Konscious Foods, Merit Functional Foods and Canadian Pacifico Seaweeds (CPS) are collaborating as part of a CAD 15.3 million (approx. $11.4 million) project to deliver a new line of plant-based seafood products.

François-Philippe Champagne, Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said: “This project, with the support of the federal government, is building capacity, leveraging partnerships and creating more jobs and economic growth, all while delivering in-demand products”.

Konscious Foods has incorporated CPS’s seaweed ingredients and Merit’s pea and canola proteins to develop more than 20 seafood alternative products.

Protein Industries Canada, which invested CAD 5.5 million (approx. $4.1 million) in the partnership, has enabled the project to advance at a quicker pace. A total of CAD 15.3 million has been committed, with the partners investing the remaining CAD 9.8 million (approx. $7.3 million).

The partnership’s focus is to create nutritious, sustainably sourced plant-based items that match the taste and texture of the products’ seafood counterparts.

CPS founder and CEO, Majid Hajibeigy, said: “At CPS, our mission is to convert raw seaweed materials into useful extracts and functional ingredients that can be readily used by a variety of sectors. Our oceans are chock-full of mineral compounds, and seaweeds are a natural, edible filter that readily absorbs these in-demand nutrients.”

Ryan Bracken, co-CEO of Merit Functional Foods, commented: “Our mission at Merit is to empower the next generation of plant-based foods and beverages. As such, we are excited to provide Konscious Foods with Merit plant proteins that deliver on functionality, taste and nutrition, to create plant-based seafood alternatives that exceed consumer expectations.”

Konscious Foods expects to roll the products out across North American markets in the grocery and foodservice channels.

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