Hands-On Workshops

Participate in on-site workshops hosted by SunOpta, featuring expert-led sessions:

• Novonesis -  BioSolutions for Creamy and Stable Plant-based Barista Drinks - Consumers are increasingly shifting toward plant-based diets, creating strong demand for dairy alternatives that deliver the same quality experience as traditional milk, especially in coffee. The plant-based beverage market is growing rapidly, fueled by interest in sustainability, health, and premium café-style drinks. Many consumers now expect plant-based options that can steam, foam, and remain stable in hot applications without compromising taste or texture. Vertera® Velvet meets this need by using an enzyme-based approach to improve protein solubility and functionality, resulting in smooth, stable beverages with rich, barista-quality foam. It also supports higher protein formulations and clean-label positioning, helping brands satisfy evolving consumer preferences for indulgent, plant-based coffee experiences.

• Cargill - Permissible Indulgence: Texture-Forward Vegan Puddings - The U.S. pudding category – valued at $3.6B in 2024 and forecast to reach $5.2B by 2032 (CAGR ~3.9%) – is experiencing renewed momentum. Growth is fueled by plant-based entrants like Whole Foods’ Swirled Almond milk pudding and Petit Pot’s Oat and Coconut milk pudding. Texture is a defining driver: Gen Z seeks layered, interactive desserts, with cross-brand mashups, such as Girl Scout cookie crumbles atop Jell-O pudding. Globally, chilled desserts with added textures are expanding at 5%+ annually. Our session invites attendees to indulge in luxurious plant-based puddings, customized with decadent and swicy toppings, uniting sustainability and permissible indulgence.

• Kalsec - Discover What’s Naturally Possible - The future of food innovation is dependent on natural ingredients solutions that deliver cleaner labels, stronger consumer appeal and a more sustainable future.  This session will showcase Natural Taste, Color and Food Protection solutions designed to inspire your next innovation and give you the competitive edge. Experience our new savory mushroom flavors with rich, craveable depth. See how easily synthetic colors can be replaced with vibrant natural options. Learn about our newest natural food protection solution. Kalsec, a proud B‑Corp, is here to help you lead the way.

• Oshi - Sea the Future: Crafting Plant-Based Salmon - A hands-on cooking demo that showcases how to prepare Oshi’s plant-based, ocean-friendly salmon. Discover innovative techniques, learn about sustainable ingredients, and enjoy delicious, eco-conscious dishes that bring the future of seafood to your plate - without compromising on taste and texture.

• Avebe - From Potato to Possibility - Join our session to experience award-winning potato solutions for meeting consumer textural expectations in plant-based foods. Potato is one of the world’s most familiar foods—but few realize its full potential. Beyond being a trusted source of starch for decades, potato also delivers high-quality protein: free-from allergen labelling* (depending on region and country), sustainable, and packed with functional benefits. From gelation and emulsification to foaming and whipping, potato proteins bring versatility that can transform plant-based foods and meet consumer expectations. By combining these proteins with our clean-label potato texturizers, we create textures that truly meet consumer expectations—whether in meat alternatives, cheese, confectionery, or more. In this session, you’ll gain an overview of the unique functional properties of potato proteins and starches, followed by an interactive workshop with live demonstrations and tasting sessions. Experience protein gels, emulsions, and delicious plant-based applications firsthand—and discover how we unlock the true potential of potatoes in plant-based innovation.

• Microthermics - Development of UHT and Aseptic Product Using Plant-Based Proteins - MicroThermics® Laboratory-Scale processing systems are a critical part of beverage development and are specifically designed to address all the needs of plant-based beverages and liquid foods.  They bring the production process into the lab, to your researchers.  Traditional development has used historically well-known materials. This is not true for new plant-based products.  They are unknowns!  With them come the challenges of completely new proteins and protein sources.  This includes seasonality, varietal differences, ingredient quality, hydration needs, physical stability in solution, burn-on and flavor.  All lead to an added dependence on process testing for development, troubleshooting and to gain the experience needed to support these new products. MicroThermics® was established to address these specific needs in the laboratory!  We provide best-in-class equipment, training, technical support, parts, services to move your research forward.  Our miniature plant trials services move your development forward, increasing your understanding of your product and making demonstration samples easily. Plant-based proteins provide considerable challenges that must be addressed to be successful.