Oliméga conquers new markets with a protein supplement for horses
•Posted on March 30 2026
Oliméga CEO Chantal Van Winden won a $10,000 grant from the National Bank for her project to transform camelina meal into a protein supplement for horses. In the photo, she is accompanied by Rosalie Lapointe from the National Bank. Photo courtesy
News. Oliméga, a Saint-Édouard-based company that processes camelina, is known for its virgin and roasted camelina oil. It has just won two awards for its new butter-flavored camelina oil, as well as a grant for its new range of camelina protein supplements for horses. The company is on a roll. Over the past year, it has doubled the size of its warehouses and conquered new markets in Western Canada and Asia.
Oliméga's President and CEO, Chantal Van Winden, won a $10,000 grant on February 5, awarded by the National Bank as part of its Elite program.
She won this award for her project to valorize the byproduct of camelina oil production, the meal, which she transforms into a camelina protein supplement for horses. The meal is the residue from pressing camelina to make oil. Oliméga is the only company in the world to offer such a product for animals.
An innovative product
These camelina protein supplements for horses, sold under the Ferme Oliméga brand, have been marketed for about six months. "There were many regulatory restrictions in Canada that prevented us from marketing it, but those restrictions have now been lifted," says Ms. Van Winden.
Since September 2025, the company has hired six people to develop this new equine segment.
Oliméga produces approximately 600 tons of camelina meal annually. "We use 100% of our product. We generate no waste," says Ms. Van Winden. "Before, we sent it to the United States for beef cattle, but it had no value. With our supplements, we have managed to give high value to our product."
Ms. Van Winden would like to reach the threshold of 10% of the 600 tons of meal being transformed into protein supplement. "All the rest, we sell in bulk in Quebec, for animal feed," she says.
An effective supplement
Camelina meal protein supplements for horses have amazing properties.
"Our camelina grains are cold-pressed mechanically, which leaves 11% camelina oil residue in our meal. It is a product rich in omega-3, antioxidants, and protein," explains Ms. Van Winden. "In horses, the results are really interesting and fast. We observe changes after only seven days. Their coats are shinier and they have more mobility and movement. It promotes their muscle development."
This camelina meal product for horses is already sold by Oliméga in Quebec, the United States, and Japan. "We are in the process of marketing it in Quebec," specifies Ms. Van Winden. "We have just signed a second distributor. Our challenge is to make it known. In December 2025, our Japanese customers came to visit us in Saint-Édouard. I will be in Japan on March 6 to meet them in turn."
Expansion
Oliméga has just completed the expansion of its storage space, which has grown from 6,600 sq ft 2 to 11,600 sq ft 2 .
"This space will be used for storage, but also for the production and packaging of our new product for horses," says Ms. Van Winden.
Dux Grand Prix Gala
Oliméga also won two awards with its new butter-flavored camelina oil. These awards were presented on February 12, at the Dux Grand Prix Gala, a competition that recognizes and promotes products and initiatives that contribute to improving food supply, population health, and environmental respect.
We are proud to promote eco-responsible and innovative agriculture for the health of our soils and humans.
Chantal Van Winden, CEO of Oliméga
She won a silver medal in the Small Business, Product – Eco-responsibility category, as well as a bronze medal in the Small Business, Product – Quality category.
"An original oil that stands out for its rich and balanced nutritional profile in omega-3 and omega-6. Its subtly buttery flavor, particularly successful, offers an interesting alternative for enjoying better eating," describes the competition jury.
A busy year 2026
Since 2025, Oliméga's butter-flavored camelina oil has been distributed in Ontario. The company has just found a distributor in Vancouver.
Oliméga products are also sold in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and China.
"In 2026, we will meet buyers in China and Japan. Our partner in Taiwan expects to double sales because they have just entered 80 new markets," concludes Ms. Van Winden. "In July, I will participate in an international conference on camelina in Madrid, then I will have a booth at the International Food Exhibition in Paris in October, and I will attend a trade show in China in November."
Author: Marc-André Couillard
Links: https://www.canadafrancais.com/economie/olimega-lance-un-supplement-proteine-pour-les-chevaux/
Links: https://olimegafarm.com/blogs/news