Production re-starts at canola protein maker BioExx as headhunter is called in to recruit new boss

04-Oct-2011 - Last updated on 05-Oct-2011 at 15:50 GMT

Interest in canola protein has been growing recently as firms seek alternatives to soy and whey

Production has re-commenced at the Saskatoon plant of Canadian canola protein specialist BioExx following a shutdown while bosses upgraded facilities to boost production capacity and efficiency.

The firm, which claims its canola proteins have clear advantages over soy and whey from a cost, technical and nutritional perspective, has also retained executive headhunter Caldwell Partners to help recruit a new boss following the abrupt departure of chief executive Chris Carl in August.

“The search is now active and moving forward according to search parameters and protocols established between BioExx and Caldwell Partners”, said BioExx, which is also looking for a replacement for board director Henry Linsert Jr following his departure to focus on “personal and local and direct business activities”.

The shutdown has been “longer than originally anticipated, to accommodate a number of projects and initiatives designed to provide a path to improved forward performance”, said the firm, which is also building a second plant in North Dakota.

Canola has clear advantages over rival protein sources

BioExx, which recently struck a deal with Hormel Foods to develop sports nutrition products based on canola protein, claims its proprietary extraction system allows for the elimination of the traditional toasting/de-solventizing stage in canola processing, ensuring low temperatures are maintained throughout the extraction of both the oils and proteins.

This means it can avoid the denaturing process that usually kicks in when proteins are exposed to high temperatures, which makes it harder to separate them from the meal and can reduce their solubility and functionality.

BioExx says it has also been able to improve the flavor and odor profile of canola proteins and decrease the ‘anti-nutrients’ (that had historically hindered their use as food grade materials) by up to 90%.

A change in leadership

Chris Carl has been temporarily replaced by chief financial officer Chris Schnarr while the board seeks a permanent replacement.

The Toronto-based firm declined to comment further on the circumstances of Carl’s departure, but said: “The Board and Mr Carl have agreed that a change in leadership would be healthy for the company at this time.”