Agriculture

This UK SME based in Southern England has developed a range of plant-based meat products. Their meat-free pies are all award winning. The company has secured UK-Government grant funding and is keen to access new markets. With many supply chain partners located in Europe this SME is keen to work with European manufacturing partners. Experience of working with the alternative protein market and/or healthy food sector is advantageous but not essential. The company is looking for partners to manufacture recipes at scale without losing the artisan nature and flavour of their chef created prototypes. The company uses a unique, innovative process that turns plant-based ingredients into highly nutritious, competitively priced foods that perform as well as or better than animal-based proteins. The primary focus will be on pastry based products, including pies, sausage rolls, pork pies and empanadas, all meat-free. Collaborating with the co-founder and chef, who have extensive experience in the culinary and hospitality sector, the partner will provide manufacturing facilities to produce plant-protein based products. The manufacturers need to be flexible with production volumes and have the capacity to scale up. Initial volumes will be up to 100,000 units of various non-meat products over a 12-month period. The company also produces a range of plant-based ready meals and is already working with manufacturers in Canada and Scotland. They are seeking partnerships under an outsourcing agreement. Advantages and innovations • The company uses a unique, innovative process that turns plant-based ingredients into highly nutritious, competitively priced foods that perform as well as or better than animal-based proteins. • The products are 100% clean label and minimally processed. • They do not contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, stabilizers, or methyl cellulose. • All products are free from cholesterol • Core proteins include wheat gluten and pea protein, and other ingredients include chickpea flour, miso, tapioca starch, and beetroot powder • This SME uses traditional equipment, and a process based on the ancient principle of seitan. • The products have a lower carbon footprint than animal -based alternatives • Packaging is recyclable and plans are in place to move to a biodegradable solution. • The company supplies wholesalers, as well as the retail the hospitality and travel markets. • The 3 directors have a combined sector experience of over 90 years across manufacturing, retail, hospitality, finance and distribution. Technical Specification or Expertise Sought The company is looking for manufacturers with food safety accreditation ideally equivalent to British Retail Consortium (BRC) AA. From an ingredient’s perspective the company is a 100% natural with no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. They currently manufacture a range of pies and ready meals and are looking for partners with these skills. As they supply both as frozen and chilled ranges, they are looking for this in new manufacturing partners. The company is vegan certified and will be looking to maintain this standard. They supply into both retailers and food service so need both retail ready products and bulk lines.