[Courtesy of Shinsegae Food]
Shinsegae Food said in a statement on December 27 that its vegan meat-based cold cut ham was used to make sandwiches served at SK Telecom (SKT)'s canteen used by employees for the first time. Shinsegae Food said that it will increase its vegan meat distribution channel to canteens operated by partner enterprises to promote and popularize plant based-meat.
In July 2021, Shinsegae Food released a vegan meat brand called "Better Meat" which consists of three types of cold cuts, pre-cooked or sliced cuts of meat -- Westphalian ham of Germany and two Italian hams, Mortadella and Bologna. Shinsegae Food's Better Meat products are used for making sandwiches at Starbucks stores and the Seoul branch of Westin Josun Hotel, a luxury hotel chain operated by Shinsegae Group.
"We will provide various options for consumers who are concerned about the environment and health. We will allow them to access alternative meat meals through various channels," an unnamed Shinsegae Food official was quoted as saying.
Vegan meat is gaining recognition for its low carbon characteristics. Data released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) showed that greenhouse gases emitted by the livestock industry account for some 15 percent of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing the consumption of meat and dairy products, the total amount of emissions by animal-based food can be reduced up to 73 percent.
South Korea's vegan meat market has been rapidly growing to meet demands of some 2 million vegans. According to market research firm Euromonitor, the country's vegan meat market stood at 10.2 billion won ($8 million) as of 2020. Emart, the megastore wing of Shinsegae, is also selling an alternative meat brand called "Unlimeat" at meat sections in 20-selected Emart stores.
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