Parabel and CK Ingredients sign distribution agreement for plant protein ingredient in Canada

22 Jan 2019 --- Parabel USA Inc. (Parabel), has finalized a distribution agreement with raw materials supplier CK Ingredients for the commercialization of Parabel’s award-winning Lentein plant protein in Canada.

CK ingredients will represent Parabel’s products across Canada. CK Ingredients has been providing value-added functional and nutritional ingredients to the Canadian human nutrition market since 1994, working with food, beverage and nutraceutical clients across the country.

“CK Ingredients is the perfect match for us. They are established in Canada where Lentein just received full regulatory approval and they serve the industries Parabel is operating in,” Habbo de Vaere, Vice President of Global Sales at Parabel, explains. 

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Cecilia Wittbjer, Vice President of Marketing at Parabel also notes: “Canada is a great market for natural health products because it’s easier to use claims once they are approved by Health Canada than under the US Food and Drink Administration (FDA).”

Canada has also traditionally been seen as highly regulated in terms of ingredients, which is why companies in Asia prefer sourcing protein ingredients there, she says.

Parabel's hydroponic ponds “We believe that protein beverages will be the main application area that will benefit most from using Lentein to fortify both with plant protein and also other macro and micronutrients,” adds Wittbjer. 

Parabel is also exploring other markets where the demand for plant protein is increasing rapidly, but at the same time, Wittbjer urges, “we have our work cut out for us in the North American market for now.”

Parabel’s Lentein protein is derived from a water lentil, Lemnoideae, which the company describes as “the world’s most complete food source.” 

It is also a minimally processed ingredient that goes from farm to table in only 20 minutes. The protein ingredient has the highest levels of essential amino acids of all plant proteins is non-GMO, free of major allergens and its production is fully sustainable. 

Just a few months ago, Parabel announced the construction of its second commercial facility in Vero Beach, Florida, where the company’s existing commercial plant is located. The new facility will be up and running by June 2019 and will produce up to 3,500 tons of protein per year. With the increased market demand for new plant protein ingredients, Lentein is applicable in many different applications including beverages, snacks and bars.

CK Ingredients will distribute Parabel’s full range of Lentein plant protein ingredients into the nutraceutical sector and will seek to add expertise in areas like application development, regulatory, logistics and traceability. 

CK Ingredients’ President Michael Chernyak also comments: “Parabel’s innovative Lentein plant protein perfectly complements our existing raw material portfolio. In today’s marketplace, novel plant protein sources are experiencing strong demand and our clients are always looking for ways to differentiate themselves on-shelf and online.”

“The timing of this partnership with Parabel could not be better,” he concludes.