HOW ‘FLEXITARIANS’ HELPED QUORN THRIVE

THE rise of the ‘flexitarian diet’ has boosted sales for Quorn, which is now investing £150m into its facility in Teesside to keep up with demand.

The meat-substitute company said it had experienced unprecedented growth in the first half of the year as customers cut back on meat and turned to healthier protein alternatives.

As a result Quorn will be investing £150m in its Billingham production facility in Teesside and expects to create 300 jobs over the next five years.

Kevin Brennan, chief executive, said: ‘ Our growth will continue as expected, regardless of the Brexit deal that is reached. In fact, today’s investment is indicative of our confidence in becoming a billion dollar brand in the next ten years.’

Quorn achieved 15pc growth in the UK in the first half of the year, but most of its growth came from outside the EU. The US business grew 40pc in the period and the Australian one was up 35pc. Sales were up 19pc worldwide.

Quorn is a meat substitute made from fungus. Spaghetti bolognese made with its mince contains 90pc less saturated fat than a beef mince version.