Vegan Company Eyes Mindanao Cassava
A US-based vegan company is looking to source cassava from Mindanao, which could potentially mean big business for the region.
Beyond Meat, based in Los Angeles, California, is looking to expand its business and is currently in talks with the Mindanao Development Authority (Minda).
The company, a popular producer of plant-based meat substitutes, recently launched their first plant-based burger in several famous fast food chains.
Doctor Andrie Udal, Beyond Meat Marketing Officer, met Minda Chairperson Secretary Emmanuel Piñol to discuss the possibility of sourcing cassava. He adds that this could boost Mindanao’s agricultural productivity and export potentials.
Piñol also said that they will assist Beyond Meat by connecting them with local food growers to initiate production agreements for cassava.
“As to demand, no exact volume [yet] because the meeting was exploratory in nature. But Dr. Udal and his team will visit Minda on September 19 for sampling and tasting. As agreed, Minda will present the varieties of cassava, carlang, and ube,” said Piñol.
It was revealed in the meeting that in December, Beyond Meat is also looking at opening a processing plant in Mindanao.
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Shifting trends to plant-based “meat”
Beyond Meat was founded by Ethan Brown in 2009; their products became readily available across the US in 2013. Their popular products are all plant-based but taste the same as original meat. Best-sellers include the Beyond Burger, Beyond Beef, Beyond Sausage, and Beyond Beef Crumbles.
In May, their company opened in Manila where the vegan diet is starting to get traction.
In Atlanta, Beyond Meat recently partnered with popular fast food chain KFC to test a plant-based “chicken”, which they used to create nuggets and boneless wings.
They also recently partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts and created the Beyond Breakfast Sausage Sandwich, as well as Subway and created a Beyond Meatball Marinara sub.
via Sunstar Davao
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