Greenleaf Foods has signed a deal with Whole Foods Market to become the exclusive provider of un-breaded, plant-based chicken of the latter’s prepared food departments in North America.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Maple Leaf Foods, owns the Lightlife and Field Roast plant-based protein brands.

Whole Foods Market is the first retailer in the US to carry Lightlife’s new plant-based product, which is an un-breaded, whole muscle, plant-based chicken made from pea protein. It can be used in a range of recipes and will be available at more than Whole Foods Market 500 stores across the US and Canada.

Jitendra Sagili — Greenleaf Foods Chief Research, Development and Food Technology Officer said: “Whole Foods is known for its high-quality, nutritious and convenient meal options, and we are excited to work with and launch this innovation to satisfy their customers.

“This unique, versatile design is the result of collaboration with the Whole Foods Market’s culinary team that has a taste, color and pull-apart texture that delivers on chicken experience.”

Lightlife Plant-Based chicken is now available at Whole Foods Market’s prepared foods department, where it will be used in various recipes across the latter’s hot bar, cold salad bar, and grab-and-go offerings.

Chef Amy Eubanks — Whole Foods Market Principal Program Manager of Global Culinary Development said: “Lightlife’s Plant-Based Chicken is a great product to add to our portfolio.

“It’s super tasty and works great as an alternative for chicken. I’m looking forward to the bright future we have with Greenleaf Foods and the innovations they have on the horizon.”

The partnership with Greenleaf Foods comes after its recent announcement of launching breaded, plant-based chicken tenders and fillets under the Lightlife brand to retail stores.

Greenleaf Foods has more than 50 plant-based products in its Lightlife and Field Roast portfolios. These include plant-based burgers and sausages as well as pepperoni and cheese.

  Amy Eubanks, Field Roast, Greenleaf Foods, Jitendra Sagili, Lightlife, Maple Leaf Foods, USA, Whole Foods Market