New project expands whole-cut beef, pork, and seafood alternatives.
Protein Industries Canada has announced a $15.1 million co-investment in a multi-partner project aimed at scaling advanced manufacturing technology for whole-cut protein alternatives and strengthening Canada’s domestic agri-food value chain.
The initiative brings together NS/TX Industries, New Protein International (NPI), and Infusd Nutrition to expand production capacity, introduce automation, and enhance nutritional profiles using Canadian-grown ingredients.
The investment includes $4.9 million from Protein Industries Canada, with the remaining funding contributed by industry partners.
Scaling Breakthrough Whole-Cut Technology
NS/TX Industries, the company behind the NEW/SCHOOL FOODS brand, is leading the technological expansion. The company is known for developing what it describes as the world’s first plant-based salmon filet that replicates the look, texture, and cooking performance of conventional salmon.
Its proprietary manufacturing system allows for the production of whole-cut alternatives, a category that has historically been difficult to replicate using conventional plant-based processing techniques.
Through this project, NS/TX will:
- Automate its production lines
- Increase manufacturing output
- Reduce per-unit production costs
- Expand into whole-cut beef and pork alternatives
The company also aims to scale its platform for broader business-to-business manufacturing applications across multiple product categories.
Strengthening Canada’s Food System
The project will turn locally produced crops into high-value protein ingredients and build a self-sustaining supply chain.
“This important project from Protein Industries Canada (PIC), 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 the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
The project will support domestic processing capacity, helping retain economic benefits within Canada and reducing reliance on imported ingredients and technologies.
A key component of the project is the increased use of Canadian-sourced crops, including peas, fava beans, and soy, to create higher-value protein ingredients.
“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,” Protein Industries Canada CEO Tyler Groeneveld said.
“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.”
By scaling domestic production and innovation, the project is expected to:
- Create new revenue streams for Canadian farmers
- Increase processing capacity within Canada
- Boost exports of value-added protein products
Advancing Clean-Label Soy
New Protein International will play a critical role by supplying clean-label soy protein ingredients produced through its proprietary hexane-free processing technology.
The collaboration also supports NPI’s plans to develop Canada’s first dedicated soy protein manufacturing facility, which would further strengthen the country’s protein processing infrastructure.
NPI representatives noted that the partnership represents a major step forward in scaling Canadian-made protein ingredients and accelerating commercialization of new technologies.
Enhancing Nutrition Through Functional Ingredients
Infusd Nutrition will contribute its expertise in functional ingredient development, including a first-of-its-kind water-stable creatine ingredient designed for food and beverage applications.
The company’s technology addresses common formulation challenges such as solubility, taste, and stability, enabling the inclusion of scientifically backed nutrients into alternative protein products.
This integration is expected to help replicate key nutritional benefits typically associated with conventional meat and seafood, improving the appeal of alternative products for both consumers and food-service providers.
Market Impact and Industry Benefits
The expanded capabilities resulting from this project will support the production of higher-quality meat and seafood alternatives for:
- Retail consumers
- Food-service operators
- Private-label and white-label brands
NS/TX leadership emphasized that the collaboration will enable the company to scale production while continuously improving product quality and nutritional performance.
The initiative positions Canada as a global leader in next-generation protein production while reinforcing its reputation for sstainable and high-quality food innovation.
This investment reflects a broader shift toward value-added agriculture, where raw commodities are transformed into higher-margin products through advanced processing and technology.
As consumer interest in alternative proteins continues to rise, initiatives like this are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of food production both domestically and internationally.