29 Mar 2021 SA poultry producer RCL Foods enters the plant-based arena
Amid a growing consumer interest in plant-based foods, South Africa’s RCL Foods and US plant-based food company, LIVEKINDLY Collective, have established a local joint venture called LIVEKINDLY Collective Africa.
The JV will market, sell and distribute all of LIVEKINDLY’s brands, including SA’s Fry Family Food and international brands LikeMeat and Oumph! in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Climate change, population growth, chronic hunger, obesity and a related rise in non-communicable diseases mean that food producers need to find ways to feed people in a more sustainable way, and that requires resilience and adaptability,” said RCL FOODS CEO Miles Dally.
“In line with our passion – More Food to More People, More Often – we are excited to partner with LIVEKINDLY Collective in taking plant-based protein from niche to mainstream in South and sub-Saharan Africa, which will provide people with more options and encourage more sustainable food choices.
“LIVEKINDLY Collective Africa will bring together several brands, technologies and IP along with RCL’s farm-to-fork capability and established market presence to build a robust plant-based ecosystem in the region – from agriculture to go-to-market brands and infrastructure.”
While the plant-based food category is still relatively small in South Africa, both companies believe the significant progress being made in improving the affordability, taste and texture of plant-based alternatives will grow the category into a significant market in both traditional retail and foodservice channels.