Bean Supreme has been creating plant-based food in New Zealand for more than 30 years.
It was founded in 1984 by Paul Johnston, a pioneer of all things vegetarian. He was one of the first Kiwis to bravely introduce tofu to a meat-loving New Zealand.
Bean Supreme joined the Life Health Foods stable in 2006, forming the basis of its ‘centre of plate’ plant-based offering. The brand has been promoting the benefits of a plant-based diet long before the advent of Meatless Mondays, flexitarians and fashionable vegan Instagram celebrities.
Now a well-recognised part of the local food scene, the brand has widened its scope to include tofu sausages, wholefood burgers and mince.
However, data has shown that the plant-based meat category has seen a significant decline over the last few years, with tough market conditions coupled with the way consumers shop for these products shifting in a challenging economic environment for consumers.
“As a result of this decline, in September 2024, Life Health Foods NZ has made the difficult decision to say goodbye to its Bean Supreme brand,” said a spokesperson for Life Health Foods NZ.
“Production has been scaled back in alignment with retail partner demand and is expected to be available in most supermarkets until June 2025.”
In keeping with Life Health Foods' policy, Bean Supreme goes to great lengths to only source palm oil-free ingredients and certified non-genetically modified (non-GM) Soybeans.
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