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Meats and Poultry

Neat Food Expands Team Before Expansion, Product Launches

Neat Food Co. – one of the world’s fastest growing alternative-protein food groups backed by Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton, a key investor who helped found the company in 2019 – announced multiple senior hires as it builds critical mass in key roles as part of its international expansion plans, starting in the key U.S. market.

  • Neat Food Co. has bolstered its Advisory Board with two appointments: Jeffrey S. Fried, former Chairman of Sweetgreen, who has a wealth of experience nurturing high growth companies; and Henrik Fjordbakformer COO at Joe & The Juice, who is an expert in equity funds, specializing in F&B and lifestyle companies
  • At the helm of NEAT’s expansion into the U.S. market is newly appointed Vincent Herbert, the former CEO of Le Pain Quotidien, who joins the brand as chief executive of Neat Burger USA and will oversee all aspects of the group’s rapid site expansion strategy in the United States including the development of products at Neat Burger’s innovation center in New York and CPG distribution into the retail arena
  • The group is expanding its food technology division with the establishment of new innovation centers, and implementation of its cutting edge texturized protein innovation
  • NEAT plans to roll out its award-winning burger patty and a range of other proprietary products – including  improved versions of its plant-based chicken patty, hot dog, nuggets and shakes – by the end of the year
  • Neat Food Co plans to expand to 1,000 corporately owned, franchise and dark kitchens by 2030

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DJ Khaled’s Another Wing Drops Plant-Based LikeWings

DJ Khaled’s Another Wing unveiled LikeWings, plant-based additions to its U.S. menu in partnership with LikeMeat, a LIVEKINDLY Collective brand. The collaboration marks LikeMeat’s first ghost kitchen partnership. LikeWings are available for order through the Another Wing storefront on UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub and Postmates in the United States.

LikeWings come smothered in Another Wing’s signature flavors including: You Loyal! Lemon Pepper, Honey! Honey! Hot Honey Sriracha and They Don’t Want You To Win TRUFFALO. To celebrate the launch, Another Wing will co-host a pop-up wing dispensary, aptly named Another Wing Dispensary, in partnership with the Flowery in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood on April 20 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“This LikeWings collaboration is an incredible opportunity for people who don’t eat meat to enjoy the incredible flavors of Another Wing. This collab combines the flavors of Another Wing with the plant power of LikeMeat,” said DJ Khaled. “Let’s win more with LikeWings.”

“We’re flying high with this new partnership and are beyond excited for Another Wings’ fans to try these awesome LikeWings the next time the munchies strike,” says Michelle Collette, head of foodservice for LikeMeat. “This is LikeMeat’s first flight into the ghost kitchen world, and we’re in it to wing it.”

Described as “the world’s most ambitious restaurant launch,” Another Wing debuted in November across over 150 locations and three continents at the same time on the REEF Kitchens platform. The concept has since expanded to Asia.

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2022 Sizzles So Far for Craft Meat Producer The Baconer

As published in the March issue of Gourmet News.

California-based craft meat producer The Baconer, which was featured in a front cover story in February’s Gourmet News, is off to a good start this year with a new partnership, new award and new way to invest in its growth.

The Baconer, based in Emeryville, has announced a partnership with Eataly, the immersive Italian marketplace. Eataly shoppers can discover The Baconer craft meat products including the 2022 award-winning XXL Bacon Steaks, Smoked Lardons, Small Batch Bacon Strips and Ground Bacon.

The Baconer’s lineup of craft meat products is available in the meat department next to the butcher counter in Eataly stores including Eataly Boston, Eataly Chicago, Eataly Dallas, Eataly L.A., Eataly NYC Flatiron and Eataly NYC Downtown.

In identifying a partner for The Baconer’s next phase of growth, it was important to find a leading food marketplace with a shared passion for inspiring people with the most authentic, high-quality and hand-crafted products,” said Camilo Velasquez, CEO and co-founder. “Eataly is a gastronomic wonderland. Their value proposition to bring the best regional food products to consumers aligns with our vision, and propels us forward as we continue to disrupt the bacon category.”

The Baconer is a leading craft producer focused on redefining how Americans think about, prepare, cook with and enjoy responsibly sourced, premium quality bacon and related products.

Eataly operates quality Italian markets in 11 countries around the world. Eataly is well regarded for its authentically prepared Italian foods and its use of high-quality Italian and local ingredients. Eataly locations offer an expansive marketplace, restaurant and even cooking school – the combination of which makes for an experience not found anywhere else.

When shoppers come to Eataly – they know to expect high-quality ingredients, which is why partnering with Baconer was a perfect fit,” said Pete Molinari, Eataly’s head of meat and seafood. “They craft artisanal bacon products that are not only delicious, but crafted with care, by people who share our passion for eating better and living better.”

Perhaps Eataly shoppers will enjoy The Baconer’s XXL Smoky Paprika Bacon Steaks as much as Good Food Award judges did.

The steaks won in the charcuterie category at the 12th Annual Good Food Awards.

Crafted from responsibly sourced pork and cut ½-inch thick, the XXL Bacon Steaks bring serious flavor served on burgers, cozied up with eggs or straight up as the main event.

And perhaps bacon lovers will love all the products enough to invest in the company. Shares of The Baconer will be sold through the crowdfunding online investment site www.startengine.com.

Keep reading Gourmet News for updates on The Baconer and many other specialty food companies. Subscribe online at www.gourmetnews.com.