Massive new Manitoba facility to feed demand for pea protein – Winnipeg

A pea-processing operation in Manitoba will quickly be supplying its protein to a few of the hottest plant-based merchandise in shops.

The French firm Roquette mentioned its $600-million Portage la Prairie, Man., facility is the most important of its sort on the planet.

Roquette already has a web site in Vic-sur-Aisne, France, which at the moment offers pea protein to plant-based producer Past Meat and different corporations that produce meat, fish and dairy options.

Joe Orangis, who oversees upkeep on the Canadian plant, mentioned about 125,000 metric tonnes of natural and traditional yellow peas are anticipated to be processed from growers throughout Western Canada every year.

“We do about 9 to 12 vehicles of uncooked pea per day,” he mentioned.

Organis has been on the plant for the reason that early days of its development, which broke floor in 2017.

He mentioned he’s excited to be working with state-of-the-art gear that the corporate doesn’t enable photos or video of.

“Very, very proprietary gear, very, very high-end and high-tech,” Orangis mentioned. “The automated system is one thing I’ve by no means seen earlier than.”

The ability has 200,000 sq. ft of constructed house on a 200-acre parcel of land and has halal, natural and kosher certification.

Radhika Kapoor, who works on the on-site microbiology lab, moved from India for the job final 12 months.

The microbiologist mentioned pea protein is rising in recognition.

“I might say the longer term is all of the pea protein,” Kapoor mentioned. “Individuals are extra well being acutely aware now so it is a excellent possibility for them.”

Roquette mentioned it selected the Manitoba location due to its location, entry to hydroelectric energy and availability of expert employees.

The corporate is aiming to have pea protein out there in November for sampling, whereas the plant is anticipated to achieve full manufacturing capability in early 2022.