JBS USA, through its start-up unit Planterra Foods, will launch its own line of plant-based protein products in April, about seven months after deciding to develop meat alternative patties, ground product and flavored meatballs.
The plant-based products under the new OZO brand are made using a proprietary blend of pea and rice protein fermented by shiitake mushrooms. The line is designed to offer more food choices to the growing flexitarian market, the company said in a news release.
The products will retail for between $5.99 and $7.99 per package and are expected to arrive in retail stores next month, the release said. The OZO line also is expected to be available to foodservice and retail clubs later this year.
Products contain up to 22 grams of protein per serving and have no cholesterol and less fat, calories and saturated fat than 80% lean ground beef.
The move by JBS USA to enter the alternative protein arena next month follows the arrival of similar plant-based proteins from Cargill Inc., Tyson Foods Inc. and Marfrig Global Foods since mid-2019.