Plant-based protein boost: DSM and Avril to collaborate on canola-derived product

09 Jul 2019 --- Royal DSM (DSM) will join forces with French agro-industrial group Avril to develop a new protein based on non-GMO canola, coined CanolaPRO. The facility of Saipol, an Avril subsidiary, will likely be the state-of-the-art industrial production site in Dieppe, France. It will be fully dedicated to producing canola proteins, with first production expected to hit the commercial market by the end of 2021. DSM’s experience in food and beverage solutions, in combination with Avril’s 35 years in agriculture, will allow the companies to effectively respond to the growing consumer demand for plant-based proteins.

“Currently, CanolaPRO is produced in small amounts at DSM’s demo unit in Delft, the Netherlands, for commercialized test products. The product will eventually be available in both the US and EU. Additionally, regulatory applications are in progress in other countries and regions, with approval expected to follow,” a DSM spokesperson tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

The production facility is set to be in Dieppe, France.CanolaPRO is a protein isolate based on non-genetically modified canola. According to DSM, it has a very high nutritional quality as it is a complete protein. Additionally, it is well-digested and contains all the essential amino acids for muscle growth and body maintenance in an optimal ratio.

The protein’s functional properties, nutritional value and balanced taste profile make it suitable for a range of applications such as meat and dairy alternatives, beverages, baked products and bars.

“With a ten billion global population by 2050, experts predict global demand for both animal and plant-based protein to grow, with exponential growth in plant-based proteins due to dietary shifts. Through this collaboration, Avril and DSM intend to join forces to contribute through innovation to meet the growing demand,” says Jean-Philippe Puig, Avril CEO.

“More people are opting for flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets for personal, health and environmental reasons. DSM can support all forms of proteins produced to the highest sustainable standards. With Avril as a partner, we will be positioned to serve this growing market and look forward to helping our customers deliver great tasting, healthy and sustainable food and beverages,” adds Trish Malarkey, DSM’s Chief Innovation Officer.

With the annual rise in the population growth rate, companies are pressed to develop solutions that improve global wellbeing. “Food and beverage companies will look for plant-based protein solutions which meet their needs for functionality, high nutritional quality, and a balanced taste profile across a wide spectrum of applications,” notes the DSM spokesperson.The meat-free market continues to grow. 

Plant-based foods could significantly mitigate our impact on the environment, and this has influenced NPD. Meat substitutes accounted for 11 percent of new meat product launches (meat, poultry and meat substitutes) reported in Europe in 2018, up from 9 percent in 2013, according to data from Innova Market Insights. The global picture shows stronger growth still, with 14 percent of meat launches in 2018 being meat alternatives, compared to 6 percent in 2013.

It is likely that there will be expansion in the canola protein market specifically, with more companies noticing the potential for the residual meal, which is the byproduct of canola oil production. The meal is predominantly sold as animal feed, but now the food industry is eyeing its potential for mass human consumption.

In this space, JV and Burcon recently collaborated to build a new pea and canola-protein commercial production facility in Western Canada. The protein blends will not have a bean flavor or texture.

By Katherine Durrell

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