Up-and-coming veggie firm has the balls to go far

Taiwanese firm VeggieMaster may be new to the UK food manufacturing scene, but since taking over the supply of soy to one of Britain's best known vegetarian brands in January this year, it has set about creating its own range of soy-based products aimed at the UK market. The new products are not only aimed at vegetarian and vegan consumers, but are also suitable for a diverse range of ethnic and religious groups.

Inspired by Buddhism, VeggieMaster strives to keep its products natural, and business manager Stan Hughes states proudly that his product is “leagues ahead of Quorn”, the fungi-based mycoprotein made by Marlow Foods.

Tuna paste has been given the VeggieMaster treatment, with the firm claiming its fish-free version to be “virtually indistinguishable” from the real McCoy. VeggieMaster expects the spread to be well received within sandwich manufacturing circles, where it claims previous fish substitutes have failed to imitate the product as closely.

Vegetarian balls are also being rolled out with both caterers and manufacturers in mind. VeggieMaster says the balls are highly versatile, enabling them to be used in many classic dishes, without consumer concern about inferior meat.

For people who are simply trying to reduce their meat intake for health reasons, the company has developed a westernised selection of products moulded to resemble meat and fish. The range includes steak, escalopes, chunks and mince for analogues such as chicken and beef. The firm has also experimented with more unusual products such as smoked goose, lobster and squid. “Customers will be able to choose from the ‘off-the-peg’ range, or alternatively, the development of bespoke products for customers is one of VeggieMaster’s Major strengths, claims the firm. “The fast-response development kitchen in Taiwan is a powerhouse of product ideas and is the backbone of the company’s success,” it says.

Veggiemaster also supplies soy products to Japan, Hong Kong, Australasia and the US west coast, where it puts its success down to its ability to innovate.

All products are fully cooked and are produced in frozen format.