Voie gras, which is made entirely from plant-based ingredients, is launching for the first time in Spain and Switzerland, and is set to hit 100 Spanish Carrefour group stores.
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Nestlé is launching a vegan alternative to foie gras under its plant-based Garden Gourmet brand.
Its Voie Gras, which will launch in Switzerland before hitting the shelves of 100 Carrefour Group stores across Spain in coming weeks, is made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
According to Nestlé, this means it is the first product of its kind to reach large retailers.
Among the ingredients of Voie Gras as vegetable fats, soy protein, miso, yeast, toasted sesame, and mushroom powder as well as white truffle aroma oil.
The product was created at the company’s R&D centre in Germany, after six-month of work by a team of scientists, food technologists and chefs.
Voie Gras
Ignacio Rosés, Culinary Director of Nestlé Spain, said in a statement: “At Garden Gourmet we want to continue leading the flexitarian lifestyle. Spain is the second country with the highest consumption of foie gras worldwide.
“In recent years, however, its consumption has decreased due to greater concern for animal welfare, among other reasons.
“In this context, we have worked to be able to offer an alternative that is vegan and that will revolutionise the Spanish table this Christmas, the time of greatest consumption.”
Describing the creation process of the Voie Gras, he added: “We wanted to obtain the best sensory experience and we believe that we have achieved it.
“Voie Gras offers an incredible melting experience in the mouth and, thanks to the balance and combination of its ingredients, it has a flavour, appearance and texture so similar to foie that it offers the flexitarian consumer the same possibilities in the kitchen as the traditional product.”
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Foie Gras controversy
Due to the cruelty involved, foie gras production is banned in the UK. However, as it is legal to import and sell it, numerous animal advocates are campaigning to have the product banned entirely.
Vegan charity PETA has a petition urging politicians to prohibit its importation and sale.
According to the organisation: “The production of foie gras is so horrendous that it’s illegal in the UK – yet our borders remain open to imports.
“This can be rectified with a sales and imports ban, which the overwhelming majority of Brits – 79 per cent – want to see.”
Not able to pick up a can of Voie Gras? Make this delicious vegan foie gras recipe at home instead
Article source: European Supermarket Magazine
Featured image: Garden Gourmet edited by Vegan Food & Living
