The popular alternative vegetable-based meat company, Beyond Meat, has just struck deals with some of the largest fast food chains in the United States, a key step in the growing shift to vegetarian and vegan diets in the country.
Beyond Meat announced its new partnership on Thursday with McDonalds, which will cover its global franchises and offer a new vegetable burger dubbed “McPlant”.
“Our new McPlant platform gives customers more options when they visit McDonalds, ” said Francesca DeBiase, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Officer, McDonald’s Chain officer. “We are excited to work with Beyond Meat to drive innovation in this space, and entering into this strategic agreement is an important step on our journey to bring quality, plant-based menu items for our customers. “
Beyond Meat will also work on developing vegetable-based alternatives to other menu items, including chicken, egg and pork products. The deal is expected to last three years.
The company also signed a new contract with Yum Brands, the conglomerate that owns and operates brands like KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell to provide new vegetable protein items as substitute options.
“Today’s announcement is based on our strong relationship with Beyond Meat and, given the consumer response during recent tests with Beyond Meat, we are excited about the long term Potential plant-based protein menu items need to attract more customers to our brands, especially younger consumers. ” said Chris Turner, Yum! Brand Financial Director.
The new McPlant menu items at McDonald’s will debut at select locations, having been offered for the first time in Canada in 2019.
Likewise, KFC launched its Beyond Fried Chicken in Atlanta in 2019, and Pizza Hut tested its new Beyond Italian Sausage Pizza and Great Beyond Pizza across the country, becoming the first national pizza chain to do so. .
More fast-food chains are working quickly to launch meatless menu options that cater to a growing demographics of vegans and vegetarians. Beginning in January 2020, Burger King, Dunkin ‘Donuts, Wendy’s and Carl’s Jr began to roll out new plant-based menu items.
Denny’s and Qdoba also entered the game after a deal with Beyond Meat.
The other forefront of meat alternatives, Impossible Foods, has also conquered a part of the fast food market, being the main supplier of Burger King’s vegetable-based hamburger.