By Adriano Marchese

Unilever PLC said Thursday that it has partnered with sustainable-protein maker Enough in a bid to expand its plant-based meat and dairy alternatives business.

The Anglo-Dutch multisector retailer--which owns consumer brands such as Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Dove soap and Cif and Domestos cleaning products--said protein is a natural fit for its growing meat-alternative brand, the Vegetarian Butcher, which grew over 70% in 2020.

Unilever said Enough uses a zero-waste fermentation process to grow a high-quality protein.

"We're excited by the potential that this technology has for future innovations across our portfolio, and we can't wait to launch more plant-based foods that help people cut down on meat, without compromising on taste," Executive Vice President of R&D for Foods & Refreshment at Unilever Carla Hilhorst said.

Write to Adriano Marchese at adriano.marchese@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

05-27-21 1123ET