Planted is set to boost its production capacity by establishing a second factory dedicated to meat alternatives. This initiative aims to enhance the output of its signature “whole muscle steak” and expand its product offerings.
Founded in 2019, the Swiss start-up has selected Memmingen in Bavaria, Germany, as the site for its new facility. Notably, Germany currently accounts for approximately 75% of the output from Planted’s original production site in Kemptthal, Switzerland.
The future plant in Memmingen is projected to have a daily production capacity of 20 tonnes of plant-based meat, mirroring the current output levels at the Kemptthal facility. Initial operations at the new factory are slated to begin in the first quarter of 2024, with the project expected to create over 50 new jobs, supplementing Planted’s existing workforce of 200 employees.
Planted employs innovative fermentation techniques with “clean ingredients” to produce what it refers to as “bio-structured proteins.” The company’s plant-based steak is the initial product launched from its “whole muscle platform,” paving the way for other offerings including chicken, kebabs, duck, and pulled pork. These products are available in both retail and foodservice sectors across Europe, particularly in Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, and the Benelux region.
The founders of Planted, Lukas Böni and Pascal Bieri, express a strong belief that bio-structured proteins will outpace traditional animal meat in flavor, sustainability, health benefits, productivity, and pricing.
“Our international expansion follows the strategic decision to bolster our bio-technological expertise and locations abroad, closer to our consumers,” Böni stated.
The objective is to swiftly introduce innovative items from the fermentation platform, particularly the Planted steak, which utilizes advanced fermentation technology focused on scalability, flavor, and product quality. The investment in this new production facility will empower Planted to meet the surging demand within the food and beverage industry and produce its products closer to the German consumer base.
Research and development, along with manufacturing, have been conducted at the Kemptthal site since 2020. The Memmingen plant will be developed in a converted old brewery and is claimed to be the most cutting-edge production facility for plant-based meat in Europe, with an annual production capacity of 5,000 tonnes.
Moreover, Planted emphasizes its commitment to sustainability. The Memmingen factory is designed to be nearly CO2-free, implementing an advanced cooling system, district heating from wood burning, and a photovoltaic setup for energy.
Leading retailers such as REWE, Edeka, Tesco, Morrisons, Carrefour, and Conad, as well as approximately 6,500 restaurant or foodservice outlets, highlight Planted’s expansive reach within the food and drink business.
In summary, Planted’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries in the food and beverage industry aligns with their strategic growth initiatives, as they expand facilities and innovate product offerings.
