Protein Industries Canada invests $486k in upcycling beer byproduct as high-value ingredient
Talking Points
Protein Industries Canada has launched a project to upcycle brewers spent grain (BSG) from Great Western Brewing Company into high-value ingredients. Terra Bioindustries will utilize proprietary technology to convert BSG into Terra Malt, a multifunctional barley syrup.
Key facts include:
- The project aims to enhance Canada’s food production capacity and strengthen the domestic supply chain.
- Terra Malt will be used in a non-alcoholic beer, reducing alcohol production and transportation emissions.
- A total investment of $1.1 million includes $486,000 from Protein Industries Canada.
This initiative not only promotes sustainability by minimizing waste but also supports local economies and job creation in the brewing industry.
Protein Industries Canada launches a new project designed to transform a food-safe byproduct of beer production into high-value ingredients through upcycling.
Terra Bioindustries will leverage their proprietary technology to convert Great Western Brewing Company’s brewers spent grain (BSG) into Terra Malt, a multifunctional barley syrup.
“This project is a strong example of how Canada can make more food here, creating more value from the crops and co-products we already produce,” Protein Industries Canada CEO Tyler Groeneveld said. “By transforming BSG into innovative, low-carbon ingredients, Terra and GWBC are helping strengthen our domestic supply chain, expand food production, and demonstrate what it means to make it here. That is exactly the kind of innovation that will grow Canada’s food production capacity, while creating new economic opportunities here at home.”
“By separating proteins, fibres, sugars, and flavour compounds, we are able to use all of the BSG while concentrating the nutritional or functional qualities separately. The ingredients are more versatile, production is more efficient, and nothing is wasted. Projects like this allow us to not only test Terra Malt as an ingredient but to create a truly circular system that celebrates Canada’s grains,” marketing lead Rebecca Palmer noted.
GWBC is developing a non-alcoholic beer using Terra Malt, leveraging the syrup’s low fermentable sugar content to reduce alcohol production during fermentation, reducing transportation emissions and adding value to brewing byproducts.
“For Great Western Brewing Company, this project means thousands of dollars staying in our business—funds we can put back into our recent investment in innovation, strengthen our operations, and support good local jobs. This investment helps us reinvest in our people and continue giving back to our community. Thank you to everyone at Protein Industries Canada that helped get this over the finish line,” Great Western Brewing Company CFO Brendan Halbgewachs said.
A total of $1.1 million has been invested into the project, with Protein Industries Canada committing $486,000, and the industry partners together providing the remainder.
Source: www.foodincanada.com