New investment in dairy-alternatives could bode well for Canadian oat growers

In an effort to strengthen local food supply chains and to capitalize on the ever-growing plant-based food industry, Protein Industries Canada announced their investment into the collaboration between the food and beverage company, Oat Canada and a global leader in plant-based ingredients, Roquette.

The partnership will work towards creating new dairy-alternative products which utilize oat crops grown and processed in Canada. Not only will this ensure a dependable source of plant-based products for Canadians and others around the world, it will also cut down on the environmental impacts of exporting raw oats and importing oat ingredients.

The uptick of dairy-alternatives among consumers and the diversification of oat ingredients can likely only come as good news to local oat growers. In a recent press release, Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada talks about the positive outcomes this collaboration will produce.

“Increasing our domestic ingredient processing capacity is one of the most important steps in strengthening Canada’s economy and food supply chain, as well as the health of our environment. By processing and utilizing more of our plant-based ingredients at home, companies like Oat Canada and Roquette are helping reduce our sector’s carbon footprint and GHG emissions, while supplying Canadians—and consumers around the world—with healthy, sustainable food options. Together, they’re creating a healthier, stronger and more sustainable Canada for everyone along the value chain.”

Research on dairy-alternative products indicates that the industry could see a 92 per cent increase and could account for 10 per cent of the total dairy market, in just eight years, reaching $62 billion USD by 2030.

The announcement of the $4.1 million project comes in the wake of Plant-Based Foods of Canada launching the first National Plant Based Food Week which kicked off March 21.

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