Canada, UK companies team up to advance plant-based pet food development

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN and LONDON — A new project by Liven Proteins and ALT-PRO Advantage, formerly HOPE Pet Food, has received an investment from Protein Industries Canada (PIC) and Innovate-UK as part of an effort to advance the development and commercialization of plant-based ingredients in Canada and the United Kingdom. 

Based in Toronto, Liven Proteins develops animal-free protein ingredients for plant-based human and animal foods. Also based in Toronto, ALT-PRO specializes in hypoallergenic, plant-friendly dog foods and treats leveraging alternative proteins. These two companies will partner with UK plant-based companies New Wave Biotech Ltd. and Formidable Foods Ltd. to help enhance plant-based human food and pet food products.

PIC has contributed $851,723.55 to the project, which currently has a total investment of $1.04 million. 

“Bilateral relationships such as this one are helping advance the development and commercialization of plant-based ingredients and foods that benefit us all,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry. “Innovative projects like these are helping strengthen Canada’s supply chains while expanding Canada’s plant-based food sector.” 

Stella Peace, Ph.D., interim executive chair and executive director for the Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK, added, “These UK-Canada collaborative R&D projects highlight the power of international partnerships in driving forward innovation in the plant-based protein sector. They open up promising export opportunities for the United Kingdom, fostering economic growth, while simultaneously responding to global consumer demands for sustainable and nutritious food options.

“By addressing key challenges such as food security, sustainability and public health, these innovations will contribute to a healthier population and a healthier planet, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in making life better,” she said.

Liven and ALT-PRO’s project will specifically focus on the integration of animal-free collagen in plant-based foods. The companies will provide New Wave Biotech and Formidable Foods’ brand Juicy Marbles ingredient solutions to improve plant-based meat analogues and pet nutrition products. Juicy Marbles will test Liven’s animal-free collagen and provide the company with details on the ingredient’s performance in meat alternatives. Based on this, Liven will then enhance its ingredients, specifically focusing on molecular and process improvements, and New Wave Biotech will assist the company.

Additionally, ALT-PRO will develop and commercialize a new plant-based line of pet foods. Liven will supply its animal-free collagen to ALT-PRO to be tested and used in ALT-PRO’s new dog chew product. 

“Liven’s goal through ingredient innovation has always been to help sustainable protein brands in creating healthier, tastier products,” said Fei Luo, chief executive officer of Liven. “We’re excited to collaborate with Canadian and UK brands to test our animal-free collagen ingredients in both human and pet food products. This partnership will enable further improvement and validation of our solutions and support our innovative partners in bringing exciting whole-cut meat alternatives and enhanced pet nutrition options to the market.”

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