Cornelius, North Carolina-based Barvecue, a producer of wood-smoked, plant-based faux meats, is entering the Hispanic foods market with the launch of seasoned Carnitas. Its twist on the classic Mexican pork dish that originated in the state of Michoacán provides an easy-to-prepare non-meat protein option for tacos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas and other products.
Barvecue Carnitas will be available in the frozen aisles of over 380 Lowes Foods, Earth Fare and Safeway locations in the United States beginning in December. Distributed nationally by KeHE and UNFI, the new SKU joins other hand-crafted gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO products from the company that include Pulled BVQ and Naked PVQ.
As sales of plant-based food products increase, there is growing demand for global flavors and regional dishes that are made without animal-derived protein. According to Feast Magazine, for the last two years running Mexican foods have been the top choice among consumers during Veganuary, a month-long event in which people around the world pledge to not eat animal meat or dairy during January.
“For too long, great-tasting Hispanic-inspired plant-based meat options have been almost non-existent in US grocery stores and restaurants. So it is exciting to lead the way in the category by bringing this amazing product to market,” said Barvecue Founder and CEO Lee Cooper. “We are seeing wide appeal from vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and meat-eaters looking for a center-of-plate option a couple times of the week.”
