Univar Expands Roquette Plant Protein Distribution in North America
Univar Solutions broadened its North American distribution deal with Roquette to include Nutralys pea proteins and Nutriose soluble fibers, moving beyond a previous cellulosics-only agreement to meet demand for plant-based nutrition.
Univar Solutions has expanded its distribution agreement with Roquette to include Nutralys plant proteins and Nutriose soluble fibers across the USA and Canada. The move significantly broadens the partnership beyond its previous scope, which covered only cellulosic ingredients. Announced on November 4, 2023, the deal makes these plant-based ingredients available to manufacturers through Foodology by Univar Solutions, targeting key consumer trends in protein fortification and fiber enrichment.
The expanded relationship also includes a wider range of cellulosics, such as Methocel, Wellence, Ethocel, Tabulose and Microcel. Roquette, a French plant-based ingredients company with over 90 years of experience, gained the Methocel line when it completed its acquisition of IFF Pharma Solutions in May 2025, which included IFF’s methyl cellulosic food applications. Univar Solutions, based in Illinois, is a distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients.
Product Portfolio and Applications
The expanded portfolio is designed for protein beverages, fortified snacks, baked goods, meat alternatives, nutraceuticals, and sports nutrition. The Nutralys pea protein ingredients are derived from non-GMO yellow peas using Roquette’s patented water-based process. In February 2026, Roquette introduced Nutralys Pea 850F, a pea protein isolate formulated to reduce vegetal off-notes.
Nutriose soluble fibers are sourced from non-GMO wheat or corn. They offer a neutral taste, strong processing stability, and clinically proven digestive tolerance. The collaboration supports applications aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles, directly responding to market trends Univar identified, including increased fiber intake and foods developed for consumers using weight management therapeutics.
Strategic Rationale and Market Alignment
The partnership responds to accelerating demand for sustainable protein and fiber solutions in North America. Gaetan Fauvarque, Head of Global Distribution Management for Roquette’s Nutrition and Bio-industry Business Unit, stated that the expanded relationship would make more products available in North America, allowing both companies to build on their strengths and better respond to evolving industry needs. Aaron Lee, Senior Vice President of Health & Nutrition for Univar Solutions, added that working with Roquette delivers on a promise to bring innovative, sustainable solutions to customers.
Univar named protein fortification, higher fiber intake, plant-based diets, and weight management therapeutics as the key consumer trends the ingredient range serves. The strategic move strengthens Univar Solutions’ plant-based offerings and aims to bring innovative plant-based solutions to more customers in the US and Canada. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The collaboration shows the strategic importance of such partnerships for advancing plant-based food innovation in North American markets.
