Next Meats USA, Inc., a Japanese-based manufacturer of eco friendly plant-based meat alternative products, is now in six Tokyo Central stores and four Marukai stores throughout Southern California and the Bay Area. Japanese specialty market Tokyo Central first introduced Next Meats’ three plant-based products earlier in January.
Marukai Corp. President Koichi Toyo said customer response has been impressive for Next Meats. “The consumer demand for this innovative and delicious new plant-based food has exceeded our expectations,” Toyo said. “We are fulfilling new orders with eager anticipation of future market value.”
The Next Meats’ product-line is Next Short Rib, Next Skirt Steak and Next Beef Bowl. The main ingredient is soybeans and there is one serving per package at 160-180 calories. The suggested retail price for each 4.23 oz. package is $5.99. Products are also sold online via the Next Meats website in a 3-pack through 24-pack sizes.
Koki Terui, Next Meats USA CEO, said it is an exciting and perfect time for expansion in America. “A fast growing number of consumers are adopting flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets for reasons ranging from proven health benefits to reducing the impact on our shared planet,” Terui said. “Next Meats’ healthy, plant based products are a delicious addition to any diet, and we are thrilled to expand this journey in the United States and into Canada.”
Prior to entering Tokyo Central markets in January, Next Meats were sold at retailers in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Restaurant chefs are also discovering the versatility of Next Meats and products are now served by Michelin star Chef Josef Centeno’s Tex-Mex Bar Ama in Los Angeles, Ramen Shack in San Juan Capistrano, J-Spec in New York City and Tsuchi Café in Toronto.
Next Meats Co. was founded in 2017 by Ryo Shirai and Hideyuki Sasaki and premiered its products, which include the world’s first plant-based short rib and skirt steak, in Japan in 2020 after years of research and development. In December 2021, subsidiary Next Meats USA Inc., was formed and began selling its products in America. The company will soon open a U.S. production facility in Hayward, California.
For information, visit nextmeats.us.
