Singapore-based food tech company Nurasa, owned by Temasek, has partnered with Protein Industries Canada to help Canadian companies grow in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific (APAC) market — a significant hub for plant-based food innovation. The partnership was announced last Friday.
The partnership is anchored by the Asia Pacific Market Entry Program, which will support Canadian plant-based ingredient and food companies in preparing their products for commercial launch in Singapore and across the broader region, the duo said in a statement.
“Canadian innovation is driving the global shift toward sustainable food solutions,
“By supporting our plant-based companies as they expand into new markets like Asia-Pacific, we are helping them scale up, create good jobs at home, and showcase Canadian expertise on the world stage,” said Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
She said this partnership is another example of how Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters are helping local businesses grow both within the country and internationally.
At the same time, Heath MacDonald, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said the country is a global leader in agricultural innovation, with Protein Industries Canada playing a key role in that success.
“In partnering with Nurasa, the Asia Pacific Market Entry Program will fast-track opportunities for Canadian plant-based ingredient and food companies to bring their products directly to this critical market,
“It will help the sector realise its multi-billion-dollar potential and advance our goal of strengthening collaboration with reliable trading partners around the world,” he added.
According to the statement, Asia is experiencing a growing demand for sustainable, nutritious, and locally relevant food solutions, driven by rapid urbanization and a fast-ageing population.
Despite the strong growth, expanding food innovation across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is still challenging because of complex supply chains and different market rules.
Singapore, with its top-notch food innovation facilities and central location, is an ideal place for companies to test, adjust, and grow their products across the region.
Nurasa is helping drive this growth by offering market knowledge, technical support, and connections to a wide business network.
Through the Asia Pacific Market Entry Program, Nurasa will support Canadian companies in adapting their products for local markets, understanding regulations, and forming strong partnerships in the region.
“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,” said Xiuling Guo, Chief Executive Officer of Nurasa.
“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,” she added.
According to the statement, this partnership will give regional food makers better access to high-quality, sustainable ingredients from Canada. This will help them create new and popular food products that match what local customers want.
The program will support the development of healthier recipes and more plant-based options, helping brands stand out in a crowded market while giving consumers better choices across Asia.
As a key partner, Nurasa will help companies adapt their products for local tastes, understand the rules and regulations, and connect with business opportunities in the region.
“The APAC region represents a significant opportunity for Canadian plant-based ingredient and food companies,
“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,” said Robert Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Protein Industries Canada.
According to the statement, this program directly supports Protein Industries Canada’s Road to $25 Billion vision to grow Canada’s plant-based food, feed, and ingredient sector into a CAD$25 billion ($18.11 million) industry by 2035.
This partnership also supports Singapore’s goal of becoming a top agri-food innovation hub in the region. It highlights the importance of working across borders to create healthy, sustainable food solutions for a growing global population.
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