The meat-free lamb can be used in dishes such as casserole, and is joined by a chorizo sausage.
Plant-based food brand More Than Meat has launched two new meat-free products – a chorizo sausage and a joint of lamb – to help foodservice companies broaden their range of vegan menu options.
The chorizo is available in quarter, half and whole sausage sizes, with weights varying from 362.5g to 1,450g and prices beginning at £7. The vegan lamb is available in two sizes – 0.5kg with stock and 1kg with stock – with wholesale prices of £7.50 and £14 respectively.
The new line has been developed on the back of industry figures that show an increase in both the number of consumers avoiding meat, and those that are interested in trying non-animal proteins. The UK saw an increase of 360% in the number of vegans in the past ten years, More Than Meat said, and it is now estimated that somewhere in the region of 35% of the UK adult population is interested in consuming meals with non-animal proteins more than once a week.
But, despite the growing demand, More Than Meat’s founder said that options were limited for vegans.
Barry Honeycombe said: “Our new foodservice products effectively fast track and empower chefs to quickly create their own unique range of plant-based/vegan offerings for their customers. For example, our vegan chorizo sausage can be used cold in sandwiches and salads or hot in a variety of dishes including wraps, paninis or any recipe where that unmistakable smoky, piquant tomato flavour and mild chilli hit would enhance the dish.
“Our vegan ‘lamb’ can be used to create a huge variety of options including shepherd’s pie, moussaka, tagines, curries, kebabs or even a traditional roast lamb and gravy. The lamb is delivered along with the concentrated stock that can be used to enhance the flavour of the final dish. The team at More Than Meat are also available to provide support and ideas for dishes using these products.
“Our goal is to make it easy for foodservice businesses to be able to provide delicious and healthy vegan dishes that reflect their personality and their business for their customers. The products have already been a hit with our customers, driving more repeat business and ensuring that these businesses secure their share of the lucrative and growing vegan and plant-based market.”
Honeycombe claimed that the lack of options for vegans could be damaging for sales.
He continued: “Based on the numbers of vegans in the UK, we estimate that average foodservice businesses that do not offer vegan alternatives are potentially losing between 2-5 meal orders per day, assuming a modest footfall of approximately 100 customers per day per outlet.
“Taking a conservative estimate that two additional food purchases would net £30 at a gross profit margin of 50%, that’s an additional £15 per outlet per day, or nearly £5,400 per year in additional profit.”
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