AgriAssurance Program elevates standards for plant-based foods

When consumer demand surged for plant-based foods, the Jewish Community Council of Montreal (JCC Montreal) saw an opportunity to leverage its 100 years of kosher certification expertise to build a more sustainable food future for consumers. Today, the organization operates Global Plant Based Certified, with support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component.

About JCC Montreal

Founded in 1922, JCC Montreal is a non-profit organization that enhances Jewish traditional life in the city. For over a century, the organization has operated the MK Global Kosher Certification Agency (MK Kosher), helping over 1,000 businesses enter the growing kosher market, valued at $34 billion annually. The agency works with businesses in Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.S. — and has experienced recent growth in Africa.

Entering the plant-based market

The expansion into certifying plant-based foods was a natural one. JCC Montreal identified a need to offer plant-based certification to companies keen to market their products as fully plant based and free of animal-derived products.

“If you’re plant based, you expect the products you’re consuming to be completely plant based,” explains Rabbi Saul Emanuel, Executive Director at JCC Montreal. “We found out that some organizations providing plant-based certifications were allowing milk or eggs into products. We’ve always been firm: plant based should be strictly plant based.”

This was just one of the big gaps JCC Montreal identified in the industry. Another was a lack of clear regulations around the types of products and ingredients that could be identified as plant based. Global Plant Based Certified was born in 2019 to fill the need for a quality, fully plant-based guarantee.

Advancing plant-based standards on a global scale

Funding from AAFC, under the AgriAssurance Program, played a key role in helping JCC Montreal go to market with its certification program, Global Plant Based Certified. Working with external consultants, the group has been advising the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on the development of global food-safety and quality standards for plant-based foods.

“If plant-based foods take over as the research indicates, plant-based products will become a major force in the global food industry. Consumers are demanding higher standards every day  — including cleanliness and safety. I think we’re leaders in the field based on what we’re doing with ISO, and I’m very proud of it.”
– Rabbi Saul Emanuel, Executive Director, JCC Montreal

Global Plant Based Certification employee with Yummy Doh at the Natural Products Expo West 2024 show, displaying the certification.

Sustainable successes

Here are recent examples of how Global Plant Based Certified has helped clients improve their production standards, get certified and reach new markets:

Yummy Doh

When edible vegan cookie dough company Yummy Doh received its Global Plant Based Certified designation, the doors opened to huge U.S. market opportunities. The certification has been an integral part of their success south of the border.

Bassé Nuts

Laval, Québec’s Bassé Nuts has leveraged its Global Plant Based Certified designation to boost sales. The company carefully sources, roasts, blends and packs a wide range of edible seeds, nuts, dried fruit and specialty items.

Bassé Nuts at the Natural Products Expo West 2024 show, displaying their certification.

Montreal Kosher Bakery

When the Montreal Kosher Bakery set its sights on selling to global airline catering giant, Gate Gourmet, they turned to JCC Montreal for support. The agency helped them refine their standards and processes, which led to significant improvements in their operations. Today, they proudly supply baked goods to Gate Gourmet and other global customers.

Future plans for food safety

As JCC Montreal looks to the future, the organization is pursuing other important changes in global food standards, including clearer standards around allergens like dairy and nuts. The organization is actively involved in these discussions, thanks to a rich history and experience certifying kosher and plant-based foods. JCC Montreal plans to continue to innovate, serving food companies with expertise and advice to ensure their success in Canada and internationally.

“Thanks to AAFC’s AgriAssurance funding, we’ve been able to provide our clients with expertise to help them raise their standards and implement them at the plant level, ultimately making for higher quality products with much better safety controls. It’s been a tremendous success for everybody involved.”
– Rabbi Saul Emanuel, Executive Director, JCC Montreal