USA – The Los Angeles plant-based meat substitute producer, Beyond Meat is seeking to go beyond the US in a global expansion as it targets to enter over 50 new markets around the globe.
According to an article by FoodBev, the brand will work with leading distribution and foodservice partners to roll out its Beyond Burger to Germany and the rest of Europe, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Israel, UAE, Korea, Taiwan and South Africa.
Beyond Burger was formed by the vegan company in May 2016 with its first plant-based burger (non-GMO, non-soy and non-gluten) to be sold alongside beef, poultry and pork in the meat section of the grocery store.
Since the launch, the brand says it has sold more than 13 million of its protein-packed patties which can be found in nearly 15,000 restaurants and grocery stores across the US.
“The company has found extensive success in the US market, doubling sales in 2017 and increasing distribution of its portfolio to more than 27,000 grocery stores and restaurants,” said founder & CEO of Beyond Meat, Ethan Brown, said in a statement.
“Reflecting rapid demand growth in the United States and sustained interest from international markets, we’ve taken steps to significantly increase our production capacity.
“These additions make it possible for us to support international launches, building upon the successful 2017 introduction of the Beyond Burger in Hong Kong.”
Beyond Meat could be banking on capital it has raised including two rounds of US$55million in funding led by Tyson Foods, the nation’s largest producer of meat, pork, and poultry products, then the investment from Leonardo DiCaprio.
Founded in 2009, the company’s product portfolio includes Beyond Chicken and Beyond Beef ranging from vegetarian meat substitutes, vegan and soy-free burger patties.
In February, Beyond Meat announced the construction of a new 26,000 square foot research and development center at their headquarters in El Segundo, expanding on its research footprint.
