VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Plant-based meat alternative manufacturer, Modern Meat Inc., based in Vancouver, signed an agreement with Viveri Pty Ltd., formerly known as SPQR Holdings Pty. Ltd., Adelaide, Australia, to launch its portfolio of plant-based meat alternatives in Australia. 

“This is a great achievement for our company and the first step outside North America to becoming a global competitor in the plant-based meat alternative industry,” said Craig Wallace, head of global acquisitions for Modern Meat. “I feel there is no better place to begin the global expansion of our company than Australia, as its residents represent early adopters and, due to my existing relations within this market, I feel I can help expedite our growth process.”

Viveri currently produces ready-made meals, pasta and protein, cakes and pastries, gelati, coffee, sandwiches, salads, panini, and breads, and distributes them to retailers throughout South Australia, including IGA, Foodland, Coles and Woolworths. The company’s operational team has over 180 years of food experience in food manufacturing, sales, marketing and business development.

Viveri will onboard Modern Meat to its 21,000-square-foot facility with full production staff and commence distribution to its vast network of retailers and national grocers. Viveri will monitor Modern Meat’s sales and determine whether to retrofit the existing facility for increased production based on the numbers. Viveri’s facility is certified with a HACCP plan, in-house quality control and a quality assurance specialist to confirm product consistency.

Both companies have finished their due diligence process and will move to product testing and production logistics.

“We continue to grow our distribution network and are thrilled to announce our definitive agreement with Viveri, an experienced group of food specialists,” said Tara Haddad, founder and chief executive officer of Modern Meat. “We have significant growth potential in the Australian market and feel it is crucial to team up with a partner who recognizes the value of our unique products, and, also has the capacity to execute production, distribution and accelerate our growth plans.

“Consumers are demanding more plant-based options that enable healthier lifestyles. Our goal is to be a leader in the plant-based space, and we will do this through continued product innovation and an expansive global distribution network.”

The agreement targeted the completion of the set-up phase for Jan. 31, with production and distribution expected to start in the second quarter of 2021.