Veggie Action
Importer/Distributor and National Retailers Meet Need for No Meat
By Nancy Eisman
As recently as a few years ago, even if you were inclined to test the vegetarian waters, you were hard-pressed to find any of today's incredible number of meatless convenience foods available in your local supermarket. Particularly if you lived in a small town or rural area, tofu, tempeh, meat-alternative, and other soy-based products were basically out of the question.
Welcome to the dawn of the 21st century. Millions of consumers, whether it be for health, ethical, or other reasons, are going veggie (albeit part-time for some) and they have shouted out, "I want my TVP!" Since it's only natural for these consumers to want a variety of foods, the typical supermarket has responded by increasing the size of their produce department by an average of 20% in the last three years to acccommodate the "new"* food items their customers want. (*After all, tofu and tempeh have only been in existence for thousands of years.)
Melissa's (World Variety Produce, Inc.) is a leading importer and distributor in the US and Canada of specialty and organic fresh produce, tofu, and meat alternative products. Responding to the growing demand for variety and healthful, exciting alternatives to a less healthful meat-based diet, Melissa's has used its expertise in procuring and marketing products of superior quality and taste in the produce departments of supermarkets from coast to coast. Now consumers can find Mori-Nu and Hinoichi Tofu, Lightlife and Yves Meatless Products, and Galaxy and Tofu Rella Cheeses right alongside passionfruit, baby bok choy, couscous, dried fruits, and heirloom tomatoes. A comprehensive program to educate both the wholesale and retail customers has been operating full speed ahead to spread the word and fill the need for the best a plant-based diet has to offer.
Experts are projecting many more vegetarians by the year 2005. Thanks to Melissa's and hundreds of supermarkets all across the country, you can get in the express line to delicious and convenient vegetarian choices today.
(For a store near you, visit Melissa's on the Web at <www.melissas.com>.)
