The company is also talking to partners about introducing the products outside the US, added White.
“We're excited that our alternative protein products are hitting the market. We introduced aidells Whole Blends as our first offering earlier this year. Last month we started shipping Raised & Rooted nuggets made with plants.
“We're pleased to report the nuggets will be in 4,000 retail stores and available in broad line food service distribution by the end of September. This kind of quick start demonstrates the capabilities of scale and national reach of Tyson Foods.”
The Raised & Rooted products include nuggets made with pea protein, egg white, bamboo and flaxseed; and blended burger (‘The Blend’) made with a combination of Angus beef and pea protein isolate.
As the nuggets contain egg white, they are not strictly ‘plant-based,’ and instead feature the strapline, ‘Made with plants.’
The ‘Whole Blends’ line of products under the aidells brand is made with chicken, quinoa, beans and veggies.
“We're engaged with customers across channels and expect additional nationwide rollouts in retail and food service over the next 12 months,” said White. “This will involve both plant and blended protein options under the Raised & Rooted brand and our flagship brands.”
As for international sales, he added: “We're in early discussions with partners to introduce these products outside the US, but for now our primary focus is a powerful domestic launch. As we build Prepared Foods innovation and enter new categories, we expect this segment will continue performing well with an operating margin near 12% for fiscal 2019.
“And we expect similar results or better next year assuming current expectations for raw material cost.”
