Top Plant-based Protein Producers Make Expansion, Distribution Efforts

A pair of companies leading the way for the plant-based protein industry, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods both announced moves to boost their presence in the retail and foodservice landscape.

On Monday, Beyond Meat announced it will double the distribution of its Beyond Breakfast Sausage Patties. The company said the product will be available in additional Kroger, Super Target, Walmart, Publix and Harris Teeter stores by the end of the month.

“Following the initial release of our Beyond Breakfast Sausage Patties at retailers earlier this year, we heard an enthusiastic and overwhelmingly positive response from consumers who asked for increased availability,” said Chuck Muth, Chief Growth Officer, Beyond Meat...

Study Sheds Light on U.S. Consumer Preferences on Conventional and Alternative Protein Products 

In the past six months, players within the plant-based protein industry have been dazzled by the performance of their alternative burgers, patties, nuggets, and sausages. As reported by the Good Food Institute (GFI) overall plant-based product sales increased to a peak of... 

Beyond Meat Introduces Beyond Meatballs at Grocery Stores Nationwide 

Beyond Meat announced that Beyond Meatballs will be rolling into grocery stores nationwide starting this week. With more consumers looking for nutritious options that are delicious and easy to prepare, Beyond Meatballs are conveniently pre-seasoned with a signature blend of Italian spices, pre-rolled and ready to cook.

Beyond Meatballs will be launching at grocery stores nationwide including Whole Foods Market, Stop & Shop, Sprouts, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Albertsons, and others by early October. Sold in the fresh meat section with a suggested retail price of $6.99 for 12 meatballs, Beyond Meatballs have...

Beyond Meat Announces Agreement to Begin Production in China 

Beyond Meat has signed an agreement with Jiaxing Economic & Technological Development Zone to design and develop manufacturing facilities in the JXEDZ, including a state-of-the-art production facility to manufacture plant-based meat products including beef, pork and chicken under the Beyond Meat brand in China. The production facilities will be located in the JXEDZ, a historic and commercially important development zone with ready access to Shanghai.

Beyond Meat, Inc. will be the first multinational company focused solely on plant-based meat production to bring its own major production facility into...

Del Taco and Beyond Meat Team Up with DoorDash to Offer Free Delivery this Labor Day Weekend 

Del Taco Restaurants announced a new way to relax and enjoy a plant-based meal at home this Labor Day weekend, thanks to the brand’s partnership with Beyond Meat and DoorDash. Starting this Friday, September 4, through Monday, September 7, fans can use the DoorDash app to receive free delivery on all orders that include any Epic Burrito with Beyond Meat.

Del Taco’s foil-wrapped Epic Burritos deliver fast-casual quality with fast food convenience and value. Each burrito weighs about one pound, and are loaded with premium, fresh ingredients, and offered in combinations including...

Beyond Meat Launches New E-Commerce Site 

In an effort to make plant-based meat accessible to more consumers, Beyond Meat is launching a new e-commerce site and a whole new way to shop for Beyond Meat products. Featuring unparalleled access to a vast portfolio of signature plant-based meats, including all-new bulk packs, mixed product bundles, limited-time offers, trial packs and more, the direct-to-consumer site is a new and convenient way to experience Beyond Meat.

Available for order in the contiguous U.S., the online shop brings the plant-based meat directly to consumers doors, with...

Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat Respond to Lightlife's 'Clean Break' Campaign

Lightlife, owned by Greenleaf Foods, announced earlier this week that it is making a 'clean break' from the competition. As the plant-based meat category is surging, with sales up 91% in the past year, there is rising concern among consumers about the ingredients in their food. This revelation inspired Lightlife to create a campaign to ensure consumers know exactly what they are eating.

“At Lightlife, we understand the factors that are driving the recent rise in plant-based protein sales,” said Dan Curtin, President of Lightlife Foods. “Because we care so much about leading the future of this important category and...

Beyond Meat Reports Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Beyond Meat, Inc. reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 27, 2020.

Beyond Meat President and CEO Ethan Brown commented, "I am proud of our record net revenues and growth during a very challenging period. As the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic took hold across the foodservice industry, we repurposed assets and repacked and rerouted products to meet increased consumer activity in the retail aisles. Throughout the quarter, our brand experienced an enviable combination of consumer trends – increasing household penetration; increasing buying levels per household; and strong repeat purchase rates of nearly...

Beyond Meat Expands Club Store Distribution with BJ's Wholesale and Sam's Club

Beyond Meat is working to increase accessibility to plant-based meat through the development of new sales channels, including club and convenience stores. The company, which offers an 8-pack of its flagship Beyond Burger, first broke into the club channel last year at Costco. This summer, Beyond Meat added partnerships with BJ’s Wholesale and Sam’s Club, unlocking partnerships with three major club stores.

“Having entered all national conventional retailers in the US, we looked for where the white space existed and club stores were the next logical step towards increasing accessibility to plant-based meat among mainstream consumers,” said Chuck Muth, Chief Growth Officer, Beyond Meat. “By offering the Beyond Burger in a larger format, we’re able to provide value to consumers and a more accessible entry point for...

Wawa Launches New Plant-Based Protein Breakfast Options

Wawa announced the addition of a new plant-based Sizzli Breakfast Sandwich made with Beyond Breakfast Sausage from Beyond Meat. The new Sizzli sandwich featuring Beyond Breakfast Sausage is now available in all 650 stores in its Mid-Atlantic Operating area of PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA and Washington, D.C., and will be available in all 220 stores in Florida starting on Monday, August 10.

Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, like peas and brown rice, without GMOs, soy, gluten or artificially produced ingredients, Beyond Breakfast Sausage is available as part of a Sizzli breakfast sandwich served with egg and cheese on a bagel. Beyond Breakfast Sausage is also available to...

Beyond Meat Brings Latest Iteration of the Beyond Burger to Canada

Beyond Meat is announcing its latest iteration of the Beyond Burger, produced locally at a co-manufacturing facility in Canada, is now available at major grocery stores nationwide. This latest version of the Beyond Burger, Beyond Meat’s flagship product, has 20g of protein derived from simple, plant-based ingredients like peas, mung beans and rice, and features marbling made from cocoa butter that is designed to melt and tenderize like beef.

Canada continues to be an important part of Beyond Meat’s long-term growth strategy and producing the Beyond Burger locally in Canada enables Beyond Meat to better serve the Canadian market, while...

Kentucky Fried Chicken to Offer Plant-Based Chicken in Southern California 

Beyond Fried Chicken is back! Kentucky Fried Chicken and Beyond Meat announced today a sneak peek of Beyond Fried Chicken, their plant-based chicken collaboration, in Southern California. Beginning July 20, Beyond Fried Chicken will be available for customers in more than 50 select KFC restaurants in the Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego areas, while supplies last.

Beyond Fried Chicken is plant-based protein that boasts the flavors of KFC’s world-famous fried chicken and has a texture that looks and pulls apart like a chicken breast. KFC and Beyond Meat worked together to develop a plant-based fried chicken that would appeal to...

Beyond Meat Introduces Limited Edition Burger Pack

Beyond Meat is making plant-based burgers more accessible and affordable this summer with the introduction of Cookout Classic, a limited edition burger 10-pack available at a majority of Walmart and Target stores nationwide and select retailers across the U.S. beginning the week of June 22. Sold in the frozen meat aisle with a suggested retail price of $15.99 ($1.60 per patty), the new offering will be available through mid-August, or until supplies last, and is intended to narrow the price gap between plant-based meat and animal protein.

With growing consumer interest in plant-based protein, the Cookout Classic value pack is designed to inspire a plant-based meat option at barbecues and summer gatherings. The burgers are made with...

Beyond Meat Expands Local Production Capabilities in Europe

Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND), a leader in plant-based meat, today announced the company’s first co-manufacturing capabilities in Europe with the official opening of the Zandbergen co-manufacturing facility in Zoeterwoude, the Netherlands. The new state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by Zandbergen will produce the Beyond Burger^® and Beyond Sausage^® and is intended to allow for more efficient distribution of Beyond Meat’s products across EMEA.

Production at the new Zandbergen co-manufacturing facility will also include the upcoming debut of new packaging for...

COVID-19 Impact on Alternative Protein Industry

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic is re-shaping everything from the global economies to product categories, pricing, and stock availability to consumer behavior.

The pandemic has also placed the spotlight on meat supply and food security globally. The spotlight on meat supply has been evident in both developed and emerging markets amidst disruptions to supply chains and panic buying and stockpiling, following announcements of lockdowns and social distancing measures...

Yum China to Introduce Beyond Burger at Select KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Restaurants

Yum China Holdings, Inc., announced that it is partnering with Beyond Meat, Inc., a leader in plant-based meat, to introduce the Beyond Burger as a limited time offering at select KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations in mainland China starting June 3. This partnership marks the introduction of Beyond Meat's Beyond Burger in mainland China.

"We see great potential for the plant-based meat market in China," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "This latest introduction across KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands is expected to capture valuable consumer feedback across different regions in China. It will enable us to optimize flavors and processes and help assess...

Beyond Meat Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results 

Beyond Meat, Inc., a leader in plant-based meat, today reported financial results for its first quarter ended March 28, 2020.

“I am proud of our first quarter financial results which exceeded our expectations despite an increasingly challenging operating environment due to the COVID-19 health crisis," said Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The health and safety of our employees and their families is our top priority and we have implemented a series of measures to minimize risks while supporting business continuity. Among other things, these include...

Beyond Meat Announces New Revolving Credit Facility

Beyond Meat, Inc. announced that it has entered into a new $150 million five-year secured revolving credit facility to support its future growth initiatives. The new credit facility also includes an accordion feature for up to an additional $200 million.

“Our current cash and liquidity position is strong, and we are pleased to complete this new credit facility on terms that will provide Beyond Meat with a greater amount of financial flexibility and better position the Company for long-term success,” said Mark Nelson, Beyond Meat’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. “We appreciate the support of our lenders as this transaction lowers our cost of capital, is expected to support...

Beyond Meat Announces National Retail Launch of Beyond Breakfast Sausage

Beyond Meat announced its latest product innovation, Beyond Breakfast Sausage, will start to hit retail shelves by the end of March. Beyond Breakfast Sausage is a new plant-based breakfast sausage featuring 11 grams of protein per serving.

Available in two flavors, classic and spicy, this breakfast option offers the taste of traditional pork breakfast sausage.

Perfect for busy mornings, Beyond Breakfast Sausage is a quick and convenient plant-based option that goes from...

Beyond Meat Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial Results

Beyond Meat, Inc. reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019.

Fourth Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights Compared to Prior Year Period

• Net revenues were $98.5 million, an increase of 212%, compared to net revenues of $31.5 million in the year-ago period;
• Gross profit was $33.5 million, or 34.0% of net revenues, compared to gross profit of $7.9 million, or 25.0% of net revenues, in the year-ago period;
• Net loss was $0.5 million, or $0.01 per common share, compared to net loss of $7.5 million, or $1.10 per common share in the year-ago period; and...

NCBA Releases Consumer Research Showing Widespread Confusion About Contents of Plant-Based Fake Meat

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today released survey results that show widespread consumer confusion regarding the ingredient composition and purported benefits of plant-based fake meat products.

In an online survey of more than 1,800 consumers, less than half of the respondents understood the labeling term “plant-based beef” was intended to describe an entirely vegetarian or vegan food product. One major source of confusion uncovered by NCBA’s research is that approximately one third of surveyed consumers believed that plant-based fake meat products contained at least some real beef in them. When asked to evaluate specific product labels and marketing materials from some of the leading plant-based fake beef products currently on the market, the results were astonishing...

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Offer Free Beyond Meat Menu Items the Monday After Sunday’s Big Game

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are encouraging Americans who overindulged during Sunday’s Big Game to recover with a plant-based Monday by enjoying an item from the all-day Beyond Meat menu. Monday, February 3, recovering Americans can use the phrase “Beyond the Game” to unlock one free Beyond Meat menu item with the purchase of any large drink, including soft drinks, coffee and cold brew, at participating locations.

The day after Sunday’s Big Game is notoriously the most skipped workday in America, with an estimated 17.2 million Americans missing work. Knowing the woes of adulting on one of the worst Mondays of the year, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are...

Rabobank Talks Alternative Protein Surprises

Rabobank kicks off the first note of the decade by sharing some of the main highlights from their annual ‘We Didn’t See That Coming’ survey of food trends. At the end of every year, for the past five years, Rabobank has asked in confidence the simple but highly revealing question: “In the world of food, what surprised you the most over the last twelve months?”

The main surprise can be summed up as the ‘the rapid growth and consumer acceptance of alternative proteins.’ For ease of digestion Rabobank has broken it into four sections...

KFC Beyond Fried Chicken Expands to Two New Markets

Kentucky Fried Chicken and Beyond Meat are announcing an expanded test of Beyond Fried Chicken, plant-based chicken. Beginning February 3, select KFC restaurants in Charlotte, Nashville and surrounding areas, will offer new Beyond Fried Chicken menu items, available through February 23, or while supplies last.

The expanded test comes on the heels of the overwhelmingly successful test launch in Atlanta last summer, making KFC the first national U.S. QSR to introduce plant-based chicken in partnership with Beyond Meat. With customers lining up hours before the restaurant opened and...

Denny's Expands Partnership with Beyond Meat and Launches Popular Plant-Based Beyond Burger

After the overwhelmingly successful Beyond Burger launch exclusively in Los Angeles restaurants, Denny's will now offer the popular plant-based burger made by Beyond Meat in more than 1,700 locations across the U.S. and Canada. To celebrate this milestone, Denny's is offering a free Beyond Burger with the purchase of any beverage at all participating locations on January 30 from 11am to 10pm, while supplies last.

The newest addition to Denny's core menu, the Denny's Beyond Burger features...

Beyond Meat and Roquette Announce Multi-Year Pea Protein Supply Agreement 

Beyond Meat, a leader in plant-based meat, today announced a multi-year pea protein supply agreement with Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a pioneer of plant proteins. The supply agreement builds on a longstanding partnership that began approximately ten years ago, and significantly increases the amount of pea protein to be supplied by Roquette to Beyond Meat over the next three years as compared to the amount supplied in 2019.

Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat’s Founder & CEO commented, “This latest contract with Roquette reflects Beyond Meat's commitment to further scaling the plant protein supply chain as global demand for our products continues to rise. Along with our supply chain partners, including Roquette, we are driving innovation and...

On The Border to Offer Tacos Featuring Beyond Meat 

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is giving taco lovers a new tasty, plant-based protein option with endless opportunities.

On The Border is the first brand in its category to offer Beyond Beef, a delicious plant-based ground meat from Beyond Meat, in enchiladas, nachos and even unlimited Beyond Meat Tacos as part of its Endless Tacos offer.

Available from Jan. 6 to March 8, On The Border guests can try the all-new Beyond Meat Taco – featuring 100% plant-based ground Beyond Beef seasoned exactly like On The Border's seasoned ground beef, topped with...

McDonald’s Expanding Trials of Plant-Based Burger in Canada

McDonald’s announced the trial of its Beyond Meat burger has expanded to more locations in Canada as it attempts to gain feedback on its new plant-based menu item.

The burger will be available in 52 restaurants in Southwestern Ontario, starting on January 14. The sandwich, dubbed, “P.L.T.” for plant, lettuce, tomato was introduced to test markets last September in 28 restaurants in Ontario and nearby regions.

“The initial test of the P.L.T. allowed us to learn more about guest demand and how to integrate this new menu item into restaurant..."

REPORTER: Beyond the Surface: Interview with Chuck Muth of Beyond Meat

It doesn’t seem likely that a phone call could pull a person straight out of retirement. But in the case of Chuck Muth, that’s exactly what happened. When the opportunity to spearhead the growth of publicly traded Beyond Meat came knocking—he answered. Chuck recently gave an interview for Urner Barry’s Market Digest Podcast, and he had a lot to say about the whirlwind that he’s experienced as the Chief Growth Officer of Beyond Meat and the brand’s explosive expansion...

Pollo Tropical Launches New Vegan Menu Items Featuring Beyond Meat

Starting today, Pollo Tropical is taking its bold flavors beyond chicken with the launch of a Vegan Tropichop and Wrap featuring a "picadillo" made with Beyond Meat.

The Vegan Tropichop gives guests a new way to enjoy one of their most popular menu items. This Tropichop includes your choice of White or Brown Rice, Pollo Tropical's famous Black Beans, and the picadillo made with Beyond Beef, all topped with sautéed peppers and onions. The Vegan Wrap also features Beyond Beef, your choice of rice, plus black beans and Pollo Tropical's sweet plantains wrapped in a tortilla. These options are launching at $4.49 and $4.09 respectively.

Pollo Tropical partnered with Beyond Meat to develop these plant-based options that are...

Carl's Jr. and Hardees Introduce Beyond Meat All-Day Menu Items Nationwide

CKE, the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, today announced that the company will expand its partnership with Beyond Meat, a leader in plant-based meat, with the introduction of new all-day plant-based protein options during breakfast, lunch and dinner nationwide.

“Since its debut less than a year ago, Carl’s Jr. has sold more than 6.7 million Beyond Famous Star burgers to-date, making it the most successful product launch in the past two years. We’re continuing to build on this success by expanding our Beyond Meat partnership to Hardee’s,” said Patty Trevino, Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing at CKE Restaurants. “As we head into 2020, the addition of these new options at both restaurants is...

Beyond Meat Serves Canada with National Launch of Beyond Beef 

Starting today, Canadians can now enjoy even more options at their local grocer’s fresh meat counter with the launch of Beyond Beef, a new product from plant-based leader, Beyond Meat, Inc., that’s designed to look, cook and taste like ground beef. Canada is the first market outside of the U.S. to offer Beyond Beef.

“Canada is a very progressive market and since launching in retail there earlier this year, we’ve seen a tremendous response from Canadians who are interested in our plant-based proteins,” said Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat Founder and CEO. “We are excited to bring our latest product innovation to Canadians, welcoming...

Taco Del Mar Takes Beyond Meat Taco Chain-wide

Following a successful test earlier this year, Taco Del Mar has announced that it is rolling out its new Beyond Meat Taco across all locations starting December 3, 2019. The fast-casual restaurant chain is excited to introduce a delicious, new plant-based protein to its current vegetarian and vegan menu as a limited time offering with the possibility of extending product availability into the future.

Taco Del Mar guests can enjoy the new Beyond Meat Taco, which features plant-based Beyond Beef Feisty Crumbles sautéed with medium chipotle salsa, diced onions and minced serrano peppers, topped with...

Beyond Meat Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results 

Beyond Meat, Inc., a leader in plant-based meat, today reported financial results for its third quarter and nine months ended September 28, 2019.

Third Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights Compared to Prior Year Period

• Net revenues were $92.0 million, an increase of 250.0%;
• Gross profit was $32.8 million, or 35.6% of net revenues, compared to gross profit of $5.0 million, or 19.2% of net revenues, in the year-ago period;
• Net income was $4.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted common share, compared to net loss of $9.3 million, or $1.45 per common share in the year-ago period; and...

Denny's to Offer Beyond Meat Burger 

For more than 65 years, Denny's has been delivering on its commitment to serve guests delicious and affordable meals, investing in menu innovation and increased quality that has put America's Diner at the forefront of the Family Dining category. In response to guests' interest in plant-based dining and flexitarian diets, Denny's has partnered with Beyond Meat to launch the Denny's Beyond Burger.

Available at all Los Angeles area Denny's locations beginning today, the new Denny's Beyond Burger features a 100% plant-based Beyond Burger patty topped with freshly sliced tomatoes and onions, crisp lettuce, pickles, American cheese and All-American sauce on a multigrain bun - offered...

Dunkin' and Beyond Meat Accelerate Nationwide Launch of Beyond Sausage Sandwich

Dunkin' today marked a major step in making plant-based menu options easily accessible to Americans everywhere, announcing plans for the nationwide rollout of its highly-anticipated Beyond Sausage Sandwich. First introduced exclusively in Manhattan in July, the Beyond Sausage Sandwich quickly became one of the top-selling sandwiches, driving Dunkin' to accelerate plans for the national launch, with participating U.S. restaurants serving the Beyond Sausage Sandwich beginning November 6.

Dunkin' is the first nationwide U.S. quick service restaurant brand to Go Beyond traditional on-the-go breakfast choices by serving Beyond Breakfast Sausage. Offering the delicious taste and texture of a juicy, savory breakfast sausage patty, Dunkin's Beyond Sausage Sandwich features Beyond Meat's breakfast sausage patty made with...

Hardee's to Begin Testing Beyond Meat at Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Hardee’s, known for quality you can taste, today announced it will be partnering with Beyond Meat as one of the first U.S. quick service restaurants to offer plant-based breakfast, lunch and dinner options. In keeping with the brand’s innovative heritage of offering new twists on classic favorites, Hardee’s will be testing a new Beyond Breakfast Sausage Biscuit and an Original Beyond Thickburger for a limited-time in two regional markets – Raleigh, NC and Kansas City, MO, beginning October 16, 2019.

To celebrate the launch, Hardee’s will offer customers a free Beyond Breakfast Sausage Biscuit, during breakfast hours, or Original Beyond Thickburger, during...

Carl's Jr. Launches New BBQ Cheeseburger Made with Beyond Meat 

Carl’s Jr., known for craveable menu items, is excited to expand its partnership with Beyond Meat® to launch an innovative new menu item – the Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger – available at participating restaurants beginning October 9, 2019. Drawing on the success of its Beyond Famous Star, the restaurant developed a new burger build meant to complement the Beyond Burger™ patty, while drawing on the flavors of its famed Western Bacon Cheeseburger.

The new Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger will feature some of the restaurant’s most popular ingredients including a Beyond Burger patty topped with Carl's Jr. original BBQ sauce, American cheese, crispy onion rings, all on a sesame seed bun, for an indulgent flexitarian option that turns...

McDonald’s Tests New Plant-Based Burger in Canada

McDonald’s will be conducting a 12-week test of a new plant-based burger called the P.L.T., which stands for Plant. Lettuce. Tomato. in 28 restaurants in Southwestern Ontario, starting September 30. The P.L.T. is made with a Beyond Meat plant-based patty that has been crafted exclusively by McDonald’s, for McDonald’s, to deliver the iconic taste customers know and love.

“McDonald’s has a proud legacy of fun, delicious and craveable food—and now, we’re extending that to a test of a juicy, plant-based burger,” said Ann Wahlgren, McDonald’s VP of Global Menu Strategy. “We’ve been working on our recipe and now we’re ready to...