A Leeds-based manufacturer specialising in plant-based meat alternatives is set to export its first order of meatless mince and burger to the US this summer with the States becoming the company’s seventh export market.

Established just two years ago, exclusively supplying Sainsburys in the UK, The Meatless Farm Co has expanded distribution overseas following support from international trade advisers (ITA).

By the end of 2019, the firm expects overseas sales to make up 50 per cent of total revenue, an increase of 20 per cent on its current figures.

ITA support helped the business make introductions to buyers at several Food is GREAT-led trade shows and trade missions. The successful introductions led The Meatless Farm Co to secure customers in Canada, Hong Kong, Sweden, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland and, more recently, the US.

To aid its expansion into new markets, the company also plans to recruit ten new staff, boosting its total headcount to 30.

Robert Woodall, chief executive at The Meatless Farm Co, said: "Roughly 80 per cent of our products are consumed by 'flexitarians' –meat eaters that are increasingly looking to cut their meat intake for either health, environmental or ethical reasons.

"Flexitarians are becoming more prevalent over the world, particularly in North America and Asia-Pacific countries. In April, a US meat alternative manufacturer became the most successful listing on the Nasdaq this year, valuing at $3.8bn – a great sign of the market's potential."

The Food is GREAT campaign aims to showcase UK food and drink overseas, and to help businesses export. It is a cross-departmental initiative between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for International Trade (DIT).