Simo ElliläEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

In this episode of the PPTI Podcast, Simo Ellilä, CEO of Enifer, discusses the company’s latest milestone — achieving self-affirmed GRAS status for its Pekilo mycoprotein in the USA. He explains how this regulatory step opens the door to early market entry and pilot partnerships while laying the groundwork for full FDA approval. Simo highlights Pekilo’s distinctive shelf-stable format, its versatility across applications from dairy alternatives to breakfast cereals, and its neutral taste profile that helps solve one of the biggest challenges in plant proteins: off-flavors. He also underscores that consumer acceptance ultimately depends on two key factors – taste and price – and shares how Enifer’s heritage technology, sustainability-first mindset, and phased entry through the pet food market are shaping its long-term growth strategy.

In this episode of Protein Production Technology International , industry experts discuss the challenges of scaling alternative proteins from lab to market. The panel explores key bottlenecks, including strain optimization, downstream processing, and securing the right contract manufacturers. They highlight the importance of early techno-economic analysis, batch-to-batch consistency, and leveraging predictive tools for strain engineering. Sustainability remains a priority, with discussions on upcycling side streams and balancing profitability. Regulatory hurdles and geopolitical factors also shape commercialization strategies, with insights on diversifying markets and alternative revenue streams. The conversation underscores the need for collaboration, strategic partnerships, and adaptable business models to navigate the evolving landscape of alternative protein production.

Today we travel to Finland to take a history lesson on the foundations of fungal protein developed in 1963, having coined the name "Pikilo". Finnish researchers in the 60's were growing edible fungi on agricultural wastes and feeding livestock with it. Fast forward 60 years we chat with Simo Ellilä who started a company, Enifer, to use this same process for pets and humans too. Sign up for our podcast giveaway here . Our next winner will be selected on February 26, 2023 and contacted via email. www.mushroomrevival.com We are a functional mushroom company and make 100% certified USDA Organic and Vegan mushroom supplements. We are transparent with our lab results, and use actual fruiting bodies aka mushrooms! We provide our supplements in tincture, capsule, powder, and delicious gummy form. Energy (Cordyceps) : Need a little pick-me-up before a workout or when you’re picking up your kids from school? The Energy Cordyceps is the mushy match for you. Focus (Lion’s Mane) : Needing a little more focus in your daily life? Lion’s Mane is known to be the mushroom for the brain and may support cognitive function. Calm (Reishi) : Looking for some tranquility and zen in your life? Reishi will bring you into the zen state of mind you’ve been searching for. Daily 10 (Mushroom Mix) : It’s like having 10 bodyguard mushrooms fighting off all those bad guys. This is a good place to start as it contains all of the daily mushies you need. Not sure where to begin? Take our mushroom quiz here . Use code ‘PODTREAT’ for a 30% discount.