JBS acquires Unilever’s plant-based meat company

JBS will take over The Vegetarian Burger, a Dutch plant-based meat company belonging to Unilever. The acquisition was carried out through its subsidiary Vivera, according to Estadão. The deal’s value was not disclosed, and the agreement is expected to be finalized in September. Unilever, which opted to sell the business to streamline its portfolio, stated that The Vegetarian Burger has seen double-digit growth since its 2018 purchase.

Nevertheless, the brand’s supply chain for refrigerated and frozen products requires a less scalable model compared to its other product lines.

Founded in 2010, the company is present in 55 countries in both retail and food service, producing burgers, nuggets, sausages, and cold cuts. Vivera, also based in the Netherlands, pioneered plant-based food development and was acquired by JBS in 2021, becoming the sector’s third-largest brand. Following the announcement, JBS shares rose 2.55%, closing at R$41.84 last Friday.