August 21, 2020

Nestle releases plant-based tuna product in Switzerland

Nestle launched an alternative, plant-based tuna product in Switzerland, with plans to release the product globally as more consumers increase their retail purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters reported.

The new Nestle "Garden Gourmet" tuna is produced using pea protein. It is sold in glass jars in the chilled section at supermarkets. Ready-to-eat sandwiches with Garden Gourmet tuna will also be available for sale at select stores.

The product was developed in nine months at Nestle Switzerland and is the first plant-based seafood product to be released by the global food giant. The company already sells soy-based meat burgers, as well as plant-based meat, sausages and chicken nuggets as part of their plant-based "Garden Gourmet" foods portfolio.

Nestle has invested in plant-based foods in an effort to appeal to consumers that are looking to reduce their meat consumption.

The company reported high demand for Garden Gourmet products in the first half of this year, spurred by higher home consumption because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nestle's plant-based meat alternative sales hit CHF 200 million (~US$218.7 million; 1 CHF = US$1.10) in 2019.

-      Reuters