News

Smithfield ventures into plant-based proteins

Smithfield Foods has launched a line of soy-based protein products under the name ‘Pure Farmland.’

John Pauley, Smithfield’s chief commercial officer, tells Brownfield Ag News the reason why, “We are not only the world’s largest pork producer but we are, obviously, a protein food company. And, as this category continues to expand and we see growth we, too, want to participate.”

Pauley says it will help meet increasing consumer demands, “If there’s consumers out there that recognize our brand or our company, who may be flexitarians or once or twice a week decide they want to go to a plant-based diet, we want to be able to offer that.”

He says Smithfield’s soy-based protein burgers, meatballs, sausages and more will be in one of the most shopped spaces, the fresh meat case, “To get into plant-based, while it might surprise a few people, at least from a customer standpoint has been very well received.”

The Pure Farmland soy products will debut in mid-September at Kroger and Target stores.