New pact to also put Eat Just product in food ingredient segment
Plant-based food producer Eat Just, Inc. (Just) and and a subsidiary of Post Holdings have signed a distribution agreement that will accelerate and amplify Just Egg’s distribution. Michael Foods, which is a processor of value-added eggs, becomes the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of Just Egg within the foodservice and food ingredient space. The once-unlikely partnership shows how plant-based foods are permeating the mainstream food landscape.
Through the agreement, Michael Foods customers gain easy access to Just Egg in liquid format and in a pre-baked folded egg patty form. The liquid is ideal for all-day applications, including scrambles, omelets, quiches, stir-fries, and various other preparations. Just Egg comes from a protein within mung beans, and provides nutrition that is cholesterol-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and Kosher certified, said Just.
According to research firm NPD, plant-based alternative foodservice sales are growing 30 percent year-over-year. What’s more,16 percent of consumers have purchased plant-based dairy or meat protein alternatives. “So today, consumers are interesed in proteins in all of its forms…,” said David Portalatin, NPD industry advisor, in a September presentation.
Compared with typical animal proteins, Just Egg uses 98 percent less water and 86 percent less land, and help reduce CO2 emissions as a byproduct.
“Eggs will continue to be a nutritious and affordable staple in America’s diet, and Just’s plant-based egg products offer a great complement to our value-added eggs by allowing customers to serve every consumer their preference,” said Mark Westphal, President of Michael Foods. “Working together, we are bringing innovation and options to the food industry.”
Michael Foods will add plant-based Just Egg to a value-added egg lineup, including Papetti’s, Abbotsford Farms and Davidson’s Safest Choice. The agreement between Just and Michael Foods will help grow and diversify the Just Egg foodservice clientele beyond existing customer segments, like QSR, universities, amusement parks, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias.
Photo credit: Just (featured in preview image), NPD (video)
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