Plant-based protein navigates market reckoning

Plant-based protein navigates market reckoning

PROTEIN | Improved taste, texture and value are hoped to make the sector more competitive

Lessons have been learned from the downturn in the plant-based protein marketplace, including what could have been done differently when it came to marketing, product development and consumer expectations.

Brasathe Jenathan has developed a more sustainable version of a process used to extract protein from faba beans.

Faba bean research means high protein, less gas

The process of breaking down faba beans is an important sustainability tool, scientist says

[UPDATED: Mar. 5, 2024] Let’s get the obvious part out of the way. By separating “the good stuff” (protein, starch and dietary fibre) from faba beans, a University of Alberta researcher has improved on a process that minimizes human flatulence from eating them. That issue has long been a deterrent to mass acceptance of the


Myrna Grahn is executive director of Protein MB and is seen here speaking at the Manitoba Sustainable Protein Research Symposium in June.

Protein advancement hub launches

ProteinMB designed to provide dedicated resources, staff for sector advancement

An organization pitched as the future “hub and voice” of Manitoba’s protein sector marked its official launch Nov. 2. “The protein industry needs strong, united voices, and places to bring thought leaders together to grow our global market share,” said Greg Cherewyk, president of Pulse Canada, in an Oct. 27 release. Why it matters: The

“I would say that generally, worldwide, the protein levels are a little bit hit or miss. In other words, there’s enough of a problem that people are seeking out protein or better-quality wheat.” – Neil Townsend, GrainFox.

Global protein shortfalls a boon for Manitoba wheat growers

International market pressures could be a silver lining for a Manitoba wheat crop that saw lower than normal yields

Manitoba wheat growers have a grain marketing mystery on their hands this year. There was no doubt the year was dry. Weekly crop reports put rainfall below average across most of the province, and it was less than half of normal in the driest parts of central Manitoba for most of the year. Given that,


Myrna Grahn is the new executive director of ProteinMB, an industry-led group tasked with carrying out the province’s protein strategy.

Province establishes strategic protein research chair

Priorities include funding research, developing opportunities for students, providing extension to industry and producer groups, says appointee

The province has pledged $1.5 million over six years to support protein research and extension work ahead of the third annual Manitoba Sustainable Protein Research Symposium. James House was named the Manitoba strategic research chair in sustainable protein, a position he says will include doling out the promised funds so that researchers can pursue protein-related

The meat section in a grocery store in Selkirk, Man., on Jan. 30, 2022.

The resiliency of ‘local’

North America’s meatpackers are not having a good time. As our reporter Don Norman wrote in last week’s front-page story, there’s been a torrent of bad news from some of the biggest names in the business. In early May, Reuters reported that U.S.-based Tyson Foods, the world’s second-largest producer of beef, pork and chicken, had


(Photo illustration: Nevodka/iStock/Getty Images)

Italy moves to ban lab-grown food in drive to protect tradition

Ag lobby praises government move; angry reactions from food companies, animal rights groups

Rome | Reuters –– Italy’s government on Tuesday approved a bill banning the use of laboratory-produced food and animal feed as it aims to safeguard the country’s agri-food heritage, its agriculture minister told a news conference after a cabinet meeting. If the proposal is passed by parliament, Italian industry will not be allowed to produce

(Dave Bedard photo)

Cargill names new CEO

Former proteins boss to lead firm

Reuters — Cargill Inc. said on Monday Brian Sikes will take over as the global commodities trader’s new president and CEO effective Jan. 1. Sikes will succeed Dave MacLennan, who has served as Cargill’s CEO and chairman since 2013. MacLennan will now assume the role of executive chair of Cargill’s board of directors and will



The Roquette pea processing plant under construction in Portage la Prairie in October 2020.

Roquette site falls prey to pandemic

The site of the pea processing facility, due to open late this year, has now had several COVID-19 cases

The site of the pea-processing facility, due to open late this year, has now had several COVID-19 cases

The site of the under-construction Roquette pea protein plant at Portage la Prairie has joined the list of workplaces fighting COVID-19. Roquette confirmed five positive tests for COVID-19 on the site as of Nov. 9. “Four of the affected individuals are contracted construction workers helping to build the plant,” Michelle Finley, Roquette’s communications and public