Switzerland’s largest poultry producer – Bell Food Group – is also seeing success in the sales of plant-based protein products.
Bell Food Group, in reporting its financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2021, noted that its alternative meat range – The Green Mountain – is “growing strongly.”
In a press release issued earlier in August, the company stated that it “successfully takes up social trends,” including that of plant-based proteins.
“Business with plant-based meat alternatives once again grew strongly in Switzerland and Germany in the first half of 2021. The range of The Green Mountain products produced in Switzerland was expanded. In addition to burgers, mince and meatloaf, it now also includes sausages and the first plant-based steaks in Switzerland,” the company stated.
Bell Food Group has plans to launch a new product group in the form of vegan chicken breast fillets in September.
Bell Food Group’s poultry business
While Bell Food Group is working on plant-based chicken alternatives, it remains committed to growing its poultry operations. As a way of strengthening its core business, Bell Food Group is expanding its market position in Austria and Germany, particularly involving sustainable product ranges.
“In the international poultry business, the percentage of product ranges complying with even higher animal welfare standards could be increased,” the company stated.
According to the Poultry International Top Companies survey, Bell Food Group is the largest poultry producer in Switzerland, having slaughtered 30 million broilers during the past year. It ranks as Europe’s 52nd largest poultry producer.
Financial results
For the first half of 2021, Bell Food Group reported a 2.7% increase in adjusted sales revenue and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose 10.5%.
The Bell Food Group, according to its website, is one of the leading meat processors and convenience food specialists in Europe. Its range of products includes meat, poultry, charcuterie, seafood and convenience and vegetarian products. With brands such as Bell, Eisberg, Hilcona and Hügli, the group meets a range of customer needs. Its customers include the retail trade as well as the food service sector and the food processing industry.
