What a time to be a plant-based eater! As consumers explore better-for-you alternatives in the deli, specialty, and dairy space, industry innovators are taking note and rolling out new products to meet the heightened demand. Maestri d’Italia is one such company riding the wave as it is rolling out its new Meatless Deli Strips, available in Prosciutto and Roasted Turkey. I got in touch with Stefano Tedesco, General Manager, to learn more about the new innovation and its appeal to a new wave of consumers.
“The product itself is made of existing flavors—plant-based prosciutto and turkey—however, the innovation is in the format,” Stefano explains to me. “The strips, not dices, have a better taste and are new to the market.”
Maestri d’Italia’s new Meatless Deli Strips are cured just like the meats consumers will find in their deli cases. However, these products are vegan and are made with all-natural ingredients like sourdough cultures, legume flour, and spices.
With this new product, consumers can breach the boundaries of the flavor realm in more exciting and convenient ways. As shoppers are actively seeking new flavors and easier-to-prepare products, the new Deli Strips are just the thing to be easily incorporated in a multitude of ways, such as in vegan carbonaras, salads, baked sides, or on savory pastries.
“We are giving today’s consumers more options to use plant-based alternatives in their everyday cooking. This new-to-the-market innovative strips format is ideal for cooking in a variety of dishes. Nothing of its kind is currently in the market,” Stefano says.
In addition to the great taste, the Deli Strips are soy-free and have a similar protein content to real meat-based products. The Prosciutto Style strips contain 16g of protein while the Roasted Turkey Style boasts a whopping 20g of protein.
Sold under Maestri d’Italia’s recently rebranded Meatless, Italian, Artisan (MIA) line, the product is already available for retailers to order.
As the plant-based sector continues to expand from deli to dairy and everything in between, stick with Deli Market News as we report.
