Planted, the fastest-growing alternative protein startup in Europe, announces its launch in the UAE!

Switzerland-based Planted, the fastest-growing alternative protein startup in Europe, announces its launch in the UAE, facilitated by a strategic partnership with a prominent FoodService distribution company in the Middle East specializing in plant-based products.

Since its inception in 2019, Planted has witnessed remarkable growth, securing a noteworthy £61 million in Series B funding last year; a landmark event in the European alternative protein landscape. Currently, Planted has established a presence in seven European countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Great Britain, and the Benelux. Its products are available in approximately 6,100 restaurants and 8,700 retail stores.

This foray into the Middle East is anticipated to fuel expansion within the UAE, with plans to catalyze further growth in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan, as stated by the company.

Revolutionizing the Protein Supply Chain Planted showcased its planted.chicken and planted.pulled products at COP28 featured on menus at food trucks hosted by Wild & The Moon and the acclaimed Roots & Rolls.

The products were well-received during the event.

Building on this success, Planted's diverse product portfolio is set to make its debut across various sectors within the UAE FoodService market, encompassing hotels, restaurants, cafes, QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants), sub-distributors, wholesalers, entertainment establishments, and independent operators in the hospitality industry, starting early in 2024.

Pascal Bieri, co-founder and executive board member of Planted, expresses enthusiasm about entering the Middle East market through an exclusive distribution partnership. This collaboration aims to introduce Planted's innovative meat alternatives to a new and receptive customer base, initially in the UAE. Bieri emphasizes Planted's commitment to revolutionizing the protein value chain, emphasizing the creation of superior meat without reliance on animals. The company prides itself on a clean label, using only natural ingredients without additives, endorsed for exceptional taste and texture by leading European chefs. Planted employs specialized in-house production to achieve these quality standards.