Louis Dreyfus Turns to Yellow Peas as It Opens First Dedicated Protein Isolate Plant in Saskatchewan

Louis Dreyfus Company has opened its first pea protein isolate facility in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, adding to the North American supply source for the ingredient used in various food applications. The plant will process up to 75,000 metric tonnes of yellow peas annually into protein isolate, fibre, and starch, with a focus on non-GMO and non-allergenic products. This move represents a shift for the commodity trader towards higher-value processed ingredients, diversifying away from raw commodity trading.

The opening of the plant, co-hosted by the Government of Saskatchewan, will create 140 jobs, adding to the existing workforce of 260 employees at the Yorkton complex. The investment is tied to the province's Growth Plan goals of raising agriculture value-added revenue and increasing local canola processing. LDC's decision to build in Saskatchewan was influenced by the region's capable agricultural producers and favorable business environment, making it an easy choice to expand operations in the area.