Ingredion, Westchester, Ill., announced that it will further expand its manufacturing and production capabilities in Vanscoy, Saskatchewan, by increasing its investment in Verdient Foods Inc. As part of this investment, Ingredion said it has begun construction on a new manufacturing facility to produce specialty pulse-based protein ingredients. The new facility, which is expected to be operational in the second half of 2020, significantly increases the company’s food processing capabilities to meet the growing consumer demand for plant-based proteins.

“We’ve advanced our specialties strategy to capitalize on the trends shaping the food industry,” said Ingredion’s president and CEO, Jim Zallie. “Our latest investment will significantly expand our product portfolio to provide more innovative solutions to our customers, which will enable future growth. Ingredion and Verdient also share a common vision that sustainable and trusted sourcing will play an important role in the future of consumer-preferred plant-based proteins.”

In December 2018, Ingredion entered into a joint venture with Verdient Foods Inc. Ingredion said it will increase its investment in plant-based proteins to $185 million from $140 million by fourth quarter 2020.

“By combining our expertise in product formulation with Verdient’s high-quality Canadian-sourced pulses, we are uniquely positioned to be a reliable source supporting manufacturers as they create great-tasting and affordable plant-based proteins for food and beverages,” said Igor Playner, vice president of plant-based proteins at Ingredion.