Source:Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 1/17/18



Cargill announced it has signed a joint venture agreement with Puris, the largest North American producer of pea protein, increasing the agricultural giant's footprint in the growing market for plant-based protein sources. 

"Puris is a game changer in terms of taste and vertical integration in pea protein," said David Henstrom, vice president, Cargill Starches, Sweeteners and Texturizers. "It's clear that Puris is in alignment with Cargill's vision to meet the growing demand for protein globally and to help customers deliver label-friendly products without sacrificing taste." 

Cargill's financial backing and market reach will drive significant expansion of Puris’ operations globally, said Puris President Tyler Lorenzen. 

“We will add substantial capacity, including a second plant, while maintaining our focus on U.S. production," Lorenzen said. "Cargill is investing in everything PURIS stands for, from our vertically integrated non-GMO pea seed development to our proprietary technologies and our commitment to U.S. Certified Organic pea farmers."

The announcement comes just months after Cargill invested an undisclosed sum in Memphis Meats, a company that has developed beef, chicken and duck protein from animal cells.

Cargill joins other large meat companies that are investing in alternative protein sources. Tyson Foods in 2016 acquired a 5 percent stake in plant-based meat alternative maker Beyond Meat and boosted its stake last month.

In September 2017, Nestle USA bought Sweet Earth, a manufacturer of plant-based burritos, burgers and other foods.
In February 2017, Canadian meat processor Maple Leaf Foods agreed to acquire Lightlife Foods, a manufacturer and brand of refrigerated plant-based protein foods in the United States, for $140 million and related costs.

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