Beyond Meat expands presence in drugstore channel, entering 2,000 Rite Aid Stores
“Expanding our presence across retail channels, including drugstores, is a natural next step," said Deanna Jurgens, chief growth officer, in a press release this morning.
"Our goal is to make plant-based meat available to consumers, wherever they shop. With convenience being key for meal prep, we’re making it easier than ever to incorporate Beyond Meat into your next meal by offering our products at Rite Aid locations nationwide."
The retail expansion news follows Beyond Meat's recent Q4 earnings call where the company reported a double-digit (19.5%) decline in US retail sales along with some growth in international markets and a slow recovery of its foodservice business.
Despite the lackluster results at retail, Beyond Meat CEO Ethan Brown seems optimistic about the company's leadership position in the plant-based meat category, which as a whole saw 0% growth in 2021, according to recent data from The Plant Based Foods Association.
The Beyond Burger (which contains 35% less total and saturated fat along with fewer calories and zero cholesterol than 80/20 ground beef along) will be available in a 2-pack format and Beyond Meatballs will be sold as 12-pack in the frozen aisle at all Rite Aid stores.
“By offering the Beyond Burger and Beyond Meatballs across the vast majority of our stores, we are catering to our consumers’ growing demand for products that support their lifestyle," said Erik Keptner, chief marketing and merchandising officer at Rite Aid.
