Protein Industries Canada initiative to help Canadian plant-based companies enter Asia-Pacific

Protein Industries Canada launches new program to help Canadian companies accelerate entry into the fast-growing Asia-Pacific market in partnership with Singapore-based Nurasa, which specializes in sustainable nutrition development.

The Asia Pacific Market Entry Program will support Canadian plant-based ingredient and food companies in preparing their products for launch in Singapore and across the broader Asia-Pacific region. The program will accelerate market entry by offering tailored market insights, product development and formulation support, and access to Nurasa’s facilities and network of commercialization partners.

Nurasa plays a pivotal role in the program’s implementation, offering technical and product development capabilities alongside deep regional market knowledge and access to a growing commercial network across Asia. As a strategic partner, Nurasa will support participating companies localize their offerings, navigate regulatory requirements, and test market-fit in Singapore and beyond.

“The Asia-Pacific region represents a significant opportunity for Canadian plant-based ingredient and food companies,” said Robert Hunter, CEO, Protein Industries Canada. “Through this partnership, we’re removing key barriers to market entry, helping Canadian businesses diversify their export markets and scale internationally, bringing us one step closer to achieving the full potential of our $25-billion plant-based sector.”

The Asia Pacific Market Entry Program has three modules available to companies, with varied outcomes to meet Canadian agri-food companies where they are in terms of product development and export readiness.

“Nurasa’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of accessible and affordable food innovation across Asia and beyond, in collaboration with our partners. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to driving large-scale innovation and commercialization. By combining Canada’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and plant-based ingredient expertise with Singapore’s strategic role as a gateway to Asia, we are proud to co-develop solutions that overcome market-entry barriers and delight consumers throughout the region. This is more than a partnership—it’s a catalyst for scale, transformation toward a sustainable future, and shared food security,” said Xiuling Guo, CEO, Nurasa.

The program is currently open for project intakes until Oct. 15, 2025, with the program running until July 2027. For more information or to apply, click here. Asia-based companies interested in sourcing or collaborating with Canadian food and ingredient companies may email apacmarketentry@nurasa.com. A total of $1million has been invested into the program.