Plant-based chicken nugget startup NUGGS to be available to retailers soon
The McCain Foods-backed, plant-based chicken nuggets startup, NUGGS, will be available to retailers later this spring. Since debuting last year, the product has only been available direct-to-consumer.
Since its launch in 2019, NUGGS has sold out every version of its constantly updated nuggets through an entirely direct-to-consumer model that has relied on customer feedback to improve each release. Moving forward, NUGGS will be available in retail locations. NUGGS has selected two retail broker partners: Acosta for the conventional grocery market and Green Spoon for the natural grocery market.
NUGGS also will make its commercial debut at Expo West at booth N400, March 4-6.
NUGGS has hired industry veteran Matt Merson as vice president of sales, and he will oversee the retail launch of the brand. His 30-year career in food and beverage includes 15 years in foodservice with both Dannon and Sara Lee. He has held a number of key leadership positions across Coca-Cola, Energy Brands, Boxed Water and ZICO Coconut Water.
According to NUGGS website, they are made with “innovative protein technologies enabling us to create a tender and meatier nugget that is more advanced than an animal-based nugget.”
NUGGS uses technology to make its nuggets higher in protein, lower in calories, cholesterol-free, and easier to produce than animal-based nuggets. NUGGS are constantly being updated. They are currently on version 1.6.
McCain Foods is the world’s largest manufacturer of frozen potato products and a global leader in appetizers and snacks. It employs approximately 22,000 people, operates 51 production facilities on six continents and generates annual sales in excess of CDN $10 billion.
