The Canadian women driving innovation in pulses/
Big Mountain Foods receives 1.4 million in government funding

Tofu is one of the most widely consumed sources of plant protein in the world. However, as the market for sources of alternative proteins grows, more and more consumers are seeking alternatives to traditional tofu due to its main ingredient, soybeans, being a highly common allergen. 

Big Mountain Foods, a family-operated business that has been dedicated to non-allergen, high-quality plant-based food since 1987, has come up with an exciting solution that prioritizes the consumer whilst pin-pointing a gap in the commercial market: Fava Bean Tofu. It describes its new soy-free product as “a real category disruptor”. 

Renowned for its sustainable practices and responsible sourcing, as well as delicious and nutritious food, Big Mountain Foods creates products that are soy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, cruelty-free, certified vegan, and 100% vegetable-based. The company is also women-owned and operated. 

Tofu revolution

Jasmine Byrne, Vice President of Big Mountain Foods, tells us about the new tofu, and the positive effect that it could have on future products:

“The Soy-Free Tofu is higher in protein than the traditional soy tofu but still has the same texture, taste, and functionality. The tofu took over 8 years to develop and now, with its launch into the marketplace, we are finding more creative ways to use it in other products like vegan cheeses, burgers, and sausages.”

Despite 16% of Canadians eating traditional soy-tofu regularly, many environmentally-conscious consumers are becoming more concerned about buying it, due to concerns around the GMO techniques associated with soy products. 

Disposal of by-products in plant-based food production has also long presented an industry-wide environmental issue. Jasmine explains how this concern is combatted.

“Big Mountain Foods is proud to be a part of the Upcycling Association in which we are reusing the okara byproduct back into our current product line as it contains functional protein and starch.”

The global tofu market reached a worth of 2.35 billion dollars in 2022, yet so many people are unable or unwilling to consume soy. This new fava bean product, full of protein, iron, minerals, and fibre, is therefore, an astute move forward. Fava beans have even been described as ‘the next generation of pulse ingredients’, and are lauded for their contribution to sustainable farming. 

Governmental support

Big Mountain Foods was able to launch its Fava Tofu after receiving over $1.4 million in government funding from the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-food. 

Jasmine explains that “The AgriInnovate Program allowed Big Mountain Foods to commercialize the first soy-free tofu into the marketplace using Canadian fava beans.”

The AgriInnovate Program is a federal initiative supporting the sustainability and competitiveness of Canadian agri-business. The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, spoke to GPC about the decision to grant this funding.

“Big Mountain Foods 2 Ltd. has a lot to be proud of. Not only is the organization women-led, but they’re also leaders in sustainable food production. Our investment will help advance the plant-based food sector in Canada and establish our position as a global leader while increasing consumers' choice of alternative protein options. The Government of Canada will continue to invest in companies that support both the economy and the environment.”

Applicants for the AgriInnovate program must show evidence of working towards implementing the use of clean technology to advance productivity in areas such as precision agriculture and strengthening new export markets. Big Mountain Foods will use this funding to increase efficiency by adding custom-made, automated robotic equipment to its facility, to improve production capacity. It is currently planning to produce up to 2 million pounds of tofu every year. 

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Canadian Minister for Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, recently visited the Big Mountain Food’s Delta site.

“It made me proud to meet this local, woman-owned and operated company and congratulate them on receiving funding from our Government.” she said. “The team has already made an impact in our local community and I am certain that, with this investment, they will provide more Canadians with high-quality plant-based products that meet the rising demand for more food options that are plant-based.” 

She went on to indicate that this investment will allow Big Mountain Foods to open a new facility in Vancouver and increase its production capacity “to help bring a sustainable, 100-per-cent Canadian grown plant-based, soy-free food option that is free of common allergens to people across Canada.”

The investment will also help the company to commercialize another soy-free product (winner of the Nexty Awards 2021), which is made from locally grown and milled chickpeas. This is not only great news for allergy sufferers but also for Canada’s economy and its position at the forefront of the plant-based revolution. Currently, over 40% of Canadians are actively trying to integrate more plant-based foods into their diet.

Women in pulses

There has been a 30% rise in women-owned businesses over the last decade in Canada. 

“Being a women-led company allows for a competitive advantage in the marketplace, as many retailers, as well as government bodies, are truly looking to be more inclusive and allow for diversity in the workforce.” said Jasmine. “We are proud to be women-owned and operated with a strong focus on empowering other women in our business.”

She also shared that “Big Mountain Foods is proud to be supporting another Canadian women-led business, Prairie Fava, as its supplier.”

Prairie Fava’s sustainable business was built on the understanding that fava beans are a critical component within farming, as they increase microbial biomass in soil, while lowering fertilizer requirements.

The resurrection of the fava bean, an ancient staple and nutritious pulse, is a welcome one for Canada’s economy, ethical farming, and all those who incorporate plant-based foods into their diet.