Dublin-based food company Kerry Group, a world leader in the global food industry, has formed a joint venture with Korys. Korys owns the Dutch plant-based meat company, Ojah.
According to a press release, Kerry Group is now a majority stakeholder in the new company. The company hopes that the new partnership will allow it to strengthen relations with Ojah’s existing customer base as well as develop new plant-based products.
“As we begin to align and work closely with Ojah, we will be striving to work together to combine our collective expertise and knowledge, to bring new and innovative products to market, using the innovation, technological know-how and scientific expertise, which sits at the core of our two organizations,” said Dr. Albert McQuaid, chief technology officer at Kerry Group.
“Our aim is to produce innovative, sustainable plant-based protein products to meet the needs of the rising flexitarian consumer,” added Frank Giezen, chief executive officer at Ojah. “We believe this can be achieved by working closely with Kerry, our new strategic partner, who will bring their global presence and scientific knowledge and know-how, to help us develop even more unique and innovative plant-based food solutions to a global audience while maintaining our ingredient branding strategy.”
“We acquired Ojah just over a year ago, as we saw the potential that this innovative organization and its products bring to the market,” said Dries Crevits, executive director at Korys. “Now that Kerry has become a joint-venture partner, this potential has increased exponentially and we look forward to seeing where this partnership takes us in the future.”
Ojah is a plant-based meat company that specializes in non-GMO, gluten-free vegan meats, made with only plant-based protein and water. According to the company, its plant-based meats are juicier than chicken and more tender than pork. Its brand Beeter is currently available in the Netherlands and products under its Plenti brand are sold internationally.
Kerry Group is a Dublin-based food company that specializes in taste and nutrition, with a focus on meat and cheese. The company believes that its 40 years of expertise in the global food space will benefit Ojah.
Now, more than ever, companies that have traditionally focused on the production of animal-based foods are taking an interest in the growing plant-based market. Tyson Foods, the largest meat producer in the United States, not only has stakes in plant-based meat company Beyond Meat but also clean meat company Memphis Meats. Similarly, last year Canada’s largest meat producer, Maple Leaf Foods, acquired US grain meat company Field Roast and vegan company Lightlife Foods.
Image Credit: Ojah
