Cheers to a Tasty 2016 (Year in Review)

Happiest Holidays to our Beyond Meat family--With 2017 rapidly approaching, it's a great time to reflect on the game-changing year that was...

Since our inception, Beyond Meat's mission has been geared towards replacing animal protein with plant protein that can win the hearts and bellies of every eater. 2016 marked a major leap towards that goal with our launch of The Beyond Burger™ – a plant-based patty that looks, cooks, and tastes so much like fresh ground beef, it's being sold in the meat aisle at grocery stores. As our sports-crazed founder Ethan proclaimed, "We're finally out of the penalty box [meat alternatives in the frozen aisle], and playing on the main field!" Our early research indicates 70% of the people buying The Beyond Burger are carnivores – exactly who we're trying to reach with delicious options that bypass the health and environmental downsides of animal protein.

We're currently selling the Beyond Burger in over 200 Whole Foods stores with a complete rollout to come soon in 2017. We also have our friends at Veggie Grill preparing their stellar VG Beyond Burger at each of their 28 locations. But this is just the top of the bun...we've got BIG plans for our burger in the coming year.

Additionally, our Future of Protein Athlete Partners had themselves a WHALE of a year. From April Ross, Maya Moore, and Tia Blanco's medal winning performances, to JJ Redick and David Wright's playoff heroics, these athletes continue to prove the benefits of plant protein.

Last but not least, we have to shamelessly and lovingly thank the folks that got us here. 2016 marked a banner year for Beyond Meat and none of the progress, innovation, and tastiness would have been possible without the continued support from our amazing fans. Whether you posted a tasty pic on Insta, cooked up a BYMT meal for a friend, or simply thought about us...we're beyond grateful. Happy New Year!