NEWS IN BRIEF
Beyond Meat revs up distribution of Beyond Sausage to over 4,000 stores
Plant-based products and alternatives continue to be a driving force across grocery categories with sales topping $3.7bn in 2018, according to the Good Food Institute (GFI). Demand for plant-based meat alternatives is particularly strong, which saw a 23% sales increase last year, noted GFI.
Wrapped in a calcium alginate casing, according to the website, Beyond Sausage ingredients include: water, pea protein isolate, refined coconut oil, sunflower oil, contains 2% or less of: rice protein, faba bean protein, natural flavor, potato starch, salt, fruit juice (for color), vegetable juice (for color), apple fiber, methylcellulose, and citrus extract (to protect quality).
As co-founder Ethan Brown told FoodNavigator-USA when Beyond Sausage first launched: "Like the Beyond Burger, the company used its proprietary approach to braiding and binding proteins, fats, minerals, and water to recreate the basic architecture of meat."
The Beyond Sausage claims to cook, sizzle, and satisfy like pork but with 38% less saturated fat than pork sausage and no nitrates, gluten, soy, or GMOs.
“The consumer reaction to Beyond Sausage has been very positive, with many retailers struggling to keep up with demand. In response, we’ve been increasing production and distribution of Beyond Sausage, which now sees availability at a number of major retailers, making it easier than ever for shoppers to find Beyond Sausage in their local meat case,” said Chuck Muth, chief growth officer, Beyond Meat.
New store listings for Beyond Sausage span across four retail regions:
WEST COAST
Albertsons (SoCal only), Bristol Farms, Lazy Acres, Nugget Market, Pavilions, Ralphs, Safeway (NorCal), Safeway/Alb Southwest Phoenix/Nevada, Safeway/Alb Portland, Sprouts, Stater Bros, Vons, Whole Foods and Select Winco locations (PNW & NorCal)
MIDWEST
Fresh Thyme, Heinen's, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, Kroger (Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio), Mariano's, Plum Market and Whole Foods
SOUTH
Central Market, Publix and Whole Foods
EAST COAST
ACME, Balducci's, Big Y, Fairway Markets, Giant Carlisle, Giant Eagle, Giant Landover, Ingles, Key Foods, Kings Food Markets, Lowes, Price Chopper, Shaw’s, Shop-Rite, Tops Friendly Markets, Wegmans and Whole Foods