An $11 million plant-based meat facility has opened in Sydney, Australia. 

ProForm Foods says the site will produce 5,000 tonnes of plant-based products under its MEET brand.

MEET’s current range features meat-free foods such as chicken tenders, beef style strips, meatballs, and burger patties. Moreover, it says ‘more new products’ will launch in the future. 

‘A global leader’

Matt Dunn is the CEO of ProForm Foods. His Father Stephen Dunn created the company back in 2008.

According to Business Insider Australia, he said:  “We’re incredibly excited to officially open the next generation plant-based meat manufacturing facility.

“The global demand for plant-based products is booming, and our Australian innovation wins on both taste and texture…

“With plans already in the works to expand globally… We anticipate that the business will become a global leader in the US$4.3B plant-based meat industry…

“[We will]create new jobs and export growth in Sydney and across the country.”

‘Australian Made’

The plant-based meat facility, which is reportedly 1,600 square meters, will use 70 percent Australian ingredients.

Moreover, it was opened by Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Innovation Karen Andrews.

She said: “Australians want to buy Australian Made and the world wants our food too. By further growing this area of manufacturing we can create more jobs for Australians. 

“This is a great example of value-adding to our proud agriculture industry, and alongside our meat producers.”

Plant-based meat industry

Europe’s plant-based meat and dairy market will hit €7.5 billion by 2025, according to reports.

ING published its Growth of meat and dairy alternatives is stirring up the European food industry.

It says the meat and dairy alternatives market is seeing ‘rapid growth’ of 10 percent per year. This means it is taking an increased share in the total meat and dairy market.  

Moreover, it says in the last decade, retail sales of meat and dairy alternatives have more than doubled in the EU and the U.K