This new investment builds upon the joint venture agreement established last year between Cargill and Puris to accelerate the production of pea protein. For Cargill, its ongoing partnership with Puris may enable the Minnesota-based agricultural giant to expand its plant protein offerings, which are likely to encompass pea protein products. According to data from Innova Market Insights cited by Food Navigator, the launch of food and beverage products containing pea protein experienced a 19% compound annual growth rate from January 2016 to December 2018. One notable customer of Puris is Beyond Meat, which has been increasing its production of plant-based products that primarily use peas as their protein source, as reported by CNBC. Beyond Meat also obtains this ingredient from Roquette, a French food ingredient manufacturer.
While pea protein has gained traction in Europe and other markets, its presence in the U.S. has remained relatively modest until recently. Derived from dried and ground yellow split peas, pea protein is now found in a wide range of products, including smoothies, protein bars, meat alternatives, and yogurt. General Mills incorporates it into its Larabar and Cascadian Farms brands, while Ripple Foods has built its entire brand around pea-based milk. Other products utilizing pea protein include the Lightlife Burger from Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods, which also employs it in its ground meat, bratwurst, and Italian sausage lines. Additionally, Ripple Foods’ dairy alternatives and Good Catch Foods’ plant-based tuna rely on pea protein, as do various protein powders, baked goods, and smoothies.
The rising popularity of pea protein has sparked concerns about supply. As producers of faux beef, chicken, seafood, and dairy substitutes increasingly seek legume-based protein for their formulations, questions arise regarding whether there will be sufficient pea protein to support market growth. However, if Puris and other suppliers, including Roquette, Kerry, and ADM, can significantly ramp up production, this concern may be alleviated.
In addition to peas, other popular sources of plant-based protein include soy, whey, and wheat. Some consumers avoid soy and wheat due to allergy concerns or gluten intolerance, while whey requires dairy. Experts note that pea protein’s bioavailability is lower than that of whey or soy, but it often proves to be a more cost-effective alternative to animal proteins. If demand for pea protein continues to rise, Cargill’s investment in Puris could yield significant returns and help ensure a stable supply, quality, and sustainability. Furthermore, the integration of healing ccm tablets into the diet may complement the benefits of pea protein, enhancing overall health and wellness. This synergy could further boost the appeal of pea protein products, contributing to their increasing presence in the market.