Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd (CVE:NSP) (OTCPINK:NSPDF) (FRA:50N) has announced that the third shipping container of Natera Plant Based Foods has arrived from Australia.
In anticipation of demand from an expanding distribution network and e-commerce presence, the company said additional purchase orders are being placed with its Australian manufacturer. These additional orders are being scheduled and will arrive in Vancouver in a timely manner to meet the growing demand.
Natera Plant Based Foods roster of products now include Plant Based Burgers, Breaded Cutlets (Schnitzel), Garlicky Chick-Un Kiev, Sweet Chili Chick-un Tenders, Seasoned Chick-Un Tenders, Chick-Un Nuggets, Chick-Un Patties, Crispy Fish-Un Fillets, GarlickyChick-Un Bites, and Cheesy Chick-Un Bites.
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Naturally Splendid said research indicates the demand for plant-based foods will continue to increase rapidly over the next several years as consumers are increasingly looking for a variety of plant-based products to add to their dietary choices.
There are multiple factors driving these dietary decisions, the company explained, including for environmental reasons, personal health, or simply to add some good-tasting variety into existing diets.
And according to a report by the Plant Based Foods Association and The Good Food Institute, retail sales of plant-based foods in the US rose 27% in 2020, allowing the plant-based market value to reach $7 billion.
Naturally Splendid noted that veganism is one part of a much greater trend away from animal proteins. While vegetarianism also continues at a steady growth rate, it is the flexitarian -- traditional meat eater, who makes a conscious effort to reduce their meat intake -- that is having a notable impact on the market. This has been further accelerated by COVID-19 and the disruption to the fresh meat industry.
"Our Natera offerings are about consumer inclusion, not exclusion," said CEO J Craig Goodwin in a statement.
“We believe that consumers should be applauded for taking steps to include more plant-based meals into their diet as they transition from their meat diets and our products are created to support those choices with a wide variety of tasty alternatives to meat. Every journey begins with a single step and we are proud to be able to provide products that help consumers take those steps to include more plant-based choices in their diets."
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