Core Insights - Burcon NutraScience Corporation has successfully achieved its first commercial production of FavaPro™, a high-purity fava protein isolate with over 90% protein content, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth strategy [1][3] - The launch of FavaPro™ is a response to the increasing consumer demand for healthy and sustainable protein alternatives, leveraging a proprietary process to extract and purify protein from fava beans, which are environmentally friendly and nutrient-rich [2][3] Company Overview - Burcon is recognized as a global technology leader in high-performance plant-based proteins, with a focus on delivering superior taste, texture, and functionality for the food and beverage industry [5] - The company has an extensive patent portfolio covering novel proteins derived from various plant sources, including pea, canola, soy, hemp, and sunflower, positioning it as a key player in the rapidly growing plant-based market [5] Product Features - FavaPro™ is naturally non-GMO, hypoallergenic, and features a neutral flavor profile, making it suitable for a wide range of food and beverage applications, including dairy alternatives, nutritional beverages, snacks, and baked goods [3] - The product is designed to meet the evolving needs of food formulators and eco-conscious consumers, delivering outstanding taste, color, nutrition, and sustainability [3]

Core Viewpoint - Burcon NutraScience Corporation is set to showcase its innovative Chipotle Black Bean Protein Hummus at the IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo, highlighting its advancements in plant-based protein technology [1][6]. Group 1: Product Innovation - The Chipotle Black Bean Protein Hummus is crafted using Burcon's proprietary triple blend of Peazazz®C pea protein, Puratein®C canola protein, and Solatein™ sunflower protein, resulting in a dip that is both flavorful and nutritious [6][8]. - Burcon's plant-based proteins boast over 90% purity, neutral flavor, and smooth mouthfeel, making them suitable for various food applications [6][9]. Group 2: Event Details - The IFT FIRST event will take place in Chicago from July 13-16, 2025, where Burcon will be located at booth S4066 [1][6]. - Attendees will have the opportunity to sample the Chipotle Black Bean Protein Hummus during a special tasting event on July 14 and 15, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM [7][9]. Group 3: Company Background - Burcon NutraScience is recognized as a global leader in high-performance plant-based proteins, with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in the food and beverage industry [11]. - The company holds an extensive patent portfolio covering novel proteins derived from various plant sources, positioning itself as a key player in the growing plant-based market [11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, net revenues decreased by 9.1% to $68.7 million compared to $75.6 million in the same period last year, primarily driven by an 11.2% decrease in volume sold, partially offset by a 2.4% increase in net revenue per pound [19][20] - Gross profit was a loss of $1.1 million, resulting in a gross margin of negative 1.5%, compared to a gross profit of $3.7 million and a gross margin of 4.9% in the prior year [27][28] - Net loss was $52.9 million in Q1 2025, compared to a net loss of $54.4 million in the same quarter last year, with net loss per share improving from $0.84 to $0.69 [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Retail channel net revenues decreased by 15.4% to $31.4 million, driven by a 23.2% decrease in volume sold, partially offset by a 10% increase in net revenue per pound [21][22] - U.S. Foodservice net revenues decreased by 23.5% to $9.4 million, primarily due to a 22% decrease in volume sold and a 2% decrease in net revenue per pound [25] - International retail channel net revenues increased by 0.8% to $12.7 million, driven by a 10.3% increase in net revenue per pound, despite an 8.6% decrease in volume sold [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumption data indicated a progressive weakening in U.S. retail takeaway during Q1 2025, contributing to weaker shipments than expected [22][23] - International foodservice channel net revenues increased by 12.1% to $15.3 million, primarily due to a 13.5% increase in volume sold [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve EBITDA positive on a run rate basis by the end of 2026, focusing on reducing operational expenses and optimizing manufacturing towards margin objectives [11][34] - A new marketing campaign, "Real People, Real Results," is being launched to improve consumer perception and drive demand for plant-based products [16][17] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in Q1 2025 due to worsening category and macroeconomic conditions, impacting top-line recovery [5][6] - The company has withdrawn its full-year guidance due to elevated uncertainty in the operating environment, limiting revised outlook to Q2 net revenue expectations of $80 million to $85 million [34][70] Other Important Information - The company closed a financing facility providing up to $100 million in new senior secured debt, aimed at enhancing liquidity and supporting strategic priorities [17][32] - Operating expenses in Q1 2025 were $55.1 million, a decrease from $57.1 million in the previous year, including $7.2 million in transient expenses [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What initiatives could be taken to stabilize the top line in the U.S. market? - Management highlighted the importance of restoring distribution lost due to product transitions in retail and emphasized the need to improve consumer perception through effective messaging and marketing campaigns [39][42] Question: Can you provide more details on the financing agreement? - The financing facility has an initial term of approximately 4.75 years, with interest accruing at 12% initially and 17.5% thereafter, payable in kind [47][49] Question: What is the outlook regarding tariffs and demand uncertainty? - Management indicated that while there are discussions around tariffs, the direct impact on the business is minimal, but consumer confidence remains a concern that could affect demand [72][74] Question: What is the expected run rate for SG&A in the coming quarters? - Management noted that extraordinary items in Q1 would not repeat, and they expect a normalization of legal expenses, with ongoing impacts from the suspension of operations in China [76][86]