Kerry Group has acquired Ojah BV, a Dutch company that manufactures substitute meat products from plant proteins such as peas and soya. Kerry is understood to have paid in the region of €20m for the business, according to industry sources.

The acquisition is subject to EU regulatory approval, which Kerry said it expects to receive from EU authorities in the next month.

Founded in 2009, Ojah BV produces 1,600t of substitute meat products every year, which it markets under its ‘Plenti’ brand in more than 20 countries.

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Kerry estimates the global plant-based protein market will grow to €13bn in value by 2022.

“While meat consumption continues to grow worldwide, the consumption of meat alternatives is also growing. A number of Kerry customers have asked us to develop menu options for them around these kind of alternative protein products,” a spokesperson for Kerry said.

Kerry already manufactures a range of dairy free, soy free and vegan plant-based protein products under its ProDiem brand.