US agri-food company Cargill ventures into plant-based protein category

US agri-food company Cargill is launching private-label plant-based patties and ground products this April, thereby taking on the likes of Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods in the plant-based protein category.

The new plant-based products, which will be available with US retailers and restaurants, are being launched as part of the company’s “approach to the future of protein” strategy.

According to the agri-food company, the strategy focuses on advancing animal and also alternative protein products to cope up with the expected 70% increase in global demand for protein in the next three decades.

Cargill’s plant-based patties and ground products have been developed at its facilities through a combination of culinary expertise and extensive consumer research and innovation.

Elizabeth Gutschenritter – managing director of Cargill alternative protein team said: “We’ve created some of the best tasting products available in the plant-based category today. We’ve combined our deep knowledge of plant proteins with our expertise in R&D, product development and production to deliver products consumers will love.”

US agri-food company Cargill to launch plant-based patties and ground products. Image courtesy of Cargill, Incorporated.

The new plant-based protein products from Cargill are said to add more protein options to retail stores, restaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets, and other global locations.

In the last five years, the US agri-food company is said to have invested $7 billion across the world in animal protein while making strategic investments in the alternative protein segment.

Brian Sikes – leader of Cargill global protein and salt business said: “We need to keep all protein options on the table. Whether you are eating alternative or animal protein, Cargill will be at the center of the plate.”