Coronavirus sparks plant-based sales explosion
Supermarket revenue for the firm doubled from February to March, following an impressive year of growth for the company – a rate of 35% month-on-month. To date, THIS has sold 3m portions of its products since launching in June 2019.
The manufacturer’s sales appear to be bucking a recent trend of vegan and plant-based foods being left behind on store shelves, despite the recent spate of panic-buying experienced by supermarkets.
Meat analogues
Formed by co-founders Andy Shovel and Pete Sharman, THIS produces a range of meat alternatives that are aimed at flexitarians looking to reduce the meat in the diets, as opposed to vegans. With this approach in mind, the manufacturer’s products are made to resemble and taste like meat as closely as possible.
THIS also announced it had partnered with food redistribution firms City Harvest and Made in Hackney to donate over a tonne of THIS Isn’t Chicken, for use in meals for those who need them. The manufacturer planned to reveal new product formats and supermarket listings later this year.
With the continuing rise of veganism and greater interest in flexitarian diets among consumers, plant-based foods have seen significant growth.
Plant-based sales growth
Manufacturers such as the Meatless Farm Company and Fry Family Food Co have reported increased sales and supermarket listings in the past year, as ingredients manufacturers ramp up supplies of plant-based ingredients to help meet demand.
Meanwhile, Food Manufacture proudly presents The future of plant-based proteins: roots of further growth, following the resounding success of sister brand GlobalMeatNews’ conference Shaping the Future of Plant-Based Protein last year.
We invite ingredients, finished product manufacturers, brands and retailers to attend this event at the Park Plaza Hotel, Amsterdam Airport on October 21–22, 2020, to look at the most significant international start-ups and product launches from 2019-2020, plus emerging trends for the next 12 months.
