August 24, 2021
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After recently launching into Tesco supermarkets, is now set for a huge investment injection as the plant-based producer looks to meet the increasing demand for plant-based chilled foods. Winterbotham Darby, the brandâs parent company, has announced a ÂŁ5 million investment in Squeaky Bean to open a second state-of-the-art facility.
âDemand for plant-based produce is increasing rapidly and in recent months our operations have been stretched to capacityâ
UK food supplier will invest ÂŁ5 million into the operations of Squeaky Bean, its alt meat brand, opening a second dedicated plant-based manufacturing facility in Milton Keynes. The 48,000ftÂČ facility will significantly boost Squeaky Beanâs production and distribution capabilities in the rapidly expanding chilled plant-based segment.

Squeaky Bean has driven growth in this segment, turning over ÂŁ7.5 million in the last year. The investment will create more than 100 jobs in the area, contributing to the UKâs growing plant-based economy. Through its parent company Winterbotham Darby, Squeaky Bean was announced as at the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards this year.
UK Plant-Based Growth
The move reflects the integration of the UK plant-based scene into mainstream food culture, with the UK governmentâs recently commissioned National Food Strategy their meat consumption. Squeaky Beanâs that 25% of people in the UK want to eat more plant-based foods at lunchtime and 24% have cut down their meat consumption since the beginning of the pandemic.

âDemand for plant-based produce is increasing rapidly and in recent months our operations have been stretched to capacity. Opening our second plant-based factory will help us to fulfil both existing and new opportunities and is testament to our belief in the category. As UK consumersâ expectations of plant-based food increase, more people are discovering how Squeaky Bean Chargrilled Mini Fillets offer all the taste and texture of real chicken â but are made entirely from plants. Our additional production capacity will support strong demand for these products and allow us to introduce these and the rest of the range, to a bigger audience than ever before,â commented Tom Faulkner, head of plant-based at Winterbotham Darby.
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Source: Vegconomist.com