McDonald’s and Beyond Meat bring McPlant Patties to the US. Yeo’s and Oatly’s $30M partnership in Singapore. Ashton Kutcher and other celebrities invest big in alternative proteins, including MeaTech, Tindle, and bettermoo(d). Heura Foods launches in Mexico. Taco Bell’s Cravetarian Menu is offered throughout Detroit.
Welcome to Talking Plant Protein. I am Nicole Astra and this is Trending News.
Fast food giant McDonald’s announced they will begin a small McPlant Operations Test this month and this is big news for the US market. Earlier this year Beyond Meat entered into a three-year global strategic agreement with McDonald's which included being the preferred supplier for McPlant patties co-developed between the two companies. The McPlant patty is exclusive to McDonald’s and has been well received overseas but now eight select restaurants in the US will get their chance to serve up plant-based options of classics like the Big Mac and Quarter Pounder for a limited time.
Since 2017 Barcelona start-up, Heura Foods, has been available in over 4000 locations across 16 countries. The newest venture in Heura’s global expansion is Mexico where according to Nielsen Scantrack data, the vegan market is expected to top 230 million dollars by 2023. Founder and food activist, Marc Coloma, sees Mexico as the perfect pairing stating “With nearly 130 million people living in Mexico, we recognize the power of its people to change the food system into one that’s designed to protect the things we all love: the planet, people and animals.” Heura Foods popular chicken products, meatballs and burger patties have a short ingredient list and less saturated fat than other popular brands. Coloma believes these products promote a healthier and more sustainable future yet allow different cultures to still embrace traditions.
The race to meet the growing demand for alternatives to traditional dairy has forged a unique partnership. In March of 2021, Singapore beverage company, Yeo's, announced a long-term partnership with Swedish food company, Oatly. The joint venture between these two industry giants is a 30 million dollar manufacturing facility in Singapore which will allow Oatly’s popular oat milk to expand into the Asian market. Prior to the plant opening, Oatly was only available in the US and Europe.
Late night hot spot, Taco Bell, is now hitting the spot for vegetarians. After a successful trial in California, Taco Bell’s Cravetarian menu featuring boldly seasoned plant-based protein, is coming to 95 locations throughout the Detroit area. Now through November, cravers can dig into vegetarian versions of popular items such as Crunchy Taco Supreme, Nachos BellGrande and many more.
What do Ashton Kutcher, Bryan Adams and Deli Alli have in common? ...putting their money where their mouth is...literally. These three join a long list of celebrities showing support for the future of our food system by investing in companies that are bringing alternative proteins to market. Committed to providing sustainable solutions, Ashton Kutcher and talent manager, Guy Oseary, are partnering with MeaTech as they aim to make their mark on cultured meat production. Musician Bryan Adams, who has promoted the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet for over 30 years, announced his support of bettermoo(d), a Vancouver-based dairy-alternative start-up. And, although he is not a vegan, Premier League football star, Deli Alli, is challenging England to eat less meat by endorsing Tindle vegan chicken from Next Gen Foods. Alli's investment was part of a 30 million dollar seed round with which Tindle hopes to expand into the US and Europe markets.
I’m Nicole Astra for Talking Plant Protein and that’s your Trending News.