A group of partners have joined together to build a processing plant for pea and lupin in Bowden, Alta., a March 17 news release says.
The group includes Protein Industries Canada, More Than Protein Ingredients Ltd., Quantum Mechanical Technology Inc. and Hamman Ag Research Inc., the release says. The $29 million project will see Protein Industries Canada invest $5.7 million, with the remaining invested by the consortium partners, the release says.
The first step will see the group focusing on the breeding and agronomic level to improve the protein quantity and quality of yellow peas. Next they will work on a pre-treatment to help prepare the crops for ingredient processing, the release notes. From there Quantum Technologies will apply gentle Modified Wave Technology to improve hull removal and optimize the flavour and nutrient profile in both peas and lupins. Finally they’ll scale up innovative processing technologies to produce functional protein ingredients for Plant-Based consumer food manufacturers.
More Than Protein Ingredients will then be building a dedicated commercial-scale innovation line that will take plant-based protein extraction to the next level producing the next generation of food protein ingredients. In addition to the innovation line, More Than Protein Ingredients is constructing a new processing facility near Bowden, Alta., the release says.
“This project will develop out a complete supply chain solution for the plant-based protein industry that will provide Plant-Based Canadian Food Manufacturers with leading-edge ingredients to develop the foods of the future,” Kevin McGeough, CEO of More Than Protein Ingredients Ltd., says in the release.
The release notes it’s expected that this project will create upwards of 60 direct jobs, with an expected 120 indirect jobs plus construction jobs. The More Than Protein facility is scheduled to be operational by spring 2023.
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