Marfrig Global Foods, Brazil, announced an agreement with Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), Chicago, to produce and sell vegetable protein-based products in Brazil.

Under the deal, ADM will be responsible for supplying the primary raw material used in the process, while Marfrig will produce, distribute and sell the products in the foodservice 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,” says Eduardo Miron, chief executive officer of Marfrig Global Foods. “The plant-based burgers will complement Marfrig’s product portfolio and be distributed through all our market channels.”

“We offer an advanced R&D structure, 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,” says Roberto Ciciliano, chief executive officer of ADM Nutrition in Latin America. “And, our agreement with Marfrig further strengthens that proposition.”

The first plant-based burgers to be produced under the partnership will reach the Brazilian market by the end of this year, with exports following later.