Unilever unveils new meat-free partnership

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

Glasgow-based Enough’s (formerly 3F BIO) technology uses a unique zero-waste fermentation process to grow a high-quality protein, Abunda mycoprotein, a complete food ingredient containing all essential amino acids as well as being high in dietary fibre.

Unilever said the game-changing protein will be a natural fit for its fast-growing meat-alternative brand, The Vegetarian Butcher, which grew over 70 per cent in 2020. Globally, the meat-free sector is experiencing explosive growth, with recent estimates suggest the sector will hit $290 billion (£205bn) in 2035.

“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,” Carla Hilhorst, EVP of R&D for Foods & Refreshment at Unilever.

“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.”

Unilever has set an annual global sales target of €1 billion from plant-based meat and dairy alternatives by 2025-2027.