Just partners with Michael Foods to scale up supply in US

Just has partnered with Michael Foods, a subsidiary of Post Holdings, to scale up supply of its plant-based Just Egg product in the US.

Food processor and supplier Michael Foods’ portfolio of egg brands includes names such as Papetti’s, Abbotsford Farms and Davidson’s Safest Choice. Under the agreement with Just, the company will be the exclusive manufacturer, supplier and distributor of Just Egg to foodservice and food ingredient customers.

Just’s egg alternative is made with protein derived from mung beans and is available in pourable liquid and pre-baked patty formats. Production of its ingredients, Just claims, use 98% less water, 86% less land and emit 93% less CO2 than conventional animal sources.

This latest deal builds upon a number of strategic partnerships agreed by Just earlier this year. The brand recently announced a deal with Emsland Group, aimed at expanding its protein processing capacity to help the company meet increased demand for its egg alternative.

Several new partnerships have also been formed to manufacture and distribute Just Egg in markets across North America, Latin America, Europe and East Asia. These include agreements with South Korea’s SPC Samlip, Southeast Asia Betagro Group and bakery firm Grupo Bimbo.

Commenting on the deal with Michael Foods, Just co-founder and CEO Josh Tetrick said: “Our companies share a great deal in common. We’re fathers and brothers and sisters and mothers, all sharing a belief that the food we eat is one of the most important choices we make.

“Signing this partnership is one of the proudest moments in our company’s journey to build a better food system.”

Mark Westphal, president of Michael Foods, added: “We are excited about this new partnership. Eggs will continue to be a nutritious and affordable staple in America’s diet, and Just’s plant-based egg products offer a great complement to our value-added eggs by allowing customers to serve every consumer their preference.

“Working together, we are bringing innovation and options to the food industry.”