Taking Canada’s plant-based food and ingredient sector international

Canada’s plant-based food and ingredients sector is seeing tremendous growth, in part because of the ecosystem’s desire to collaborate. While many of the partnerships being developed are occurring between Canadian companies, expanding and building upon our international collaboration efforts is also an important step in ensuring the future prosperity of the sector.

“Collaboration with other global leaders in the plant-based sector reinforces our position and generates increased capacity, which, in turn, shortens the pathways to commercialization, scale and/or export markets,” Protein Industries Canada Director of Business Development James Street said. “Global partnerships leverage our unique strengths and avoid costly duplication of research and development. Business moves quickly and time can be better spent learning and building upon the knowledge of others.”

Establishing these partnerships and building international collaboration is a sector-wide effort. For its part, Protein Industries Canada works to identify, analyse and explore what’s happening in the global plant-based food and ingredients ecosystem. While this often involves encouraging international companies to expand into Canada, it also means connecting Canadian companies with potential international partners.

Several partnerships and potential partnerships have already been established, helping Canada increase both its domestic and global footprint. More work in the area is coming, however.

“The complimentary ecosystems in the United States, Netherlands, Singapore, United Kingdom, France and Japan hold many opportunities in the coming year,” Street said. “Participation at industry conferences, roundtables and tradeshows was the first step. The next is in supporting the needs of our members through pathfinding and introductions to potential technologies, service providers and customers outside of Canada.”

Canadian companies, meanwhile, can help solidify this work further by showcasing the innovative ideas and expertise they can offer potential partners. While many international partners are already interested in working with Canada, most are still trying to determine which companies best suit their needs. By playing to their strengths, these companies can secure international partnerships, helping to strengthen their own reputation and product offerings alongside Canada’s.

Of course, not every partnership will look the same.

“Some European Union partners are keen to explore how they can support Canadian companies through investment; mentoring start-up companies and sharing the vast expertise of global trade present,” Street said. “The Asia-Pacific countries see a source of high-quality ingredients and finished products that appeal to a growing market that enjoys western-influenced flavours.”

Many Canadian companies are taking steps to address these needs and potential partnerships on their own. Any who are looking for further information or help, however, are encouraged to reach out to Street.

“As Director of Business Development, I am here to have that initial discussion and support as needed. If you have a partner in mind, Protein Industries Canada can reach out. If you don’t know who can help, we can look to our network for guidance,” he said.