TORONTO — McCain Foods has announced a new partnership and lead investment in Nuggs, a New York-based start-up focused on plant-based chicken nugget alternatives.

McCain Foods is a global frozen potato products, appetizers and snacks manufacturer. The new partnership will combine the company’s production and commercial expertise with Nuggs' textured pea protein technology to accelerate the start-up’s growth and deliver market scale.

“Nuggs is an incredible product in itself and a very tasty chicken nugget simulation,” said Mauro Pennella, chief growth officer at McCain Foods. “Furthermore, the Nuggs team’s approach to fast, iterative innovation, based on constant consumer feedback is a great way to create products people love.”