Planted, a Swiss food-tech company known for its plant-based meat alternatives, is set to enhance its production capabilities with a new facility in Memmingen, Bavaria, Germany.
This investment underscores the company's commitment to meeting the surging demand for sustainable food options across Europe.
The new facility, which will use advanced fermentation technology, is poised to become one of the most modern production sites for plant-based meat in Europe.
With commissioning scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, Planted aims to produce over 20 tons of plant-based meat daily, creating more than 50 technical and operational jobs in the region.
Planted has experienced significant growth, particularly in the German market, which accounts for approximately 75% of its exports.
The decision to establish a production site closer to its consumer base aligns with the company's strategy to streamline operations and enhance distribution efficiency.
The Memmingen facility will revitalise an old brewery site, transforming it into a state-of-the-art production hub focused on sustainability.
Lukas Böni, co-founder and executive board member at Planted, said: “Our goal is to quickly bring innovative products from our fermentation platform to the market. The investment in the additional production site enables us to meet the rapidly growing market demand and produce even closer to our German consumers.”
The facility's construction is set to prioritise green technology, operating almost entirely CO2 neutral and eliminating fossil fuel use.
Renewable energy sources, including photovoltaics and district heating from wood burning, will power the operation, reinforcing Planted's commitment to sustainable food production.
Andreas Müller, managing director of the Alois Müller Group, added: "We are very pleased to be working with Planted, particularly in the areas of sustainability on site".
Planted's recent product innovation, the planted.steak, showcases the company’s focus on premium plant-based offerings. This new steak variant, part of Planted's ‘Whole Muscle’ platform, is already available in various European restaurants and retailers, highlighting the growing consumer interest in high-quality plant-based alternatives.
The planted.steak is reported to produce 97% less CO2 emissions and 81% less water consumption compared to traditional beef production, addressing environmental concerns associated with meat consumption.
The new facility in Memmingen not only aims to boost Planted's production capacity but also sets a benchmark for environmentally responsible food manufacturing in Europe.
Image: © AloisMullerGruppe
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