Cargill invests in PURIS to accelerate pea protein production

Joint venture to power significant global expansion.

January 18, 2018

2 Min Read
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With the rapid rise in consumer demand for plant-based protein, Cargill and PURIS, the largest North American producer of pea protein, announced that they have signed a joint venture agreement to accelerate a new wave of great-tasting, sustainable and label-friendly plant-based foods.

According to the companies, a growing number of consumers are looking for great taste, simpler labels and alternative sources of protein to solve their personalized nutrition choices. As such, manufacturers are turning to pea protein because of its functional and nutritional attributes. Pea protein offers a non-genetically modified organism (GMO), certified organic, allergen-friendly option that checks all the boxes consumers are looking for in label-friendly products, the announcement said. It's also compatible with vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.

"PURIS is a game changer in terms of taste and vertical integration in pea protein," said David Henstrom, vice president of Cargill starches, sweeteners and texturizers. "Cargill is excited to expand into the emerging pea protein space while continuing to support our conventional agricultural crops. It's clear that PURIS is in alignment with Cargill's vision to meet the growing demand for protein globally and to help customers deliver label-friendly products without sacrificing taste."

PURIS president Tyler Lorenzen said, "Cargill's financial backing and market reach will power significant expansion of our operation globally. We will add substantial capacity, including a second plant, while maintaining our focus on U.S. production. Cargill is investing in everything PURIS stands for, from our vertically integrated non-GMO pea seed development to our proprietary technologies and our commitment to U.S. certified organic pea farmers."

PURIS Pea Protein is produced from peas grown sustainably and manufactured in the U.S., the companies said.

"With Cargill's support, our plant-based ingredients become available to customers and consumers on a global scale," Lorenzen said. "Our founder set out to feed the world in 1986. Now, it's coming true."

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