Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), a global leader in agricultural goods processing, has announced the construction of a new pea protein isolate production plant. The facility, part of LDC's Plant Proteins business, will be located at its existing industrial complex in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada. This development aligns with LDC's efforts to diversify its offerings and tap into the growing market for sustainable, plant-based protein alternatives.
Michael Gelchie, LDC’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company's commitment to addressing the demand for food, feed, and biofuels through integrated and expanding industrial centers in North America. He highlighted that this investment is a crucial component of LDC's global growth strategy, focusing on value-added products like high-quality plant-based proteins.
Slated for completion by the end of 2025, the new facility is designed to produce highly functional, taste-neutral, and nutritious pea protein ingredients suitable for a wide range of applications, including dairy alternatives and high-protein nutrition solutions. The plant will also enhance LDC's existing offerings of pea protein isolate and non-GMO soy isolate. The project is expected to create approximately 60 new jobs.
Thibaut Ferté, LDC’s Head of Plant Proteins, noted the increasing demand for pea protein, driven by its non-allergen and non-GMO properties, sustainability, and versatility in various food applications. LDC plans to leverage its expertise, value chain, and global asset footprint to address industry challenges with a superior product developed through proprietary technology at its R&D center in Livermore, California. The company also has ambitions to expand its protein range beyond pea and soy.
LDC will showcase product samples from its new plant at the 2024 Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. This expansion into pea protein production marks a significant step for LDC in meeting the evolving needs of consumers and industry, positioning the company at the forefront of the plant-based protein market.
