Meat+Poultry - June 2020 - 98

THE INSIDER

Bacon request granted

SUBSTITUTE
BACON?
At a time when more plant-based products are encroaching into traditional
animal protein segments, even one of the most beloved foodstuffs in the meat
world is getting a doppelganger. Plant-based bacon is one of the latest "alt-meat"
products to shake up retail meat cases and foodservice menus.
"I think plant-based bacon, like all other plant-based meats, is going to
see very fast growth in the next few years," said Cara Rasch, an analyst for
Packaged Facts. "More companies are developing plant-based bacon and other
meat alternatives than ever before."
All this said, while plant-based bacons are seen by many as the entertaining
new kid on the block, there may be some challenges in the long term for them.
"Bacon in particular is known for its savory qualities, and consumers find
bacon very indulgent," Rasch said. "Other plant-based meat products tend to
play up the health benefits of plant proteins, but plant-based bacon may need
a different approach. I think the concept of plant-based bacon may be harder
for consumers to latch onto than plant-based burgers because of how bacon is
loved for its rich flavors and greasiness."

OVERherd

- Representative Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), when introducing her bill,
Protecting Protein Production and Consumers Access Act

98

MEAT+ POULTRY | 06.20 | www.meatpoultry.com

New nuggets
KFC customers in China had the
opportunity to sample a new
style of nugget at KFC locations
in Shanghai, Guangzhou and
Shenzhen. The plant-based nugget
is made from soy, wheat and special
pea proteins. KFC's proprietary
crispy golden layer is added after
the nuggets are cooked. A small
amount of locally sourced water
chestnut makes the nuggets juicy
and adds to the flavor, according to
the company.
"We are committed to
embracing innovation and continue
to delight and surprise our
customers with tasty products,"
said Joey Wat, chief executive
officer of Yum China. "The test of
KFC's Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets
caters to the growing market in
China for delicious alternative meat
options on the go."

Sweet Earth Enlightened Foods; Yum! Brands Inc.

"My bill helps support the stability
and long-term viability of our farmers
and ranchers, protects the jobs of
hardworking individuals who provide
these critical services and rely on their
jobs in these plants for their paychecks,
and protects every American's
access to safe and affordable beef,
pork, and poultry products."

When 9-year-old Julie Patton
made a public plea for bacon on
her mother's Facebook page in
April, Smithfield Foods responded.
The pork company heard about
Patton's "need" for bacon on 10
News in Virginia, and followed up
by supplying her with a bevy of
bacon products.
After receiving the large
quantity of bacon, Patton said she
wanted to donate a portion of the
bacon to people in need, so they
could enjoy bacon too.
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Meat+Poultry - June 2020

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