Brazil’s Marfrig Global Foods, one of the world’s largest beef producers and the world’s largest beef patty producer, announced that it has reached an agreement with U.S.-based Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), one of the world’s largest agricultural processors and food ingredient suppliers, for the production and sale of vegetable protein-based products in Brazil.

Under the deal, the companies will work together to develop plant-based products, with ADM responsible for supplying the primary raw material used in the process, while Marfrig will produce, distribute and sell the products in the food service and retail channels.

“Together, Marfrig and ADM will produce 100% vegetable protein-based burgers with the same taste and texture of beef. We want to give consumers the power of choice. They are the ones who decide,” Marfrig Global Foods chief executive officer Eduardo Miron said. “The plant-based burgers will complement Marfrig’s product portfolio and be distributed through all our market channels.”

Roberto Ciciliano, CEO of ADM Nutrition in Latin America, added that ADM offers an advanced research and development structure as well as "natural ingredients and technological solutions, including the advantage of local manufacturing, to anticipate industry trends and meet our clients’ needs with customized service. We are the ideal partner to support and foster the sustainable development of the food, specialties and healthy nutrition industry.”

The agreement with Marfrig further strengthens that proposition, he added.

The production of plant-based burgers in Brazil will be launched at Marfrig’s unit in Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso. Part of the plant-based raw materials will be shipped directly from ADM’s plant in Campo Grande to Marfrig’s plant. 

The first plant-based burgers to be produced under the partnership between Marfrig and ADM will reach the Brazilian market by the end of this year, with exports following later. In this first phase of the launch, the products will be supplied to foodservice clients. Later, the plant-based burgers will be sold in retail channels. Marfrig will launch a specific brand for its plant-based products.