The coronavirus epidemic in the United States caused the closure of meat processing plants, which increased the demand for vegetable meat. So, according to Nielsen, for the one week ending April 18, sales of vegetable-based meat substitutes grew by 200%. Over an eight-week period, growth was 265%. Sales of regular meat for the same periods increased by 30% and 39%, respectively.
According to the Financial Times, vegetable meat сompanies were in a better position due to a higher degree of process automation. Vegetable meat producers continue to work, while their competitors stop the production process. According to the publication, as of April 27, 32% of the U.S. pork processing capacity will not be operational. Advanced Economic Solutions consulting agency reports a 14% reduction in beef production. Against this background, meat prices are skyrocketing.
Source: Sfera Publishing House.
