Protein Industries Canada has announced a new project with Terra Bioindustries and Great Western Brewing Company to transform a food-safe byproduct of beer production into high-value ingredients through an innovative upcycling process. This partnership aims to boost Canadian food production and sustainability while strengthening the domestic supply chain.
Project Overview
The project, announced on May 27, 2026, in Elmira, Ontario, focuses on converting Brewers Spent Grain (BSG) into four new ingredients: TERRA Protina (a high-protein concentrate), TERRA Fibra (a dietary fibre), TERRA Choc (a cocoa extender), and TERRA Malt (a multifunctional barley syrup). The initial focus will be on TERRA Malt, which has potential as a low-carbon base ingredient for various food products.
Government and Industry Support
“By connecting Canadian creativity with Terra’s technology, this initiative will strengthen our domestic food supply chain and reinforce Canada’s leadership in sustainability and innovation,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “Supported by Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s global innovation clusters, this project is a shining example of how we can build a more resilient food sector—one that produces high-quality ingredients while minimizing environmental impact.”
Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener–Conestoga, added: “Terra Bioindustries is another great example of the innovation and ingenuity we have here in Kitchener. Combining science, business and food is helping Canada produce more here at home while strengthening our food supply and creating new opportunities in our agri-food sector.”
Technology and Process
Terra will leverage its proprietary technology to convert GWBC’s BSG into the four ingredients. This advanced, commercially viable solution represents a breakthrough for BSG processing worldwide, proving Canada can lead in sustainable food production. “By separating proteins, fibres, sugars, and flavour compounds, we are able to use all of the BSG while concentrating the nutritional or functional qualities separately. The ingredients are more versatile, production is more efficient, and nothing is wasted. Projects like this allow us to not only test TERRA Malt as an ingredient but to create a truly circular system that celebrates Canada’s grains,” said Rebecca Palmer, Marketing Lead at Terra.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Protein Industries Canada CEO Tyler Groeneveld emphasized the project’s significance: “This project is a strong example of how Canada can make more food here, creating more value from the crops and co-products we already produce. By transforming BSG into innovative, low-carbon ingredients, Terra and GWBC are helping strengthen our domestic supply chain, expand food production, and demonstrate what it means to Make It Here. That is exactly the kind of innovation that will grow Canada’s food production capacity, while creating new economic opportunities here at home.”
The upcycling process not only reduces waste but also provides low-carbon ingredients for the food industry, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system. This partnership highlights the potential for circular economy practices in the agri-food sector, turning byproducts into valuable resources.
