Vivera expands meat alternative portfolio with new ‘bacon’ pieces

Meat alternatives manufacturer Vivera is launching 100% fat-free vegan ‘bacon’ pieces into Sainsbury’s stores in the UK.

Vivera, which is based in the Netherlands, has aimed to create a product with the same taste, texture and appearance of real bacon.

Initially available in Sainsbury’s as of 15 May, the product will be introduced into other European countries during 2019.

Gert Jan Gombert, commercial director of Vivera, said: “Especially in the British market we foresee a large demand for our fat-free vegan bacon. Traditionally it is one of the product categories where meat has been difficult to replace.

“Our product development team has done an outstanding job in making the bacon pieces as tasty as the available regular bacon while reducing the fat level to zero.

“The overwhelming positive feedback from British consumers for our vegan steak, after its introduction last year, made us decide to give again priority to the British market and have the first launch to market here.”

Vivera introduced the plant-based steak mid-2018 and has so far sold more than 1 million in Britain.

In October, the firm launched a 100% plant-based hamburger as it scaled up production in the UK to meet increased demand. The Veggie Quarter Pounder aims to mimic the flavour of the Aberdeen Angus beef burger.

Vivera’s product range is available in more than 25 European countries and over 25,000 supermarkets. Its portfolio consists of more than 40 plant-based products.