Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten, Image courtesy of ME-AT

Products & Launches

ME-AT “Reinvents” Meat Classics Like Meatloaf, Specifically for the German Palate

The Netherlands’ ME-AT, the vegan brand of the Vion Food Group, which manufactures plant-based meat for private labels, has introduced three NPDs that are said to match the appeal and taste of three popular German meat products: smoky vegan sausages, Leberkäse (a type of meatloaf) and Sauerbraten (a mixed meat roast). ME-AT’s new plant-based meat offerings are ready and available for wholesalers, retailers, and discount stores in Germany and Europe. They can also be produced explicitly for promotional campaigns, while the recipes can be customized to meet specific customer needs and preferences, tailoring the products to different market demands. “Our food designers have now ‘reinvented’ three true classics specifically for the German palate. The focus was not only on achieving the closest possible match with the …

more

VION_me-at_spareribs

© Vion Food Group

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

EU Meat Producers Driving Plant-Based Market Growth in Europe, Part 1

Europe experienced some of the most significant growth in the plant-based food sector globally, with the industry expanding by a reported 49% between 2018 and 2020 amid the first bubble of hype, post-Beyond IPO. This surge didn’t go unnoticed by the EU’s leading meat producers. Possessing well-established brands, extensive marketing capabilities, and solid distribution channels—bolstered by government subsidies—these traditional meat companies have substantial resources for research and development. Their entrance into the plant-based market undoubtedly raises consumer awareness and accessibility of these alternatives. However, this shift can present a challenge for startups competing in the same space. After looking closely at meat producers in the Americas starting plant-based projects last year, this series now looks at Europe. The European market is characterized by its high …

more

plantrecote raw version ME-AT

Plantrecote raw version © ME-AT

Agriculture / Agribusiness

Vion Food Group Sells Slaughterhouses, Pre-Packing Meat Facility, and Ham Brand in Germany to Address Market Challenges

The Netherlands-based Vion Food Group, a global player in the meat and plant-based alternatives industry, has announced downsizing measures for its German portfolio in 2024.  As part of these changes, Vion has agreed to sell key facilities, including its beef slaughterhouse and pre-packing facility in Altenburg, as well as the ham specialist Ahlener Fleischhandel, to Tönnies Group. Uhlen GmbH will also acquire the company’s pig slaughterhouse in Perleberg. In addition, Vion will close its Emstek pig facility by the end of March 2024 after waiting to receive acceptable offers from potential buyers. As reported by the firm, the broader European meat industry, with Germany at its core, faces intense global competition from the USA, South America, and China. These challenges have been further exacerbated by the outbreak …

more