Better Nature Partners with Lidl for Nationwide Tempeh Rollout

Leading U.K. tempeh producer Better Nature has announced the nationwide rollout of its Organic Tempeh, Curry Tempeh Pieces, and Mediterranean Tempeh Pieces into all 966 Lidl stores across the U.K.

Better Nature’s product expansion marks its largest product rollout at more than 50,000 units, and it coincides with Lidl’s Vegan Week.

The launch comes as Better Nature has made significant strides in the market recently. It successfully raised £700,000 in a seed plus funding round, secured listings with major retailers including Holland & Barrett, Selfridges, Gopuff, and allplants, and launched a £3 million funding round.

‘Tempeh is moving into the mainstream’

“We are so excited to be working with Lidl to promote their Vegan Week,” Christopher Kong, Co-Founder and CEO of Better Nature, said in a statement. “Not only is it great to see the U.K.’s fastest growing retailer celebrating vegan food, we’re pleased they’ve decided to promote not one but three tempeh products as part of it.”

“This is yet another proof point that tempeh is moving into the mainstream, catering to consumers’ growing need for more natural, nutritious meat-free options,” Kong said.

Lidl goes plant-forward

Lidl’s decision to promote Better Nature’s tempeh products is part of the supermarket’s plant-forward strategy, aimed at reducing animal-based products and offering more plant-based alternatives to customers.

Christof Graf, chief buyer at Lidl, emphasized the importance of living within the planet’s boundaries and reducing animal product consumption as part of achieving a more sustainable future.

The tempeh producer also secured its first supermarket placement at Tesco, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its presence in the U.K. and mainland Europe and becoming Europe’s go-to tempeh brand.

“[I]t’s a very exciting time for us and we can’t wait to see how people enjoy our products,” Kong said.