Plant-based partnership promises to accelerate access as animal-free demand skyrockets

05 Mar 2020 --- A major collaboration in plant-based food has been launched in the US to address a key barrier for many companies – distribution. The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), the trade association representing 180 plant-based food companies, and Dot Foods, a North American food redistributor, are joining forces to increase consumer access to these options. The partnership comes as demand for meat-free alternatives is skyrocketing and plant-based NPD expands across several categories. However, being able to scale fast enough can be a challenge for plant-based food companies.

“This partnership will help companies with scalability and will ultimately result in consumers having more plant-based options everywhere they eat outside of the home,” says Sabina Vyas, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for the PBFA.

The reduction of animal meat and dairy from diets continues to drive NPD this year, with Innova Market Insights pegging the “Plant-Based Revolution” as its number two trend for 2020. The market researcher highlights a 59 percent average annual growth in global F&B launches with a “plant-based” claim (CAGR 2014 to 2019).

PBFA is partnering with Dot Foods to help more plant-based food companies increase their distribution potential and PBFA will support companies. Dot Foods serves as a connector to all major operators, distributors and retailers. If a plant-based food manufacturer works with Dot Foods, their products have the potential to enter new markets that would have otherwise been difficult to reach, states the company. By working with Dot Foods, companies can focus on scaling-up production of plant-based foods. 

With PBFA’s recent launch of The Power Plant, their “grab-n-go,” and culinary training program, this new partnership with Dot Foods will provide program participants with increased confidence in the consistent supply of plant-based foods for their retail and food service needs.

“Our team at Dot Foods is seeing the market for plant-based foods explode,” explains Rodd Willis, Director of Natural and Specialty. “We want to ensure our customers have access to a larger variety of these foods and this partnership with PBFA will help us do that.” 

Dot Foods purchases products directly from manufacturers and resells them to its distributor customers in less-than-truckload quantities, making the supply chain more efficient and cost-effective for all involved, the company highlights. Through this partnership with PBFA, manufacturers will have enhanced access to Dot Foods’ Natural and Specialty team to evaluate how the company may be able to assist with distribution needs.

Indeed, the booming plant-based arena continues to attract contenders, including well established meat producers entering what was once considered a playing field for smaller scale disruptors. Last month, FoodIngredientsFirst spotlighted Cargill’s plans to roll out a range of alternative meat products, entering the market as the latest challenger to notable players such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods.

In this sector, Kerry recently released the report Winning with Plant-based – Unlocking the Keys to Success for a Growing Market. The research found that plant-based food and beverages have come to appeal to a wider audience, not just consumers with restrictive diets and food sensitivities. In particular, the “The Plant-Based Revolution” is driven by Millennial and Gen Z consumers. 

Moreover, Swiss manufacturer of flavors and fragrances Givaudan is increasing the appeal of meat substitutes and adding tangible wellness benefits to food products through plant-based concepts that cater to current consumer demands. The company is launching a new line of natural red colors designed specifically for meat substitutes: Vegebrite Veggie Reds.

Edited by Elizabeth Green