Canadian plant ingredient project receives US$14M investment
CANADA – Protein Industries Canada has allocated C$7.3 million (US$5.4 million) as part of a larger investment totaling C$19.2 million (US$14.2 million) in a pioneering project.
The initiative aims to develop novel ingredient solutions, particularly focusing on allergen-friendly alternatives.
Leading the charge, Avena Foods, headquartered in Regina, will spearhead the creation of innovative oat and pulse-based ingredients. These ingredients will find application in products developed by prominent brands such as Big Mountain Foods, Danone Canada, and Old Dutch, aiming to substitute existing ingredients and processing aids.
Avena Foods has announced its plan to refine specialty milled oats and pulse flours, and at the same time, create specialty milled pulse grits, meals, and flour.
The intended outcome of this venture is to develop new snack options and reformulate existing products such as yogurt, plant-based beverages, creamers, vegetable links, cutlets, pastries, fillings, and alternative tofu products without the use of soy or fava beans.
Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “Investment into ingredient manufacturing is an untapped economic opportunity for Canada, and this project is an example of what is possible when we take our widely available Canadian crops such as pulses and oats to create new ingredients and food.”
Avena Foods, renowned for its specialization in milling, has expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration and the potential to cater precisely to the needs of its customers.
Wayne Arsenault, CEO of Avena Foods, remarked, “Our goal is to provide exactly what they need from our deck of functional and nutritious oat and pulse ingredients, and to further support them with sustainability metrics, such as life cycle assessment for our ingredients.”
The sentiment is echoed by Pierre Morin, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Danone Canada, who highlighted the project’s alignment with Danone Canada’s mission of promoting health through food.
Morin stated, “This collaboration will facilitate access to cutting-edge technology in plant-based ingredient production, allowing us to continue delivering on our promise of offering innovative and quality options for consumers.”
With sustainability, innovation, and consumer well-being at the forefront, the project promises to revolutionize the landscape of ingredient sourcing and product development in the Canadian food industry, offering consumers a wider array of healthier and more sustainable choices.
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