Global agribusiness giant ADM has entered a joint venture with leading beef producer Marfrig to supply plant-based products to North and South America, ADM announced on 27 May.
The companies had a history of working together and the joint venture company, PlantPlus Foods, would expand on that partnership.
ADM’s plant-based foods include soya flour, soya protein concentrates, isolated soya proteins, textured protein, wheat protein isolates and other products.
“Consumers today are thinking about food in new ways, with the knowledge that delicious burgers and more can come from a variety of sources, including plants,” said Leticia Gonçalves, ADM’s president, Global Specialty Ingredients.
“We’re proud to supply major consumer product customers around the globe, including through our ADM Nutrition Solutions platform in Brazil, with a complete pantry of ingredients, flavours and solutions to meet their individual needs. And now, PlantPlus Foods will add to our capabilities, expanding our leadership position in a key growth market.”
Initially, Marfrig would own 70% of PlantPlus Foods, with 30% owned by ADM. Marfrig would be responsible for production and distribution via its facilities in South America, mainly in Várzea Grande, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, and its facilities in the USA.
ADM would supply technical expertise, application of development and a range of plant-based ingredients, flavours and systems from its speciality protein complex in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, and its new pea protein plant in Enderlin, North Dakota.
Although the joint venture would focus on North and South America, it would have the ability to serve customers in other global markets.
The joint venture would be launched on receipt of regulatory approvals, according to ADM.
Headquartered in São Paolo, Brazil, Marfrig has production units in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile and Marfrig North America, a subsidiary in the USA, exports to over 30 countries.
