BRASILIA, BRAZIL — Marfrig Global Foods, the world’s largest beef patty producer, has reached an agreement with Chicago-based Archer Daniels Midland Co. under which ADM will supply the primary raw materials used to develop plant-based burgers in Brazil. 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,” said Eduardo Miron, chief executive officer of Marfrig Global Foods. “We want to give consumers the power of choice. They are the ones who decide. The plant-based burgers will complement Marfrig’s product portfolio and be distributed through all our market channels.”

Roberto Ciciliano, c.e.o. of ADM Nutrition in Latin America, added, “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. And our agreement with Marfrig further strengthens that proposition.”

The production of plant-based burgers in Brazil will be launched at Marfrig’s plant 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 companies said. 

Marfrig said it expects the first plant-based burgers to be produced under the partnership to 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 food service clients, Marfrig said, with roll-out to retail channels later.

Marfrig will launch a specific brand for its plant-based products.