JBS USA subsidiary Planterra Foods, a new, innovative plant-based protein start-up company based in Colorado, is debuting a new plant-based protein brand in April, joining several other large protein companies in the rapidly growing sector. The new brand, called OZO, will launch in grocery stores nationwide beginning in April, the company said.

The new line of plant-based products will officially launch with Burgers, Ground, Mexican-Seasoned Ground and Italian-Style Meatballs, and foodservice and club packs are also planned for 2020. The four OZO protein offerings are non-GMO, do not contain soy, and feature transparent, straightforward and no artificial ingredients. Powered by an exclusive proprietary blend of pea and rice protein fermented by shiitake mushrooms, all of the new OZO products have up to 22 grams of protein per serving and contain no cholesterol. Additionally, the products have less calories, fat and saturated fat than 80% lean ground beef, as well as leading plant-based protein brands currently in the market.

Planterra Foods was planning to introduce OZO at Natural Foods Expo West in Anaheim, Calif. March 3-7, but decided to pull out of the trade show last minute due to the growing concerns around the potential spread of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus.

"We can't wait for people to try – and fall for – OZO this spring. We know the flavor and quality of our OZO products will change the current plant-based food landscape, making them a staple in consumers' homes as a new go-to source of protein, regardless of whether meat is consumed as a regular part of one's diet or not," said Darcey Macken, chief executive officer of Planterra Foods. "It's all about people who want to eat something that's flavorful and also good for you and the planet.”

He continued, “Our goal is to grow flexitarian consumption through offering a positive protein solution for everyone. Eating delicious food is one of the greatest joys in life, and Planterra is delivering protein choices that are OZO good."

OZO's fermentation process used in developing its recipes makes the delicious plant protein easily digestible for the body. OZO features a high-quality pea protein that is a great source of iron, and has been known to aid in muscle growth, weight loss and heart health. The new OZO product line also uses recyclable trays and cartons to store products, and plant-based ink on all of its packaging.

The OZO product line will range in retail price from $5.99 to $7.99. Kicking off this spring, the OZO team is hitting the road on an expansive coast-to-coast sampling tour through December, with stops in multiple cities, giving up to 750,000 consumers a taste of their mouthwatering plant-based protein offerings.

"With just one bite, we're confident that OZO will set a new standard of excellence," said Macken. "We recognize there are other protein offerings out there, which is why we're adamant on having strong points of difference in our products. This category needs better tasting food from real ingredients that appeals to the whole family, and we're confident that OZO products deliver.”

Planterra Foods said the four products are just the beginning of products it plans to introduce.

“Consumers can anticipate finding additional plant-based innovation on shelves by the end of this year," Macken added.