This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the UK and Canadian food sectors, fostering innovation as both countries intensify efforts toward achieving net zero and creating more sustainable food supply chains.
A key focus of the partnership between Innovate UK and PIC is driving innovation in the plant-based protein sector.
Overcoming global challenges
As the world’s population grows, integrating alternative protein sources alongside traditional agriculture is crucial in addressing global challenges like food security, sustainability and public health.
Plant-based proteins provide a promising solution.
As well as supporting products that offer a more sustainable and resilient approach, they typically have a lower carbon footprint and can be produced with fewer resources.
Plant proteins for healthier futures
Incorporating more plant-based proteins into global diets is essential not only for improving human health but also for ensuring the long-term health of our planet.
With their typically low levels of saturated fats and higher levels of fibre, plant-based proteins offer nutritional benefits.
Next generation plant-based proteins
Jampa’s already has a range of plant-based products focused on delivering great taste and texture, with a focus on clean-label, 100% natural ingredient decks in their food products (artificial additive-free).
Working with the University of Nottingham and Canadian food manufacturer Tartistes, their project aims to launch a range of plant-based products.
The products will have a uniquely improved nutritional profile that will match or better that found in animal-based and current plant-based meat analogues.
Nutrient enhancements
With the western diet short in many essential nutrients, this new range of products will contain a full range of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals along with extra fibre.
They will also undergo rigorous research and testing to ensure human absorption, a crucial factor often overlooked in nutrient-enhanced food.
The collaborative project will also focus on developing dehydrated versions of Jampa’s plant-based beef, allowing food service providers to purchase products that require no refrigeration or freezing during transport or storage.
In an era where food waste is both costly and damaging to the environment, offering tasty, nutrient-rich, additive-free ambient products presents a significant advantage for the hospitality industry.
Plant proteins and precision fermentation
UK-based New Wave Biotech Ltd is leading a project to explore how precision fermentation-derived ingredients can elevate products by enhancing flavour, improving functionality and boosting sustainability credentials.
Canadian partner Liven will offer a portfolio of ingredients tailored to various applications, including pet food and alternative protein products for human consumption.
Each ingredient will be customised for its specific use and rigorously tested for effectiveness using New Wave Biotech’s process optimisation tool.
User testing for enhanced performance
Finally, the ingredients will undergo testing by two end users, Formidable Foods (UK) and ALT-PRO Advantage (Canada), providing feedback to refine their functionality and sensory performance.
The results will be validated by evaluating the performance of the end-use applications and the feasibility of incorporating the ingredients.
Unlocking global opportunities
Dr Stella Peace, Interim Executive Chair and Executive Director for the Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK said:
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.
By addressing the challenges that our food systems face, these innovations have the potential to contribute to a healthier population and a healthier planet.
Collaboration is key
Frank Hart, Interim CEO, PIC said:
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.
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.
Top image: Credit: fcafotodigital, E+ via Getty Images
