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).
“We are confident that our reinterpretations will quickly find their fans”
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 original but also on providing a positive nutritional profile. We are confident that our reinterpretations will quickly find their fans,” Milos van Moorsel, Business Development Manager Plant-Based at Vion, shared.
Sustainable protein sources
The vegan sausages are crafted with soy, offering a high protein and fiber content while low in saturated fatty acids. They have NutriScore A.
ME-AT’s reinterpretation of Leberkäse leverages potatoes to offer a product packed with fiber and allergen-free ingredients (no soy or gluten). It has a NutriScore D.
The roast or “sauerbraten” obtains its texture from wheat protein (zero soy), offering high fiber, iron, and vitamin B12. With a NutriScore A, it is low in sugar and saturated fatty acids.
Committed to sustainable food production, ME-AT carefully selects raw materials and monitors the protein sources used in its plant-based meat range. The soy is 100% sourced from the EU or North America, ensuring it is always deforestation-free. The wheat comes from the EU, while potatoes come from the Netherlands. Furthermore, they have established a dedicated regional supply chain for fava beans within the Netherlands.
Overcoming the meat challenge
ME-AT was launched in 2020 to drive and facilitate protein transformation through high-quality fish and meat alternatives. Upon launching, the company repurposed a slaughterhouse and meat processing plant to make its vegan meat factory.
The ME-AT range includes burgers, sausages, mince, beef pork chunks, bacon, and fish-style products from 100% plant-based ingredients. The food tech company has also introduced realistic boneless ribs, salmon burgers, and entrecôte using 2D technology to achieve different patterns and shapes.
Expanding its protein sources, it has pioneered burgers and mince made with locally grown fava beans to offer soy-free alternatives. Recently, the company launched various plant-based deli cut products, including beef carpaccio, developed and produced by Encebe, its sister company that has been producing deli products since 1929.
“Many people realize the necessity to source their protein from various, including plant-based, sources. However, habits, social environments, or positive memories closely tied to animal-based foods often pose challenges. This is where ME-AT the alternative steps in,” the company said in the announcement of the new products.
ME-AT supplies top European retailers and has a presence in over 11 countries.
