Seoul-headquartered Unlimeat has announced that its plant-based Korean BBQ is a featured recipient of the 2023 Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards and will be spotlighted at the National Restaurant Association Hotel-Motel Show May 20-23 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
The Seoul-headquartered company has developed meat substitutes that reduce food waste improve food sustainability by using upcycled ingredients. It has created versatile plant-based products for use in all kinds of global cuisine – from Korean BBQ and dumplings to plant-based faux cheesesteaks.
Rich in nutrients, Unlimeat’s portfolio is made from various ingredients that are typically discarded in the food production process. Among them are rice bran and defatted soybean powder extracted from soybean oil. The company is the first food tech startup in Korea to manufacture and market plant-based meat substitutes created with technology that reproduces the texture, juiciness, taste and flavor of animal meat. It operates the largest factory dedicated exclusively producing plant-based imitation meat in Asia.
“We’re honored to be recognized in this year’s FABI Awards and look forward to exhibiting at the foodservice industry’s most influential event,” said Ryan Chung, Unlimeat’s co-chief executive officer. “With tens of thousands of professionals attending from around the globe, the show presents the perfect opportunity to introduce our products to new buyers who are seeking flavorful, sustainable, and versatile menu options.”
The National Restaurant Association’s FABI Awards salute the most forward-thinking and creative new tastes that are driving trends, pleasing customers and delivering expanded menu offerings across an industry focused on increasing profitability. Each product submission was evaluated by an independent panel of judges from the foodservice sector who represent some of the world’s most well-known brands and organizations.
“This year is truly an exceptional time for noteworthy food and beverage products,” said Tom Cindric, president of Winsight Exhibitions. “The awarded products are breaking new barriers in flavor, taste, creativity and packaging and are shaping the future of food and beverage. As the world’s largest and most-trusted foodservice event, the National Restaurant Show continues to be where the next big industry trends are born and serves as a launching pad for companies to showcase new products.”
Unlimeat will be promoting its range on the exhibition floor, as well as in featured demonstrations at The Culinary Experience pavilion, and in tastings held at the new Connections space. The company’s booth (#183 in the South Building) will feature an assortment of dishes aside from its Korean BBQ, including options such as plant-based pulled pork and tuna. Additionally, in collaboration with Bear Robotics, robot servers will be handing out meat pies made with its plant-based pulled pork at the Bear Robotics’ booth.
