As a leading global protein provider, Tyson Foods is constantly evolving with consumer food preferences and demands to ensure we are delivering protein options that meet changing needs today and in the future. 

Demand for all types of protein is growing globally. Within that, the interest and desire for alternative proteins is increasing steadily. And this demand is mostly driven by people who eat meat and are also increasingly interested in trying something new. That’s why Tyson Foods has expanded our protein portfolio to not only deliver high quality meat products, but to also make high-quality plant protein products accessible to all. 

Globally, the alternative protein category is expected to grow over the next five years, and Tyson Foods is uniquely positioned to be a leader in that growth. As one of the largest food companies in the world, we are aggressively building our capacity to create the world’s leading portfolio of plant protein products in forms and flavors that taste like meat and are available via various products and diverse distribution channels. Our unique capabilities in R&D, innovation and brand building, combined with our global network and customer relationships, positions Tyson Foods to deliver great tasting plant protein products to the most people and be a leader in the category.  

Growth of the Raised & Rooted® Brand

It’s been a little over one year since we launched our Raised & Rooted brand, and in that short time, the brand has seen impressive growth expanding availability to more than 10,000 retail stores including Walmart, Kroger, Target, Albertsons, Safeway and other regional stores. We launched larger packs of our plant-based nuggets in club stores including Sam’s Club and Costco and are also online on Amazon Fresh. We’re excited about launching in foodservice and recently partnered with Jack in the Box to offer the first-ever “unchicken” sandwiches at select locations in the U.S.  

As part of our work to continuously update our products, we recently reformulated our plant-based nuggets and tenders with a recipe that improves their taste and texture. This new recipe also removes egg white, making Raised & Rooted products 100 percent plant-based. 

In addition to rapid growth in the U.S., we recently announced Raised & Rooted brand’s international expansion into Europe, where five varieties of the products will be available through major foodservice and retail operators. 

Extending Plant Proteins to Brands Consumers Love

We recently announced our expansion of plant protein offerings with the introduction of two new plant-based patty breakfast sandwiches from the Jimmy Dean® brand, keeping with our goal of enabling more people to discover, enjoy and incorporate plant protein options into their family’s meals. As people’s breakfast routines evolve, Jimmy Dean brand has also grown, providing a wide variety of breakfast options to satisfy breakfast cravings whether someone is at home or on-the-go. The brand has taken its innovation leadership a step further launching the new Jimmy Dean® Plant-Based Patty, Egg & Cheese Croissant Sandwich available now, and the Jimmy Dean Delights® Plant-Based Patty & Frittata Sandwich available later this spring. Crafted with the brand’s signature seasoning, both feature the same delicious taste of the classic Jimmy Dean and Jimmy Dean Delights breakfast sandwiches that fans know and love, now with a plant-based patty.

We are committed to providing consumers the best tasting plant-based proteins in the world. In 2021, we plan to unveil even more plant protein products and grow our offerings with more quick-service partners across multiple cuisine categories. 

Tyson Foods believes in expanding the power of protein to all, and our commitment to providing people with the best protein options that meet their changing needs is unwavering. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to grow and share more great-tasting plant protein product options with consumers. 

Author
Group President, Prepared Foods at Tyson Foods
Author
Executive Vice President, Alternative Proteins at

Justin Whitmore leads all aspects of Tyson Foods’ alternative protein business, channeling the company’s capabilities and scale to provide consumers with exciting new protein options.

Justin is a member of Tyson Foods’ enterprise leadership team and reports to President and CEO Noel White.

Justin previously served as Chief Strategy & Ventures Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer for Tyson Foods and has been instrumental in shaping the company’s global growth, value creation, venture capital, and sustainability strategy. Under his leadership, Tyson became the first protein company to set science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets while expanding its global reach and accelerating its venture investments. He has also been responsible for company-wide Continuous Improvement, Food Safety Quality Assurance and Team Member Health & Safety.

Prior to joining the company, he was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company advising leading packaged goods companies on strategy, performance transformation, and sustainable operations. He also worked as a consultant at Booz & Company (now Strategy&) and in production management, process engineering and procurement roles at Johnson Controls, Inc.

Justin earned his bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.  He was named one of CNN’s Top 20 business leaders pushing global business forward, currently serves on the Corporate Advisory Board at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council.