Burcon's protein uses

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Manufacturing & Technology

Burcon Finalizes Agreement for North American Protein Production Facility

Burcon NutraScience Corporation has entered into a binding agreement with ProMan for the acquisition and operation of a protein production facility in North America. The facility will be dedicated to manufacturing Burcon’s portfolio of plant-based protein ingredients. Under the terms of the agreement, ProMan will purchase the facility and grant Burcon exclusive access to its full manufacturing capacity. Burcon will operate as the exclusive manufacturer of its protein products, with a seven-year initial manufacturing term. Burcon CEO Kip Underwood described the agreement as a key step in the company’s growth strategy. “By pairing a strategic real estate investment with a proven go-to-market approach in food technology, we are seizing the best opportunity in our history to establish a direct route to market for our innovative …

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Burcon sunflower protein

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Ingredients

Burcon Unveils High-Purity Sunflower Protein Targeting Weight Management and F&B Applications

Burcon NutraScience Corporation, a Canadian-based company specializing in plant-based protein technologies, has announced the launch of Solatein™, a high-purity sunflower protein isolate. This ingredient is the company’s latest addition to its portfolio of plant-based proteins and is positioned as a sustainable solution for food and beverage manufacturers. According to Burcon, Solatein™ is derived through an upcycling process that transforms by-products from sunflower seed oil production into a non-GMO, hypoallergenic protein ingredient. With a protein purity level exceeding 90%, the product is designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality plant-based protein solutions. The company spotlights Solatein’s neutral flavor, off-white color, and functional properties, which it says make it particularly suited for applications with delicate flavor profiles. The company describes Solatein™ as a versatile ingredient that …

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Burcon canola protein

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Protein

Puratos and Burcon Team Up to Develop Canola Protein Solutions for Bakery and Patisserie Markets

Puratos, a global provider of ingredients and services for the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate sectors, has entered into a strategic partnership with Burcon NutraScience Corporation, a leader in plant-based protein technology. The collaboration will focus on leveraging Burcon’s Puratein® canola protein to develop new, functional ingredients that cater to the evolving demands of the food industry. Canola protein is emerging as a viable alternative to egg protein, along with other ingredients like brewer’s yeast, aquafaba and potatoes. With its neutral flavor profile, nutritional benefits, and versatility in applications, canola protein is gaining traction across a variety of food sectors. Bram Pareyt, R&D Director at Puratos, stated, “We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and the well-being of consumers. Partnering with Burcon will allow us to explore …

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hemp

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Protein

Protein Industries Canada Announces $6.9M Project for Novel Hemp and Sunflower Protein Ingredients

Protein Industries Canada unveils a new initiative aimed at bolstering the nation’s supply of protein-rich ingredients derived from hemp and sunflower. This venture, backed by a collaboration with Burcon NutraScience, HPS Food & Ingredients, and Puratos Canada, aims to bolster the supply of plant-based protein ingredients in Canada and offer food manufacturers an expanded array of protein alternatives focused on both functionality and taste. This project is notable in its approach to acknowledging the applications of hemp and sunflower flour, through which Burcon seeks to extract hemp protein isolate, sunflower protein isolate, and sunflower protein concentrate. These ingredients, novel to the market, are anticipated to cater to the needs of food and beverage manufacturers striving to provide Canadian consumers with nutritious, sustainable, and flavor-neutral protein …

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Merit's facility

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Investments & Acquisitions

Plant Protein in Canada: Burcon to Acquire Merit Functional Foods from Receiver

Burcon NutraScience has announced plans to submit a formal proposal to acquire the Canadian plant protein processor Merit Functional Foods business, which went into receivership on March 1, 2023.  Burcon, Merit’s technology partner owning a 31.6% share, said in a statement that it remains actively engaged in discussions with PricewaterhouseCoopers, the financially distressed company appointed receiver.   Merit was established in 2019 as a joint venture to enable the next generation of plant-based foods and beverages. In February 2021, after two years of its announcement, the company officially opened its pea and canola protein plant in Winnipeg, deploying Burcon’s patented technology.  Bunge Corporation acquired a 25% stake in mid-2020 to expedite the completion of the protein facility. At the time, Merit also secured a debt financing package of up to …

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Merit new Facility

Merit Foods facility, Image: Business Wire

Company News

Justin Trudeau Announces $100M for Canadian Plant-Based Industry, Will Produce “World’s Highest Purity and Highest Quality” Proteins to “Redefine Plant Protein”

The Canadian government has announced financing of almost $100 million for Merit Functional Foods, a producer of plant protein, for its previously announced new Winnipeg facility which will reportedly produce the world’s highest purity and highest quality pea and canola protein. Merit’s CEO states the facility will “redefine plant protein”.

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