Burcon NutraScience Corp (TSX:BU, NASDAQ:BRCN) announced that its joint venture (JV) company, Merit Functional Foods Corporation, has developed an innovation utilizing its non-genetically modified organism (GMO) Peazazz pea protein as part of a 100% protein-based clean label solution to replace methylcellulose, a synthetic ingredient widely used in food and meat alternative applications.
The developer of plant-based proteins for foods and beverages said Merit's Peazazz pea protein can now help drive clean label food and beverage applications.
“We are very pleased with Merit's latest innovative protein-based solution that has the potential to disrupt a $1.96 billion methylcellulose market,” Burcon NutraScience interim CEO Peter Kappel said in a statement.
READ: Burcon NutraScience partner Merit Functional Foods launches Peazazz C pea protein for foods and beverages
“Peazazz, derived from Burcon's proprietary technology, has superior functionality and high purity that provide unique opportunities within the food and beverage industries,” Kappel added.
Burcon noted that Merit's unique protein-based solution is expected to be suitable for replacing methylcellulose in applications such as plant-based burgers, hot dogs, sausages and more.
The company added that Merit is currently collaborating with brands looking to develop the next generation of clean label plant-based meat applications.
More information on Merit's clean label applications can be found on Merit's website here.
Burcon NutraScience is a global technology leader in the development of plant-based proteins for foods and beverages. With over two decades of experience formulating high-purity proteins that have superior functionality, taste and nutrition, Burcon has amassed a patent portfolio covering its plant-based proteins derived from peas, canola, soy, hemp, sunflower seeds, and other plant sources.
In 2019, Merit Foods was established between Burcon and three veteran food industry executives. Merit built a state-of-the-art protein production facility in Manitoba that is producing, under license from Burcon, best-in-class pea and canola proteins for the food and beverage industries.
Contact Sean at sean@proactiveinvestors.com