Nestlé Philippines announced Monday the launch of its plant-based brand initially in its food service business.
Harvest Gourmet, launched on World Vegan Day, will be available in initial three gourmet formats: Sensational Burger, Schnitzel, and Chargrilled Pieces, in 2-kilogram institutional packs. Mince, nuggets, balls, and other formats will be rolled out by next year, giving restaurants and hotels many options to add plant-based products to their menus.
“As a ‘Kasambuhay for the Environment’, accelerating consumption of plant-based alternatives will help us attain our company’s commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, contributing to the aim of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” said Nestlé Philippines chairman and chief executive Kais Marzouki.
According to Nestlé officials, the arrival of Harvest Gourmet in the Philippines comes at the “perfect time” as more consumers are recognizing the benefits of plant-based options, with over 40 percent of consumers in Asia consciously reducing their meat intake and shifting to non-meat alternatives.
“What we are seeing is that the demand for plant-based food is not just a food trend, but really a growing social movement for sustainability,” said Alexander Ong Oh, business executive officer at Nestlé Professional, the foodservice unit of Nestlé Philippines.
Each product under the Harvest Gourmet range is made with non-GMO soy and wheat that promises taste, texture, and a cooking experience as close as possible to that of meat products. Nestlé also uses High Moisture Extrusion Technology to optimize the product performance in commercial kitchen equipment, ensuring that they deliver a gourmet-quality experience in terms of texture, appearance, aroma, and taste.
It is now available at Nestlé Professional Philippines and on e-commerce partners Rare Food Shop and Prime Pacific Foods Corporation.