Phytokana secures backing for C$32.5 million fava bean ingredients project with Maia Farms

Canadian start-up Phytokana Ingredients is moving ahead with a C$32.5 million (US$23.9 million) project to develop a new generation of fava bean ingredients, supported by Protein Industries Canada and in partnership with Vancouver-based Maia Farms.

• Phytokana launched a C$32.5 million (US$23.9 million) fava ingredient project.
• Maia Farms joined to develop mycelium-based protein ingredients.
• Alberta processing facility planned with 30,000-ton annual capacity.

Based in Alberta, Phytokana is developing a proprietary process that avoids heat and chemicals to convert Canadian-grown fava beans into protein concentrate, starch flour and fava flour. The company said the process improves taste, texture and nutritional quality while retaining the ingredients' natural functionality for use in dairy alternatives, plant-based meat and other food applications.

The project combines C$25.9 million (US$19.0 million) from the industry partners with C$6.6 million (US$4.9 million) from Protein Industries Canada to commercialize Phytokana's processing technology and strengthen Canada's domestic plant-based ingredient supply chain.

The project also supports plans to construct a fully automated dry fractionation facility near Strathmore, Alberta, with capacity to process 30,000 metric tons of pulses annually. Phytokana said it is continuing to secure funding for the facility, which is intended to help meet growing international demand for plant-based ingredients.

"This investment marks an exciting leap forward for Canada's plant-based ingredient sector. By harnessing innovative technologies and capturing the full potential of Canadian crops, we are strengthening Canada's position as a leading global supplier, opening up new markets and creating high-quality jobs for Canadians," said Mélanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

"With support from Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada's global innovation clusters, this project will deliver sustainable food products with increased traceability, helping Canada achieve its environmental goals while strengthening consumer confidence."

Protein Industries Canada said the project brings together farmers, processors and food technology companies to create more value from Canadian-grown fava beans while expanding export opportunities.

"As countries around the world look to secure their own food supply chains and diversify protein sources, plant-based ingredients, such as those that are being developed by Phytokana and Maia Farms, are becoming increasingly in demand by our trading partners," said Lisa Campbell, Senior Director of Programs at Protein Industries Canada.

"Projects such as this one, which help capture the economic value of creating those ingredients domestically, also position Canada as a preferred trading partner in a competitive and quickly changing world."

Phytokana President and CEO Chris Theal said the company's ingredients have been developed through collaboration with major food and beverage companies. "Our native functionality and superior sensory fava ingredients are the culmination of research and innovation in collaboration with some of the world's leading food and beverage companies. This contribution from Protein Industries Canada primarily supports the direct investment into our custom-designed process flow, overlain with automation and advanced predictive process controls that serve to deliver value-added, sustainable and consistent quality food ingredients to global markets," he said.

As part of the collaboration, Maia Farms will use Phytokana's fava ingredients as feedstock for its biomass fermentation platform, producing mycelium-based protein ingredients with enhanced digestibility and functional properties.

"Maia's mission is to Nourish Life on a global scale. Maia has established commercial partnerships from coast to coast, building the infrastructure to establish Canada as a leader in mushroom-based protein ingredients and fermentation technology," said Maia Farms CEO Gavin Schneider.

"Maia's ingredients for food manufacturers are nutrient dense, sustainable, and delicious. With the support of Protein Industries Canada, Maia will further advance its biomass fermentation technology, upcycling Phytokana's fava ingredients into value-added, sustainable ingredients. We are grateful to expand this valuable partnership."

Protein Industries Canada said the project supports its broader goal of increasing domestic value-added processing of Canada's high-protein crops and expanding international markets for Canadian-produced plant-based ingredients.