Plant-Based meat producers in the European Union - brands, history, and development trends 🌿🍔
Just a decade ago, vegan burgers and plant-based sausages were niche products found mostly in health food stores. Today, their presence in supermarkets, restaurants, and fast-food chains is so widespread that it’s hard to imagine the European food market without them. According to Smart Protein data, sales of plant-based meat alternatives in the EU surpassed €1.9 billion in 2023, with growth continuing at a steady double-digit rate.
1. Origins and market development
The first plant-based meat products in Europe appeared as early as the 1990s, when brands like Sojasun and Valsoia began experimenting with soy-based burgers and cutlets. The real breakthrough came after 2015, with a new generation of products that replicated not only the taste but also the texture and cooking behavior of meat. Manufacturers started using textured plant proteins, plant-based fats with specific melting points, and natural colorants to create products that looked and felt strikingly realistic.
2. Key plant-based meat producers in the European Union
2.1. Poland
Plantway – a fast-growing Polish producer of plant-based chicken, burgers, and tuna alternatives, available in major retailers such as Auchan, Carrefour, and Frisco. Plantway products are known for their clean label, high protein content, and realistic texture, making the brand a symbol of Polish innovation in the plant-based sector.
BezmiÄ™sny MiÄ™sny – a brand created by RafaĹ‚ and Igor, Poland’s first “plant-based butchers.” Since 2016, they have been producing meat alternatives that look, taste, and cook like traditional meat – but are made entirely from plants. Today, their range includes over 20 products available in more than 400 stores across the country, with their iconic “Czosnkowa” sausage becoming a true symbol of Poland’s plant-based movement.
Good Calories – a family-owned company from CzÄ™stochowa operating since 1991, combining tradition with innovation. It produces plant-based meat alternatives based on proprietary recipes, including unique sprout-based products. All items are made without preservatives, artificial flavors, or added sugar, using energy from the brand’s own solar farm.
Planeat (Nielone) – founded by Martyna Polak and Andy, the brand was born out of a desire to create genuinely tasty meat alternatives. Drawing on years of experience in gastronomy, they developed a line of plant-based products with a fibrous texture and rich flavor, perfect for vegans and flexitarians alike. Since 2021, Planeat has been growing rapidly, bringing its plant-based range to retail stores and restaurants across Poland.
TarczyĹ„ski – is one of Poland’s most recognized meat producers, now successfully expanding into the plant-based segment. Under its TarczyĹ„ski RoĹ›linnie line, the brand offers pea- and wheat-based sausages, snack sticks, and meatballs (currently only snack sticks) designed primarily for flexitarians – consumers who reduce meat but still seek familiar taste and convenience. Combining decades of traditional expertise with modern food technology, TarczyĹ„ski delivers high-protein, preservative-free plant-based alternatives.
2.2.DACH Region
Planted – founded in 2019 in Switzerland, Planted creates delicious, clean-label meat made entirely from plant-based proteins, focusing on perfect texture and taste. The company was born from a shared vision of four founders – Pascal Bieri, Lukas Böni, Eric Stirnemann, and Christoph Jenny – who combined food engineering expertise from ETH Zurich with experience in gastronomy and finance. Using a unique wet extrusion process, Planted produces realistic, high-protein alternatives such as plant-based chicken, kebab, and pulled meat, all made without additives.
Greenforce – founded in Germany in 2020, Greenforce quickly became one of Europe’s fastest-growing plant-based food innovators. The brand’s first product – a sustainable plant-based burger mix in powder form – became an instant bestseller. Greenforce focuses on sustainability and taste, proving that great flavor is key to long-term dietary change. Its diverse product range, designed for both retail and gastronomy, makes the transition to plant-based eating easier, more accessible, and better for the planet.
Veganz – founded in Berlin in 2011, Veganz started as Europe’s first vegan supermarket chain and has grown into one of the continent’s leading multi-category plant-based food producers. With more than 22,000 retail listings across Europe, Veganz offers an extensive range of plant-based products – from meat and dairy alternatives to snacks and ready meals. Guided by transparency, sustainability, and respect for all living beings, the brand continues to make plant-based eating mainstream and accessible to everyone.
RĂĽgenwalder MĂĽhle – one of Germany’s oldest and most renowned meat producers – and a true pioneer in the shift toward plant-based foods. Founded in 1834 as a traditional family butchery, the company has been producing plant-based (vegan and vegetarian) cold cuts, pâtĂ©s, burgers, and sausages since 2014. Today, more than half of its total sales come from plant-based products. RĂĽgenwalder MĂĽhle demonstrates that it’s possible to transform from a heritage meat brand into a modern, forward-thinking food company without losing its identity.
2.3. Netherlands
Vivera – founded in the Netherlands in 1990, Vivera is one of Europe’s pioneers in plant-based meat. Originally part of the ENKCO meat group, it used traditional butchery know-how to create vegetarian burgers, mince, and chicken pieces. In 2017, the company went fully plant-based, and after being acquired by JBS, it continues to operate independently. Today, with over 500 employees, Vivera supplies more than 27,000 stores across 25 European countries.
The Vegetarian Butcher – created by Dutch farmer Jaap Korteweg, the brand combines classic butchery craftsmanship with a modern plant-based philosophy. Since its founding in 2010, it has become a symbol of the European “new meat” movement, offering realistic burgers, mince, and chicken-style pieces. Since joining Unilever in 2018, The Vegetarian Butcher has expanded globally, partnering with Burger King and proving that the future of meat can be entirely plant-based.
Schouten – founded in 1893 as a family bakery in the Netherlands, Schouten has evolved into a global leader in the development and production of plant-based foods. The company’s modern history began in 1990, when fourth-generation Henk Schouten pioneered the creation of meat alternatives from plant proteins – long before the market took shape. Today, together with his children, he continues to drive innovation, developing sustainable and flavorful vegetarian and vegan products distributed worldwide. Schouten remains a family-run business with over a century of expertise and a clear mission: to make plant-based eating the new standard.
2.4. Great Britain
Quorn – a true pioneer in meat-free innovation, Quorn’s story began in the 1960s with Lord Rank’s vision to find a sustainable alternative to animal protein. After years of research, scientists discovered Fusarium venenatum, a natural fungus that became the foundation of Quorn mycoprotein. Rich in protein, fibre, and low in saturated fat, it’s one of the most sustainable food sources in the world. Since the brand’s commercial launch, Quorn has led the way in developing delicious meat-free products that are good for both people and the planet.
THIS – founded in the UK in 2019 by two former meat-lovers and restaurant owners, THIS was born from frustration with bland meat-free options. Their mission: to create plant-based products that taste, cook, and feel like real meat. The result is a range of high-protein, flavour-packed alternatives such as bacon, chicken pieces, and sausages that fit perfectly into everyday meals – without judgment, guilt, or compromise.
Meatless Farm – founded in 2016 by Danish entrepreneur Morten Toft Bech, Meatless Farm produces plant-based meats made primarily from pea protein. The company quickly grew from its base in Leeds, expanding across Europe and the US through retail and foodservice partnerships. Known for its burgers, mince, and sausages, Meatless Farm became one of the UK’s fastest-growing plant-based brands before joining VFC Foods in 2023, continuing its mission to make sustainable eating simple and accessible.
Linda McCartney’s Foods – created nearly 30 years ago by photographer and food pioneer Linda McCartney, this iconic British brand helped bring vegetarian food into the mainstream. Today, managed by the McCartney family, it continues Linda’s legacy of producing wholesome, flavourful, and compassionate meals. The brand’s extensive range includes vegetarian and vegan-friendly burgers, sausages, and pies, all made with care for people, animals, and the planet.
2.5. Scandinavia
Anamma – founded in southern Sweden more than 20 years ago, Anamma was making plant-based food long before it became mainstream. The brand’s philosophy is simple: vegan food should be delicious, easy to prepare, and accessible to everyone – whether vegan or meat eater. All Anamma products are 100% vegan, produced locally in Sweden, and made with minimal additives. The company’s mission is to inspire more people to choose plant-based meals and together reduce our environmental footprint.
Gold&Green – born in Finland in 2015, Gold&Green set out to create protein-rich, tasty plant-based meals. Its signature Pulled Oats and Deli Oats quickly became global favorites for their unique texture and nutritional value. In 2022, Finland’s leading dairy company Valio acquired the brand and its R&D operations, strengthening its mission to produce sustainable, locally made plant-based proteins that deliver both taste and environmental benefits.
Naturli’ – since 1988, Danish brand Naturli’ has been challenging the traditional idea that meat and milk must come from animals. Its philosophy is rooted in sustainability, taste, and respect for the planet. The brand’s wide range of plant-based products – from spreads and drinks to ice creams and burgers – celebrates natural ingredients like almonds, soybeans, coconuts, and oats. Naturli’ invites consumers to “eat and drink in a whole new way” – one that’s better for animals, people, and the Earth.
2.6. France
La Vie – founded in France in 2019, La Vie creates indulgent plant-based meats made from vegetable fats that taste as good as the real thing. With its signature vegan bacon and ham, the brand promotes a joyful shift from animal to plant-based eating – proving that sustainability can be delicious.
Garden Gourmet – part of NestlĂ© and founded in 1986, Garden Gourmet is one of Europe’s leading plant-based brands. Its range of burgers, sausages, and ready meals combines great taste with a lower environmental footprint, making it easy for everyone – from vegans to flexitarians – to enjoy meat-free food without compromise.
HappyVore – founded by Guillaume Dubois and CĂ©dric Meston, driven by the urgent need to reduce animal protein consumption in favor of plant-based alternatives. In 2019, they began extensive R&D to create products that would help the French reduce their meat intake without compromising on taste or nutrition. HappyVore’s mission is to make eating both enjoyable and good for the planet. In 2020, the brand launched France’s first plant-based meat production line, and by 2022, it had opened its own factory in the Loiret region – historically known for its legume cultivation.
2.7. Spain
Heura – founded in Barcelona in 2017, Heura began as a social mission to transform the global food system into one that’s healthier and more sustainable. Deeply rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, the brand uses high-quality ingredients like olive oil to create clean-label, 100% plant-based meats with authentic flavor and strong nutritional value.
NovaMeat – founded in 2018 in Barcelona, NovaMeat was born from a vision to create realistic, textured plant-based protein cuts using natural ingredients. The company began its journey with 3D printing, developing uniquely fibrous plant-based meats that absorb flavors naturally during cooking. Today, NovaMeat has evolved to its proprietary Microforce technology – a scalable process that replicates the principles of 3D printing at an industrial level. Following years of R&D, the brand launched its first pulled beef and pulled chicken products in 2023, and expanded in 2025 with pulled lamb and pulled pork.
2.8. Slovenia
Juicy Marbles – founded in 2020 – is a collective of creators blending food, science, and art to craft premium plant-based meats. The brand gained international attention for developing the world’s first vegan marbled steak – a product that mimics the texture and juiciness of traditional beef. Juicy Marbles’ meats aren’t lab-grown or 3D-printed; they’re made through innovative food physics using plant proteins. With creativity, humor, and heart, the company’s mission is simple yet profound: to make food that nourishes both the body and the soul.
3. What sets European plant-based meat producers apart
European producers of plant-based meat focus on finding the balance between technology and authentic culinary experience. Many are also expanding into the HoReCa and B2B sectors, supplying semi-finished products, textured plant proteins (TPP, TVP), and innovative culinary solutions for chefs. A shared priority across the industry is sustainability – reduced water usage, lower carbon footprint, and biodegradable packaging are becoming standard rather than standout features.
Summary
Today, the European plant-based meat market is one of the most innovative and promising segments of the food industry. The presence of hundreds of brands – from start-ups to major corporations – shows that the “meatless” trend is not a passing fad, but a lasting shift toward a more sustainable way of living. With brands such as Heura, Vivera, Plantway, LikeMeat, Planted, and The Vegetarian Butcher, Europe not only keeps pace with global players but increasingly sets the direction for the worldwide plant-based revolution.
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