Food giant Richmond adds meat-free rashers to vegan range

Image: Richmond Foods

Mohsina Dodhiya20th May 202120th May 2021Food, News

The new meat alternative is the fifth addition to an expanding range that includes plant-based burgers, sausages, mince, and meatballs as well.

UK’s biggest meat producer Richmond is expanding its vegan range by announcing the launch of meat-free bacon rashers in supermarkets this month.

The soy protein-based rashers are described to be ‘the tastiest, crispiest, meat-free bacon you’ll try’.

According to the Kerry-owned brand, the meatless product is also healthier than standard bacon made from pork as it contains less saturated fat, less salt and fewer calories.

The product will roll out in Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose from 28 May with an RRP of £2.50 for a 150g pack of eight rashers.

“This launch is such an exciting milestone for us as a brand as we continue to develop meat-free products that directly cater to the demands of families and support retailers in expanding their ranges in-store,” Victoria Southern, category and marketing director at Kerry Foods said.

“Our Meat-Free portfolio has already proved to be a runaway success with shoppers, driving the meat-free category forward.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard and used all our expertise to develop a meat-free bacon that delivers on texture, flavour and crispiness, all of which are key sensory profiles that make bacon such a firm family favourite.

“We’re confident this launch will encourage even more shoppers to try plant-based versions of their favourite meals. No one can resist a classic bacon sandwich and now it’s possible to have a meat-free option that genuinely looks and tastes great!”

Richmond’s vegan range

Richmond entered the meat-free market in 2019 with the launch of vegan sausages – which went on to become a ‘roaring success’.

Since then, it has released five meatless products with rashers being the latest addition.

The alt range also includes burgers, mince, and meatballs- released earlier this year.

Southern added that the brand will continue to explore other plant-based alternatives in a bid to consolidate its presence in the burgeoning plant-based protein market.

“We’ve still got a clear centre of gravity as a [meat] brand and being anchored in those sausage mealtimes. But we have ambitions in meat-free to extend and expand and play an even more important role in family meals,” she said.