Beneo is set to expand its portfolio to include Meatless Beef Bites and Minced Meat in early 2024, showcased this week at Fi Europe 2023.

Building on its successful acquisition of the Meatless brand last year, Beneo is now presenting the two planned additions to its plant-based portfolio at the Fi Europe event, where visitors can get a first taste of the brand-new products.

Research from last year showed that 76% of meat alternative consumers in Europe see beef as an appealing type of substitute. Beneo said its new solution aims to respond to this demand, providing ‘easy-to-process, semi-finished products with a simple, short ingredients list’.

Beneo said its low-energy processing technology means that the plant-based beef alternatives are sustainable as well as flavourful, offering manufacturers a ‘scalable and effective way to tap into the plant-based trends’.

Available in frozen form, Meatless Beef Bites and Minced Meat products are crafted from myco- and pea protein, enhanced with colouring to provide an authentic beef-like appearance.

According to Beneo, the products have high heat stability and water holding capacity, retaining juiciness and succulence even when fried. Their mouthfeel is described as ‘fatty and juicy,’ enabling the reduction of fat content in end products in line with evolving consumer preferences for healthier options.

The beef bites are well-suited to stir fries and stews, while the mince is ideal for lasagna, marinades and sauces.

Niels E Hower, member of the executive board at Beneo, said: “In a world with a growing population, efficient food production is not just a necessity for food security and environmental protection; it’s also an economic imperative. We’re excited to be at the forefront of new plant-based developments”.

He added: “The alternatives market is largely focused on replacing chicken or processed applications like hamburgers and meatballs. So, the addition of Meatless Beef Bites and Minced Meat products offers manufacturers an even broader spectrum of choice.”

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