Australian plant-based protein manufacturer Harvest B has signed a distribution deal with fourth generation family owned, food distribution business, Dunninghams.
The deal means New Zealand is the first export market for Harvest B’s plant-based protein, which it developed using a proprietary combination of plant proteins and extrusion technology.
Harvest B’s plant proteins are designed for ambient storage and don’t require a cold supply chain, making it easy to transport, store, and use in a variety of applications. This provides several benefits including lowering supply chain emissions, reducing wastage, increasing shelf life, and enhancing sustainability.
Unlike other plant-based meat offerings, Harvest B has developed a range of products that deliver the look and taste of whole meat pieces, while removing the need for binders, additives and a cold supply chain.
They deliver a complete amino acid profile comparable to animal proteins, with textures and taste akin to some of the most desired meat styles for everyday cooking, the company said.
Meanwhile, Dunninghams, which supplies dry goods to butchers, was looking for a product to meet its customers’ need for meat alternatives for the vegan and vegetarian market.
According to Euromonitor, 42 per cent of global customers are restricting certain animal-based products, with more people replacing entire meals with plant-based proteins or seeking higher-protein content from plant-based sources.
Dunninghams CEO Scott Reynolds said, “Over our 100-year history, Dunninghams has always sought to lead the market by offering high-quality, innovative ingredients and food products to New Zealand. We believe that Harvest B's products will deliver a healthy, affordable and great tasting meal option to our market, while also providing retailers with a plant-based option that is lean and green.”
for NZ distribution.
While Harvest B’s focus is as a wholesaler to the food industry, this partnership is unique in that it is providing Harvest B branded product for consumers to buy when they visit their butcher. They are also supplying the butcheries so they can make their own range of products using Harvest B.
Its New Zealand range will feature ready-to-take home 1kg packs of chickenless strips, chickenless pieces, chickenless shred, beefless pieces, lambless pieces and porkless pieces, as well as bulk solutions for restaurateurs and food service companies.
Harvest B co-founder and CEO Kristi Riordan said, “Partnering with such a highly respected organisation like Dunninghams to serve New Zealand made absolute sense for Harvest B. Dunninghams brings a deep understanding of the New Zealand market and consumers, and like us they share a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
Reynolds said, “We are thrilled to partner with Harvest B to bring their innovative and sustainable products to New Zealand. Harvest B’s plant-proteins are ideally suited to this market, where consumers have, until now, had limited choice when seeking healthier and more sustainable food options to reduce their animal protein consumption.”
Riordan said Harvest B brought together multiple plant protein types, “allowing us to provide better nutrition and a better eating experience. Through a simple on-site brine process, restaurants and food manufacturers can replicate traditional menu items their customers love with our plant-proteins.
“Initial reaction to our product in the New Zealand market has been overwhelmingly positive, so much so that we are working to increase stocking levels with our partner Dunninghams.”
