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MANILA -The plant-based meat products of Century Pacific Food Inc. are now being sold in 960 stores of Woolworths across Australia, a market where the consumption of the alternative protein source has been on the rise.
The maker of Century Tuna and Argentina corned beef said Woolworths, Australia’s biggest supermarket chain, carries Unmeat products across its outlets and e-commerce platform.
“The thesis behind plant-based alternatives remains. Consumers want healthier and more planet-forward food choices,” Century Pacific executive vice president and chief operating officer Greg Banzon said in a disclosure on Wednesday.
“As a food company, we need to address these needs through innovation and reduce friction by making options more affordable and accessible,” he added.
Century Pacific noted that plant-based food consumption has been gaining traction in Australia as one in three residents has been “consciously” reducing meat intake.
Meanwhile, Century Pacific said it has expanded its product offering in US-based grocery store chain Walmart, which has 1,800 outlets.
“Developing the plant-based alternatives category requires innovation, not just of the protein source but also the variety. Apart from reducing the price friction, we need to give consumers more points of entry through a wider selection,” Banzon said.
Banzon earlier said they were expecting to sustain the growth momentum of the alternative meat brand by entering new markets, noting that Europe “looks very attractive.”
Unmeat is also being sold in retailers Albertsons, Harris Teeter, HEB and Meijer in the US, Carrefour in the United Arab Emirates and FairPrice in Singapore, among others.
The company made its foray in plant-based meat in 2020 with affiliate company Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures. It launched the frozen range in the local retail market the year after.
Last year, Century Pacific bought sardine brand Ligo’s assets and intellectual property related to the manufacturing of the products.