“In the first 32 weeks of the current year, 25 percent more plant-based meat products were sold in the Austrian food retail sector compared to the same period last year, according to NielsenIQ figures. For plant-based dairy products, the quantity increase is eleven percent compared to the previous year. In terms of value, both categories also developed significantly stronger than their animal counterparts, with growth rates of 16 and four percent, respectively. The relevance of plant-based enjoyment is also highlighted by the new Austrian dietary recommendations, which clearly focus on increasing plant-based foods,” says Verena Wiederkehr, BILLA Head of Plant-Based Business Development.
With BILLA PFANZILLA as well as the national assortment, BILLA and BILLA PLUS are on trend. Wiederkehr states: “Plant-based enjoyment has become an integral part of the daily diet for many. This is also reflected in the figures from Statistics Austria. Over the past ten years, meat consumption in Austria has decreased by about ten percent. In terms of milk, BILLA already offers a purely plant-based alternative in every tenth pack sold.” BILLA PLUS provides customers with the largest selection in Austria, featuring over 7,000 purely plant-based products – a delightful addition that is also good for the climate.
PFLANZILLA Celebrates Anniversary with New Products and Discounted 3D-Printed Salmon Fillet Based on Mushroom Protein
Just in time for its second anniversary, customers can look forward to exciting new products around BILLA PFLANZILLA: A top seller at BILLA PFLANZILLA is the mushroom protein-based 3D-printed salmon fillet from Revo Foods. In line with the affordability of purely plant-based products, the price of the Revo salmon fillet has been reduced from €6.99 to €3.99 and will be available starting next week not only at BILLA PFLANZILLA but also in all BILLA PLUS markets and nearly 400 BILLA markets.
Thanks to the new bakery station from BILLA PFLANZILLA, customers can enjoy baked, purely plant-based bacon sticks, pizzas, and much more. In addition to raspberry croissants, the popular pistachio crookie is now also available in a purely plant-based version upon request from the BILLA community. Of course, these items are handmade in-store. Also new is the oat drink from The Oater, which is freshly fermented and tapped on-site and can be taken home by customers in convenient reusable glass bottles.
Another New Arrival at BILLA PFLANZILLA: Animal-Free Cheese Alternatives from Formo
With the cream “Frischhain” in natural and herbal varieties, a new addition from the plant-based scene is exclusively entering BILLA PFLANZILLA. The German start-up Formo uses Koji protein in its production, which has been a staple of Japanese cuisine for centuries. The protein derived from micro-fermentation impresses with its texture and flavor – and it is environmentally friendly. Starting in October, these products will also be available at BILLA PLUS, and the offering will expand to BILLA stores at the beginning of 2025, coinciding with Veganuary.
“For us at BILLA, it has become a tradition to support startups and innovations in the plant-based sector and give them a big stage. I’m particularly pleased that we can offer our customers innovative products from Formo just in time for the anniversary that are convincing in taste. With the rollout of the popular salmon fillet from the 3D printer by Revo Foods to all BILLA PLUS and selected BILLA markets, we are making a sustainable statement for even more plant-based enjoyment,” says Wiederkehr.
Event Tip: BILLA PFLANZILLA Taste Days on September 20 and 21
On September 20 and 21, customers are warmly invited to celebrate the second birthday of BILLA PFLANZILLA. From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, there will be free tastings of the product variety from Formo, Revo Foods, The Oater, Planted, Vegavita, BILLA Bio, and Ja! Natürlich. A highlight was the raffle of free shopping at BILLA PFLANZILLA. Five winners had 30 seconds to fill their BILLA basket with their favorite products.
