Roquette to Build World’s Largest Pea Protein Processing Plant

19 Jan 2017 --- Roquette is to build the world’s largest pea protein processing facility in Canada to keep pace with global demand for plant proteins. The 400 million CAD (US$301 million) facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, targets food, health and nutrition markets and bolsters Roquette’s position as a leading producer of pea protein.

This large industrial unit will expand Roquette’s pea-protein production capacity and help address the growing customer demand for plant-based proteins in North America and globally. Roquette says the location is strategic because Canada is the world’s largest producer of peas, with around 30 percent of the total global production.

Subject to getting the relevant permits, work is expected to begin in second half of this year with production starting in 2019.

The demand for plant proteins continues to increase driven by health conscious consumers as well as sustainability.

According to Roquette, pea protein is advantageous to farmers, customers and consumers, as its production is environmentally friendly and it is a great source of protein, with numerous applications in gluten free foods, vegetarian foods, sports and slimming foods, senior nutrition and clinical nutrition.

“This new investment in Manitoba marks a key step in reinforcing Roquette’s leadership position in offering high value plant-based ingredients around the world. The new plant, which will be the largest dedicated to pea protein processing in the world to date, will support the future of Manitoba’s agriculture industry and help address the growing global demand for innovative Food, Nutrition and Health products and solutions,” say Roquette chairman, Edouard Roquette.

Jean-Marc Gilson, CEO of Roquette, adds: “This investment confirms our commitment to the highly promising pea protein market. We have been a pioneer in plant-based protein specialties with more than 40 years’ experience in research and production. This new site, together with our existing plant in France, confirms Roquette as the long-term leader in the plant protein specialties market worldwide, and it is a great example of how we are helping to meet customer and consumer expectations for innovative and sustainable plant-based solutions.”

The new facility comes at a time when France is trailblazing in the protein sector. Last October FoodIngredientsFirst reported how the country is setting its sights on becoming a world leader in protein by 2030. The Minister of Agriculture, Secretary of State for Industry and the Protein Consortium signed a new agreement committing to develop the French sector during the international SIAL food exhibition last year.

Canadian politician and Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister welcomes the “unparalleled investment in Manitoba’s food processing and agricultural industries” by Roquette.

“This new facility will create jobs and establish stronger markets for Canadian farmers while benefiting our province’s economy for decades to come. It also demonstrates to Canada and to the world that our province is open for business and ready to compete for investments in agricultural production and innovation,” he says.

by Gaynor Selby

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