We are very pleased to introduce you to Andrew May, co-CEO of Unigrain, a valuable new partner of the Global Plant-Based Foods & Protein Ecosystem. We asked Andrew three questions about his partnership with the ecosystem and Unigrain’s role in the protein transition.
Can you give a short description of your organisation?
Unigrain is an Australian-based food and agribusiness, specialising in the manufacture of oat- and pulse-based food ingredients. Unigrain produces a diverse range of products encompassing both traditional cereal and pulse ingredients for the domestic and Asian markets, as well as more recently expanding into pulse proteins and other fractionated plant-based products.
How did you hear about the Bridge2Food Global Plant-Based Foods & Proteins EcoSystem?
We were fortunate enough to be introduced to the ecosystem by CSIRO, Australia’s leading scientific research organisation and an ecosystem partner. Through conversations with Gerard, Bridge2Food’s CEO, we quickly understood the potential of the ecosystem and the value it could bring to our organisation as we commence our journey in the plant-based protein industry. The ecosystem provides a unique offering in bringing together parties from across the globe whom all share a common interest and goal. We are excited by the potential to collaborate with new partners and be challenged with new opportunities.
What is the main challenge for the world in relation to the protein transition and what kind of role would your organisation like to fulfil?
We believe strongly in the need for a transition towards sustainable alternative protein sources. For Australia, this is particularly relevant, as we seek to fulfil the fast-growing demand for protein from the Asia-Pacific region, yet also live with the challenges of the variable Australian climate and increasing incidences of drought.
We believe we can play an important role in leveraging the high-quality pulse crops grown in Australia, to produce sustainable, nutritious and natural pulse protein products. We are excited by the opportunity to help build consumer awareness for plant-based proteins and facilitate innovation by creating a supply chain domestically where one does not currently exist.
About the EcoSystem
About 300 industry leaders from 110 organisations have partnered since 2019 in the Global Plant-Based Foods EcoSystem, to accelerate the transition towards a more plant-based diet, with better foods, produced in a sustainable way, as well as increase food security with an abundant supply of proteins for food, feed and pet food markets.
Innovation, research & development leaders from food brands, ingredient & processing companies, institutes, universities, grower associations and breeders collaborate on such a future with concrete actions, deliverables and outcomes. To be involved in the ecosystem and to join our meetings, you can register here. To get all details on the ecosystem, you can check out this page.