of food and animal nutrition through a multidisciplinary approach that blends science, data, and industrial know-how.

The facility was inaugurated as a hub of collaboration across Avril’s divisions, uniting nearly 50 researchers under one roof. Their collective goal: to deliver innovative and practical solutions that respond to urgent agricultural, food, and environmental challenges.

“Innovation is the driving force behind Avril’s development. It has historically supported the group’s growth, and Innolab continues this ambition by accelerating it in line with our strategic plan Ambition 2030,” said Paul-Joël Derian, Innovation and Sustainable Development Director at Avril. 

“By combining their expertise in food, feed, and data, the teams propose new solutions for agriculture, food, and the environment.”

Three core divisions for optimum impact 

Innolab is divided into three core divisions, FOOD, FEED, and DATA, each targeting a distinct area of transformation.

The FOOD division focuses on developing plant-based ingredients for human consumption using oilseeds like sunflower and rapeseed, as well as legumes such as peas and faba beans. 

These innovations support Avril’s subsidiaries, including Vivien Paille Ingredients and Sunbloom Proteins, with applications ranging from bakery items and desserts to sauces and ready meals.

With this initiative, Avril is sharpening its focus on plant-based product development and positioning itself as a leading player in the sector. 

“We provide our clients with new opportunities and sustainable products that meet the development of their activities, consumer expectations, and societal needs,” Derian said.

The FEED division, meanwhile, is creating nutrition solutions for livestock with an eye toward farm competitiveness, product quality, greenhouse gas reduction, and animal welfare. 

Located in the heart of France’s livestock region, this lab benefits from proximity to Avril’s animal nutrition units, Sanders and MiXscience.

In vitro testing capacity

A major highlight is the lab’s in vitro testing capabilities, which simulate digestive systems of ruminants, poultry, and pigs—enabling innovation without traditional animal testing.

One of its flagship projects is the PROVEA® range, a new line of plant protein concentrates made from peas, sunflowers, and faba beans. 

Designed for aquaculture, pet food, and young animal diets, these concentrates offer a sustainable alternative to imported soy, boasting reduced carbon emissions and full European traceability.

Supporting both FOOD and FEED is the DATA division, which employs artificial intelligence, modelling, and predictive analytics to enhance product development. 

From monitoring animal performance in real-time to optimising plant-based formulations, data science plays a critical role in accelerating innovation and measuring environmental impacts.

Far more than a research space, Innolab embodies Avril’s commitment to collaborative innovation. The company says the facility will catalyse partnerships with universities, research institutes, and industry clusters, including INRAE, CNRS, Valorial, and B4C.

Avril envisions Innolab as a vital engine in its long-term strategy. “Whether they are farmers, breeders, or industrialists, we accompany them in their innovation processes,” Derian emphasised.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.