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Ingredients

Canada Invests in Sustainable Faba Bean Protein Development to Expand Plant-Based Ingredient Options

Canada is expanding its plant-based protein offerings through a new initiative focused on faba beans. The project, backed by Protein Industries Canada (PIC), aims to develop high-protein, sustainable ingredients from faba beans, which will be used in a variety of food products.  The initiative involves a partnership between several organizations: Griffith Foods, BFY Proteins, Botaniline, and Faba Canada. These companies are working together to create neutral-flavored faba protein ingredients for use in consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), such as meat alternatives and breadings. The project focuses on improving the processing of faba beans to create high-protein, allergen-free, and lower-sodium ingredients suitable for the food industry. Faba beans have gained attention as a valuable plant-based protein source due to their high protein content (18-35%) and nutritional benefits. Global …

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soy bean farm

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Ingredients

Canada Takes Steps to Secure Soybean Supply Chain with New Soy Powder Pilot Facility

Protein Industries Canada has announced a new initiative aimed at increasing the domestic processing of Canadian-grown soybeans, in partnership with Alinova Canada Inc., Marusan Ai Co., Earth’s Own Foods, and YOSO (Flamaglo Foods). The project, which will establish a pilot-scale soy powder facility in Ontario, is expected to add value to Canada’s soybean crops, which are primarily exported for processing abroad. Alinova Canada Inc., a joint venture between DJ Hendrick International Inc. (DJHII) and Marusan Ai Co., will lead the project to develop and commercialize a new soy powder. This effort builds on the success of a previous Protein Industries Canada initiative, which explored the feasibility of a commercial soy powder processing plant in Eastern Canada. The new facility will be located in Ontario, which …

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Bunge faba beans

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Ingredients

5 Companies Producing the Protein Isolates Behind the New Fava Bean-Based Alternatives

Today, we look into five companies creating protein isolates from fava beans for plant-based alternatives and other foods. Pulses are increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of plant-based diets and fava beans are said to be highly nutritious, containing 18-35% protein, including lysine, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and high levels of folate. This year, scientists from the University of Helsinki discovered the ideal fava bean blend for producing delicious plant-based meat. The plant Vicia faba and its beans are praised for their health benefits and environmental sustainability. The crops naturally fixate nitrogen in the soil, eliminating the need for nitrogen fertilizers, and making them an ideal rotational crop. The plants are also more tolerant of temporary flooding than lentils or peas. The following companies have invested …

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Daiya new formulation

© Daiya

Cheese Alternatives

Canada’s Plant-Based Food Innovation Grows with Pulse-Centered Collaborations Led by Daiya Foods and Partners

The plant-based food sector in Canada is seeing a surge in innovation as companies collaborate to meet the rising global demand for alternative protein sources. A key initiative in this space involves several Canadian partners, including Daiya Foods, Ingredion, and Lovingly Made Flour Mills. Together, they are working on improving plant-based cheese products, with a focus on enhancing taste, texture, nutritional value, and affordability, using Canadian crops such as pea and fava beans. The project, supported by Protein Industries Canada, seeks to address one of the key challenges in the plant-based industry: making products that closely match the characteristics of traditional dairy. By using pulses grown in Canada, the initiative aims to create plant-based ingredients that elevate the taste and nutritional quality of products while …

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Fava or broad beans

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Investments & Finance

Canada: New $7.7M Consortium to Develop Pea and Fava Protein Meat Alternatives

Protein Industries Canada has announced a new project to advance the development of pea and fava protein ingredients and food products. The consortium, including Lovingly Made Flour Mills, TMRW Foods, and Dutton Farms, will focus on optimizing ingredient processing and developing new meat alternative products. A total of $7.7 million has been committed to the project, with Protein Industries Canada investing $3.3 million. The project aims to add value to Canadian pea and fava crops, creating a value-chain feedback loop that benefits ingredient processors, food manufacturers, and consumers. This effort is expected to improve the affordability, nutrition, and consistency of end products, strengthening the domestic ingredient manufacturing industry and capturing new economic opportunities for Canada. Resilient supply chains “Canada is proud to support Protein Industries …

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Prairie Fava

© Prairie Fava

Investments & Finance

Protein Industries Canada Launches $24.5 Million Plant-Based Food Development Project

Protein Industries Canada recently announced a new initiative in partnership with Roquette, Prairie Fava, BioNeutra, and Plant Up to advance plant-based food innovation and market diversification. The $24.5 million project seeks to enhance Canadian companies’ competitiveness by developing new ingredients and food products, improving process efficiencies, and exploring new market opportunities for co-products. The project will address several challenges currently faced by the plant-based industry, including increasing global competition and the demand for improved taste and ingredient functionality. Focusing on pea and fava beans, the consortium will work on developing new fava-based ingredients and applications for pea starch and fibre, expanding product offerings and creating new market avenues for protein, starch, and fibre. Government support Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, The Honourable François-Philippe …

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Wide Open Agriculture lupin

© Wide Open Agriculture

Investments & Finance

Protein Industries Canada and Partners Invest $6.2M to Expand Lupin Industry in Canada

Protein Industries Canada has announced a collaborative initiative with Lupin Platform, the first commercially grown lupin in North America, PURIS Holdings, and YOSO Canada to bolster the lupin value chain in Canada. The project aims to enhance opportunities for farmers and ingredient processors while introducing new plant-based protein products to the market. Lupin, a high-protein legume containing all nine essential amino acids, is gaining attention for its versatility in plant-based products. It can be processed into flour or extracted for protein to create dairy alternatives such as yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Additionally, lupin protein serves as a fat substitute in products like dressings and mayonnaise. Current market applications Companies currently utilizing lupin ingredients include Wicked Kitchen with its lupin-based ice cream, Wide Open Agriculture’s enriched …

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outlier protein wamame foods

© Wamame Foods

Protein

Wamame Foods Unveils “World’s Highest Protein Content” Meat Alternative, Outlier Protein

Wamame Foods, a company recognized for its plant-based product line Waygu, has launched a new protein alternative called Outlier Protein. This product, made using only seven ingredients, boasts a protein content that the company claims is 64% higher than that of cooked ground beef. The launch of Outlier Protein was announced in a press conference today, with Blair Bullus, president of Wamame Foods, commenting, “This is a complete protein, and it uses only seven ingredients. […] It uses the same protein isolates that you’d find in protein bars and protein shakes, but we’re now able to create them into meat products, which allows us to actually create new products that have a significant nutritional advantage over other animal-based proteins.” The product is formulated from natural, …

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Plant Based Food Week Canada

© Plant-Based Foods of Canada

Fairs & Events

Canada’s Third Annual Plant Based Food Week to Showcase Innovation in Plant-Based Sector

Canada is gearing up for its third annual Plant Based Food Week, slated for April 15-29, 2024, a joint initiative by Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC) and Protein Industries Canada. The event is designed to draw attention to the growth, variety, and ecological benefits of plant-based food products. Studies highlight a growing interest in plant-based products in Canada, with Dalhousie University reporting that one in five Canadians buy plant-based alternatives. Although a large proportion of Canadians may be unwilling to give up meat entirely, as revealed in a recent survey from Sodexo, nearly half of consumers are interested in reducing their intake. The upcoming Plant Based Food Week seeks to support this trend by motivating Canadians to try more plant-based foods, encouraging the incorporation of …

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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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Avena Foods oats and pulses

© Avena Foods

Investments & Acquisitions

Protein Industries Canada Announces $19.2M Investment in Canadian Plant-Based Ingredients Project

Global innovation cluster Protein Industries Canada has unveiled a $19.2 million investment initiative to develop innovative Canadian ingredients for new snack and food options. Avena Foods, a key player in this project, will leverage the funding to create oat and pulse ingredients that will replace processing aids in products by Big Mountain Foods, Danone Canada, and Old Dutch Foods. This will lead to new consumer offerings, including allergy-friendly alternatives. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, stated, “The global food market is in need of sustainable and nutritious ingredients, and Canada is helping meet that demand. By supporting projects like this one, Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s global innovation clusters, is securing Canada’s position as a global supplier of plant-based ingredients.” Protein …

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Konscious Foods

© Konscious Foods

Investments & Finance

Protein Industries Canada Partners with Konscious Foods to Elevate Plant-Based Seafood

Protein Industries Canada has introduced a significant initiative for the Canadian alternative seafood sector with its collaboration with Konscious Foods, Avena Foods, and Canadian Pacifico Seaweeds (CPS). Leveraging the success of Konscious Foods’ frozen and ready-to-eat plant-based sushi, this project aims to enhance the nutritional value of existing plant-based seafood products while also developing novel offerings. The project has already garnered praise from government officials for its contribution to addressing the global demand for seafood alternatives and bolstering Canada’s position in the plant-based food market. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, stated, “There is an ever-growing global demand for seafood, and this project is helping to meet that demand by offering an alternative plant-based option that expands the range of healthy …

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Protein Industries Canada salmon announcement

globenewswire / Protein Industries Canada

Protein

$11.4M Investment Set to Revolutionize Canadian Market With “Category First” Whole Muscle Salmon

Protein Industries Canada announces a significant investment in the advancement of novel food options for Canadian consumers, marking the inaugural project investment within its second mandate. The initiative will combine the expertize of New School Foods, Liven Proteins, and NuWave Research to commercialize a plant-based whole-muscle salmon product, and notably, the announcement shortly follows the formation of the world’s first alternative seafood association, Future Ocean Foods. The three companies will work together to bring to market a whole-muscle cut of plant-based salmon “that transforms from raw to cooked” (no further information is given as to the manner of the “transformation”). Described as a category first, the media release states that the salmon product will offer the same taste and texture as conventional salmon. A trio …

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Impossible Meatballs

©Impossible Foods

Market & Trends

Ernst & Young Study Defies Plant-Based Market Decline, Anticipates Global Growth to Soar from $16.5 to $139 Billion by 2035

A recent study conducted by Ernst & Young projects substantial, global growth in plant-based protein sales by 2035. According to the report, global plant-based meat sales are anticipated to soar from $16.5 billion in 2021 to $139.4 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5 percent.  Funded by Protein Industries Canada, the study leverages data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, Good Food Institute, and other third-party sources to examine factors impacting the plant-based protein market, including increased price sensitivity, tight labor markets, higher preference for healthy foods and rapid growth in emerging markets.  Despite the short-term economic challenges, Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada, remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the plant-based meat sector. He comments, “It’s been challenging …

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PIC Artificial Intelligence Projects

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Startups, Accelerators & Incubators

Protein Industries Canada Launches $10M Fund to Increase Use of AI in Plant-Based Food Sector

Protein Industries Canada (PIC)  announces it is offering $10M CAD for food tech projects that use artificial intelligence to improve plant-based food production. The funds are aimed at accelerating the commercialization of new foods and ingredients while making Canada’s plant-based sector more efficient and sustainable.  According to PIC, an industry-led nonprofit organization, AI has the potential to transform how food ingredient processors and manufacturers operate, especially by increasing the speed of recipe and ingredient formulation. AI also has a strong potential to improve food safety and quality assurance, says PIC.  Wide scope of projects From now until March 31, 2026, PIC plans to invest $30 million into AI projects that wil benefit the plant-based and agrifood sectors. The amount invested in each project will depend on …

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Protein Industries Canada Partners with UK for Plant-Based Protein

©Protein Industries Canada

Protein

Protein Industries Canada and Innovate UK Partner to Catalyze Plant-Based Food Growth in Both Nations

Protein Industries Canada (PIC) and Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, announce a new bilateral partnership to advance the connections between both countries’ food sectors.  Through the collaboration, Canada and the UK say they will work together to support innovation of plant-based food and ingredients.  According to PIC, the UK is a “natural partner” given Canada’s position as a top grower and processor of high-protein crops and plant-based ingredients. Canada states it can help supply UK companies with the ingredients they need to create healthy plant-based foods, while giving Canadian companies access to new markets, research and customers.  Meeting in Ottawa The partnership officially launched with a webinar on June 7, which introduced UK and Canadian companies to the opportunities and benefits of cross-country …

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Wageningen University partners with Protein Industries Canada

© Wageningen University

Protein

Protein Industries Canada Partners With Dutch University to Accelerate Alt Protein Transition

Protein Industries Canada (PIC) has announced a collaboration with Netherlands-based Wageningen University & Research (WUR) to support the transition to healthier and more sustainable proteins. As part of the collaboration, the organizations will commit to exchanging knowledge in order to accelerate the alt protein transition on both sides of the Atlantic. Canada and the Netherlands both have significant agricultural sectors, meaning they have considerable potential to contribute to a more plant-based future. Additionally, WUR is one of 36 universities worldwide with a chapter of the Alternative Protein Project — a student movement dedicated to alt protein education, research, and innovation. “I believe that living within the planetary boundaries is humanity’s greatest challenge. And we need each other’s knowledge and expertise for that. Canada is a …

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Protein Canada

© Protein Industries Canada

Investments & Finance

Protein Industries Canada Receives $150M CAD in Federal Funding for Next Five Years

Protein Industries Canada (PIC) announces it has received $150M CAD in funding from the Canadian government to continue to accelerate plant-based protein innovation. François Philippe Champagne, the country’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, today announced the renewal as part of a $750M investment into the Global Innovation Cluster program. The renewed investment brings the total funding of the consortium to $353M from 2018 through to 2028, including $30 million from the Pan Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy.  “As a global agricultural powerhouse, Canada has the means, resources, and skill to turn crops into food – and transform the way the world eats, while also bringing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including global food security, the environment and human health,” said Bill …

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Canadian Partners Launch Alt Seafood

Representatives from Konscious, Merit and Canadian Pacifico Seaweeds ©Protein Industries Canada

Retail & E-Commerce

Canada: Industry Partners Invest $15.3M to Develop New Line of Alt-Seafood Products

Canada’s Konscious Foods, Merit Functional Foods and Canadian Pacifico Seaweeds announce a new partnership to develop an extensive line of plant-based seafood alternatives. Created with a co-investment from Protein Industries Canada (PIC), the line will bring more than 20 sustainably sourced alt-seafood products to North American grocery stores.  A total of $15.3M has been committed to the project, including a $5.5M contribution from PIC. That investment reportedly acted as a catalyst for the innovative partnership, and allowed the project to move at a faster, more efficient pace. The new products will reportedly match the taste and texture of traditional seafood with a focus on clean-label ingredients. To create the line, plant-based seafood brand Konscious Foods will incorporate Canadian-grown and -processed ingredients, including Merit’s pea and …

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Canada veg

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Agriculture / Agribusiness

Industry Groups Join Forces to Strengthen Canada’s Plant-Based Food Policies

Protein Industries Canada announces it is partnering with Loblaw Companies Ltd., Pulse Canada, and Plant-Based Foods of Canada to strengthen Canada’s plant-based foods regulations and establish a Regulatory Centre of Excellence.  A total of $1.6 million is being invested in the endeavor, which is Protein Industries’ 38th project announcement aimed at supporting Canada’s growing plant-based food and ingredient sector. Through consumer surveys and experiments, the partners will engage with Canada’s government to address critical knowledge gaps in regulating plant-based food products. The group has identified several key policy areas in need of modernization, including: Protein labelling claims (e.g. determining if a product is a “good source of protein”) Naming conventions (how and when companies can use terms such as “plant-based cheese”, “sausage” or “patties”) Development …

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