While some signs of growth may require more expert industry savvy to understand, the expansion of one’s production is a surefire signal to all that business is booming. This is the case as Eat Beyond’s portfolio company, The Very Good Food Company, has announced it will be ramping up production at its Rupert facility and is set to begin initial production in its California operation.
"The expanded production capacity in major markets along the West Coast enables VERY GOOD to further expand its product listings and SKUs, which will help drive sales to its e-Commerce and retail channels," Michael Aucoin, Eat Beyond Chief Executive Officer, said. "In addition, the balanced product portfolio will help VERY GOOD diversify its revenue streams by growing additional partnerships in the food service channel, an important market opportunity for plant-based food producers."
At the company’s Rupert facility, which is located in Vancouver, Canada, the first production line (Line 1) is currently producing four times the daily production volume of Very Good’s original Victoria operation. According to a press release, Line 1 was established in April 2021 with some food production beginning in May. As of now, 13,000 lbs of product are being produced per day, and Line 1 will continue to increase production with a target of 60,000 lbs per day in Q1 of 2022.
The Very Good Food Company will also be commissioning its second production line (Line 2) at the Rupert facility in Q4 2021, which will be dedicated to the production of its gluten-free and soy-free Butcher’s Select Line. The premium line is set to be highly competitive within the plant-based meat sector and was created to appeal to not only those on plant-based diets, but all consumers.
Line 2 will also allow for expansion into the North American foodservice channels, as the company has recently partnered with two leading meal kit and foodservice providers.
"By acquiring its first large-scale, 45,000 sq ft production facility, VERY GOOD has been able to expertly scale its production line capacity," continued Aucoin."The addition of the Rupert facility's manufacturing capability is important as the demand for VERY GOOD products grows and as the Butcher's Select line will move the brand more directly into competition with Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat in the plant-based protein sector."
In addition to its Rupert facility, Very Good will begin its initial food production at its Patterson facility, located in California, starting in September. Production will begin on a commercial-grad kitchen equipment line to fast-track production of Taco Stuff’er, one of the company’s most popular SKUs.
Installation of the facility's first major production line has started and is targeted for completion in Q2 2022. Once commissioned, Patterson's Line 1 will produce Very Good’s unique products, which have not yet been scaled, and will have the capability to make the brand's original suite of products. Line 1 is expected to produce an average of 27 million lbs of product per year when fully operational.
How will this production expansion position The Very Good Foods Company for further growth in the plant-based sector? Only time and Deli Market News will tell, so keep a tab open.
