Jan Zandbergen debuts in the plant-based sector with UK partnership

Jan Zandbergen will become the first European supplier of Moving Mountains’ plant-based burger, which will see the product on thousands of restaurants, cafés and fast food chains across Europe through its distribution network.

The European meat business said the success of the plant-based burger in the UK made expanding it into the rest of Europe “a logical next step​” for the company.

The plant-based product, which has been touted in the media as “the best vegan burger in the UK​”, took three years for the Moving Mountains team to produce. The pattie contains oyster mushrooms, pea, wheat and soy proteins, as well as oats. Beetroot juice creates an authentic ‘bleed’ and the addition of vitamin B12 makes the burger a source of nutrients.

Jan Zandbergen CEO Peter-Paul Zandbergen said starting with plant-based meat products, provided the company with the opportunity to respond to the changing market.

“We respond to trends and developments in the meat sector on a daily basis and see a significant shift in consumer interest and demand​,” said Zandbergen.

“This is the first time ever we are supplying plant-based meat such as Moving Mountains and we’re proud to support a British start-up that’s leading the way in plant-based innovation. As a family business, we are also very much aware of our future generations. It is our responsibility to cooperate in preserving and restoring the environment​.”

Meat firms from across the world are beginning to merge into the plant-based protein sector after Northern Irish sausage and meat supplier Finnebrogue announced a £3m investment in a vegan and vegetarian factory earlier this month.

Moving Mountains CEO Simeon Van Der Molen said a deal with one of Europe’s largest meat suppliers was a key part of its growth strategy.

“We are entering a strong period of growth, with the Moving Mountains Burger now available in over 1,000 restaurants in the UK​,” said Van Der Molen. “Being part of Jan Zandbergen’s significant distribution network means outlets across Europe will be able to get both their meat and plant-based meat products from the same place, making market penetration faster​.”