“Our focus is improving the quality because if we get that right we will further drive penetration and frequency.”

Food manufacturer Plant & Bean is set to launch Europe’s largest plant-based meat factory in the UK to help meet the growing demand for meat-free alternatives.

The 65-acre, 55,000-tonne capacity facility will be located in Boston, Lincolnshire.

The company aims to become the world’s first global plant-based manufacturing platform and operate as a manufacturer for sub-scale companies, larger international brands, and retailers.

The new factory is due to open in the new year with the company planning to expand production facilities to the US next year and Asia in 2022.

Two-pronged approach to drive penetration and frequency

According to Plant & Bean chief executive Edwin Bark, the strategy will address the two biggest barriers to people not choosing vegan meat- quality and cost.

By creating an ‘ecosystem of collaborative innovation,’ the company plans to improve the quality and offer a more competitive price in comparison to traditional meat.

“Right now ,65% of consumers do not eat plant-based meats due to price and quality. With our two-pronged approach, we believe we are best placed to make the meaningful change required to tackle these issues,” he said

“With our progressive global manufacturing strategy, brands will finally have the means to scale high-volume product ranges in order to lower the price-point for consumers.”

He added: “As much as we know we have reached a tipping point, and there is an increasing number of consumers who are eating plant-based meat, the majority are still not completely satisfied with the quality and taste. Our focus is improving the quality because if we get that right we will further drive penetration and frequency.”

Plant-based meat portfolio

Currently, Plant & Bean offers a range of plant-based meats including sausages, burgers, mince, nuggets, and slices made from non-genetically modified soy but is keen to explore other sources of protein, including fava beans, mung beans and peas.

According to Bark, the transition to plant-based meats is a “change everyone needs to think about making to help save the planet.”

“We can’t continue following the same diet as we do today in 20 or 30 years from now,” he said.

Meaningful positive impact

In order to drive innovation, the company has teamed up with collaborative partners and will “continue to grow our network of industry-leading expertise …to create delicious, healthy, low-cost, plant-based meats that are accessible to everyone.”

Bark explained: “In doing so, we will achieve our foremost objective to improve global health, the biodiversity of the planet and animal welfare, and having a meaningful positive impact on the world we live in.”

• Read: Global plant-based meat market to hit $8.3 billion by 2025, says study

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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