Planted Foods AG: stocking up for more exciting times

by Camilla Perotti & Virginia Beljean, 28 April 2020
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While we rethink how we work and go forward as a start-up during the coronavirus pandemic, we are also thinking ahead to what comes next, once this is all over.

Planted Foods AG, a start-up company based in Zurich, is a spin-off from ETH Zurich that produces plant-based meat to meet the growing demand for sustainable protein. Planted started its research in 2017 and is dedicated to the vision of developing the best tasting, sustainable and pure plant based meat. The first product is "chicken" made from peas and runs under the brand planted.chicken™.

We could never have imagined that we would find ourselves in such a situation in our second year as a start-up. From forgoing handshakes, to cancelling our long-awaited team retreat and all upcoming events, to splitting production shifts and requiring all non-operational staff to work from home, we have gone through an entire mindset-shift. At the beginning of March 2020, Switzerland realized the seriousness of the current COVID-19 situation. So did we. The measures we implemented ensure minimal contact between team members while upholding the quality and safety of our product. The knock-on effect of the measures to flatten the curve have of course had consequences for our business.
Photo Credit: Planted Foods AG
Our B2B channels, (that is, restaurants, food service providers and hotels) have all closed, and so are no longer placing orders with us. Thankfully, we launched planted.chicken in Coop retail stores in January, which now allows us to stay afloat, as supermarkets remain open. Our webshop has also proven to be a great success. Not only for commercial reasons, but because it allows our customers to order planted.chicken without leaving their homes. On top of that, we recently came up with our ‘show you care’ initiative on social media, which allowed our customers to send a package to a family member or friend as a surprise, all the while encouraging people to stay home and stay safe. Remaining positive in times like these can be tough and we aim to make things a little easier.
Photo Credit: Planted Foods AG
Photo Credit: Planted Foods AG
But Corona hasn’t only affected us professionally, it has also hit us hard on a personal level. We’re sure you feel it too; we miss human contact. No coffee breaks, no planted.chicken lunches, no after-work drinks. The physical separation has proven to be a challenge in some ways, but most of all we miss just talking and laughing with one another. Virtual lunches ease the pain a bit. But let’s focus on the bright side. We are currently stocking up on product so that we are fully prepared for our favourite restaurant clients to re-open. We are also planning for our expansion into the German market. The construction of our new production site is well-underway. Our new product planted.pulled.pork is launching soon. We can’t wait to go back to normal again.

But until then we’d like to refer to the German saying: Vorfreude ist die beste Freude. Stay home, stay safe and keep smiling. Your Planted Team.

PS: If you would like to support us you can make an order in our webshop and enjoy a delicious planted.chicken meal at home.

More about Planted Foods AG



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About the authors

Camilla Perotti:

The thing that keeps me busiest at the moment is: Planted and my puppy
My favourite app is: Down dog (yoga app) for corona times
One book or movie I recommend: Sapiens
And if all else fails, my instant pick-me-up is: Homemade dumplings
Virginia Beljean:

The thing that keeps me busiest at the moment is: Planted, my horse, my cat, my book.
My favourite app is: different yoga, meditation, workout and food apps ;)
One book or movie I recommend: Unorthodox
And if all else fails, my instant pick-me-up is: good food and a glass of wine

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