Canada and UK join forces to advance innovation in plant-based foods and ingredients

Protein Industries Canada and Innovate UK have announced two collaborative research and development (R&D) projects aimed at advancing plant-based ingredients and foods. The organizations, along with consortium members, are investing CA$5.7 million into these initiatives, reflecting a commitment to innovation in the plant-based sector.

The first project involves Canadian companies Liven Proteins and ALT-PRO Advantage partnering with UK companies New Wave Biotech and Formidable Foods (operating under the brand Juicy Marbles). This collaboration focuses on developing ingredient solutions to enhance plant-based meat analogues and pet nutrition. Liven Proteins will supply its animal-free collagen to ALT-PRO Advantage for testing in new dog chew products. Juicy Marbles will also test Liven's collagen in its whole-cut meat alternatives, providing feedback for further refinement. New Wave Biotech Ltd will assist Liven in process improvements and economic optimization using their AI-powered software solution.

The second project brings together Canadian companies Tartistes and Wamame Foods, Inc with UK partners Jampa’s and the University of Nottingham. The goal is to launch a range of plant-based products with improved nutritional profiles that match or surpass those of animal-based products and current plant-based meat analogues. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for nutritious, tasty, and affordable plant-based food options by incorporating advanced food production processes and products.

These projects are part of an ongoing partnership between Canada and the UK to foster collaboration in science and innovation, particularly in the plant-based food and ingredients sector. A joint call for R&D projects was issued in September 2023, leading to these collaborations. Each country has hosted delegations from the other, resulting in new partnerships in the food and ingredient processing sector.

Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, emphasized the importance of such bilateral relationships in advancing the development and commercialization of plant-based ingredients and foods. He noted that these innovative projects help strengthen Canada's supply chains while expanding the plant-based food sector.

Dr Stella Peace, Interim Executive Chair and Executive Director for the Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK, highlighted the potential of these UK-Canada collaborative R&D projects to drive innovation in the plant-based protein sector. She pointed out that these initiatives open up promising export opportunities for the UK, fostering economic growth while responding to global consumer demands for sustainable and nutritious food options. By addressing key challenges such as food security, sustainability, and public health, these innovations contribute to a healthier population and planet.

Frank Hart, Interim CEO of Protein Industries Canada, acknowledged that achieving Canada's goal of a $25 billion ingredient and food processing industry requires international collaboration. He stated that such collaborations are key to supporting Canadian companies in advancing their innovation, acquiring new customers, and entering global supply chains with high-value products.

Fei Luo, CEO of Liven Proteins, expressed excitement about collaborating with Canadian and UK brands to test their animal-free collagen ingredients in both human and pet food products. This partnership is expected to enable further improvement and validation of their solutions, supporting innovative partners in bringing new whole-cut meat alternatives and enhanced pet nutrition options to the market.

Geraldine Pelletier, President of Tartistes, noted that with the support of Protein Industries Canada and Innovate UK, Tartistes can expand both their range of plant-based products and their reach into new markets. She highlighted the challenges faced by the market for premium quality plant-based ready-made meals in recent years and emphasized that working with consortium members Wamame and Jampa’s will help bring new and improved premium products to customers in Canada and the UK.

These collaborations reflect a shared commitment between Canada and the UK to advance innovation in the plant-based food sector, addressing global challenges related to sustainability, health, and food security. By leveraging each country's strengths and fostering international partnerships, these projects aim to develop new technologies, ingredients, and foods that meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.