Unilever partners with Enough for plant-based meat products

Unilever has announced a partnership with food-tech company Enough to bring new plant-based meat products to market.

Formerly known as 3F BIO, Enough produces fungi-based mycoprotein products using its zero-waste fermentation process.

The natural fungi are fed with renewable feedstock such as wheat and corn.

The Scotland-based company produces Abunda mycoprotein, which is claimed to be a complete food ingredient with all essential amino acids and high in dietary fibre.

Unilever stated that the new protein complements its meat-alternative brand, The Vegetarian Butcher, which grew more than 70% last year.

The food products under the Vegetarian Butcher brand are produced using a blend of plant-based proteins to create meat-like tastes and textures.

Enough commercial director Andrew Beasley said: “Producing vast quantities of healthy and sustainable protein is one of the most urgent global priorities.

“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.”

The Vegetarian Butcher brand is currently available in 45 countries across four continents.

Unilever Foods and Refreshment R&D executive vice-president Carla Hilhorst 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.”

Last month, Unilever agreed to purchase the US food supplement brand Onnit to boost its health and wellness product portfolio.

Based in Austin, Texas, Onnit produces supplements that aim to improve cognitive function, mood, relaxation, gut health, and support immunity.