It was announced this Monday that members of Canadian plant-based industries have united to form the Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC), to support and assist the interests of vegan food companies throughout the country. The PBFC consists of key representatives of “food companies that make and market plant-based products that are part of a combination of or are the main source of proteins by a growing number of Canadians.”
PBFC will work alongside governments and shareholders to raise awareness of the issues affecting vegan business. They will work to foster a modern regulatory environment to “promote innovation and growth within plant-based foods to provide Canadian consumers with plant-based food choices that are concurrent within contemporary trends.”
Founding members of Plant-Based Foods of Canada include: Daiya Foods, Danone, Earth’s Own Foods, GreenSpace Brands, Hain Celestial, Pinnacle Foods, Ripple Foods, Lightlife Foods, The Field Roast Company. They are a division of Foods & Consumer Products of Canada(FCPC) the largest trade association representing food, beverage and consumer goods manufacturers in Canada.
Vice President and General Manager of Pinnacle Foods Canada, David Johnston, said: “Canadians want — and deserve — plant-based food choices that align with current food trends.” He added, “Plant-based foods are an important source of protein for many Canadians, and it is important to us that they continue to be a nutritious, delicious, and exciting option for all.”
“The time has come for the plant-based food industry to build upon its collective voice within Canada,” explains Beena Goldenberg, CEO of Hain Celestial Canada. “In the next five to 10 years, we are going to see rapid growth in the interest and consumption of plant-based foods. It’s happening already. As industry continues to move into the mainstream, it’s critical that it has a voice to accurately represent it and help shape the direction it takes for the benefit of all Canadians.”
