A foray into plant-based meat alternatives by one of the world’s top packers has come to an end in the U.S.
A spokesperson for meatpacker JBS confirmed to Agri-Pulse that the company “has made the decision to discontinue operations in its U.S.-based Planterra business unit.” That company was initially founded in late 2019 and unveiled products under the OZO brand name in June 2020.
Although Planterra and OZO might be shutting down, the spokesperson said other plant-based products would continue at the company.
“We continue to believe in the potential of plant-based options for consumers and remain committed to the alternative protein market,” a statement from the spokesperson noted. “JBS will focus its efforts on its plant-based operations in Brazil and Europe, which continue to gain market share and expand their respective customer bases.”
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The company is also “actively working with the Planterra workforce to provide employment opportunities at other JBS locations.”
According to the company’s website, OZO products were available at grocery stores across the country and ranged from plant-based alternatives to chicken, bacon, ground turkey, meatballs, burgers, breakfast sausages and ground beef.
JBS is one of several conventional meat producers to invest in plant-based alternatives as a form of diversification. In 2018, Tyson also announced an investment in cultured meat company Memphis Meats, which has since rebranded as Upside Foods.
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