New Partnership to Accelerate Entry of Canadian Plant-Based Companies into APAC, Leveraging
Nurasa’s Market Expertise and Innovation Ecosystem
Singapore-based, Temasek-owned food technology company, Nurasa, and Protein Industries Canada announced a new international partnership to help Canadian companies expand into the fast-growing Asia-Pacific (APAC) market – one of the world’s most dynamic regions for plant-based food innovation.
Launched at an event attended by Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Heath MacDonald, and
Pradeep Pant, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nurasa, the partnership is anchored by the Asia
Pacific Market Entry Program, which will support Canadian plant-based ingredient and food companies
prepare their products for commercial launch in Singapore and across the broader region.
“Canadian innovation is driving the global shift toward sustainable food solutions,” said the Honourable
Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for
Quebec Regions. “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. This partnership is another example of how the Global Innovation Clusters are
helping Canadian businesses succeed both at home and abroad.”
“Canada is a leader in agricultural innovation, and Protein Industries Canada is at its forefront, “added
The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “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 important 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.”
Addressing Asia’s Food Challenge
Asia is experiencing a growing demand for sustainable, nutritious, and locally relevant food solutions,
driven by rapid urbanisation and a fast-ageing population. However, fragmented markets and complex
supply chains continue to pose challenges to scaling innovation across the region. With its world-class
food innovation infrastructure and strategic location, Singapore serves as a launchpad for companies to
test, adapt, and scale their offerings across the APAC.
Nurasa plays a key role in enabling this growth, providing deep market insights, technical expertise, and
access to a broad commercial network. Through the Asia Pacific Market Entry Program, it will help
Canadian companies localise their products, navigate regulatory frameworks, and build meaningful
regional partnerships.
Xiuling Guo, Chief Executive Officer of Nurasa, said, “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
commercialisation. 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.”
For regional food manufacturers, this means access to high-quality, sustainable Canadian ingredients –
enabling the creation of innovative, on-trend products that meet local consumer needs. From healthier
formulations to new plant-forward offerings, the program helps brands differentiate in a competitive
market while delivering better choices to consumers across Asia.
Enabling Canada’s Plant-Based Sector to Scale Globally
As a strategic partner, Nurasa will support participating companies localise their offerings, navigate
regulatory requirements, and facilitate access to regional commercial pathways.
Robert Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Protein Industries Canada, said, “The Asia-Pacific 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.”
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 industry by 2035. This partnership
also reinforces Singapore’s ambition to become a leading agri-food innovation hub for the region, and
underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in delivering nutritious, sustainable solutions
to feed a growing population.
