Louis Dreyfus Company begins commissioning pea protein isolate plant in Saskatchewan

Louis Dreyfus Company has begun commissioning its new pea protein isolate production facility in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion into value-added plant-based ingredients.

The facility will scale production of the company’s pea protein isolates and forms part of a broader strategy to diversify revenues beyond traditional agricultural commodity trading.

• Louis Dreyfus Company has begun commissioning its pea protein isolate production facility in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

• The plant will scale production of the company’s pea protein isolate portfolio and produce pea fiber and proprietary pea starch.

• The facility is expected to employ around 60 people by the end of 2026.

Louis Dreyfus Company confirmed that commissioning has started at the Yorkton site, which is located alongside the company’s existing oilseeds processing complex in Saskatchewan.

The plant will increase production capacity for pea protein isolates while also producing pea fiber and a proprietary pea starch designed for use in industries including pet food, building materials, and paper manufacturing.

James Zhou, Chief Commercial Officer and head of the company’s Food & Feed Solutions platform, said the investment reflects the company’s growing focus on plant-based ingredients.

“As part of our strategy to diversify revenue through value-added products, we are proud to launch our pea protein isolates portfolio, leveraging our proprietary technology developed by our in-house R&D capabilities,” Zhou said.

“This development reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, nutritious and high-performing plant-based ingredients that meet evolving customer and consumer needs.”

The Yorkton facility is positioned in one of the world’s most significant pea-producing regions, giving the company direct access to raw materials supplied by Canadian farmers.

Saskatchewan is a major global producer of yellow peas, which are widely used in plant-based food ingredients due to their high protein content and relatively neutral flavor profile.

Charles-Antoine Dubois, global head of plant proteins at Louis Dreyfus Company, said demand for pea protein ingredients has continued to increase across multiple food categories.

“Global demand for pea proteins continues to grow, for its non-allergen and non-GMO status, as well as its versatility across many food applications,” Dubois said.

“We are proud to offer clean taste pea protein isolates, sourced from North American farmers with full supply chain traceability, enabled through our upstream integration and engagement across the value chain.”

Pea protein isolates are widely used in plant-based foods such as meat alternatives, dairy substitutes, nutritional beverages, and functional foods. Their allergen-friendly status and non-GMO profile have helped drive adoption among food manufacturers seeking alternatives to soy or wheat proteins.

The Yorkton plant is expected to employ around 60 people once fully operational by the end of 2026.

The project also strengthens Louis Dreyfus Company’s long-standing presence in Canada, where the company operates across multiple agricultural supply chains.

Brian Conn, the company’s country manager for Canada, said the investment reflects its commitment to working with Canadian farmers and expanding processing capacity in the region.

“LDC remains committed to ongoing investment in – and growth with – Saskatchewan, strengthening its long-standing partnership with Canadian farmers,” Conn said.

Founded in 1851, Louis Dreyfus Company is one of the world’s largest agricultural commodity merchants and processors, operating across a broad range of markets including grains, oilseeds, coffee, cotton, sugar, and rice.

The company reported that its global operations handle approximately 95 million tons of agricultural products annually, serving customers across more than 100 countries.

In recent years, the company has expanded into higher-value food ingredients as part of an effort to move further downstream in the agricultural value chain.

The commissioning of the Yorkton facility marks a milestone in that strategy as Louis Dreyfus Company builds its presence in the growing plant protein market.

With commissioning underway, the company indicated that production ramp-up will follow as the facility moves toward full commercial operation.