Burcon receives co-investment from Protein Industries Canada for development of sunflower protein ingredients

Photo © AdobeStock.com/Sergii Figurnyi

Burcon NutraScience Corporation (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) has received a co-investment from Proteins Industries Canada for the development of high-quality protein ingredients derived from sunflower seeds. As part of the $1 million project, Burcon is partnering with Pristine Gourmet, a processor of 100% pure Canadian non-GMO cold-pressed virgin oils, to further develop Burcon’s novel process for the production of sunflower protein ingredients. A premium sunflower protein isolate that contains greater than 90% protein purity with exceptional taste and functionality has the potential to set a new benchmark in the growing plant-based ingredient market, says Burcon.

“Sunflower protein checks all the boxes as an ideal source of plant-based protein,” said Peter H. Kappel, Burcon’s interim CEO and chairman of the board, in a press release. “With this investment, Burcon and Pristine Gourmet can accelerate the development of value-added premium protein ingredients coming from a by-product normally used as animal feed.”

“Canada’s plant-based food and ingredients sector has seen tremendous growth over the past several years, thanks largely to the innovation shown by our entrepreneurs and researchers,” said Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel. “The development of new ingredients, processing technologies and food products is key to seeing this growth continue. As our companies work together to bring these developments from idea to full-scale implementation, Canadians can look forward to a strengthened economy, new healthy and sustainable options on grocery store shelves, and an increased ability to meet the growing global demand for plant-based protein.”