COVID-19 has not only impacted everyone’s day to day life, but it has also affected the meat industry. Due to the virus, many meat plants are either run by a small group of workers or are temporarily closed, causing the meat supply to shrink in local supermarkets and plant-based options to enjoy new popularity.
What this means for the plant-based industry is that more US consumers are buying alternative meats instead, meaning that the sector is now growing. Stores such as Kroger and Costco are currently adding more plant-based options from brands such as Impossible to their shelves, and customers have been stocking up on the meat alternatives. Â
It all started when Impossible Foods announced their products would be sold at 17,000 Kroger stores as demand for the meats has ‘sky-rocketed.’ While Beyond Meat revealed, their earnings have also grown, earning the interest of investors and an increase in stock.
The shortages have also affected American fast food company Wendy’s, as they have had to pull their beef burgers off the menu at some of their locations.
Although experts believe the shortages to be short-lived, this does not mean the rise of plant-based options will face the same fate as many are choosing to go meat-free given that many are put off by the origins of the coronavirus and the growing awareness of animal agriculture as well.
What if with this new demand comes an influx of fresh plant-based options, which turn the heads of flexitarians and vegan curious individuals? Perhaps the trend could have more long-term potential.
