Fake Meat Lands in Chinese Starbucks, KFC, and Papa John's

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] 'Fake meat' made from plant-based protein is landing in China's Starbucks, KFC, and Papa John's.

According to Chinese economic media Caixin on the 23rd, Starbucks began selling plant-based meat menus for vegetarians at 3,300 stores nationwide in China starting yesterday. Partnering with the American company Beyond Meat, which produces plant-based meat, they introduced three menu items tailored for Chinese consumers.

Although many Starbucks stores in China closed due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), they resumed operations last month and currently about 95% of stores are open.

KFC is also planning to sell chicken nuggets made from fake meat in China starting next week. The trial sales will first take place in stores located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. KFC partnered with the American agricultural company Cargill to utilize plant-based meat in China.

Papa John's plans to include plant-based meat in some of the meatballs used on pizzas sold in China.

The reason plant-based meat manufacturers are targeting the Chinese market is that the spread of African swine fever in China has caused meat prices to soar, and changing dietary habits among Chinese consumers have increased demand for plant-based meat.

Beyond Meat recently launched a Chinese-language website and is strengthening brand promotion through social media to reach Chinese consumers. A Beyond Meat representative explained, "We have discovered increasing demand for plant-based meat in China," adding, "We view Asia as a key region for strategic long-term growth, and our goal is to locally produce plant-based beef within Asia by the end of 2020."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.