When John and Maury Leyland Penno set out to develop a sustainable leaf protein concentrate, they weren’t just launching a new product – they were pioneering a world-first. The science was promising, but the path to commercialisation was uncharted. Scaling a completely novel concept required access to advanced equipment, deep technical expertise, and a trusted environment to protect intellectual property.
That’s where the New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN) came in.
From the beginning, the team at Leaft Foods knew they needed more than a space to experiment – they needed a partner who could walk with them through the unknowns. Their relationship with FoodSouth, part of NZFIN and conveniently co-located in Lincoln, began in 2019 and quickly became instrumental.
FoodSouth helped facilitate early connections with universities and research organisations, unlocking critical funding from Callaghan Innovation. That support later grew into a successful application to the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund – funding that allowed Leaft to move from concept to capability.
What made the difference wasn’t just proximity – it was access to NZFIN’s national network. Leaft has now worked across four different hubs, tapping into specialist equipment and expertise tailored to each stage of development.
One of the most practical benefits? Being able to hire machinery before committing to purchase. That “try before you buy” model meant the team could explore and refine their processes with minimal risk – an invaluable option for a startup pursuing a novel approach.
Just as importantly, NZFIN worked closely with Leaft to protect their sensitive IP, reconfiguring space to ensure confidentiality and security as development progressed.
Leaft Foods’ journey is a bold example of what’s possible when vision meets infrastructure. The NZFIN network provided not just tools and funding pathways, but a flexible, innovation-focused environment where new ideas could take root.
“It’s been a full solution without us having to invest many millions of dollars in the early stages,” says Ross Milne, CEO at Leaft Foods.
With confidence earned through experience, Leaft Foods has now been commercialised a globally unique ingredient in their first product, Leaft Blade.
What started as an ambitious idea is now a science-led, sustainability-driven venture on the cusp of transforming the way we think about plant protein. And thanks to the full suite of support from NZFIN, Leaft is doing it on their own terms – with innovation, integrity, and impact.
