WINNIPEG, MB, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Richardson International Limited ("Richardson") is pleased to announce a significant expansion project at its South Sioux City, Nebraska oat mill and processing facility. The investment will more than double the site's granola packaging capabilities, enabling Richardson to increase production and better meet evolving customer needs.

The project will incorporate the latest advancements in automation technology creating efficient capacity while prioritizing food safety and quality assurance. These enhancements reflect Richardson's commitment to maintaining the highest industry standards.

Work on the expansion is set to begin immediately for completion by the first quarter of 2026. The initiative represents further commitment to Richardson's broader strategy of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

"We're very pleased to be making this investment at South Sioux City as a further commitment to our customers, plant staff, and the city," said Rob Bielik (Vice-President, Milling Operations, Richardson International). "Richardson is proud to have one of the most efficient oat supply chains in North America – from origination to the manufacture of finished products. This expansion is the next chapter in our continued evolution."

Adds Tony Pulford (Director, Operations, South Sioux City), "The team is excited about the continued growth in our granola packaging department. We look forward to adding to our dedicated team members by hiring additional production positions that will become available from the expansion."

Richardson's decision to invest in South Sioux City aligns with its history of strategic growth. Recent investments, such as the refinery and packaging expansion at its Memphis oilseed facility, highlight the company's focus on strengthening capabilities and investing in world-class assets to support long-term growth.

Helsinki, Finland (December 12th, 2024) Hailia, a company enabling fish processors to use their sidestreams, such as heads, fins, and frames, for the production of human food, has today announced an expansion of its partnership with Finnish fish producer Kalavapriikki, where the latter will implement Hailia’s technology on-site at their production facility in Kuopio, Finland. This is the first time this technology will be implemented outside Hailia’s own factory.

Kalavapriikki produces food products from locally sourced rainbow trout and aims to gain market share from imported Atlantic salmon products by doubling its production volume to 4,000 tonnes in 2025. Having recently opened a brand new automated filleting line in Kuopio, Finland, the company looks to build on the success of the existing pulled rainbow trout product to increase its use of sidestreams like frames and fins from fillet production for human food. Kalavapriikki’s vision is to be Finland’s most responsible producer of fish products, and the collaboration enables scaling production while also improving sustainability and circularity.

“Our goal has always been to create sustainable food solutions from Finnish fish, and Hailia’s technology allows us to push the boundaries even further. By turning sidestreams into convenient food products for everyday use, we’re maximizing the value of our resources and setting a new standard for responsible seafood production together,” says Jari Korhonen, CEO of Kalavapriikki.

Global food demand is projected to rise by 35–56% by 2050, with seafood demand increasing by over 50%. Meeting this surge drives a high demand for new and innovative human food sources. At the same time, reducing the carbon footprint of food systems is vital, as our food supply chain currently contributes approximately 30% of global emissions.

Today, sidestreams from fish processing are mainly used for products like animal feed, fish oils, and other health supplements. After filleting, half of the fish weight, including the frame and fins, is lost outside food production. These parts of the fish are still high in meat content and nutrients such as healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, offering untapped potential for human nutrition. When Hailia’s technology is integrated into Kalavapriikki’s production by early 2026, these sidestreams will be used for human food products at a larger scale.

“Kalavapriikki is leading the way in sustainable fish processing, and after a year of working together, we truly appreciate and see their role as a pioneer in the industry. Just three months after we launched our first product together, they are taking the leap and implementing our technology in their production facility. That says everything about how forward-thinking they are as a company. They not only “talk the talk, but also walk the walk”, when stating that sustainability and carbon neutrality drive their work,” says Michaela Lindström, CEO of Hailia

Additionally, Hailia has just finalized preliminary calculations to demonstrate the carbon footprint of rainbow trout products made with its technology. The calculation, performed using tools provided by food industry carbon calculator Biocode, shows that food produced by Hailia’s technology using sidestreams offers a route to products with carbon footprints comparable to plant-based proteins.

Hailia’s calculations, focusing on the raw materials and process technology, determined the carbon footprint of farmed rainbow trout products made from sidestreams to be potentially as low as 0.6 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram of food. This is smaller than the carbon footprint of any primary animal protein and lower than that of plant-based proteins like peas. While variations in calculation methods can complicate comparisons, this figure highlights the environmental efficiency of using fish sidestream products. The data was produced using the cradle-to-gate scope tool provided by Biocode. Calculating the carbon footprint for fish sidestreams is based on their economic value relative to fish fillets.

“We knew that the carbon footprint of seafood products made from sidestreams would be very small, but we were positively surprised that these products produce as small a footprint as many plant-based proteins. This study clearly shows that to meet global food demand and cut carbon emissions, sidestreams not used for human food need to end up on our dinner plates instead,” Lindström says.

Besides offering consumers tasty, nutritious, low-emission food choices, the ingredients produced from sidestreams also provide a solution for food manufacturers looking to lower the overall carbon intensity of their ready-meal portfolios, for example.

“The small carbon footprint is important, but it counts for nothing if you can’t get these products to consumers. That’s why this new licensing agreement with Kalavapriikki is so important. People do not change their eating habits because of fascinating technology or superior sustainability; they need tasty products that are easy to use in their daily lives,” Lindström continues.

Hailia is finalizing detailed carbon footprint calculations for their products launched into markets with partners, including Kalavapriikki. These calculations will also consider case-specific additional factors, such as freezing and packaging, as well as the carbon footprint associated with the operation of the production facility. The results are expected to be ready at the end of the year.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nutriterra® Total Omega-3 has received Health Canada approval as an ingredient in dietary supplements. Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) issued a product license, Natural Product Number (NPN) 80136254, which authorizes it to be marketed and sold as a novel, canola-based total omega-3 oil with the following health claims:

• Supports heart health and cardiovascular function
• Supports normal brain function
• Source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for maintaining good health
• Source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for maintaining good health
• Source of an essential fatty acid for the maintenance of good health
• Source of omega-3 fatty acids for the maintenance of good health

Nufarm Nutritional general manager, Benita Boettner, said today’s announcement from NNHPD confirms the nutritional importance of Nutriterra Total Omega-3 Canola oil. “Health Canada’s approval recognizes Nutriterra’s ability to support heart and brain health and provides a new option to meet the growing demand for plant-based total omega-3 with DHA, EPA, and ALA.”

Human clinical trials confirmed that Nutriterra’s long-chain fatty acids are readily incorporated into blood lipids. Results were reviewed and authorized by NNHPD and published in Frontiers in Nutrition in 2022. A 2000 mg/day serving of Nutriterra significantly improved indicators of omega-3 status, including the OmegaScore™ and the Omega-3 Index, both of which are supportive of cardiovascular and brain health.

While the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are well known, few people consume enough of these essential nutrients. Ms. Boettner attributes this to the sensory experiences and ocean health concerns associated with fish oil. She says, “With Health Canada’s approval for Nutriterra as a safe and effective dietary ingredient, we are well placed to attract new consumers and raise consumption of omega-3 closer to the recommended daily intake.” This approval follows the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s 2020 approval of Nutriterra for food and feed applications, allowing for greater formulation flexibility for our customers.

Omega-3 Canola helps fill the gap between how much long-chain omega-3 is needed to support human health and how little the ocean can sustainably provide. Just one hectare of Nuseed Omega-3 canola produces as much DHA as 10,000 one kg wild caught fish. Nutriterra has a unique fatty acid profile with DHA, EPA, and ALA to support human nutrition^.

This Health Canada approval follows the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting Nutriterra New Dietary Ingredient status in 2021. Having previously obtained food and feed approvals in Australia and New Zealand, the US, and Canada, the company is progressing with additional regulatory applications in other key markets around the world.

Regina, Sask., Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Protein Industries Canada Board of Directors announced Robert Hunter as the new CEO, following a national search. Robert assumes the position of CEO on January 15, 2025. Robert will replace Frank Hart who has been interim CEO since August 2024.

Robert brings more than 20 years of experience in the agriculture food sector, holding positions with Maple Leaf Foods, the Canola Council of Canada, and CropLife International. Throughout his career Robert has been a passionate advocate for agriculture while living and working in Asia, Europe, and North America. He has gained a global perspective on food systems and implemented sector-wide strategies that promote sustainable trade, innovation, and economic growth.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I am pleased to welcome Robert Hunter as the new CEO of Protein Industries Canada,” Chair of the board Tyler Groeneveld said. “Robert brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are confident in his ability to lead Protein Industries Canada into our next chapter. Under Robert’s leadership we will focus on further supporting the scale-up  and competitiveness of Canadian companies, anchoring Canada’s position as an agriculture and food production powerhouse.”

During his time at CropLife International, Robert was based in Washington D.C., and Brussels where he focused on advancing innovation in agriculture and driving sustainable food systems forward. Robert also brings experience in market development and trade, as well as in organizational strategy, operations and global advocacy.

“As the CEO of Protein Industries Canada, I am eager to further advance Canada as a global leader of high-value ingredients and food products,” Hunter said. “As a life-long supporter of Canada’s agriculture sector I firmly believe in Canada’s potential to lead in this area and look forward to accelerating the competitiveness of the Canadian plant protein sector.”

Hunter will be based out of Toronto, Ont. Protein Industries Canada’s head office remains in Regina, Sask., with staff located throughout Canada.

“As we transition leadership of Protein Industries Canada to Robert, we must also thank Frank Hart for stepping in as interim CEO,” Groeneveld said. “Frank has been a vital part of Protein Industries Canada since the very beginning and has provided leadership throughout our journey. It was his vision that led to the creation of Protein Industries Canada, and over the past months he has been focused on the next iteration of our strategy.”