Unilever to partner with ENOUGH for plant-based protein innovations

Unilever has announced that it will partner with foodtech company ENOUGH (formerly 3F BIO) to bring new plant-based meat products to market.

ENOUGH’s technology uses a zero-waste fermentation process to grow a high-quality protein. Natural fungi are fed with renewable feedstock, such as wheat and corn. This produces ABUNDA mycoprotein, which is claimed to be a complete food ingredient containing all essential amino acids as well as being high in dietary fibre.

Unilever has been expanding its plant-based meat and dairy alternatives business for several years. It acquired meat-alternative brand The Vegetarian Butcher in 2018, which grew over 70% in 2020. This brand uses a blend of plant-based proteins to create meat-like tastes and textures for a range of products, which includes the vegan Raw Burger. Its Burger King partnership has also brought products like the Plant-Based Whopper, Plant-Based Nuggets and Vegan Royale to more than 35 countries around the world.

Carla Hilhorst, EVP of R&D for Foods & Refreshment at Unilever, said: “Plant-based foods is one of Unilever’s fastest growing segments and we’re delighted to partner with ENOUGH to develop more sustainable protein products that are delicious, nutritious and a force for good. We’re excited by the potential that this technology has for future innovations across our portfolio, and we can’t wait to launch more plant-based foods that help people cut down on meat, without compromising on taste.”

Recent estimates suggest the global meat-free sector will hit US$290 billion ($375 billion) in 2035.¹

Andrew Beasley, Commercial Director of ENOUGH, said “There’s a rapid transition in the food industry and we are excited with this collaboration with Unilever and The Vegetarian Butcher, which truly supports our aim to create impact and scale.”

^{1. Food for Thought: The Protein Transformation (2021), Boston Consulting Group and Blue Horizon Corporation}

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Александра Абрамова