CEO Message

This past year was significant for Protein Industries Canada. It represented the end of our first mandate, a milestone that was five years in the making. With the conclusion of the first mandate, Protein Industries Canada delivered on the goals of the Global Innovation Cluster Program while also supporting growth in Canada’s plant-based food, feed and ingredient ecosystem.

With the commitment of our partners and members, Protein Industries Canada delivered on the following outcomes:

• Leveraged the $173 million from the federal government to $473 million in total investment into Canada’s plant-based food, feed and ingredient sector;
• Supported the creation of 303 IP assets;
• Invested in, and managed, 55 projects with 445 partners;
• Supported the creation of 10,800 jobs and $15 billion in GDP by 2031; and
• Engaged more than 90,000 youth in 140 communities across Canada.

While these numbers are impressive, there is always more to the story than the numbers alone. These numbers represent an industry that is committed to innovation and building a better Canada. They tell the story of a team of people at Protein Industries Canada that do their best to support our members in being successful and in bringing new products to the market. They are the result of a government’s commitment to supporting growth for Canada’s economy and helping Canada in becoming a leader in this emerging sector. Cumulatively, these numbers speak to a future of a renewed global food system that will bring food security, a healthier population and fewer GHG emissions in our environment.

While I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved over the first five years, I am equally as excited about the future.

In February 2023, we received the news that Protein Industries Canada, as part of the Global Innovation Cluster program, was renewed with $150 million for a further five years. When I think about what we achieved in the first five years, I know even more is possible. We have an opportunity in front of us to build on our initial success to take this sector even further. I have no doubt we will.

We know that an increase in the consumption of plant-based foods is a critical factor in creating a sustainable global food system. Canada has an opportunity to be key to that food system as a leading source of plant-based ingredients and feed. While we are witnessing some of the normal turbulence related to a new sector, I remain optimistic about the future. I believe that by continuing to work together, we will make progress on The Road to $25 Billion, and do our part in creating a healthier Canada and world.