Today, Protein Industries Canada announced a new project with Lupin
Platform, PURIS Holdings and YOSO Canada to expand the Canadian
lupin ecosystem by increasing opportunities for farmers and
ingredient processors and bringing new plant-based protein products
to market. The project will support adoption of lupin in Canada,
including helping farmer adoption through improved agronomy,
increasing ingredient processors’ access to alternative feedstocks,
and supplying consumers and manufacturers with new plant-based
protein sources.
“This Protein Industries Cluster project, led by Lupin Platform
and its partners, will drive new opportunities for Canadians and
bring more plant-based food options to market,” stated the
Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation,
Science and Industry. “This project will not only boost Canada’s
economic advantage and foster strong supply chains but also has
potential for meaningfully impacting Canada’s food landscape for
generations to come.”
Lupin Platform and PURIS will build off their work from a
previous Protein Industries Canada supported project, bringing in
their new partner, YOSO, to collectively elevate the profile,
utilization and distribution of Canadian-grown lupin and associated
products. Together, they will develop, scale-up and improve new and
existing CPG products and ingredients, including plant-based egg
and dairy products, flour and flour-based bakery mixes, and a B2B
ready-to-mix powder.
“De-risking innovation is crucial to fostering a more dynamic
marketplace for growers, processors and manufacturers alike.
Investments into this type of platform technology will help Canada
reach our goal of a $25 billion ingredient processing and food
manufacturing sector,” CEO of Protein Industries Canada Bill Greuel
said.
The project will see $6.2 million co-invested into the expansion
of the lupin value chain to establish the crop as a viable and
economically sound choice for Canadian farmers, optimized processes
for cleaning, dehulling and milling of lupin, and into the
development, scale-up and improvement of new ingredient and CPG
products. Protein Industries Canada will invest $2.6 million, with
the partners investing the remainder.
“I am thrilled to embark on the second round of the Protein
Industries Canada project,” states Tristan Choi, CEO of Lupin
Platform Inc. “Reflecting on the triumphs of our earlier
milestones, we are poised to advance even further, enhancing
agronomic practices for farmers and broadening the scope of lupin
ingredient characterization for consumers. This journey with lupin
isn't merely about discovering new flavors; it represents a
commitment to sustainability, nutrition and versatility. By
integrating lupin into our diets, we are embracing an ingredient
with the power to transform the way we think about food.“
”PURIS is committed to a more sustainable food system. Through
our consumer branded AcreMade® products, we are developing egg
alternatives that harness the power of plants. By combining pea
protein and lupin flour we are creating products that have all the
function of hen eggs but with the added benefits of being
cholesterol free, non-GMO, top 9 allergen free and great tasting,
all while supporting a more sustainable food system that's powered
by plants,” said Jake Achterhoff, Executive Director of
AcreMade.
“As a Canadian family business pioneering plant-based cultured
foods and beverages, my team and I are excited about developing the
next generation of plant-based cultured foods using Canadian-grown
lupin,” Chief Technical Officer of YOSO Erik Lo said.
Protein Industries Canada is one of Canada’s five Global
Innovation Clusters. Protein Industries Canada and our members are
working to embrace the $25 billion opportunity presented by
Canada’s ingredient manufacturing, food processing and bio-product
sector. Projects such as these add value to, and create new markets
for, Canadian crops, generating local jobs and supporting new
economic development in locations across Canada. More information
can be found at www.theroadto25billion.ca.
For more information:
Sarah IveyProtein Industries
Canadasarah@proteinsupercluster.ca204-914-8467
About Lupin Platform Inc:
Lupin Platform Inc. (LPI – First commercially grown lupin in
North America) is a vertically integrated B2B
ingredient producer of a protein- and nutrient-rich plant
known as LUPIN. The venture has exclusive control of superior
genotypes of lupin within North America that have higher
protein content (35-36%) and higher dietary fibre than many
other competing pulse crops. The venture has developed
value-added production and processing steps for B2B sales
of high-protein lupin flours and protein isolates (80-90%
protein) for food fortification or keto foods. The
company generates revenue by selling B2B ingredients to food
producers seeking to deliver next-generation food
formulations.
About PURIS:
Founded in 1985, PURIS stands at the forefront of the
plant-based ingredients industry, committed to sustainably
nourishing the world. Working closely with hundreds of farmers
across the US, PURIS is dedicated to producing clean-label,
non-GMO, and organic ingredients. They offer an extensive portfolio
that includes pea proteins, upcycled starches, fibers, and
sweeteners, catering to diverse sectors such as food, beverage, and
beyond. Notably, PURIS operates the largest pea protein facility in
North America located in Dawson, MN, solidifying its position as a
pioneering force in the industry. In addition to pea proteins,
PURIS also sells specialty non-GMO soy for food manufacturers.
PURIS also owns and operates the AcreMade brand as its food service
and direct to consumer brand. For more information about PURIS and
its offerings, please visit their puris.com
About YOSO:
YOSO (YOSO.ca) is the largest plant-based
yogurt manufacturer in Canada, using soy, oat, almond, cashew and
coconut as key ingredients for their yogurts, probiotic bars,
smoothies and cream cheese. YOSO has established a strong retail
distribution network throughout Canada. As a subsidiary of the
Flamaglo Foods, YOSO has over 80 years experience and was one of
the world's first ever commercial soy-milk manufacturing company
and the first plant-based contract manufacturer in Canada offering
SQF Certified, COR (Kosher Certified), FDA and VegeCert.