Middle East manufacturer Al Islami Foods has made its meat-free debut with the launch of a plant-based burger.

The United Arab Emirates-based company, one of the largest frozen food companies in the region, said it has launched the product in response to the growing appetite for healthier vegan options and in time for Veganuary, a global campaign that encourages people to try a plant-based diet in the New Year. 

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Al Islami’s plant-based burger is made using sunflower protein, fava beans and peas.

It is the first in a series of plant-based products the company intends to roll out and will be available at major Co-op stores in the UAE followed by other supermarket and hypermarket groups. 

The company said there are also plans to sell the product in the foodservice channel through partnership deals with hotels, restaurants, and cafés and to export the burger to other regional markets.

Shahid Khan, CEO of Al Islami Foods, said: “It took our team eight months to research, test and develop this product and we are proud to have created one of the healthiest and best-tasting vegan burgers in the market today,

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“Al Islami Foods has a long history spanning five decades of providing premium frozen food to consumers. Producing a plant-based product across our supply chain was the logical next step to bringing new value to this category.”

Halal products manufacturer Al Islami Foods dates back to 1970. Its frozen product range numbers more than 100 and includes burgers, chicken nuggets, French fries and frankfurters.

The company employs more than 400 people and has a manufacturing facility in the Al Hamriyah Free zone in the UAE.

See just-food’s guide: Eyeing alternatives – meat companies with a stake in meat-free or cell-based meat

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