Chickapea, the Canadian-founded organic and high-protein pasta brand, announced today that it has successfully closed a $4.25 million CAD funding round. This major investment marks a critical milestone for the company as it accelerates its mission to provide healthier, more sustainable food choices and expands its footprint across North America.
The round was led by AGT Foods, one of the world’s largest suppliers of pulse and staple food ingredients, known for its vertically integrated global supply chains. The funding also welcomed a new strategic partner, FCC Capital, the investment arm of Farm Credit Canada, which brings deep expertise in the Canadian agri-food sector. Longstanding investor InvestEco, who has supported Chickapea since 2019, reaffirmed its confidence in the company by participating again.
To strengthen the collaboration, Murad Al-Katib, President and CEO of AGT Foods, has joined Chickapea’s Board of Directors. Al-Katib is one of the most respected leaders in the global food and agriculture industry, recognized with multiple accolades, including being named EY’s World Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. His leadership in building international supply chains and scaling food businesses is expected to bring valuable insight as Chickapea takes its next steps in growth.
A Brand on the Rise
This investment follows a year of strong momentum for Chickapea. The brand recently launched a refreshed look and improved recipes that have resonated with consumers and retailers alike. Today, Chickapea holds the distinction of being the #1 Organic and High-Protein Pasta Brand in Canada, a position that underscores its success in a highly competitive food category.
Retail data shows the company has achieved velocity increases of 25% to 50% across its retail channels in both Canada and the U.S. in 2025. Beyond the numbers, the success is reflected in glowing customer feedback, with many reviewers consistently highlighting Chickapea as having the best taste and texture among alternative pastas.
Chickapea’s popularity is also driven by its ability to meet growing consumer demand for nutritious and plant-based foods. Made from organic pulses like chickpeas and lentils, the pasta offers a protein-rich and gluten-free alternative to conventional wheat-based products. As consumers seek healthier options without compromising on taste, Chickapea has positioned itself at the forefront of this shift.
Strong Retail and Partner Support
Retailers and partners across North America have voiced enthusiasm for the brand’s trajectory. Sobeys, one of Canada’s leading grocery chains, has seen remarkable success through its partnership with Chickapea.
“Chickapea has been a fantastic partner to work with—always eager to participate in our programs and support key initiatives,” said Sandra Friesen, National Category Manager at Sobeys. “It’s been exciting to watch the strong sales growth that’s come from our collaboration.”
The sentiment is echoed across the border in the U.S. where National Co+op Grocers (NCG), a cooperative of over 200 community-owned grocery stores, has long championed Chickapea.
“Chickapea has been a strong partner with NCG and co-ops across the country for many years,” said Lisa DeMaria, Category Manager at NCG. “As a woman-owned, B-Corp Certified company making organic products, Chickapea’s story and products speak to co-op shoppers. Together, NCG co-ops and Chickapea have experienced significant sales and distribution growth, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow together into the future.”
This support from established retail partners provides a solid foundation for Chickapea to deepen its presence and reach new consumers across the continent.
Strategic Investment and Future Outlook
For Chickapea, the $4.25 million CAD in new funding is more than just capital—it represents a strategic alignment with partners who share its vision for the future of food.
“This funding round is a testament to the incredible work our team has done and the strong market performance we’ve achieved,” said Shelby Taylor, CEO and Founder of Chickapea. “We’re thrilled to have the support of AGT Foods, FCC, and InvestEco. Their partnership will be instrumental as we continue to scale our brand, meet growing consumer demand, expand our retail presence, and explore new channels.”
Taylor, who launched Chickapea with the mission of making healthy, organic food accessible to more people, emphasized that the company’s values—sustainability, nutrition, and community—remain at the heart of its growth strategy.
Al-Katib echoed this confidence in the brand’s future: “I’ve been truly impressed by what Shelby and her team have built with Chickapea, and I believe in the brand’s immense potential. AGT is excited to partner with Chickapea, and I am eager to bring our expertise and resources to help scale this incredible brand in the North American market.”
Investment to Drive Growth and Innovation
The new funding will be directed toward several key areas:
- Marketing and Brand Awareness: Expanding efforts to strengthen Chickapea’s visibility and communicate its nutritional and sustainability benefits to a wider audience.
- Product Innovation: Continuing to refine and develop new offerings that align with consumer trends and preferences.
- Distribution Expansion: Broadening retail availability across North America, ensuring that more consumers can access Chickapea’s products in both mainstream and specialty channels.
- Operational Scale: Leveraging AGT Foods’ global expertise to enhance supply chain efficiency and support sustainable growth.
By focusing on these priorities, Chickapea aims to build on its current momentum and establish itself as a household name in the better-for-you pasta category.
The Bigger Picture: Shaping the Future of Food
Chickapea’s success also reflects broader industry trends. Consumers are increasingly seeking nutritious, plant-based alternatives that deliver on both health and taste. At the same time, retailers are eager to stock brands that align with sustainability values and consumer demand. Chickapea, with its organic ingredients, B-Corp certification, and woman-led leadership, stands at the intersection of these trends.
The partnership with AGT Foods and FCC further underscores the role of strategic investment in driving sustainable food innovation. Together, these organizations bring resources, networks, and expertise that can help scale Chickapea while maintaining its commitment to responsible growth.
As Chickapea embarks on this next chapter, it does so with a strong foundation, enthusiastic retail and consumer support, and a team committed to making a lasting impact in the food industry. With $4.25 million CAD in fresh capital, the company is poised to expand its reach and continue redefining what consumers can expect from pasta—nutritious, delicious, and sustainably mad
