Hey Maet is a Shanghai-based food tech startup and "China’s first plant-based meat company with an independent R&D laboratory, which is developing a range of meat alternatives catering to mainland Chinese consumers." The brand also recently partnered with pea protein manufacturer Shuangta Food in an effort to boost its global expansion efforts.
Following in the footsteps of plant-based heavyweights like Beyond Foods, Hey Maet aims to reinvent meat substitutes with more options and offers products with a "45% reduction in fat content, 40% reduction in calories, and a 50% increase in protein content."
In addition to its best-selling pork substitute, Hey Maet also offers plant-based beef burger patties, minced meat, meatballs, sausages, chicken fillets, chicken nuggets alongside plant-based dumplings and more.
Shanghai-Based Meat Alternative Startups
Hey Maet Offers Meat Substitutes for Chinese Consumers
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Meat Substitutes - There is great potential for innovative startups to develop new plant-based meat substitutes that cater to local tastes and preferences, while offering healthier and environmentally sustainable options for consumers.
2. Global Expansion of Plant-based Food Startups - As more consumers turn towards plant-based foods, there is an opportunity for startups to expand globally and tap into new markets, while collaborating with local manufacturers and suppliers for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
3. Independent R&D Laboratories for Plant-based Foods - Innovation in plant-based meat substitutes can be accelerated through investment in independent R&D laboratories that can experiment with new ingredients and manufacturing processes, leading to new and improved products that cater to changing consumer preferences.
Industry Implications
1. Food Tech - The food tech industry has a major role to play in developing innovative plant-based meat substitutes that can cater to local consumers, while offering a healthier and sustainable alternative to traditional meat products.
2. Pea Protein Manufacturing - Pea protein manufacturers can collaborate with startups like Hey Maet to expand the availability of plant-based meat substitutes, while investing in research and development to improve product quality and affordability.
3. Fast Food and Restaurant Chains - Fast food and restaurant chains can partner with plant-based food startups to offer new and exciting menu options that cater to consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable food choices, while also improving their environmental impact.