UK and Canada Announce Partnership to Boost Innovation in Plant-Based Food Manufacturing
Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, has recently announced a new bilateral partnership with Protein Industries Canada (PIC). The partnership aims to develop greater connections between the food sectors in both countries as the drive for net zero and sustainable food chains intensifies.
Collaboration on Science and Innovation
UK Science Minister George Freeman recently met with Canada’s Minister of Science, Innovation, and Industry, Francois-Phillipe Champagne, to establish deeper collaboration on science and innovation between the two countries. One area of collaboration will involve Innovate UK and PIC working together to advance innovation in plant-based foods.
Complementary Working in the Protein Space
Collaboration between the UK and Canadian food industries has the potential for complementary and collaborative working, particularly within the protein space. With Canada’s substantial plant-based protein production, UK companies can obtain the ingredients they need to develop healthy and sustainable foods. This presents opportunities to build a resilient market that attracts further research and investment.
Introducing Innovators and Creating Partnerships
Under this partnership, Innovate UK and PIC will work to introduce innovators from both countries’ food sectors, with the goal of creating new partnerships, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. By facilitating mutually beneficial connections, the partnership will support efforts to enhance access to new technology, processes, ingredients, markets, customers, and areas for further research.
Transforming the Food System for a Sustainable Future
Dr Katrina Hayter, Executive Director, Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK, expressed the agency’s vision of transforming the food system into one that is more productive, sustainable, and resilient. Dr Hayter emphasized the importance of learning and collaborating with counterparts in Canada to ensure the continuous development of technology, practices, and sustainability benefits. This partnership represents a significant moment in bringing together the expertise of both nations in the plant-based foods space, and Innovate UK looks forward to supporting new connections and collaborations to drive the adoption of new technologies across the sector and enable the transition to net-zero food systems.
Enhancing Global Opportunities and Economic Growth
David Golding, Head of Global Innovation at Innovate UK, emphasized the strong and growing science and innovation relationship between Canada and the UK. By collaborating and leveraging complementary strengths, knowledge, and skills, both countries can seize global opportunities, drive economic growth, and address major societal challenges. The partnership between Innovate UK and Proteins Industries Canada will enable businesses from both countries to collaborate through R&D projects, helping accelerate their growth.
Excitement for Future Partnerships
Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada, expressed excitement about working with Innovate UK to create new partnerships and further advance innovation in plant-based food, feed, ingredients, and co-products. Both countries’ commitment to growing the plant-based food sector will improve environmental and human health while supporting future economies through job creation and increased investment
Webinar and Future Events
As part of the partnership’s initial activities, a webinar was held on June 7th, 2023, to outline opportunities and introduce companies and stakeholders from both sides. In September, a delegation from the UK food sector will travel to attend PIC’s Conference and AGM, with expressions of interest now open. The UK will also host a reciprocal event later in the month.
Joint Funding Opportunity
The partnership plans to provide a joint funding opportunity later in 2023. Further details will be announced in due course. Those interested in learning more about the partnership and how to get involved can find more information here
