Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

Plant-based ‘meats’ have evolved from a mere curiosity to a legitimate alternative at restaurants and supermarkets. Beyond Meat is a pioneer in this space, but as new products emerge, its dominance isn’t guaranteed. So, how can it secure its status as the premier maker of ‘meat analogues’?

With over a third of Australians actively reducing their meat consumption, the nation has become a major point of interest for plant-based food producers. At the same time, COVID-19 has ramped up interest in localised food networks. So, how can brands tap into these shifting eating behaviours?

The Chinese government wants to cut its country’s meat consumption drastically in coming years and while vegetarian and vegan eating hasn’t been particularly popular in China, there are signs that the tide of public opinion could be turning. So how is mock meat viewed by China’s consumers?

Burger King and vegan brand La Vie have announced their partnership with a campaign directed at McDonald's. With the trolling approach, Burger King makes a spectacle of its cultural fluency – not only is the brand adapting to a plant-based world, but it's speaking Gen Z's language to do it.