Protein Industries Canada has selected two companies for the third cohort of its Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain program, directing a combined $299,000 in federal funding toward product reformulations using domestically sourced plant proteins.
The two projects, based in Ontario and British Columbia respectively, will swap imported ingredients for Canadian-grown pea and faba inputs across a granola line and a vegan protein powder range.
Two reformulations, one shared goal
Ontario-based Farm Girl is reformulating its granola products to incorporate Canadian faba and pea protein, with the dual aim of raising protein content and lowering retail price. The total investment in the project is $254,000, of which Protein Industries Canada is contributing $150,000.
Vancouver company Body Energy Club, founded in 2002, is reformulating its existing vegan protein powder line to use Canadian-sourced pea protein. The company cited supply chain resilience and domestic sourcing positioning as key drivers. The project carries a total investment of $199,000, with Protein Industries Canada committing $149,000.
Trade pressures driving domestic sourcing
The program was launched in response to rising global trade tensions, with a focus on helping Canadian food companies replace imported ingredients with domestically processed alternatives. Previous cohorts have included companies across a range of plant-based subcategories, from frozen desserts and brewer’s spent grain to flour milling and plant-based burgers.
“The priorities of Canadian food manufacturers align directly with the priorities of Canadians: make more from what we grow, to see cost efficiencies and improved sustainability outcomes, and the potential for improved functionality, taste or texture,” said Tyler Groeneveld, CEO of Protein Industries Canada.
The announcement drew comment from federal ministers. “At a time of global supply chain uncertainty, we are committed to feeding Canadians while creating new jobs and strengthening the industry,” said Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre.
