Vion to establish dedicated plant-based site in Netherlands

Global meat producer Vion has unveiled its plans to open a dedicated plant-based site in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, to meet growing market demand for meat alternatives.

The move is part of the company’s strategy of building food chains based on the market demand.

Vion CEO Ronald Lotgerink said: “The capacity for livestock processing in the Netherlands has grown significantly in the past two years, and has proven to be more than sufficient to meet the demand.

“Given the knowledge we gained from our investment a few years ago, we are now making the strategic choice to invest in a dedicated plant-based site in Leeuwarden.

“We look forward to continue our relationships with our livestock suppliers at other Vion sites and welcome arable farmers as new suppliers in our plant-based chain.”

Vion’s facility in Leeuwarden, which was built in 2017, currently operates as a beef facility.

The company noted that the facility was designed in accordance with the latest standards and can be transitioned to a plant-based production facility.

Additionally, the company intends to further expand the facility by adding new production lines, freezing facilities and a larger storage capacity.

Vion noted that its decision to create a dedicated plant-based site in Leeuwarden would not affect employees at this facility.

According to the company, the demand for the meat alternatives has been growing globally over the past few years and it is expected to continue to grow.

Earlier this month, Vion launched a new start-up company called ME-AT, to develop high-quality meat alternatives.

The company claimed that its new start-up company will manufacture products that offer taste, texture and eating experience of traditional meat.