With successful distribution across the U.S. and emerging markets in Hong Kong and Australia embracing the vegan Beyond Burger from Southern California-based Beyond Meat, the company now says a full-scale, worldwide launch is imminent. The company has partnered with distributors across Europe, UAE, Taiwan, South Africa, Canada, and Mexico, amongst many other countries around the globe.
“Reflecting rapid demand growth in the United States and sustained interest from international markets, we’ve taken steps to significantly increase our production capacity,” founder & CEO of Beyond Meat, Ethan Brown, said in a statement. “These additions make it possible for us to support international launches, building upon the successful 2017 introduction of the Beyond Burger in Hong Kong.”
Beyond Meat has raised significant capital including two rounds of funding from Tyson Foods, the nation’s largest producer of meat, pork, and poultry products, as well as a recent investment from actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio.
The news comes after Beyond Meat announced a distribution partnership with German-based leading meat distributor PHW Group earlier this year to bring its Beyond Burgers to German markets.
“Over many months, we have been working hard to select a strategic partner for our international expansion,” Ethan Brown, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Beyond Meat, said in a statement about the partnership. “I am very pleased that with the PHW Group we have found a long-term partner who has extensive expertise in the European market with regard to distribution, logistics, and customer and consumer engagement.”
Beyond Meat has sold more than 11 million of its iconic “bleeding” Beyond Burgers since they were launched in 2016. The meaty burgers are made entirely from plants but look, cook, and taste like animal-based burgers. Meat-heavy chains including TGI Fridays and Bareburger now sell the Beyond Burger. Bareburger also sells the company’s most recent product, Beyond Sausage, at Yankee Stadium. The TGI Fridays launch was so successful that the chain rolled out a Meatless Monday campaign after the burger launch to meet the growing demand for plant-based offerings.
Hong Kong has also been quick to embrace the Beyond Burger. Through a distribution partnership with Green Monday, the Beyond Burgers are being served across the region. Hong Kong’s Ritz-Carlton hotel is the chain’s first location to serve the vegan Beyond Burger.
Australia’s Lord of the Fries recently launched the burger as well to much success.
