The award-winning VBites Group, the self-proclaimed world leading manufacturer of vegan meat substitutes, has announced further expansion. VBites, owned by vegan celebrity and activist Heather Mills, started in 1993 and is now preparing to open a new factory in Peterlee England, creating employment for about 300 people.
Originally the Pepsico owned factory belonged to Walkers Crisps, the UK’s largest crisp (potato chip) producer, but it was closed in December 2017 causing hundreds of local people to lose their jobs.
Vegconomist reported earlier this month on the VBites collaboration with Goodfella’s, one of the UK’s leading frozen pizza companies. In addition, in February of this year VBites launched ten new plant-based cheeses for distribution in UK supermarkets.
The 100% meat-free company produces 107 products and distributes in 25 countries. The company has two factories; one in Corby and one in Benton, near Newcastle, with Peterlee set to be the third.
Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, Carl Marshall said: “This is really exciting news and it’s particularly encouraging to see that there will now be more than 300 job opportunities created at the old Walkers site in the near future. We’re thrilled that Heather Mills is choosing to bring jobs back here to the North East and making the most of our talented workforce.”
