Stone Fruit Kernel Milk: Austrian Startup Lands €12M Series A, Eyes US Launch in 2025

Austrian food tech startup Kern Tec has secured €12M in a Series A funding round to scale up production and expand into the US market by 2025. The company upcycles stone fruit pits into plant-based dairy products, such as oils and ingredients for dairy alternatives like milk and chocolate spread. Kern Tec aims to develop new technologies, increase its product line, and focus on B2B applications while also mindful of upcycling fruit pits that would otherwise go to waste, contributing to a circular food system.

The company has developed a safe processing process to remove cyanide compounds found in stone fruit pits, ensuring that its products are safe for consumption. In a growing plant-based food market in Austria, Kern Tec's innovative dairy alternatives tap into consumer demand for sustainable and healthy food options. The company plans to introduce more plant-based dairy products like vegan cheese and yogurts, with a planned launch in the US market in 2025 after establishing a strong presence in Europe.