Friday 16 October 2026
Afternoon Edition
ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
Business

Auckland biotech start-up Daisy Lab acquired by UK firm Mycofeast

Precision fermentation specialist expands globally after undisclosed deal

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Auckland-based biotechnology start-up Daisy Lab, which produces animal-free dairy proteins using precision fermentation, has been acquired by United Kingdom industrial biotechnology company Mycofeast, signalling a global expansion for the local firm.

Daisy Lab, founded in 2021 by Nikki Freed, Irina Miller and Emily McIsaac, produces high-value dairy proteins such as lactoferrin by cultivating genetically-modified yeast through precision fermentation at its production facility in Parnell, without using animals.

The company has been acquired by Mycofeast, an industrial biotechnology firm with facilities in Poland and the United States. The acquisition amount has not been made public.

Dairy companies extract lactoferrin, a protein valued for its health properties. Daisy Lab's approach aims to offer an animal-free source of such proteins. The acquisition marks a shift from an Auckland-based operation to a globally oriented business under Mycofeast's ownership.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The acquisition provides a New Zealand biotech start-up with international reach, potentially boosting the country's reputation in synthetic biology.
  • It reflects growing interest in animal-free dairy proteins, which could reshape the global dairy ingredients market.
  • For Daisy Lab founders and staff, the deal offers capital and distribution channels but also a loss of independent control.

Background

Precision fermentation uses engineered microbes to produce specific proteins, offering an alternative to animal-derived ingredients. This field has attracted investment globally as food-tech companies seek sustainable protein sources. Daisy Lab was among the New Zealand players in this niche, focusing on dairy proteins rather than whole milk substitutes.

Key Perspectives

Daisy Lab's founders: They view the acquisition as a pathway to scaling production and reaching global customers, leveraging Mycofeast's industrial footprint in Poland and the US. Mycofeast: The acquiring firm likely seeks to expand its product portfolio with dairy proteins, adding Daisy Lab's niche capabilities to its industrial biotech operations. Skeptics: Some may question the undisclosed financial terms or the challenge of maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance across borders. The long-term viability of animal-free dairy proteins in a competitive market remains unproven.

What to Watch

  • Whether Daisy Lab's products reach commercial scale under new ownership.
  • Any announcements about new production capacity or partnerships following the acquisition.
  • Regulatory approvals for precision-fermented dairy proteins in key markets like the US and EU.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

How we workSubscribe