Protein Industries Canada and other partners announce project to increase protein production
by CM Staff
More Than Protein Ingredients will be building a dedicated commercial-scale production line that will improve plant-based protein extraction.
Rendering of More Than Protein Ingredients Ltd. building
BOWDEN — Protein Industries Canada and a consortium of partners, including More Than Protein Ingredients Ltd., Quantum Mechanical Technology Inc. and Hamman Ag Research Inc., are announcing a project to create functional plant protein ingredients for the commercial market.
“With the growing demand for high-quality plant-based protein ingredients, the government is proud to support the work of the Protein Industries Supercluster and its partners on this project. This project will build on innovation throughout the supply chain, from seed genetics to ingredient processing. This will benefit not only farmers and food manufacturers but also Canadian consumers, who will have more options when it comes to products made with top-quality plant-based ingredients,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
As the demand for plant-based food products increases, so does the demand for high-quality protein ingredients. These ingredients – which mostly come from pea, but increasingly other crops such as lupin – can be the distinguishing factor in achieving a product with the texture and taste that consumers are looking for in a plant-based food space.
“With our competitive business environment and abundance of agricultural expertise, Alberta is well positioned to be a global source of high-quality protein and plant-based products. This $5.7 million investment from Protein Industries Canada in More Than Protein, and their partners, will support diversification in our agri-processing industry and contribute to building a dynamic future for rural communities,” said the Honourable Nate Horner, Alberta Minister for Agriculture and Resource Development.
“Today’s announcement of a $5.7 million investment from Protein Industries Canada in More Than Protein will support promote Alberta agriculture, accelerate economic diversification, and create 60 jobs right here in Bowden,” said Devin Dreeshen, MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake in Alberta.
Working with pea and lupin, the project partners will first focus on the breeding and agronomic level to improve the protein quantity and quality of yellow peas, which will bring value to crop input companies and farmers. The next step is pre-treatment to help prepare the crops for ingredient processing. Quantum Technologies will apply gentle Modified Wave Technology to improve hull removal and optimize the flavour and nutrient profile in both peas and lupins. The final step is scaling up processing technologies to produce functional protein ingredients for Plant-Based consumer food manufacturers. More Than Protein Ingredients will be building a dedicated commercial-scale produciton line that will improve plant-based protein extraction. More Than Protein Ingredients is also constructing a new processing facility near Bowden, Alta., increasing the availability of Canadian plant-based protein ingredients.
The $29 million project will see Protein Industries Canada invest $5.7 million, with the remaining invested by the consortium partners. It is expected that this project will create upwards of 60 direct jobs, with an expected 120 indirect jobs plus construction jobs. The More Than Protein facility is scheduled to be operational by spring 2023.
