- 01Univar China deal extended to 2028.
- 0250t minimum applies only after supply resumes.
- 03No order or revenue yet; WOA seeks a manufacturer.
Wide Open Agriculture (ASX: WOA) has extended its exclusive mainland China distribution agreement with Univar Solutions China until 31 December 2028 as it works to restore commercial supplies of its lupin protein ingredients.
The revised arrangement retains a minimum purchase requirement of 50 tonnes, but the 12-month purchasing window will only begin once commercial quantities become available and Wide Open formally notifies its distribution partner.
The change in production model is intended to re-establish product availability after its German facility was wound down, enabling the distribution relationship to move beyond customer evaluation and into commercial sales.
While the agreement preserves a route into China for the group’s plant-based ingredients, it does not constitute a purchase order and carries no immediate revenue or financial impact.
Conditional Distribution Terms
Univar will retain the exclusive right to market and distribute the products across mainland China while continuing customer engagement, market development, and application trials during the extended term.
Those marketing obligations remain subject to the reasonable availability of product samples, reflecting the supply constraints facing Wide Open during its manufacturing transition.
If Univar materially breaches its marketing commitments, Wide Open may convert the arrangement to non-exclusive distribution after providing 30 days’ written notice and an opportunity to remedy the breach.
The 50-tonne commitment is likewise a condition of continued exclusivity rather than an immediate order, with the purchase deadline dependent on written confirmation that supply has resumed.
Revenue can only arise once commercial production is restored and pricing is agreed between the parties, with no fixed date requiring Wide Open to commence deliveries.
Manufacturing Transition Timetable
Wide Open is progressing framework agreements with four prospective contract manufacturing partners as it seeks a preferred long-term producer for its lupin protein range.
Under the original agreement announced in April 2025, Univar was required to buy at least 50 tonnes of lupin protein isolate within 12 months, a timetable that became impractical without commercial supply.
Univar has already conducted customer trials and confirmed a China rollout strategy, providing a basis for continued market development while production arrangements are finalised.
“We continue to have a strong partnership with Univar, based on our shared belief in the future potential for lupin ingredients in China,” chief executive officer Craig Swan said.
“Our priority is to complete the selection of our contract manufacturing partner and restore supply as soon as possible.”
China Opportunity Focus
Univar Solutions China serves the food and nutrition, personal care, pharmaceutical, and advanced materials sectors from its Shanghai headquarters, giving Wide Open an established ingredient distribution channel.
The partners continue to pursue applications for lupin-based ingredients in the Chinese market, including opportunities in beverages and nutrition identified through Univar’s customer engagement.
Wide Open’s lupin ingredient portfolio includes plant proteins, fibres, and oils developed for food, beverage, cosmetics, and nutraceutical applications.
The immediate commercial milestones are the selection of a manufacturing partner, restoration of supply and subsequent written notification to Univar that starts the revised purchasing period.
Until those steps are completed, the longer agreement preserves distribution exclusivity and marketing activity without guaranteeing a particular sales volume or delivery date.
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