Fazenda Futuro sends vegan meatballs to restaurants, Grupo Trigo pledges US$74,000

Contxto – Have you ever heard of the English rhyming song “On Top of Spaghetti”? When somebody’s sneeze resulted in a meatball falling off the dinner table, rolling into the garden, becoming mush, and then miraculously evolving into a tree?

Believe it or not, but this tale may be turning into reality following Fazenda Futuro’s vegan meatball debut.

This past Monday, the Brazilian foodtech translated as “Future Farm” premiered its newest product of vegetable origin known as the “Meatball of the Future” by consumers and investors alike. Like its famous Futuro Burger 2.0, this item replicates the “taste and texture of animal flesh” just like the others.

Moving forward, this herbal meatball will reportedly be available at Pão de Açúcar and 351 Spoleto restaurants. Owning the Spoleto Brand, Grupo Trigo will also allegedly invest R$300,000 (nearly US$74,000) to promote Fazenda Futuro’s novel offering.

Fazenda Futuro meatballs at Spoleto

Although Fazenda Futuro recently launched these vegan meatballs, the foodtech announced its partnership with Spoleto in May. Now, the Brazilian franchise expects to sell over 150,000 veggie-based meatball dishes over the next two months.

Outside of restaurant chains, Fazenda Futuro also intends to eventually launch its vegan substitute in supermarkets. In the process, the Brazilian startup may prove to be a major competitor against traditional meat packagers. Throw in NotCo from Chile, and we may have a new contingent of food mavericks.

Vegan revolution in Latin America

Conceptualized by Marcos Leta in 2017, recently raised a Series A worth US$8.5 million. Fresh funding went towards expanding Fazenda Futuro operations in nearby Uruguay, Paraguay, as well as Chile.

Such innovations certainly reinforce the industrial “vegan revolution” where traditional meat-centric companies such as Burger King are now investing in meatless alternatives. While societal taste pallets continue to adapt to plant-based diets, it’s probable that we’ll be seeing more of this trend in the future.

Meanwhile, I’m curious to know readers’ thoughts on these vegan products and the global push to choose veggies over meat. With more alternatives coming to Latin American markets, are these goods believable or do they leave much to be desired? Feel free to share your favorite recipes or general skepticism below!

-JA