Cargill has announced plans to expand its plant-based food offerings in China following a successful meat-alternative trial with KFC, according to a report by Reuters.
From 28-30 April, Cargill’s plant-based nuggets were piloted in three KFC outlets which could be purchased via pre-sale coupons.
According to Yum China, the operator of KFC China, over 7,000 pre-sale coupons were purchased on the KFC app between 20-23 April and in Shanghai, coupons for the first day sold out within one hour.
Following the successful trial, Cargill has announced plans to introduce more plant-based food products to the food service sectors, as well as introduce a new consumer brand called PlantEver at the end of June with both online and offline retailers.
With its pilot test, Yum China said that KFC has become one of the first national Western quick service restaurant brands to introduce a plant-based meat product to China.
Market research firm Euromonitor, cited by Reuters, predicted last year that China’s free-from meat market, which includes plant-based products replacing meat, will be worth nearly $12 billion by 2023, up from just under $10 billion in 2018.
Cargill’s announcement follows Starbucks recent launch of a plant-based lunch menu in its stores across China through a deal with Beyond Meat.
“The launch is just the beginning and we look forward to continuing to innovate,” said Jackson Chan, managing director of Cargill Protein China, cited by Reuters.
Cargill also raises and processes poultry in China.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2022
World Beverage Innovation Awards – NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES!
The awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the global beverage industry. Don’t miss out on having your innovations recognised on a global scale.
Deadline for entries 23 July – enter now!
Don’t get left behind
Start your free Foodbev magazine trial today and join thousands of fellow industry professionals in receiving food and drink trends direct to our business.
Click here to start your free trial
Your privacy We use small files known as ‘cookies’ to enhance your experience of the FoodBev website and analyse site-traffic. Read about how we use cookies or how you may control them in our updated privacy policy and cookie policy. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. Click the ‘OKAY‘ button at the top right of this panel to accept or click here for more information.