Solazyme Inc. and Roquette Frères have signed a joint venture agreement for the production, commercialization and market development of microalgae-derived food ingredients, subject to regulatory approvals and notifications. The joint venture is being formed to launch a new category of natural, healthy and functional ingredients based on microalgae that provide superior nutritional properties along with outstanding taste and texture. Solazyme-Roquette Nutritionals plans to launch a variety of oil, protein and fiber based products aimed at delivering improved performance with a vastly superior health profile compared to ingredients in the market today. The joint venture, which will be 50% owned by each parent company, will be named Solazyme-Roquette Nutritionals, and will be operational by the beginning of 2011.