Embargoed until 24/11/2020

Launches follow £6 million investment from Squeaky Bean in plant-based food factory

November 2020; Plant-based food brand Squeaky Bean's new Falafel and Hot & Spicy Chicken Style Pieces are landing in Tesco on 23rd November, in a bumper launch to celebrate World Vegan Month (1st-30th November). The launch will see the release of the two new products alongside an expanded range of Squeaky Bean's products in large Tesco stores, with another four additional lines due to be stocked by the retailer. 

Following Tesco's recent announcement that it plans to increase sales of plant-based meat alternatives by 300%, the new products from Squeaky Bean will provide even further choice to flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan consumers. Distribution of Squeaky Bean's range has already increased by more than 500% since December 2019, supported by a £6 million refit of its Bicester site to become a dedicated 2,000m² plant-based factory, which was finalised in September 2020. 

With its increased production power, Squeaky Bean's new plant-based factory will produce a new addition to its signature vegan Chicken Style Pieces. The Squeaky Bean Hot & Spicy Chicken Style Pieces are seasoned with a Sriracha flavour coating, perfect for those who wish to make plant-based food a part of their diet, without compromising on flavour. The moreish Pieces can be enjoyed as a snack straight from the pack, fried, or cooked in the microwave for just 30 seconds. Made with pea protein for a realistic texture, they are high in protein and low in saturated fat.

The Hot & Spicy Chicken Style Pieces are one of two new products launching first into Tesco stores as part of an expanded Squeaky Bean range. The second brand new product in the expansion is Squeaky Bean's Falafels. Super as a satisfying snack, perfect for popping into pittas, or even creatively crumbled over a salad, the Falafels offer a convenient and versatile option that can be eaten either hot or cold.

Vegans and vegetarians are famed for their love of falafel, and research from Squeaky Bean shows that 95% of them eat it regularly. Appetite for falafel is also strong among omnivores, with one in four meat-eating respondents saying they eat falafel a couple of times a month or more often.

Respondents to Squeaky Bean's survey of 500 consumers, which was conducted via Vypr, also showed that falafel is a popular choice among individuals interested in healthy eating. 

Tesco customers will be able to find the Squeaky Bean Falafel in the vegan and vegetarian fixtures of 380 stores, allowing shoppers to bring home a burst of flavour made from wildly delicious plants.

The launch will also see the expansion of Tesco's Squeaky Bean range, with existing products being introduced to Tesco shoppers, including: 

• Squeaky Bean Falafel (£2.00, 200g)
• Squeaky Bean Hot & Spicy Chicken Style Pieces (£3.00, 160g)
• Squeaky Bean Italian Deli Ham Style Sandwich Slices (£2.00, 90g)
• Squeaky Bean NYC Deli Pastrami Style Sandwich Slices (£2.00, 90g)
• Squeaky Bean Roast Chicken Flavour Sandwich Slices (£2.00, 90g)
• Squeaky Bean Kebab Style Sandwich Slices (£2.00, 90g)

Sarah Augustine, Squeaky Bean's Co-Creator, says: “For too long, there has been a perception that by choosing plant-based products, people have to sacrifice taste. Our flavour-packed Falafel and Hot & Spicy Chicken Style Pieces prove that this isn't the case. Both can be eaten straight from the pack as a snack, or cooked and enjoyed as part of a meal, meaning time is no barrier to plant-based eating.

“Our bumper launch into Tesco shows that appetite for vegan options shows no signs of abating – and with more choice than ever available for plant-based food, we believe demand is only set to grow." 

Both supply and demand of plant-based products has increased during 2020. The number of applications for trademarks for vegan products more than doubled in the first part of the year, and a record 400,000 people pledged to adopt a vegan diet during Veganuary. Demand from younger consumers is driving growth, and Squeaky Bean attracts more than twice the proportion of 18 to 24 year-olds versus the average in the plant-based ready-to-eat category.

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ENDS

Images:

Two images are attached to this press release, including a pack shot of the Squeaky Bean Falafels, and a recipe shot of the plant based chilli chicken melt.

About Squeaky Bean®:

Squeaky Bean® is challenging the perception that vegan food is devoid of flavour and difficult to prepare. Its range includes vegan ready-to-eat Chicken Style Pieces, Sandwich Slices, Tortilla and Pancakes, quick-to-heat Fishless Fingers, Nuggets and Kievs each made from wildly delicious plants. 

The range of Squeaky Bean products are available from Tesco, Waitrose, Ocado, Sainsbury's and Asda.

You can send us a squeak @Squeakybeanveg on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. 

Media Contact:

Beki Morgan

Eden Green PR

beki@edengreenpr.com

07503211968