Maple Leaf Foods’ plant-based division, Greenleaf Foods, has entered into a joint development agreement with mycoprotein company The Better Meat Co.

The partnership will explore opportunities for innovation utilising Better Meat Co’s Rhiza ingredient.

Produced via fermentation, the company’s mycoprotein is said to be naturally “meat-textured,” while containing more protein than eggs and more iron than beef.

“We are looking forward to working with The Better Meat Co as we continue exploring alternative protein ingredients to allow us to further diversify our portfolio of delicious, sustainably produced plant-based food,” said Jitendra Sagili, chief R&D and food technology officer at Greenleaf, which owns brands Lightlife and Field Roast.

“Our current portfolio of over 50 plant-based items, which includes plant-based sausage, chicken, hot dogs, tempeh and cheese, primarily leverages soy and pea protein ingredients. Working with The Better Meat Co. opens up new opportunities for us to innovate with other potential protein sources.”

Better Meat Co executive vice president of operations, Doni Curkendall, added: “Rhiza mycoprotein is a versatile ingredient for use both as a meat enhancer and meat replacer”.

“Greenleaf Foods’ expertise in all things protein makes them a stellar partner to showcase this powerful ingredient that will help build an even more sustainable protein industry.”

The agreement follows news last year of a similar partnership between Better Meat Co and Hormel Foods to bring products made using mycoprotein to market.

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