Manitoba Protein Challenge

The Manitoba Protein Challenge is postponed due to COVID-19 until the Manitoba Government deems it safe to hold the event.

Do you have a great idea for a new protein product?

Join the Manitoba Protein Challenge to get your product in front of retailers and distributors. 

The Manitoba Protein Challenge is a competition that showcases innovative plant and animal protein food products. You can be one of the contestants who presents your protein product and receives valuable feedback from retailers and distributors. 

CGI photo of a shopping cart filled with Consumer Packaged Goods 

Why compete?

  • The Manitoba Protein Challenge is a platform to pitch your protein product in front of retailers and distributors.
  • Retailers and distributors will vote for their favourite protein products to win the Manitoba Protein Challenge.
  • Retailers will deliver presentations on key product trends at retail and provide advice on how to get your product onto grocery shelves and food service.
  • Contestants will receive feedback from retailers and distributors on the potential market acceptance of their products. 
  • The event will bring together approximately 100 agriculture and food industry stakeholders.
  • Media will attend the event to highlight innovative protein food products and success stories.
  • Winners will receive a Manitoba Protein Challenge Award and will gain media attention.

Who can compete?

There are two product categories:
  • plant protein products
  • animal protein products

This challenge is open to Manitoba food entrepreneurs and businesses with a product that is ready for retail or that has been in retail for less than one year. A protein ingredient must be identified in the application form as one of the primary ingredients used to develop the product. 

What happens after I submit an application?

Five contestants will be selected to compete in each product category. The contestants will be selected based on the following criteria: innovation, market potential, and product story. All contestants will deliver a five-minute pitch on their product at the event and will work with culinary students to prepare bite-sized samples for the challenge vote.

Contact

For more information or to get this information in an alternate format, email us at: mbproteinadvantage@gov.mb.ca.