©Planterra
JBS USA has announced that it will close down its plant-based meat operation, Planterra Foods, just two years after launching.
Commenting on the latest, head of corporate communications at JBS USA, Nikki Richardson, told The Plant Base Mag: “JBS USA has made the decision to discontinue operations in its US-based Planterra business unit. We continue to believe in the potential of plant-based options for consumers and remain committed to the alternative protein market.”
Planterra is a plant-based company owned by JBS Foods, located in Colorado, and sold at retail under the Ozo brand, known for its alternative meats such as nuggets, burgers and meatballs. The plant-based alternatives first hit the shelves in March 2020.
Richardson added: “JBS will focus its efforts on its plant-based operations in Brazil and Europe. We are actively working with the Planterra workforce to provide employment opportunities at other JBS locations.”
The news comes one year after Planterra announced it would open a new R&D innovation centre at its Colorado headquarters. It stated that the new centre would allow for new opportunities to test ingredients and product innovations, as well as growing office space and providing job openings for the local area.
Denver Business Journal reported that in closing down the 189,000 square foot factory Denver factory, there will be an expected job loss of more than 100.
Planterra was not JBS’ only plant-based business, in 2021, it also acquired plant-based meat producer, Vivera for €341 million. The acquisition included three manufacturing units and an R&D centre in The Netherlands.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024
World Beverage Innovation Awards – NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES!
The awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the global beverage industry. Don’t miss out on having your innovations recognised on a global scale.
Deadline for entries 23 July – enter now!
Don’t get left behind
Start your free Foodbev magazine trial today and join thousands of fellow industry professionals in receiving food and drink trends direct to our business.
Click here to start your free trial
Your privacy We use small files known as ‘cookies’ to enhance your experience of the FoodBev website and analyse site-traffic. Read about how we use cookies or how you may control them in our updated privacy policy and cookie policy. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. Click the ‘OKAY‘ button at the top right of this panel to accept or click here for more information.