Protein Industries Canada and Innovate UK have recently launched their first joint research and development projects, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between Canada and the UK.
Together with project consortium members, they are investing a total of $5.7 million to drive forward two collaborative R&D projects focused on advancing plant-based ingredient and food development in both nations.
“Bilateral relationships such as this one are helping advance the development and commercialization of plant-based ingredients and foods that benefit us all,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Innovative projects like these are helping strengthen Canada’s supply chains while expanding Canada’s plant-based food sector.”
“These UK-Canada collaborative R&D projects highlight the power of international partnerships in driving forward innovation in the plant-based protein sector. They open up promising export opportunities for the UK, fostering economic growth, while simultaneously responding to global consumer demands for sustainable and nutritious food options,” said Interim Executive Chair and Executive Director for the Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK Dr. Stella Peace. “By addressing key challenges such as food security, sustainability and public health, these innovations will contribute to a healthier population and a healthier planet, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in making life better.”
The projects stem from an ongoing Canada-UK partnership aimed at advancing science and innovation, with a particular focus on plant-based food and ingredients. Following a joint call for R&D projects issued in September 2023, delegations from both countries have been actively engaging, leading to new cooperative ventures in food and ingredient processing.
“As Canada builds towards its goal of a $25 billion ingredient and food processing industry, we know that we will not reach that goal by only working within our own borders,” Interim CEO Frank Hart said. “Canada requires customers — whether that be a food company using Canadian ingredients, or a consumer in a grocery store. Collaborations such as this one are key to supporting Canadian companies in advancing their innovation, acquiring those new customers, and entering global supply chains with high-value products.”
The first of these collaborative projects involves partnerships between Canadian companies Liven Proteins and ALT-PRO Advantage and UK-based New Wave Biotech Ltd. and Formidable Foods Ltd., reflecting the potential for cross-border innovation in plant-based food solutions.
Photo Credit: Anna Nekrashevich and William Warby