Burcon NutraScience Corp (TSX:BU) has announced that its joint venture company, Merit Functional Foods Corporation has launched its first US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Organic protein ingredient, Organic Peazazz C 850.
The developer of plant-based proteins for foods and beverages said organic pea protein ingredients are currently in high demand and in short supply. Merit's new non-GMO (genetically modified organism) pea protein provides an excellent opportunity to meet the growing need for plant-based organic nutrition, the company noted.
"Merit's high-value organic pea protein, Peazazz C 850, was specifically developed by Burcon to support the growing need for healthy plant-based clinical nutrition,” Burcon CEO Kip Underwood said in a statement.
"Consumers expect more from plant-based products and proteins derived from Burcon's proprietary platform offer exceptional taste and texture while providing a much-needed nutritional boost,” he added.
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With a purity level of over 85% protein and a neutral flavor profile, Burcon said Merit's organic pea protein offers high-quality sustainable nutrition and is ideally suited for applications such as ready-to-drink beverages, ready-to-mix protein powders, protein bars, dairy alternative products and more.
It also features unmatched purity and high solubility with excellent taste and texture, it added.
"Merit's new organic pea protein can help CPG (consumer packaged goods) companies meet consumers' increasing demands for healthy, sustainable food products," Underwood said.
Food industry sustainability
Burcon explained that organic crops are grown and processed in alignment with guidelines for soil quality, pest and weed control, additive use, and more. They are often linked with ecological balance and biodiversity, key drivers in the sustainability movement in the food industry.
"Organic protein is undoubtedly more laborious, as it requires stricter growing processes, stringent regulations, and unique filtration processes to get it right," noted Merit co-CEO Ryan Bracken.
"For that reason, Certified Organic options are scarce in the market with limited availability. But because of the consumer demand for alternative protein sources, we have put in the work to make organic pea protein scalable, accessible, and the highest quality to meet this growing market. Our unique membrane filtration process makes this premium option possible, meaning that now, organic protein tastes and functions better than ever before," he added.
Burcon NutraScience is a global technology leader in the development of plant-based proteins for foods and beverages and holds a 31.6% stake in Merit Foods.
Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com