Is Wide Open Agriculture Expanding in China Through a Strategic Lupin Protein Distribution Deal? | ASX 200, All Ordinaries

Highlights

• Wide Open Agriculture secured exclusive distribution of lupin protein with Univar Solutions China

• The initial agreement spans six months, with an option for an extension based on performance

• Collaboration focuses on premium food ingredients aligned with clean-label innovation

Wide Open Agriculture (ASX:WOA), a player in the sustainable food and agriculture sector listed on the ASX 200 and All Ordinaries indexes, has entered the Chinese market through an exclusive agreement with Univar Solutions China. The deal grants Univar exclusive rights to distribute and promote Wide Open’s lupin-based protein products, LP90 and BP80F, for an initial period. The agreement is structured to extend based on the distributor’s performance within the defined timeline.

Univar Solutions China is a regional division of one of the largest chemical and ingredient distributors globally. Its operations span various industries including food and nutrition, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and materials science. With an extensive reach in mainland China, Univar is positioned to support the introduction of lupin protein products into established and emerging food manufacturing channels.

Product focus on clean-label and high-functionality ingredients

The lupin-based protein products LP90 and BP80F align with the rising demand for sustainable and clean-label ingredients in the Chinese market. These products are designed to cater to food manufacturers seeking high-functionality inputs for plant-based applications. Through this agreement, Wide Open Agriculture and Univar aim to address demand for innovative formulations in food production that support environmental and nutritional standards.

Wide Open Agriculture’s collaboration with Univar will involve joint efforts in developing a comprehensive market approach. This includes customer engagement, market testing, and integration with supply chains in the food and beverage sector across China. The strategy focuses on expanding awareness and utilisation of lupin protein as a viable input in food processing.

Market development approach and regional access

Under the terms of the agreement, Univar Solutions China will lead efforts to identify and engage wholesalers, manufacturers, and formulation experts. Their local expertise is expected to support the uptake of lupin-based protein in formulations targeting both domestic and global supply chains. The Chinese market has been increasingly responsive to high-quality plant-based ingredients, and Univar’s distribution network allows for broad access to food and beverage innovators.

Univar’s capabilities extend beyond regional sales. The group manages product sourcing and distribution across its global platform, potentially linking Wide Open Agriculture’s lupin proteins to future markets beyond mainland China. For now, the agreement focuses solely on China, with mechanisms in place to review performance and extend exclusivity.

Lupin protein’s role in sustainable agriculture and ASX dividends relevance

Lupin protein, derived from the legume plant, fits within a broader shift toward regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices. Wide Open Agriculture’s position on the ASX reflects its alignment with themes including plant-based nutrition, low-emissions food systems, and sustainable crop use. These themes continue to attract attention within the ASX dividends landscape, particularly for companies integrating innovation with environmental alignment.

The exclusive partnership with Univar Solutions China represents a step in the expansion of Australian agrifood exports into Asia. With Univar leading market execution, Wide Open Agriculture (ASX:WOA) is poised to expand awareness of lupin protein benefits within China’s ingredient supply ecosystem.