UK – The Los-Angeles producer of plant-based meat alternatives Beyond Meat has signed a distribution deal with the Authentic Food Co (TAFC) that will see a debut of its plant-based burger ‘Beyond Burger’ in the UK.

This forms part of the company’s extensive global expansion plans for the summer to offer solutions to growing global demand for plant-based alternative substitutes to meat.

Beyond Burger will be available in the UK grocery or foodservice market for the first time.

TAFC said that since UK consumers eat on average 6.55% less meat than a year ago, the distribution deal will help grocery/foodservice operators tap into the growing trend for meat reduction.

“At Beyond Meat, we’re dedicated to perfectly building meat from plants.

By creating great tasting products that are better for people and the planet, we are enabling consumers to eat more of the things they love, not less.

The partnership with The Authentic Food Co. is an exciting opportunity for us to bring our flagship product, The Beyond Burger, to consumers across the pond,” said Ethan Brown, Founder and CEO at Beyond Meat.

For 2018, the Beyond Meat said it will focus to bring more quality, flavour and choice for consumers looking for plant-based products.

Beyond Meat boasts of great products and a strong portfolio leading the plant-based burger category in the US.

In 2017, the company doubled sales in the US and are increasing distribution to more than 25,000 grocery stores and restaurants, highlighting the opportunity it presents to the UK customers.

“Our focus for 2018 is to bring more quality, flavour and choice for consumers looking for plant-based products. Matt has brought in lots of new ideas and thinking around plant based food and the possibilities it can give consumers, with the obvious health and environmental benefits while not compromising on great taste,” said Nik Basran, CEO of TAFC.

Earlier this month, Beyond Meat unveiled expansion plans with plans for expanded distribution and availability across six continents this summer.

It announced intention to enter over 50 countries including Germany and the rest of Europe, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Israel, UAE, Korea, Taiwan and South Africa through distribution partnerships.