Since 2011, California-based Impossible Foods has been making meat and dairy products from plants. Notably, in the recent past, the demand for plant-based proteins has skyrocketed. To meet the demand, Impossible Foods sought out ways to scale its manufacturing. In its search for a partner, Impossible Foods was impressed by OSI Group, which has been a McDonald’s supplier for over six decades. OSI Group, with its headquarters in a suburb of Chicago, was a perfect fit for the partnership, considering its commitment and expertise in the business. Besides, OSI has been in business for over a century, all the more reason to make this reputable firm a viable partner.
Although OSI Group has been producing mostly meat products throughout its history, the partnership with Impossible Foods was in perfect alignment with its mission. OSI is dedicated to supporting sustainable agriculture. Therefore, by partnering with Impossible Foods, this long-time McDonald’s supplier added another product to its portfolio without replacing any traditional items in its product line.
OSI is a renowned global food processor known for versatility and being customer-centric. It has a presence in 17 countries, with over 65 facilities. Despite not having a brand of its own, the food company has made huge milestones, including contract manufacturing for various companies.
Impossible Foods rolled out the Impossible Burger, an entirely meatless, plant-based burger, and the demand quickly rose, overwhelming Impossible’s capacity. However, following its partnership with OSI, the company has significantly increased production. The collaboration gave Impossible Foods access to additional manufacturing capacity for their burger. Besides being available in restaurants worldwide, the Impossible Burger is now also available in grocery stores.
In addition to partnering with OSI Group, Impossible Foods went a step further to offset its product’s demand-supply imbalance. The company not only increased staffing but also streamlined operational efficiency in its California facility. Following these changes, Impossible Foods hopes to keep up with the demand for its meatless burger in the foreseeable future.
For more visit The Sustainability Vision of Sheldon Lavin, CEO of OSI Group