Plant & Bean, a UK-based meat-free product manufacturer, recently filed for administration due to rising costs and operational issues. The contract manufacturer appointed James Clark and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory as administrators to explore the possibility of a sale. It has now been announced that the manufacturing site and associated equipment of Plant & Bean have been sold to Vegan Solo Consulting Limited and Duo Renovations, headed by vegan activist Heather Mills.
The acquisition includes the 125,000 sq ft factory in Boston, Lincolnshire, which was considered Europe’s largest plant-based meat production facility upon its opening in 2020. Heather Mills, known as the pioneer of plant-based foods, aims to upgrade the production capabilities of the facility and ensure that it remains a non-meat factory. She expressed her commitment to driving positive change for the environment, animals, and global population.
This acquisition follows the recent sale of Meatless Farm, another vegan meat company, to Vegan Fried Chick*n (VFC) Foods. The director of consultancy New Nutrition Business, Julian Mellentin, predicts that many meat substitute brands will face challenges in the coming years due to the gap between consumer expectations and product quality. However, others view these acquisitions as opportunities for industry collaboration and growth in the plant-based sector.
In summary, the acquisition of Plant & Bean’s manufacturing site by Vegan Solo Consulting Limited and Duo Renovations, led by Heather Mills, marks an important development in the plant-based meat industry. The upgraded facility will continue to prioritize plant-based production, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable diets.
