EN FR

Developing new markets for lupin in Canada & the UK

Technology
Technology Leadership PRIORITY

Crops; Ingredients; Products

PROJECT TIMELINE
June 2024 to March 2026
PROJECT STATUS
Fund II: Complete
TOTAL INVESTMENT
$318,831

Consortium Contribution
$175,357

Cluster Contribution
$143,474

Partners

Canada
Lupin Platform Inc.

UK
BioPower Technologies Ltd., UK Agri-Tech Centre Ltd., Soya UK Ltd., The University of Leeds

Goal

To improve agronomy traits, functionality in ingredients, and application of these ingredients into North American and European food products using new white lupin variety Dieta & Barvinock.

Project Summary

Soya UK is supplying the pre-basic seed genetics to Lupin Platform to test in Canadian growing conditions through agronomic and commercial field trials. Subsequently,

Lupin Platform is processing the harvested lupin grains and turning them into ingredients, such as flour and protein.

These ingredients are undergoing various analyses by The University of Leeds and UK Agri-Tech Centre to generate nutritional and sensory data.

BioPower Technologies is developing and commercializing the ingredients into lupin-based food products for consumers, while Lupin Platform works to drive sales of the ingredients and food products.

Results and Impact

  • Throughout the project, several agronomy trials were conducted in each Canada and the UK, testing the viability of growing lupin in each region. These tests were successful, proving lupin has potential as a marketable crop for both Canadian and UK growers—particularly white lupin in Manitoba and blue lupin in Alberta.
  • Lupin Platform improved its processing methods throughout the project, further developing lupin protein ingredients through dehulling milling and flour heat treatments. These ingredients show great potential in various products, including coffee, hummus, tempeh and yogurt, helping meet the growing demand for wider high-protein food options.
  • The project as a whole helped prove Canada’s potential to supply the United Kingdom with a highly functional, unique ingredient—strengthening our country’s market competitiveness and trade relationships.

Related reading