New Delhi: Tokyo-based Company Next Meats has teamed up with Indian food-tech startup Vegan Meat India Private Limited to launch meat-free alternatives with the motive to prioritize sustainability in food production and pare down the incremental burden on the environment using crossover technology. They are also attempting to reduce the acute problem posed by NCDs and carbon footprint in the country by introducing plant-based food items.
The company, which is listed in the American Stock market, aims to provide a series of delicious servings of Next Tandoori Chicken, Next Herb Chicken, Next Classic Chicken, Next Chicken Biryani, Next Butter Chicken Curry, Next Yakiniku Japanese Taste, Next Spicy Yakiniku and Next Burger Patty for their Indian consumers.
Next Meats, which is making its debut in Indian market with Vegan Meat India Private Limited is planning to expand its product assortment by introducing plant-based cakes, vegan cheese, tuna, egg and soya milk especially for their consumers in India, will have their online retail presence in five cities including Delhi/NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai.
“As our modern lives have become more convenient, it has taken an inconvenient toll on our environment. Thinking things through from the perspective of our planet’s well-being, led to our discovery of plant-based meats. Now we know we can’t shift our global eating culture of meat-based diets overnight. But if we focus on delivering the best tasting plant-based products, we believe it will lead us to a future where people will make a choice that is better for them and our planet. As India is the biggest consumer market in the world. Our products are high in protein, low in saturated fats with no added flavors and cholesterol. These items are just apt for people suffering from diabetes and blood pressure. We are excited to cater our Indian consumers,” said Ryo Shirai, Founder of Next Meats.
To attest to this, several researchers claim that people, who follow a plant-based diet, tend to have a lower body mass index and lower rates of obesity, diabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, inflammation and cancer due to the higher antioxidant, probiotic and fiber content.
“One of the most powerful steps one can take to improve health, boost energy levels, and prevent chronic diseases is moving to a plant-based diet. If you’ve read our ancient vedas, it constantly talks about nutrition, which is a powerful way to live longer and help the environment, and reduce our risk of getting sick. Therefore, a diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall wellbeing especially when we are fighting with COVID-19 pandemic,” said Deepak Yadav, CEO, Vegan Meat India Private Limited.
These plant-based meats are meticulously produced using Non-GMO soy, pea proteins and other plant extracts in factories that meet HACCP and ISO standards. In the future, they are also planning to open a lab and manufacturing unit in India and develop the products with Indian taste.
“Considering all the aspects from human health and environment, we would expect the trend of meatless meats would be more popular in India as well as in all over the World. Diverse plant-based meat types such as plant-based chicken and seafood continue to grow in popularity, which is contributing to the growth of the market,” Mr Yadav added.
The brand is also planning to launch their brick-and-mortar store in India in the next fiscal.
Next Meats was officially launched in June of 2020 after its journey of product development began three years ago. They have their presence in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore. Besides India, the company plans to launch in Italy, France, Russia, Spain, China and USA.
