Italian manufacturer Gruppo Tonazzo has made a pivotal decision to halt all operations involving meat products by the end of this year. This strategic shift will redirect its focus towards plant-based alternatives under its established Kioene brand.
The company, based in Padua with a rich history spanning 136 years from its beginnings as a single butcher’s shop, has expressed a commitment to contributing to environmental sustainability and promoting healthier dietary choices. This change comes as a result of careful consideration and a noticeable increase in demand for Kioene’s diverse plant-based portfolio, which was initiated in the 1990s.
Kioene’s product range includes an array of refrigerated and frozen items such as burgers, bites, falafel, and cutlets, all made with wholesome ingredients like aubergine, broccoli, and kale. Following December 31, the company’s existing production facilities will be dedicated solely to the creation of plant-based products, signaling a significant transformation in its operational focus.
Furthermore, employees currently involved in meat production, which includes items such as burgers, steaks, and meatballs, will be offered opportunities to transition into roles within the plant-based sector. Company director Stefano Tonazzo stated, “Our family has been involved in meat for five generations but, at the same time, almost 40 years ago it triggered an unstoppable change by introducing alternative products based on vegetable proteins to the market.”
In line with this course of action, fellow director Albino Tonazzo emphasized, “This is a choice that we have carefully pondered in the family and shared with our collaborators, a decision with which we want to make our contribution to the protection of the planet and an increasingly conscious diet.”
As the food and beverage industry trends continue to evolve, Gruppo Tonazzo is positioning itself to adapt to these changes by embracing consumer preferences for sustainable and health-conscious options. By concentrating its efforts on the food and drink business through Kioene, the company aims to remain competitive and relevant in the rapidly shifting landscape of food and drink consumer trends.
In conclusion, as Gruppo Tonazzo transitions away from meat production, it not only looks to mitigate its environmental impact but also to lead in the burgeoning field of plant-based food solutions.
