(Elwood, IN) - Red Gold, the largest family-owned tomato company in the world, has entered the plant-based segment with the launch of two products that illustrates the next generation of shelf stable protein alternatives as private label offerings. Combining the functional benefits of naturally grown tomatoes with plant-based proteins, this next generation of the growing category is known as plant-based 3.0.

The first generation of plant-based products centered around hamburger patties. Plant-based 2.0 expanded the offering to chicken and seafood. Plant-based 3.0 combines naturally grown vegetable products with plant-based proteins to attract more consumers to plant-based protein alternatives and adds even more value. According to IRI, plant-based meat sales were $472 million dollars for the past 52 weeks ending March 27, 2022, up 51% compared to the same period two years ago.

“Our new plant-based Italian sausage pasta sauce and plant-based Bolognese pasta sauce represent a new opportunity to offer tomato sauces with plant-based meat alternatives in the center aisle of stores,” say Colt Reichart, Red Gold’s Senior Director of Marketing. “The sauces have a meaty flavor offering three grams of protein in the plant-based Italian sausage pasta sauce and five grams of protein in the plant-based Bolognese pasta sauce per ½ cup serving.”

Made with no sugar added, the products are made with tomato puree, diced tomatoes, plant-based protein, and extra virgin olive oil. The sauces are packaged in 23.5 oz glass jars.

Plant-based proteins have been embraced by Gen Z and Millennial consumers due to their functional benefits or part of their change in diet toward protecting the planet by reducing their consumption of animal proteins. Datassential consumer research finds that 36% of consumers say that they are increasing their consumption of plant-based meat alternatives. Plant-based 3.0 is designed to broaden the acceptance of combining meat alternatives with familiar naturally grown vegetables to entire broader acceptance among all demographics.

For more information on these new products, visit https://redgoldfoods.com/retail/new-products.

About Red Gold
Four generations of the Reichart family have been producing the world’s freshest, best tasting tomato products since 1942.  When the US entered WWII, the government asked citizens to step up and help the war effort and the call was answered.  Since then, Red Gold has become the largest privately owned tomato processor in the nation with three state-of-the-art facilities in Elwood, Geneva, and Orestes, Indiana.  The company also boasts a million square foot distribution center in Alexandria and operates the subsidiary RG Transport trucking fleet in Elwood.   Red Gold partners with local family farms across Indiana, southern Michigan, and Northwest Ohio to sustainably produce premium quality canned tomatoes, ketchup, sauces, salsas, and juices for foodservice, private brands, brands, export, co-pack, club, and retail channels of distribution.  The Red Gold family of consumer brands includes Red Gold, Redpack, Tuttorosso, Tomato Love, and Sacramento.  Superior Quality, Outstanding Service and Operational Excellence are the shared values that contributed to the employee-created mission statement: “To produce the freshest, best tasting tomato products in the world.”  Visit the award-winning website for great recipes, tips and culinary inspiration…                 www.RedGoldTomatoes.com & www.RedGoldFoodservice.com

Red Gold. Family Owned, Grown, and Made.