Beyond Meat hoped that Kim Kardashian's endorsement would help improve its brand image and boost sales, which had been declining due to rising debt and cash flow issues.
Some of Kardashian's followers accused her of faking the act of eating the Beyond Burger, leading to negative publicity and skepticism about the authenticity of the endorsement.
Beyond Meat released behind-the-scenes footage showing Kardashian eating their products, aiming to dispel doubts and regain public trust.
McDonald's found that U.S. consumers were not responding well to the McPlant burger, as they preferred traditional menu items like fries and hot burgers over plant-based options.
Beyond Meat's Chief Operating Officer, Doug Ramsey, was arrested for biting a man's nose during a road rage incident, causing a public relations crisis for the company.
Beyond Meat developed the Beyond Burger 4, a healthier version of its burger with reduced saturated fat and sodium, aiming to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Beyond Meat shifted its messaging to emphasize the health benefits and environmental impact of plant-based meats, countering claims from the meat industry that plant-based products are unhealthy.
Impossible Foods rebranded to appeal more to meat lovers by ditching its
Pat Brown founded the Impossible Foundation and purchased a ranch in Arkansas to research carbon capture and the economic benefits of transitioning from cattle ranching to sustainable land use.
Both companies are struggling with declining sales, financial losses, and skepticism about the long-term viability of the plant-based meat industry, with Beyond Meat restructuring debt and Impossible Foods considering acquisition.
It’s 2022 and Kim Kardashian is chowing down on a Beyond Burger. But the Internet buzzes over whether she actually ate it. Meanwhile, after a boom in business during the pandemic, Americans are now cutting back on plant-based meats. And concerns are growing over their nutritional value. That creates a financial pinch for both Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, and both companies will have to consider cutting the fat in their operations. Just as the industry looks like it's overcooked, one company revamps its recipe with health in mind. And the other adopts bolder, beefier, and bloodier brand.
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