JBS-Owned Plant-Based Food Firm Opens New R&D Center

JBS USA-owned plant-based protein producer Planterra Foods said Friday that its new headquarters and research and development innovation center has opened in Lafayette, CO.

“Planterra Foods’ new R&D innovation center will open the doors to endless opportunities in plant-based protein,” said Raul Pero, vice president of marketing and innovation for Planterra, in a company release. “With more and more plant-based options popping up in stores for consumers to choose from, our goal is to bring innovative solutions to plant-based foods with delicious, high-quality products that people can feel good about eating and feeding their families at home.”

The center will conduct research and testing on new ingredients and product innovations. About 100 new jobs will be created with the opening of the location.

“I am proud of the team we’ve built at Planterra Foods and look forward to a future of continued growth and innovation in our new space in Lafayette,” Darcey Macken, the company’s CEO, said in a statement. “With a team full of passionate, problem-solving food lovers, I’m confident that Planterra Foods will continue to grow the world of plant-based with the best tasting foods in the market.”

Planterra manufactures the Ozo brand of plant-based protein products for foodservice customers, including colleges and universities, schools, healthcare, restaurants, and hospitality, information on its website states.