Tyson Foods Inc. is exporting its Raised & Rooted brand products to Europe as plant-based foods continue to grow in popularity.
The largest U.S. meat producer on Monday said it is offering five products, all made from plants, to food service customers in Europe.
This is Tyson’s first expansion of Raised & Rooted outside of the U.S. Since the brand’s establishment last year, it has become available at 10,000 stores and online, Justin Whitmore, Tyson’s executive vice president of alternative proteins, said in a statement.
“We look forward to our continued growth,” he said.
The alternative protein segment, comprised composed of meatless burgers and vegan sausages, is one of the fastest growing in the world, according to food industry circles. While just a fraction of the meat and poultry market, Transparency Market Research shows the growing segment is valued at more than $36 billion, enough for food suppliers to try to and win over consumers with their plant-based products.
Beyond Meat’s stock remains high, valued at $150 per share after a public offering last year, and McDonald’s said it has plans for a meatless burger called the “McPlant,” expected to be ready for testing next year.
Tyson’s Raised & Rooted products, which include a mix of plant-based nuggets, fries and stuffed nachos, are currently available for European customers, corporate spokesman Hli Yang said in an email.