Protein Industries Canada backs scale-up of whole-cut meat alternatives with US$11 million investment

Protein Industries Canada has backed a new CA$15.1 million (US$11 million) project aimed at scaling next-generation whole-cut meat alternatives and expanding Canada’s domestic plant protein supply chain.

• Protein Industries Canada committed CA$4.9 million (US$3.6 million) toward a CA$15.1 million (US$11 million) project led by NS/TX Industries.
• The initiative will scale automated production of whole-cut plant-based meat alternatives including beef and pork products.
• The project also supports development of a domestic soy protein value chain using Canadian-grown ingredients.

The project brings together NS/TX Industries, New Protein International (NPI), and Infusd Nutrition to scale NS/TX’s manufacturing platform and broaden its product portfolio beyond seafood alternatives.

NS/TX is the company behind the NEW/SCHOOL FOODS brand, which previously launched a plant-based salmon filet designed to replicate the texture, appearance, and flaking characteristics of conventional salmon.

The latest project will focus on automating NS/TX’s manufacturing line while expanding capabilities into whole-cut beef and pork alternatives using Canadian pea, fava, and soy ingredients.

Protein Industries Canada said the initiative formed part of wider efforts to strengthen domestic ingredient processing and food manufacturing infrastructure.

“This important project from Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s global innovation clusters, will strengthen Canada’s food system by building a domestic supply chain that transforms locally grown crops into high-value protein ingredients,” said Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

“This collaboration between the government, PIC and project partners is a great example of how Canadian innovation can make the agri-food sector more resilient, retain economic benefits in Canada and ensure Canadians have access to sustainable, high-quality food products.”

NS/TX reported that its proprietary manufacturing system enabled production of whole-cut alternatives not achievable through many conventional alternative protein manufacturing approaches.

The company said the scale-up would increase production output, lower unit costs, and support broader B2B manufacturing opportunities.

“This project highlights the strength of Canada’s food production and value-added agriculture across the entire value chain — from our crops to the potential of advanced food processing and innovation,” said Tyler Groeneveld, CEO of Protein Industries Canada.

“By scaling new technologies and increasing domestic production, we are creating economic opportunities here at home while delivering high-quality, accessible food products to consumers in Canada and around the world.”

The project will also integrate NPI’s hexane-free soy protein ingredients into NS/TX products.

NPI is developing what it described as Canada’s first soy protein manufacturing plant, expected to begin construction in 2027.

The company’s technology produces non-GMO soy proteins without chemical solvents.

“This collaboration is an important step toward scaling Canada-made, clean-label protein ingredients,” said Graham Markham, Chief Development Officer at New Protein International.

“Our team is excited to work with globally-recognized innovators to make more food, and food ingredients, here in Canada.”

Infusd Nutrition will contribute formulation technology designed to improve incorporation of functional ingredients into food systems.

The company is currently developing water-stable creatine ingredients intended for food, beverage, and nutraceutical applications.

“We are very excited to be working alongside NS/TX and Protein Industries Canada on this project,” said Infusd Nutrition Co-Founder David Giffin.

“Our proprietary technology enables the incorporation of science-backed functional ingredients that face formulation issues such as solubility, taste and stability, into food and beverage applications.”

NS/TX Founder and CEO Chris Bryson said the investment would allow the company to expand both manufacturing capacity and product development.

“NS/TX Industries is committed to creating the highest quality meat & seafood alternatives possible, and this project will allow us to expand our output & product range to make this a reality,” he said.

Protein Industries Canada said the project aligned with its broader ambition to help grow Canada’s plant-based food, feed, and ingredient sector into a CA$25 billion (US$18.2 billion) industry.