The number one meat free brand in the UK, Quorn Foods, tells us how they plan to expand their international presence.
Tell us more about Quorn Foods
Quorn Foods is the #1 meat-free brand in the UK with big plans for the future! In the UK we already partner with the likes of KFC, Costa Coffee and Pizza Hut as well as being the Global Sustainable Protein Partner of Liverpool FC. We are now looking to further expand our international presence.
But what is Quorn? Quorn’s USP is that the main ingredient in all our products is our unique mycoprotein – a naturally sourced super-protein cultivated via the age-old art of fermentation. This gives Quorn the unique taste and texture which so closely replicates meat, whilst at the same time being high in fibre, low in sat fat, and containing all nine essential amino acids. Most importantly it tastes great!
Where is Quorn currently exported?
Quorn is already exported to 16 different markets around the world. In the last few months we have successfully launched in Spain and also into Turkey where early signs are encouraging. The products we find sell particularly well are Quorn’s Chicken range, as mycoprotein is particularly good at replicating the “bite” of chicken meat. What’s even more encouraging is that we are often approached by distributors who have tried our products and want to bring Quorn into their market.
What are the company’s export ambitions for the future?
With the huge growth we are seeing in flexitarian diets globally, we have big plans for the future! Our ambition is to provide 8 billion Quorn servings a year by 2030, and in order to do this we will need to seek growth across the chilled and frozen categories, different channels and existing markets. We will look to open up new territories in the coming months to help us achieve this goal.
What is your main piece of advice for food manufacturers looking to start exporting?
My main piece of advice would be not to under-estimate the work involved in entering new markets. Be clear on your objectives for entering and do your research. A major enabler is finding the right in-market team, as well as having a broad understanding across multiple functions to stress test plans. Get these things right, and you’ll be on the right track!
What do you value most about FDEA membership?
There are few, if any, organisations in the UK which have the depth and breadth of knowledge of the FDEA. Cumulatively there are hundreds of years of experience in export covering all aspects be it legal, regulatory, sales or logistics. Having access to this knowledge base is invaluable. In addition, having the fortnightly FDEA zoom calls provides a support network to hear what challenges and opportunities others are facing within the FMCG sector so you never feel isolated.
