HOLTEN, THE NETHERLANDS — Vivera, a subsidiary of JBS S.A., one of the world’s largest meat processors, is acquiring The Vegetarian Butcher from Unilever. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Vivera manufactures plant-based meat alternatives.

“By combining these two companies we join forces to create a great purpose-driven company with many talented and highly motivated people,” said Willem van Weede, chief executive officer of Vivera. “Acceleration of the protein transition is more important than ever, and we look forward to inspiring more people to eat more plant based.”

The Vegetarian Butcher sells a variety of plant-based meat alternative applications to retailers and foodservice operators in 55 markets around the world. The business was founded in 2010 and acquired by Unilever in 2018.

Unilever announced during its 2024 investor day that it was looking to transition its portfolio to long-term growth and scalability by focusing on fewer, larger brands. The chilled and frozen products of The Vegetarian Butcher require a distinct supply chain and sourcing model making them less scalable within the broader Unilever Foods portfolio, according to the company.

“I believe that The Vegetarian Butcher is poised for even greater success in the next phase of its journey under new ownership that is dedicated to plant-based meat replacements,” said Heiko Schipper, president of Unilever Foods. “This focused expertise will support the brand in its ambitious goal to become the Biggest Butcher of the world.”

JBS, São Paulo, Brazil, acquired Vivera in 2021 for approximately $400 million. Vivera’s products are available in 32,000 supermarkets in 25 European countries, according to the company.