Canadian partners develop new line of plant-based seafood alternatives, The Canadian Business Journal

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great taste, nutritious profile, sustainably sourced and wide range of choices — Canadians launch new product line developed by partner Konscious Foods , we can expect to find all these features. , Merit Functional Foods and Canadian Pacifico Seaweeds.

Konscious Foods incorporates ingredients grown and processed in Canada, including Merit’s pea and canola proteins and Canadian Pacifico Seaweeds seaweed ingredients to create over 20 plant-based seafood available in the freezer aisle of your grocery store. We are developing alternative products. The partners focused on keeping their products sustainable and clean-labeled, while also matching the taste and texture of their seafood counterparts.

“It is impressive to see Canadian companies working together to develop new and innovative plant-based seafood products.” We are leveraging our partnerships to provide products that are in high demand, while creating more jobs and economic growth.”

Some of the products are developed with co-investment from Protein Industries Canada. Our investment support has acted as a catalyst for innovative partnerships, allowing projects to move forward at a faster and more efficient pace.

“Canadian consumers are looking for more plant-based food options and want those options to be developed sustainably and wherever possible here in Canada.” said Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada. “Our processors and manufacturers have the innovative mindset and raw resources to do it, but often require investment support. We are proud to be one of the world’s leading partners, bringing new plant-based foods like these seafood alternatives to grocery stores faster and helping Canadian families to eat healthier, more sustainable food. We are offering a new choice of options for

Canadian grocers already have some seafood alternatives, and Konscious Foods plans to roll out its products across the North American market, including through grocery stores and foodservice channels. The market will expand further as both the brand and product line grow.

This growth and the success of our partnerships to date is based on a combination of the sustainable development of our products, the cooperation between our partners and the long-term expertise of our project partners’ senior team members. This includes Yves Potvin, principal founder of Konscious Foods, who founded and sold the successful plant-based companies Yves Veggie Cuisine and Gardein.

Yves Potvin, CEO of Konscious Foods, said: “We are grateful for the support Protein Industries Canada has provided, which has allowed us to bring innovation to the grocery freezer aisle and help shoppers make better choices. Our delicious plant-based ‘s new line of sushi and rice balls is good for you and the planet.”

Ryan Bracken, co-CEO of Merit Functional Foods, said: “Our mission at Merritt is to power the next generation of plant-based food and beverages. We are excited to bring plant protein to Conscious Foods.”

“The mission of CPS is to transform seaweed raw materials into useful extracts and functional ingredients that are ready for use in a variety of fields. It is a natural edible filter that readily absorbs much-needed nutrients. “The opportunity to work with industry leaders and advance the science and commercial application of new and existing processing technologies that not only extract but activate compounds.” We appreciate PIC’s support in making this possible.”

A total of $15.3 million was invested in the project, with Protein Industries Canada contributing $5.5 million and partners contributing the remaining $9.8 million.

Over the past three years, Protein Industries Canada and industry partners have invested over $485 million in growing Canada’s plant-based food, feed and ingredients sector. The results of these investments include improved agricultural practices, increased sustainability and traceability, and the production of new raw materials and foods. This will make more choices available to Canadians on grocery store shelves, create jobs and improve environmental health. Protein Industries Canada’s goal is to grow Canada’s plant-based food sector to $25 billion annually by 2035, supporting 17,000 jobs.

About Conscious Foods

Konscious Foods Canada Inc., based in Vancouver, British Columbia, manufactures sustainable, plant-based foods for retail and foodservice customers. Firmly rooted on the West Coast, the company is growing rapidly and by 2023 he plans to employ 100 people. A core team of chef-led creative leaders brings over 30 years of culinary and food science expertise to this new company. Founded in 2021 and led by industry pioneer Yves Potvin, Konscious aims to promote plant-based food by combining culinary excellence with wholesome ingredients to provide delicious meal and snack options for everyone. working to improve the diet of

Benefits about functional foods

Founded in 2019, Merit Functional Foods is a Canadian company committed to exceeding expectations for plant-based proteins, delivering the highest quality proteins that deliver unmatched purity, exceptional taste and superior solubility. We offer ingredients and blends to the market. Merit has built a 94,000 square foot state-of-the-art production facility in Winnipeg that produces a portfolio of non-GMO pea and canola protein ingredients with superior functionality and nutritional value. For more information, visit meritfoods.com.

About Canadian Pacifico Seaweed

Canadian Pacifico Seaweed Ltd. (“CPS”) is a vertically integrated international seaweed commercial company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Through an established model of cooperation between aquaculture farmers and multiple industry channels, CPS is positioned to be the largest supplier of the finest Pacific seaweed in Canada. CPS Premium Dried Nori is seaweed cultivated and processed using CPS’s unique system. By partnering with various supply chains whose primary concerns are food security and/or quantified carbon credits, the integrated approach of the CPS model enables comprehensive site analysis, monitoring and quality seed production. Guaranteed stock, farm setup, management plans, harvested resources and sold crops. For more information, visit seaweednetwork.com.

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