Crush Dynamics

CrushDynamics (previously Winecrush Technology Inc.) is a Canadian startup that upcycles food waste into healthy food ingredients. The company uses its natural, proprietary fermentation technology to convert grape and cranberry pomace (skins, seeds, and sediment) into a puree that can be used in meat and meat-replacement products, sauces, cereals, and dairy products to give them added flavor, nutritional value while also acting as natural preservatives. The company claims these upcycled ingredients extend shelf-life by up to 60% while improving the taste and texture of the food. As of October 2024, the company was selling its puree to food processors, primarily for natural food products, counting plant-based meat producer Big Mountain Foods in Vancouver, and Lumi Foods as its biggest customers. CrushDynamics was yet to commercialize its ingredients successfully as of 2024 and targets expanding its product reach throughout Western Canada, aiming to secure large retail stores like Urban Fare, and Save-on-Foods as its customers. 

In February 2023, the company created an ingredient that allows for significant sugar reduction in chocolate applications. This plant-based solution provides a smooth texture and well-rounded sweetness while reducing the sugar by 30%–50%. The company has obtained a patent for its fermented ingredient product that is made from wine derivatives.

During the company’s pilot program in 2020, it partnered with 10 Okanagan-based wineries to collect their grape pomace and lees for upcycling. Via the 2020 program, the company kept a total of 150 tonnes of wine derivatives away from landfills.

 Key customers and partnerships 

As of October 2024, the company had worked with 20 wineries to receive a supply of grape and cranberry scraps. To further expand its product offerings, the company reported in January 2022 that it partnered with players such as Protein Industry Canada, Lumi Foods, and Save-On-Foods to develop plant-based cheese products using oats, legumes, and pulses. 

Crush Dynamics collaborated with Wamame Foods for the development of a new protein alternative, Outlier Protein, which was launched in April 2024. In July 2024, Crush Dynamics partnered with Barentz for a distribution agreement to deliver its ingredients to food and beverage markets in North America.