Carman, MB – January 19, 2017 – Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG) is excited to announce that Roquette, a global leader in plant-based food ingredients, will be investing more than $400-million in the pulse industry by building a pea-protein manufacturing facility in Portage la Prairie, Man.
The company, which has locations in more than 100 countries, made the announcement in Winnipeg on January 18, Global Pulse Day. Roquette’s investment seeks to address growing customer demand for plant-based proteins in North America and globally.
Once running, the plant is expected to employ 150 people, a large number of which the company intends to recruit locally.
“Roquette’s announcement is great for pea growers in Manitoba and Canada,” said Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers Executive Director Francois Labelle. “A strong local market is very important to our farmers. In addition, this new facility will bring advanced processing to the crop sector. Instead of exporting the crop to be processed, we are gaining good jobs and processing the peas right here in our province before they move to world markets. This is great for Manitoba. MPSG looks forward to working with Roquette in growing pea acres in Manitoba in order to meet the needs of this facility.”
Canada is the world’s largest producer of peas, representing about 30 per cent of global supply. Roquette chose to invest its dollars in Manitoba, praising the province for its “well-educated and professional workforce, strong logistic infrastructure and reliable, competitive and sustainable hydroelectric energy,” according to a press release the company published January 18.
“This new investment in Manitoba marks a key step in reinforcing Roquette’s leadership position in offering high value plant-based ingredients around the world,” said Edouard Roquette, chairman of the company. “The new plant, which will be the largest dedicated to pea protein processing in the world to date, will support the future of Manitoba’s agriculture industry and help address the growing global demand for innovative Food, Nutrition and Health products and solutions.”
Demand for plant proteins is growing. And the production of pea protein is especially attractive as the process is environmentally friendly. The product itself is a strong source of protein that has many applications in the health food market. It’s good for you, and it’s versatile.
“We are pleased to welcome this historic partnership with Roquette, which will result in an unparalleled investment in Manitoba’s food processing and agricultural industries,” said Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister. “This new facility will create jobs and establish stronger markets for Canadian farmers while benefiting our province’s economy for decades to come. It also demonstrates to Canada and to the world that our province is open for business and ready to compete for investments in agricultural production and innovation.”
About MPSG
The Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG) is a non-profit, member-based corporation representing more than 3,500 farmers in Manitoba who grow pulses, including edible beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, faba beans, and soybeans. MPSG provides Manitoba pulse grower members with production knowledge and market development support, through focused research, advocacy, and linkages with industry partners.
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For more information, please contact:
Toban Dyck
Director of Communications
204-227-8875
toban@manitobapulse.ca
Francois Labelle, PAg
Executive Director
204-745-6488 (ext 2)
francois@manitobapulse.ca