Alternative protein processor Meati Foods has announced the appointment of protein-industry veteran Nicole Johnson-Hoffman to its board of directors. Johnson-Hoffman brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in food and agriculture, most recently having served as CEO of cultivated meat processor Believer Meats.
Johnson-Hoffman’s most recent stops on her career path have involved helping the meat industry be more sustainable and better stewards of the global environment. She served as senior vice president and chief sustainability officer for OSI Group and was the president of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef for two years. She also led Cargill Value Added Meats division as its vice president for several years.
Meati Foods, which produces alternative protein products made from mushroom root, opened its “Mega Ranch” facility in Thornton, Colo., in February this year, and is scaling its manufacturing capabilities to support rapid growth in retail and foodservice, the release says. The Eat Meati line of Classic Cutlet, Crispy Cutlet, Classic Steak and Carne Asada Steak launched in Whole Foods recently, and the company reports new restaurants offering the product in foodservice as well.
Johnson-Hoffman joined Meati Foods’ board to help “disruptors like Meati to bring solutions that work for consumers.”
“I’m frustrated when I see brands, interest groups and other organizations put the onus of change on the consumer, asking them to shop our way out of problems caused by the food industry,” she added.
