Schouten

Schouten is a Dutch family-owned specialist in plant-based protein foods, with roots dating back to 1893 and a focus on meat alternatives since 1990. The company develops, produces and packages vegetarian and vegan products for retail, foodservice, quick service restaurants and the food manufacturing industry. It positions itself as a partner for customers that want tasty, high-quality plant-based products with strong market appeal. Schouten says it works worldwide, serves customers in more than 50 countries, and combines product development, production know-how and packaging capabilities to help partners bring plant-based concepts to market quickly. Core Values Sustainability : Schouten frames plant-based eating as part of a more sustainable food system and says it aims to operate within the limits of the planet while respecting people, animals and the environment. Innovation : The company emphasizes continuous product development, with three R&D teams and a long history of introducing new plant-based concepts and improving existing ones. Quality and food safety : Schouten highlights strict quality control, GFSI-certified production sites and traceability as central to its way of working. Transparency and fairness : The company says it wants to operate in a fair and transparent manner, with attention to responsible sourcing and clear quality guarantees. Unique Aspects Long heritage in plant-based protein : Schouten traces its history to 1893 and says it began developing plant-based meat substitutes in 1990, making it one of the earlier movers in the category. Global reach : The company says it delivers plant-based products to more than 50 countries and works with customers across retail, foodservice, QSR and industry. Three dedicated R&D teams : Schouten organizes innovation around specialized teams for research and innovation, tailor-made development and product optimization. Acquisition of Bobeldijk Food Group : Schouten Europe announced the acquisition of Bobeldijk Food Group to expand production capacity and strengthen its position in the European plant-based meat and fish alternatives market. Family-owned scale : Following the Bobeldijk deal, Schouten said it became the largest family-owned business in the European meat alternatives market.