Canadian plant-based protein company Merit Functional Foods is constructing a 94,000-square foot production facility, dedicated to producing high quality pea and canola protein.
The facility’s superstructure was assembled in May, and the initial placement of equipment and enclosure of the building is occurring throughout June.
When complete, it will be the first and only commercial facility with the capability to produce food-grade canola protein, a new and exciting entrant to the plant-based protein ingredient segment.
“This facility is going to be key in redefining plant-based protein,” Merit Co-CEO Ryan Bracken said. “It’s a flexible facility that will produce an unprecedented pea protein and the first canola protein available for use in foods and beverages. Both of these proteins will have functional and nutritional characteristics that will set them apart from other ingredients available on the market.”
In an announcement, Merit noted that it is committed to “exceeding expectations for plant-based protein, with pea and canola ingredients that offer unmatched purity, exceptional taste, and excellent solubility.” The company’s pea and canola will be sourced and grown in Western Canada and processed and manufactured in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Manitoba is the heart of Canada’s agricultural hubs. This, along with its capacity to support the project’s utilities requirements, makes the location a natural fit for the facility. Over the coming three years, Merit anticipates it will create more than 175 new jobs for the community.
