By Kaveesha Fernando
LONDON, UK (CWBN)_ Following the astronomical success of Burger King’s plant-based Whoppers in Europe and the United States, a reputed international media company reports that Unilever has extended the partnership with Burger King to launch the burgers in China and Latin America. Unilever has confirmed that launches have already taken place in the Dominican Republic, Suriname, Saint Maarten, Costa Rica, Saint Kitts, Colombia, Mexico, the Bahamas and Nicaragua.
The “meat” for the patties will be sourced from the Vegetarian Butcher, a Dutch company acquired by Unilever which produces plant-based proteins which reputedly taste identical to meat. “The Vegetarian Butcher produces plant-based proteins, which compete with animal meat in respect of taste, texture and nutritional value and has been heralded by industry figures, including a jury of butchers, culinary journalists and Michelin-stars. The Vegetarian Butcher products are being sold in over 4,000 outlets in 17 countries,” a 2019 media release from Unilever states. The release announced Unilever’s partnership with Burger King to launch the “Rebel Whopper” in 2,500 Burger King restaurants across 25 countries in Europe late last year.
It has been estimated that the plant-based protein industry will rise to a 140 billion dollar market in the next ten years. The phenomenal success of the “Impossible Burger” patty (which was partly funded by billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates) in the past few years has led to increased interest in plant-based proteins among the fast-food industry. Launches of plant-based menu items have seen excited customers stand in line for hours to try an ethical alternative of their favourite fast food snack.
