Harry & David, one of the oldest purveyors of gourmet gift baskets, is introducing its first selection of plant-based cured meats, reports VegNews. The Vegan Charcuterie Collection features three varieties of salami by Renegade Foods – a California maker of premium meat-free charcuterie. Now available for US nationwide shipping, the collection retails for $74.99 and features three flavors: Toscana, Spicy Chorizo and Sopresatta.
“We want to ensure our customers have the opportunity to purchase gourmet vegan meat products from Harry & David”
Founded in 1910, Harry & David is renowned for its deluxe baskets and food gifts filled with fruits, chocolates, and conventional meats and cheeses. Renegade’s co-founder, Iona Campbell, says her brand first reached out to the iconic company after learning it was seeking to add plant-based meat options, but was not satisfied with the currently available alternatives.
“From what I’ve heard, Harry & David is an extremely data-driven company,” said Campbell.”The fact that they have decided to branch out into vegan products just shows how much this movement has grown and how it’s really impacting every corner of the market.”
Based in California, Renegade creates artisanal, European-style smoked salamis entirely from plants. The brand’s products are crafted in Sonoma wine country, with authentic recipes inspired by the founders’ time living and working in Southern Europe. Renegade launched an exclusive subscription service called Renegade Nation in 2021, followed by a Holiday Charcuterie Kit last November.
Serving the demand
Harry and David’s sister company, Cheryl’s Cookies – both owned by 1-800-FLOWERS – also recently launched its first vegan offerings. Cheryl’s cookie delivery service now includes vegan cookies in Sugar, Chocolate Chip, Marshmallow and Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Chip, and Frosted Cut-Out varieties.
“The demand for alternative meat offerings has surged, and we want to ensure our customers have the opportunity to purchase gourmet vegan meat products from Harry & David, whether for gifting, easy entertaining, or self-consumption,” said Sierra Castellano, Senior Director of Merchandising at Harry & David. “Additionally, the charcuterie and cheese categories continue to trend, and Renegade offers a premium alternative meat charcuterie that is a perfect complement to our Harry & David product assortment.”