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Canada to invest $100-million in plant-based food industry.

By
Olivier Felicio
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0

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just announced additional support for the plant-based food industry in Canada. The company Merit Functional Foods will see an investment of almost $100-million in their Winnipeg facility.

“As people around the world start eating more plant-based food products, we have an opportunity to bring together innovation in Canada and Canadian crops, and a chance to create good, well-paying jobs,” Justin Trudeau said. “Today, I can announce that our government is contributing almost $100-million for the new Merit Functional Foods location in Winnipeg. This facility will be a world leader in plant-based proteins and will create good jobs in a fast-growing field. And by using 100 percent Canadian inputs, we will also support the farmers who produce canola and yellow peas used in Merit’s products. Standing up for hard-working farmers, creating good jobs, setting up Canada for success on the world stage — these are things that our government will always get behind.”

In terms of funding, the government will provide:

  • A $10M repayable contribution from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInnovate Program;
  • $25M in debt financing from Farm Credit Canada;
  • $55M in debt financing from Export Development Canada (EDC); and
  • $9.2M from the Protein Industries Canada supercluster.

“This project is yet another great example of how collaboration is helping Canada further solidify its reputation as a global leader in plant proteins,” said Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Navdeep Bains. “Our co-investment with the Protein Industries supercluster has helped Merit commercialize a new processing technology that will give Canadians and export markets better-tasting plant-based protein alternatives.”

The Protein Industries Canada supercluster is an industry-led nonprofit that was created with government and private support to position Canada as a global leader in the plant protein industry. According to its website, this global market is expected to reach $14.8B by 2023 and human consumption of this type of protein is projected to nearly double in the next five years.

Health Canada refused Canada RNA Biochemical Inc’ s application and reassessment for BOLUOKE.

By
Olivier Felicio
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0

An application for a product licence must include information regarding each medicinal ingredient and the recommended conditions of use. It also requires evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the NHP when it is used in accordance with such conditions. Health Canada’s Guidance sets out the minimum criteria for evidence required for applications relating to NHPs like BOLUOKE that make “modern health claims”.

Lumbrokinase is an enzyme complex derived from earthworms that can enhance the breakdown of blood clots, i.e. it has “fibrinolytic” properties. C-RNA sought to label BOLUOKE for its ability to “reduce blood viscosity” and “improve circulation”. As evidence of safety and efficacy, C-RNA filed information on the longstanding use of earthworms in Traditional Chinese Medicine, research and clinical studies, and the approval and safety record of BOLUOKE in other countries. BOLUOKE was considered to be a high level of risk product under Health Canada’s Guidance. Health Canada found C-RNA’s evidence did not satisfy concerns relating to a potential risk of internal bleeding because it did not adequately demonstrate safety in healthy populations – a particular concern in the non-prescription context of NHPs. Health Canada refused C‑RNA’s application and upheld that refusal on a reassessment.

C-RNA argued Health Canada misinterpreted the NHP Regulations by introducing terms and requirements not found in the regulations, namely: the need to demonstrate safety in a “healthy population”, reference to “over-the-counter” and “self-care” as the model for use of NHPs, and a requirement that the “benefits” of BOLUOKE outweigh its “risks”. However, McHaffie J. of the Federal Court, applying the reasonableness standard of review, rejected all of these arguments.

C-RNA also argued Health Canada acted unreasonably in its assessment of BOLUOKE by treating it as a “high risk” product, applying too high a standard for evidence of safety, refusing to license BOLUOKE when licences had been issued for other oral fibrinolytic enzyme products, failing to accept the potential for mitigation of safety risks, and ignoring evidence favouring a finding that BOLUOKE is safe. Justice McHaffie again rejected all of these arguments, holding that the refusal of C-RNA’s application was reasonable, noting it is not the Court’s function to stand as a scientific review panel to second-guess the decision.

Finally, C-RNA argued that the refusal was procedurally unfair, relying on numerous aspects of the review. While McHaffie J. acknowledged the process was lengthy and the reconsideration did not follow a standard form, he was satisfied that the process was fair having regard to the circumstances. C-RNA may appeal as of right.

Source: Smart & Biggar LLP and Smart & Biggar IP Agency Co

 

Organic Garage Reports First Quarter Results.

By
Olivier Felicio
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0
Organic Garage announces rebranding and brand-new Toronto location

One of Canada’s leading independent organic grocers has released the Company’s financial results for the first quarter ended April 30, 2020, and is pleased to announce an increase in sales, gross profit and positive earnings per share for the quarter. The Company has a Fiscal Year-End of January 31.

“Clearly Q1 presented certain operational challenges related to COVID-19,” Organic Garage CEO Matt Lurie stated. “However, the Company was extremely pleased with how management and staff embraced the challenges to keep our customers and staff safe and healthy, while at the same time continuing to provide the products and services in which Organic Garage takes such great pride.”

The interim condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements for the Company including the operating company and all subsidiaries and related management’s discussion and analysis for the period are available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars.

Q1 Financial Results (comparison to the quarter ended April 30, 2019):

– Sales increased 19% to $8.0 million from $6.7 million

– Gross profit percentage increased to 30.6% from 29.4%

– Gross profit dollars increased 24% to $2.4 million from $2.0 million

– Net income of $0.01 per share compared to a net loss of $0.01 per share

– EBITDA increased 157% to $1.2 million from $0.4 million

Cash balance: Increased to $1.2 million as compared to $0.2 million as of January 31, 2020.

Net Income: The Company had a net income of $189,403 for the quarter ended April 30, 2020, compared to a loss of $241,950 for the quarter ended April 30, 2019. The increase in net income was due to strong sales of $7,952,876, gross margin of $2,433,910 and total expenses of $2,245,073. As a percentage of sales, total expenses decreased to 28.2% during the quarter ended April 30, 2020, from 33.1% in the quarter ended April 30, 2019.

Q1 Operational Highlights:

Management continues to effect change and see positive results through its implementation of new strategies to contain and reduce corporate expenses and improve efficiency.

The Company has experienced significant growth in online sales through Cornershop, increasing to 6.6% of overall sales in April, up from 3.5% of overall sales in March and up from 1.3% of overall sales in February 2020.

The Company also announced the implementation of the following measures to ensure the safety and satisfaction of both its customers and employees in response to COVID-19:

– Implemented a “Curbside Pickup” option at its Oakville and Thornhill stores.

– Enhanced health and safety, cleaning and sanitization protocols, installed equipment such as plexiglass dividers on front cash and features such as floor markings at checkout and throughout every store to encourage responsible social distancing.

– Increased hourly wages for all team members in the Company.

Matt Lurie“We are cognizant of the ongoing challenges faced by the Company regarding COVID-19 and will remain focused on prioritizing the safety of our community. We are confident that management and staff will do whatever we can in order to provide our customers with safe shopping experiences,” continued Matt Lurie. “Subsequent to quarter-end, the Company has continued to experience an increase of in-store and online sales as consumers continue to shift their purchasing trends and Organic Garage expands its customer base.”

Bravo, Natural Grocers for opening new location.

By
Olivier Felicio
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0

On June 10th ensure residents have access to a large range of fresh 100-percent organic produce, nutritious groceries, dietary supplements, and everyday household essentials—all at affordable prices. Opening day will kick off from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. with an hour reserved exclusively for seniors (ages 60 and older), pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. All are invited to shop starting after 9:00 a.m., per Natural Grocers’ current COVID-19 guidelines.

Although Natural Grocers has postponed Cedar City’s Grand Opening celebration for the safety of its customers and good4u CrewSM during the COVID-19 pandemic, the store will feature Grand Opening specials from June 10 through June 30. These include celebratory discounts1 on organic produce, meat, and staple items, such as bacon and bacon alternatives, organic strawberries, organic peaches, organic watermelon, organic blackberries, GT’s Kombucha, organic Natural Grocers Brand rolled oats, and Mary’s non-GMO chicken.

As the nation’s largest family-operated natural and organic grocery retailer, serving customers since 1955, Natural Grocers brings a unique grocery shopping experience to Cedar City, including its impeccable product standards, world-class customer service, sustainable building practices, and neighborhood outreach through Nutrition Education, and its partnership with Cedar City’s local food bank, Iron County Care and Share. As a company that’s always conscious of its environmental footprint, the store includes energy-saving innovations and non-toxic building materials throughout.

Residents of Cedar City and the surrounding communities will find 100-percent organic produce, 100-percent humanely and sustainably raised meats, 100-percent free-range eggs, and 100-percent pasture-based dairy at their new Natural Grocers store. The prepackaged bulk selections are 100-percent non-GMO with many organic options and the company’s grocery product standards prohibit hydrogenated oils and artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Natural Grocers’ Always Affordable pricing and special discounts through {N}power, its free rewards program, ensure that the highest quality groceries are accessible for everyone.

The store will have a Nutritional Health Coach (NHC) on staff whose services are free of charge to the community. Natural Grocers’ highly educated NHCs support customers’ health and wellness journeys with free, one-on-one health coaching sessions, which will be available via phone after the completion of Natural Grocers’ extensive NHC training program.  Cedar City’s NHC will also host in-store nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations, once that training is complete and gatherings are deemed safe again.

Residents of Cedar City and its surrounding communities can enjoy a clean and safe-as-possible shopping and working environment at the Cedar City location, due to the COVID-19-related policies and guidelines in place at all Natural Grocers stores. The new store will open with modified store hours as follows: Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.; Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:35 p.m. Additionally, there will be two weekly shopping hours exclusively for seniors (ages 60 and older), pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical conditions: Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

“We know that Cedar City has been looking for access to a larger variety of natural and organic foods closer to home and we are thrilled to be able to provide that access. It’s an honor to continue the mission defined in our Five Founding Principles, by bringing 100-percent organic produce and healthy groceries to this community at our Always Affordable prices,” said Kemper Isely, Natural Grocers Co-President.

UNFI Extends Partnership With National Co+op Grocers

By
Olivier Felicio
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0
UNFI cuts cap-ex

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) is the primary grocery wholesaler and national distributor for National Co+op Grocers (NCG)-affiliated retail food co-ops, and a new long-term supply agreement extension has expanded this relationship.

NCG and UNFI will focus on numerous business development initiatives resulting from UNFI’s expanded offering, providing NCG’s 147 member co-ops access to more than 250,000 SKUs of natural, organic, conventional, specialty, bulk and wellness products, including the addition of UNFI’s Brands+ private label portfolio.

“NCG is one of the most distinguished purchasing co-ops in the nation, and our team has taken great pride in helping optimize operational efficiencies and purchasing power for NCG member co-ops while providing top-quality customer service,” said Chris Testa, UNFI’s president and chief marketing officer. “We have a strong history and relationship with NCG and are thrilled they are part of our UNFI customer family. We look forward to helping them be even better positioned for future growth.”

Plant-based bottles could save the planet from 300 million tons of plastic we inject in nature every year.

By
Olivier Felicio
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0
Pollution of Plastic and litter material on sand beach

On supermarket shelves by 2023 “all-plant” bottles. Avantium a biochemicals company in the Netherlands hopes to turn sustainably-grown crops such as plant sugars rather than fossil fuels into plastic in partnership with major beverage makers in the like of beer-maker Carlsberg.

By the end of 2020, despite of Covid-19 slowdown Avantium’s chief executive Tom van Aken, hopes to wrap up investments for their world-leading bioplastics plant.

Toxic plastic waste floating underwater in the ocean, water pollution and environmental damage.

Globally around 300 million tonnes of plastic are made from fossil fuels each year, which is a major contributor to the climate predicament and contributes to the scourge of microplastics in the oceans. Microplastics can take hundreds of years to decompose completely.

Avantium’s plant plastic is designed to be resilient enough to contain carbonate drinks. Trials have shown that plant-based plastic would decompose in one year using a composter, and a few years longer if left in nature. Preferably, it should be recycled, said Van Aken.

The path-finder project will initially make a modest 5,000 tonnes of plastic every year using sugars from corn, wheat or beets. However, Avantium expects its production to grow as demand for renewable plastics climbs.

 

 

 

Mota Ventures takeover of Manufacturer of Natural Psilocybin Extracts

By
Olivier Felicio
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0

Mota Venture a leading e-commerce provider of CBD products to consumers in the United States and Europe, is pleased to announce the completion of its’ Cdn$20,000,000 acquisition (the “Transaction“) of all of the outstanding share capital of Verrian Ontario Ltd. (“Verrian“) effective June 1, 2020. Verrian is an established and well advanced European psychedelic medicine company that is focused on delivering and developing products related to addiction reduction, with a focus on alcohol and opiates.

Ryan Hoggan, CEO of the Company stated, “The massive shift towards psychedelic derived medicines is no longer in doubt and this acquisition sends a strong signal to the market that Mota Ventures intends to be a serious participant this coming decade. Unlike some companies that use psychedelics as a marketing term, this acquisition of Verrian brings Mota market-ready products, world-renowned addiction medicine experts, R&D facilities and a 110,000 square foot facility to make it happen. In my opinion, this is the most complete psychedelic asset on the market, and therefore should immediately make Mota a market leader in the space.”

Hoggan further added, “In 2020, we have proven our e-commerce ability to acquire tens of thousands of customers and generate millions of dollars in monthly revenues from CBD sales. We intend to bring that same market expertise to bear with our psychedelics business in 2020 and far beyond.”

ACQUISITION PROVIDES MOTA WITH IMMEDIATE ENTRY INTO FAST GROWING $100 BILLION PSYCHEDELICS INDUSTRY

The market for psychedelic derived medicines and therapies is estimated to be as high as USD$100 Billion*. Over the past decade, growing societal awareness and acceptance of mental disorders and addiction as real diseases has accelerated the push for new and innovative treatments using psychedelics, including psilocybin.

As a result, psychedelic research published back in the 50s and 60s has resurfaced and once again highlighted their curative properties. Moreover, the recent legalization of Cannabis in Canada, as well as, across 33 US states for medicinal purposes, has significantly mitigated any stigma, leading to accelerated interest and investment in the psychedelics industry.

Verrian has already developed two psilocybin products that are natural psilocybin extracts, from organically cultivated mushrooms, combined with metabolism-enhancing natural herbs. This is only the beginning with further products in various stages of development.

ESTABLISHED EUROPEAN PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINE COMPANY

Verrian owns and operates a 110,000 square foot pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Radebuel, Germany. Operations within this full suite pharmaceutical manufacturing site include analytical laboratory and finished dose manufacturing, which exceeds all international quality standards. The facility and equipment of Verrian have been independently appraised at Cdn$10,600,000 and include an analytical laboratory and full pharmaceutical manufacturing suite.

Verrian operates three distinct business segments:

  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – A portfolio of medical & wellness products
  • Phyto API – API creation from medical plants
  • Analytical Testing – European Medicine Agency Standards

PRODUCTS FOCUSED ON OPIATE ADDICTION REDUCTION

Verrian’s singular focus is to rewiring the mind to overcome addiction through natural medicine. Specifically, the micro-dosing of psilocybin demonstrates the potential to remove the dopamine reward of addictive substances, potentially diminishing the desire for addictive substances, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for the addictive substance.

To date, Verrian has developed two psilocybin products: PSI GEN and PSI GEN+. These Psilocybin products are focused on opiate addiction reduction. As natural psilocybin extracts, from organically cultivated mushrooms, combined with metabolism-enhancing natural herbs, they are ideal for individuals commencing micro-dosing and capable of being combined with additional anti-addiction therapies.

All of Verrian’s compounds are derived from organic, glyphosate free naturally occurring plants, grown specifically for its own purposes.

Motif FoodWorks Announces Collaboration Aiming to Improve Fat Performance in Plant-based Foods

By
Olivier Felicio
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0
Vegan Buckwheat plant based milk in bottles, closeup, brown background. Non dairy alternative milk. Healthy vegetarian food and drink concept. Copy space

Motif FoodWorks, the ingredient innovation company making plant-based food better tasting and more nutritious, announced an exclusive research collaboration and license option with the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, and Dr. Alejandro Marangoni, Tier I Canada Research Chair in Food, Health and Aging at Guelph and founder of Coasun, Inc. Under this collaboration, Motif will evaluate novel technologies for formulating lipids and fibre-forming ingredients in plant-based meats and dairy products that have the potential to enable unprecedented taste and texture improvements in these fast-growing categories.

Food producers have historically relied on existing ingredients such as coconut oil to replicate the sensory experience of animal-derived fats, but current solutions don’t taste, cook, or interact with other ingredients like animal fats do. Faithfully recreating the attributes of animal fat has been a missing link for plant-based food developers. Motif FoodWorks and its collaborators are working to close major gaps in taste, texture, and appearance that are critical to the creation of plant-based foods that consumers actually crave.

Over a 12-month period, Motif will assess a set of promising technologies that aim to improve animal-free fats to make consumer favourites like plant-based burgers, sausages and cheese more delicious, including:

  • Replacing saturated fat with an animal-free emulsion system that exhibits the physical properties of saturated fat at room temperature;
  • Replicating critical animal fat structures, such as the pockets of fat in meat products that produce marbling;
  • And improving the texture of plant-based cheeses, to be more meltable and elastic.

Under the exclusive evaluation period with the University of Guelph and Marangoni, Motif can exercise options to acquire or license these technologies.

The effort will be led by Stefan Baier, Motif’s Head of Food Science, and Dilek Uzunalioglu, Motif’s Head of Applications, who will evaluate the performance of these technologies across various food forms, including plant-based meat and cheese.

“Creating the right kind of fat structures in plant-based foods is one of the most significant — and exciting — challenges in the category because fat plays such a critical role in what makes some of our favourite food experiences so satisfying,” said Mike Leonard, CTO at Motif FoodWorks. “In our work with Marangoni and the University of Guelph, we will evaluate technologies with the potential to serve as critical new building blocks in plant-based food design.”

“Understanding how to properly structure fat in plant-based food is mission-critical for the food industry,” said Marangoni. “We are excited to work alongside Motif to determine how some of the newest and most exciting technologies will work in new food products to improve the sensory experience of plant-based meat and dairy on a broader scale.”

This new collaboration reflects Motif’s holistic approach to ingredient innovation, combining science, technology, and proprietary insights in new ways to unravel food’s secrets. The evaluation of these exciting new fat technologies will help Motif further its mission to make plant-based foods better tasting, more nutritious, and crave-able — creating new options that benefit consumers and the planet.

Plant-based foods outpace total food sales during pandemic, PBFA and SPINS data shows 26-May-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup New data from the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and SPINS shows that US retail sales of plant-based meat, cheese, tofu, and tempeh outpaced total food retail sales for the 16 weeks ending April 19, 2020.

By
Olivier Felicio
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0
Food for Thrive diet

New data from the Plant-Based Foods Association (PBFA) and SPINS shows that US retail sales of plant-based meat, cheese, tofu, and tempeh outpaced total food retail sales for the 16 weeks ending April 19, 2020.

 

The plant-based foods industry is seeing tremendous growth in the United States, with sales up 20% in dollar sales since last year. According to data PBFA commissioned from Nielsen, a leading retail data company, plant-based food sales topped $3.3 billion over the past year.

Since PBFA released Nielsen retail sales data last year, the growth of plant-based sales has more than doubled.

This growth is significant, especially compared to the sales of all foods, which grew just 2%, so plant-based foods dollar sales are outpacing dollar sales of all retail foods by 10X.

Plant-based dairy alternatives are an explosive-growing category, with 50% growth. This category includes plant-based cheeses, creamers, butter, yogurts, and ice creams (but not plant-based milk). Plant-based milk now represents 15% of the total milk market.

The plant-based food industry is booming. This is exciting news for a growing industry and the millions of consumers who are enjoying the wide variety of great-tasting plant-based foods. And these foods are not just for vegetarians or vegans anymore; now mainstream consumers are also enjoying these delicious and innovative options.

In particular, sales of three plant-based dairy alternatives are growing at particularly very rates:

  • Plant-based cheeses grew an impressive 43%, with $124 million in sales.
  • Plant-based yogurts grew 55% with sales at $162 million.
  • Plant-based creamers grew at an incredible 131% over last year.

Allergies or COVID-19: How to Tell the Difference?

By
Olivier Felicio
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0
Side view of worried and tired doctor sitting on floor in hospital, corona virus concept.

There’s nothing unusual about suffering from seasonal allergies this time of year.  That is, there never used to be – until COVID-19 came along.

Now, what’s making this allergy season out-of-the-ordinary is that some allergy symptoms overlap with symptoms of COVID-19.

The Public Health Agency of Canada lists cough, fever and difficulty breathing among the most common symptoms of the coronavirus. Symptoms can also include sore throat, tiredness, headache, chills, aches and pains, and decreased sense of smell, among others.

Meanwhile, people experiencing common seasonal allergy can have similar symptoms.

So, how can you tell the difference, and when should you consult a healthcare professional?

“Because allergies and COVID-19 can present in similar ways, it’s a good idea to have the facts and be extra cautious to make sure what you’re experiencing is nothing more than allergies,” said Billy Cheung, Executive Director, Pharmacy, Marketing & Professional Affairs of Pharmasave Ontario.

According to Pharmasave, here are key differentiating factors between seasonal allergies and COVID-19:

  • Fever: A fever, and associated symptoms such as chills, are not usually typical of seasonal allergies, so may point to an infection.
  • Itchiness: If your eyes, nose or throat are feeling itchy, especially after you’ve been outside, chances are you’re experiencing seasonal allergies.
  • Nasal congestion: Common among seasonal allergy sufferers, nasal congestion is not a typical symptom of COVID-19, even among those who report decreased sense of smell.
  • Sneezing: Another common seasonal allergy symptom, sneezing is generally not associated with the coronavirus.

 

“Because every case is different, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about your diagnosis, and your pharmacist is a good place to start,” Cheung said, adding that pharmacists can also offer advice and treatment to curb seasonal allergies.

Pharmasave has also launched a one-stop COVID-19 information portal at www.pharmasave.com, where the public can find all the information they need about COVID-19, including links to COVID-19 self-assessment tools that can help you assess if you’re experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or potentially seasonal allergies.

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