Top Plant Based Meat Companies

Published: October 2024

Meat refers to the flesh or edible part of an animal (such as cattle, pig, sheep, chicken, fish and crab). It is considered to be good source of protein, fat, vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus and iodine. It is worth highlighting that around 75% of the human population in the world consumes meat, owing to several health benefits, such as muscle and bone development, decreased risk of heart problems, weight loss and improved sleep.

As per the US Department of Agriculture, in 2024 over one billion tons of chicken is likely to be produced, globally. It is important to note that, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, over 90 billion animals are killed every year worldwide for the meat production in order to meet the increasing demand for meat. Further, the production of meat has substantial negative impact on the environment with increased greenhouse gas emissions, carbon content, deforestation, climate change and water usage. Meat production contributes to over 55% of the greenhouse gas emission of the total emissions reported through food production. Further, the excessive consumption of meat can increase the cholesterol levels in humans leading to several health conditions, such as diabetes, pneumonia, colon polyps, heart and gall bladder related problems. Thus, the emergence of plant-based meat has shown significant potential as a promising alternative to animal meat. We analyzed around 375 plant based meat companies engaged in developing various plant-based meat products. In this article, discover top 12 plant based meat companies and their strength in the food industry.

Plant-based meat, also known as faux meat or vegetarian meat, is a substitute for animal meat prominently made of plant proteins such as wheat (seitan), soy (tofu), legumes (pea, chickpeas, beans), nuts and mycoproteins (proteins derived from fungi). It provides the appearance and flavor of animal meat without the use of animal proteins. The formulation of plant proteins and other components to mimic the fibrous texture of meat attributes to the production of plant-based meat is done using various technologies, including extrusion technology, shear cell technology, ohmic technology, electrospinning and 3D bioprinting.

Roots Analysis has conducted an exhaustive study on Plant-Based Meat Market featuring the current market landscape and future opportunity for the companies engaged in developing plant-based meats, over a span of 11 years.

Below, we have listed (in alphabetical order), the top 12 plant based meat companies.

Beyond Meat
Conagra
Hilcona
ITC
JBS
Nestle
Quorn Foods
Rügenwälder Mühle
Symingtons
Tesco
Tyson Foods
Vion Food

Top 12 Plant-Based Meat Companies

Interested in exploring all ~375 Plant based Meat Companies and their recent initiatives?

Discover Below the Details on Top 12 Plant Based Meat Companies

Let us deep dive to understand the activity of the 12 top plant based meat companies engaged in the manufacturing or developing different plant-based meats. It is essential to note that the selection of top players can differ substantially according to the defined criteria.

Some of Beyond Meat’s Products Such as, Beyond Steak and Beyond Burger are Certified with American Heart Association’s Heart-Check Food Certification Program

1. Beyond Meat

Beyond Meat claims to be one of the leading players of plant-based meat products with an aim to have positive impact on the environment, climate as well as human health by reducing animal consumption. It is worth highlighting that the company’s proprietary product Beyond Burgers is produced such that it generates ten times less greenhouse gases compared to a beef patty. Further, the company utilizes simple non-GMO ingredients and advanced technologies to provide meaty texture to its products.

Beyond Meat: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	2009
Number of Employees	501-1,000
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef Pork Poultry Seafood

Beyond Meat is actively launching a variety of plant-based meat products. In March 2024, the company introduced an expanded line of Beyond Crumbles at retail stores across the United States. Additionally, in February 2024, Beyond Meat unveiled its fourth generation of Beyond Beef® and Beyond Burger®, aimed at providing nutritious plant-based alternatives in meat form.

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Beyond Meat and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

In March 2024, Conagra Brands Launched its New Plant-based Meat Products at Natural Products Expo West 2024

2. Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands is one of the leading companies engaged in the development of plant-based meat products along with other food items including dairy cream, pie, pudding and animal meat products. The company focuses on developing meat alternatives through innovation to meet evolving consumer preferences. Within its plant-based meat products segment, Conagra Brands operates through two major brands namely Birds Eye® and Gardein®. With over 100 years of legacy in the food industry, the company utilizes its extensive experience and strong brand reputation to offer high-quality plant-based meat products that cater modern dietary preferences and sustainable eating trends.

Conagra Brands: Company Details

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1919
Number of Employees	10,001+
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef Pork Poultry Seafood

In April 2024, Conagra Brands appointed Noelle O'Mara as Executive Vice President and President of New Platforms and Acquisitions. In her new role, O'Mara will be responsible for identifying and scaling new organic growth platforms and acquisitions. Previously, she served as Group President at Tyson Foods, where she oversaw the $10 billion Prepared Foods business.

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Conagra Brands and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

In 2017, Hilcona Sold Minority Stake in its Company to Bell Food in Order to Produce Various Vegetarian Products and Expand its Presence in European Countries

3. Hilcona

Hilcona is a Europe-based food manufacturing company that is a part of Bell Food. Hilcona offers an extensive range of products and services across various operating segments, including plant-based meats, pasta, salads, mueslis, and ready-to-cook meals. It is worth highlighting that the company is leveraging innovative techniques in order to develop high quality products while reducing the carbon footprint associated with food production. Further, the company collaborates closely with suppliers to ensure that raw materials meet rigorous standards for ethical sourcing.

Hilcona: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1935
Number of Employees	1,001-5,000
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef Pork Poultry Seafoood

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Hilcona and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

ITC has Established in-house R&D Centers for the Development of Novel Plant-based Meat Products, Accelerating the Advancements in the Food Industry

4. ITC

ITC claims to be one of the leading companies across various sector including hotels, packaging and paperboards, specialty papers, agri-business and food production, including plant-based meat. The company recently entered the plant-based meat market by developing nutritious plant-based alternatives to address growing concerns around wellness and sustainability. Moreover, the company aims to enhance its presence by offering sustainable plant-based meat products to customers through various food service channels, especially restaurants.

ITC: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1910
Number of Employees	10,000+
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Poultry

ITC is focused on developing and manufacturing products, including plant-based meat. In March 2023, the company entered into a strategic collaboration with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a professional cricket franchise based in Karnataka, India to distribute its plant-based meat products along with other food items, and to promote consumer awareness.

Further details on recent initiatives taken by ITC and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

JBS Aims to Enhance its R&D Capabilities to Develop More Sustainable Products, and Targeting a Reduction of Approximately 30% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Across its Production Sites by 2030

5. JBS

JBS, a Brazil-based company, is focused on diversifying its product portfolio by developing a range of plant-based meat products, including burger patties, and nuggets alongside its traditional beef offerings. The company is committed to the development of regenerative plant-based meat products, thereby strengthening the vegetarian meat market. Additionally, the company aims to provide consumers with healthier, more sustainable and flavorful meat alternatives to meet the growing demand for such products. Further, JBS is continuously striving to invest in research and development to improve its plant-based offerings and expand its market presence.

JBS: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1953
Number of Employees	10,001+
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef Pork Poultry Seafoood

JBS has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in its plant-based meat offerings through various initiatives. It is worth highlighting that the company is investing USD 100 million in research and development projects by 2030. Additionally, the firm has allocated more than USD 1 billion for upgrading its facilities and equipment during the same period.

Further details on recent initiatives taken by JBS and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

Nestle has Recently Introduced a Range of Plant-based Meat Alternatives Under the Brand Names Sweet Earth and Garden Gourmet to Cater to the Growing Demand from Vegan and Vegetarian Customers

6. Nestle

Nestle, a global leader in the food industry with its Garden Gourmet offers a wide variety of ready-to-eat plant-based meat products, ranging from burger patties to fillets across various developed regions. These approaches ensure that alternative meat products are as appealing as conventional meat products.

Nestle: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1867
Number of Employees	10,001+
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef Pork Poultry Seafoood

The company has recently appointed several industry leaders to its management team to enhance thought leadership and pave the way for future growth. In April 2024, Nestlé announced the appointment of Guillaume Le Cunff as CEO of Zone Europe and a member of the Group Executive Board, effective July, 2024. Additionally, in February 2024, Geraldine Matchet was appointed as a new board member.

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Nestle and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

Recently, Quorn Foods Expanded its Fillet Portfolio by Launching its New Quorn Tikka Mini Fillets and Quorn Fajita Mini Fillets

7. Quorn Foods

Quorn Foods is a prominent player in the food industry, specializing in the production of plant-based meat. The company utilizes innovative technologies and methods to develop nutritious and eco-friendly vegetarian and vegan products using fungi-based mycoprotein as the primary raw material. By leveraging the nutritious properties of mycoprotein, such as being rich in fiber and low in saturated fats, the company offers a wide range of plant-based meat products that mimic the appearance and taste of the regular meat, such as chicken and red meat. Through its diverse portfolio of plant-based meat, Quorn empowers consumers to make healthier and more sustainable choices while catering to various tastes and dietary needs.

Quorn Foods: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1985
Number of Employees	501-1,000
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef Poultry

In June 2023, Quorn Foods entered into a strategic partnership with BrewDog to launch their plant-based burger in the market.

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Quorn Foods and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

Rügenwälder Mühle has Recently Launched, Vegetarian Ham Spicker, its First Meat-free Product

8. Rügenwälder Mühle

Rügenwälder Mühle is a German market leader engaged in the development of a diverse range of plant-based meat products, including burger patties and deli slices. The company is particularly known for its vegan sausages and deli meats, which are developed using high quality ingredients and advanced technologies. The firm is committed to its mission of providing consumers with a tastier, healthier and sustainable meat alternative, the company is actively participating in strategic partnerships and collaborations to drive awareness and accessibility of plant-based alternatives, shaping a more sustainable future for the food industry.

Rügenwälder Mühle: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1834
Number of Employees	501-1,000
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Pork Poultry Seafoood

In April 2024, Rügenwälder Mühle expanded its vegan sausage portfolio by launching new vegan ham skewer type meat sausage. Further, in February 2024, the company also launched plant-based chicken product vegan Mühlen Geschnetzelte to expand the range of deli meats

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Rügenwälder Mühle and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

Symington’s is Focused on Sustainable Development Through Reduction in Waste Generated by its Production Sites using X-Ray Equipment; and is Committed to Use of Recyclable Packaging for its Products

9. Symington’s

Symington’s is a food development and manufacturing company that specializes in producing a diverse range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products. The company offers plant-based meat mix in dry powdered form under the brand name Granose, including burgers and sausages. In addition to plant-based meat alternatives, the company offers a variety of ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals, such as noodles, soups and pasta, that deliver great quality and taste to its customers. Further, the company is continuously exploring the integration of other sources of protein such as pea protein, lentil, chickpea, or ancient grains, into their future product offerings as it continues to expand its portfolio.

Symington’s: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1827
Number of Employees	501-1,000
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Symington’s and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

Tesco, UK’s Largest Supermarket Chain is a Leading Retailer Offering High Quality Plant-based Meat Products

10. Tesco

Tesco, one of the leading multinational retailers, has recently entered the alternative meat industry through the production of plant-based meat products under the brand named Tesco Master Chef. The company aims to offer healthy, affordable, and sustainable plant-based meat, along with other products such as milk, pies, rolls and tofu. It is worth highlighting that the company is engaged in various strategic collaborations with an intend to enhance the marketing and distribution their products across various regions.

Tesco: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1919
Number of Employees	10,001+
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef Poultry Seafoood

The company is committed to providing healthy plant-based meat products with enhanced packaging to effectively engage customers and stimulate consumer interest. Since 2012, Tesco has collaborated with the food redistribution charity FareShare to alleviate poverty in the UK by supplying nutritious meals to nearly 20,000 charities and communities.

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Tesco and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

Tyson Foods, an American Meat Producer, Entered the Plant-based Meat Market in 2016 to Cater to the Demand from its Clients Looking to Replace Some of their Meat Consumption with Plant-based Alternatives

11. Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods is a global leader in the protein market that specializes in the development and production of plant-based meat products along with animal meat including chicken, beef and pork. Notably, the company produces refrigerated plant-based meat under various brands including Raised and Roots and First Pride. In 2021, the company launched its first plant-based snacks in retail stores and e-commerce across Asia. With an aim to revolutionize the plant-based meat industry, the company plans on expanding its research and development capabilities in the coming future.

Tyson Foods: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1935
Number of Employees	10,001+
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef Pork Poultry Seafoood

In September 2023, Tyson Foods entered into a strategic partnership with Gatik AI to optimize the supply chain efficiency of its refrigerated and frozen products. Further, in May 2023, Tyson Food acquired Williams Sausage Company with an intend to expand its product portfolio.

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Tyson Foods and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

Vion Food Operates a State-of-the-art Production Facility in the Netherlands Where it Manufactures a Wide Range of Plant-based Meat Alternatives

12. Vion Food

Vion Food is engaged in designing and developing plant-based meat products in response to the moral and environmental concerns associated with conventional meat products. The company operates a state-of-the-art biotechnology facility to produce wide range of plant-based alternatives, catering to vegetarians, vegans and flexitarians. With a vision to revolutionize the food industry, the company had launched a brand, ME-AT with an aim to expand its market reach and enhance its product offerings through continuous innovation and research. The company produces a range of plant-based meat products that are both environmentally friendly and nutritionally valuable.

Vion Food: Company Overview

Particulars	Specifications
Company Logo
Year of Establishment	1934
Number of Employees	10,001+
Headquarters
Type of Plant-based Meat Offered	Beef Pork Poultry Seafoood

To support its growth, one of the company’s brand, ME-AT is focused on co-creating private label products with retailers and food service customers tailored to specific markets and end-consumers. The company's commitment to develop healthy and sustainable plant-based meat alternatives positions it well for continued success in the rapidly evolving plant-based food industry.

Further details on recent initiatives taken by Vion Food and other plant based meat companies have been provided in detail in the report.

What About the Other Plant Based Meat Companies Around the World?

The above presentation features 12 top plant based meat companies selected from a pool of around 375 players that we have compiled. If you're interested, you can download the Sample Report on this topic by Roots Analysis. For personalized assistance in identifying the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at sales@rootsanalysis.com.

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