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Unilever has announced its new partnership with food-tech company Enough, which produces fungi-based mycoprotein, as it looks to bring more plant-based meat products to market.

Formerly known as 3F Bio, Enough produces Abunda mycoprotein using what it claims is a zero-waste fermentation process that feeds natural fungi renewable feedstock such as wheat and corn.

Based in Scotland, Enough supplies Abunda as a food ingredient to consumer brands and retailers. According to Unilever, the ingredient contains all essential amino acids and is high in dietary fibre.

With the new partnership, Unilever intends to explore the use of Abunda mycoprotein in the manufacture of foods under its meat alternative brand The Vegetarian Butcher, which it acquired in 2018.

“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,” said Carla Hilhorst, executive vice president 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.”

The partnership marks a step by Unilever towards its annual global sales target of €1 billion from plant-based meat and dairy alternatives by 2025-2027, as part of its ‘Future Foods’ ambition. Last July, Unilever partnered with Algenuity to explore ways of bringing plant-based foods made with microalgae to the market.

In 2020, The Vegetarian Butcher reportedly grew over 70%. The meat alternatives brand’s portfolio is currently available in 45 countries and is used for vegan Burger King menu items such as the Plant-Based Whopper, Nuggets and Vegan Royal.

Andrew Beasley, commercial director of Enough, 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.”