Unilever Takes A Big Bite Of The Vegan Market

You know it’s been a big week for the vegan business world when a global FMCG makes back to back investments.

Unilever has acquired Dutch meat substitute company Vegetarian Butcher and at home in India, Unilever Ventures (the company’s funding arm), has invested in vegan beauty brand Plum Cosmetics.

Consumers are demanding more vegan and planet-friendly options, and Big Business is taking note and following through!

Tapping Into The Meat-Free Market

In a bid to increase it’s vegan offerings, Unilever has acquired Vegetarian Butcher, maker of plant-based meat substitutes, for an undisclosed amount.

Founded by a former cattle rancher Jaap Korteweg, the brand’s roster includes vegan “nochicken” nuggets and “chickburgers,” that boast the same texture and bite as real chicken.

“It is our mission to make plant-based meat the standard. This acquisition will help to accelerate our mission.”

Jaap Korteweg, Founder, Vegetarian Butcher

Jaap Korteweg

Image courtesy The Vegetarian Butcher

The acquisition comes at a time when conscious consumerism and the demand for cruelty-free products is on the rise. Earlier this year, Unilver announced that their largest personal care brand, Dove, was officially cruelty-free.

A ‘Plum’ Investment

Back home, Plum, a 100% vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics brand, has received Series A funding from Unilever Ventures. Founded in 2013 by HUL(Hindustan Unilever) alumnus and chemical engineer Shankar Prasad, the brand takes pride in combining science with sustainability.

Plum Cosmetics

The funding will enable Plum to scale up operations (online and offline), and expand its presence in the market.

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