Tyson Foods invests in Beyond Meat (updated article in OP)

LINK
Beyond Meat CEO:

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Today, we take another step toward the broader market as we welcome Tyson Foods to Beyond Meat as a minority investor. The investment provides an opportunity for each party to get to know one another and to explore possible collaborations (Tyson touches 2 of 5 plates in the United States). My willingness to engage with Tyson may unsettle the most ardent supporters of our brand. Tyson will also likely hear disapproval from certain stakeholders, suppliers, and consumers. Yet in both cases, I like to think that our nascent relationship is a hopeful sign. A sign that we may be moving beyond Oprah v. Cattlemen and toward productive collaboration that expands consumer choice.

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I don't expect to change Tyson. Nor does Tyson expect to change me. Instead, we both intend to serve the changing consumer.

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Do I think Tyson and its executives are the enemy because they have a radically different view of our relationship to animals? I don't. I realize that this may disappoint many people. In fact, I've found the Tyson executives with whom I've interacted to be principled and constructive people. It is true, their beliefs don't comport with mine on animals. Yet neither do those of my broader family, the vast majority of my friends, colleagues, neighbors, and many others I greatly respect, all of whom eat animal-based meat.

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I think this is really interesting. As someone who has been meat-free for 5 years now, the initial reaction to a major meat company buying into a vegan "meat" alternative is initially unsettling. I think this particular matchup says a lot about the future of protein for people as a whole.... Tyson seeing that many people are shifting their perspectives about food.

My reaction, its all good. I don't necessarily want my money to be going to Tyson in any way, but if this is a step towards more people being exposed to plant-based proteins and veggie burgers being easier to find on more generic shelves, I think that's awesome.

Whether you're meat-free, carnivore, or somewhere in between - Beyond Meat is definitely a company to check out. I enjoy their products (*haven't tried the burger only available in Oregon now...apparently on the meat shelves in Whole Foods because they are so...meat like) and would recommend. I like their Beast Burger - frozen at whole doods

----*these (beyond burger) are now available at all Veggie Grill locations and participating Whole Foods... maybe not in Louisiana yet

What do you think? Is the world headed more veg? Is this a good move for Tyson?




ETA, update

I ran across this article today and wanted to share.

Tyson CEO thinks the future of protein could be meatless


Quoted the article in a post on page 2