Australian regenerative food and agriculture company Wide Open Agriculture (WOA) has signed an offtake and distribution agreement with the chemical and ingredient distributor Univar Solutions China.
Through the agreement, Univar will become the exclusive distributor for WOA’s lupin protein products in mainland China for an initial six-month term. The period of exclusivity may be extended, subject to performance.
Univar commits to purchasing at least 50 tonnes of lupin protein isolate over the 12 months following the initial six-month market preparation period. This takes the total length of the agreement to at least 18 months, and the term can be extended by mutual agreement. Pricing is still to be agreed.
“We are excited to cooperate with WOA on its unique plant proteins,” said Will Wang of Univar Solutions China. “WOA’s range of lupin proteins offers a neutral flavour and colour, with exceptional functional performance as an ingredient. Univar Solutions will utilize our capability and know-how to provide an ingredient-solution to our customers under the support of WOA.”
Unlocking real growth
WOA says the agreement is a key part of its global commercialization strategy and reinforces its mission to become a leading sustainable protein ingredient. The company will work with Univar to develop a market strategy targeting the premium ingredients sector, with the aim of supporting sustainable, clean-label, high-functionality food innovation in China.
The news comes just months after WOA’s lupin protein isolate received General Administration approval to export to the Chinese market. The isolate has several proven commercial applications, including protein powders, plant-based milks, yogurts, and ice creams.
WOA previously secured Ingå Group as the exclusive distributor of its lupin-based proteins in Europe in late 2023.
“Univar Solutions China is a powerhouse in the global ingredient distribution landscape,” said WOA Executive Chair Yaxi Zhan. “Partnering with their China team gives us not only a strong local presence, but also the strategic capability to unlock real growth in one of the world’s most dynamic markets for plant-based protein.”
