Linda McCartney Foods facts for kids
 |
|
.jpg)
Linda McCartney Foods in Holt Road, Fakenham
|
|
| Industry | Vegetarian cuisine |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Linda McCartney |
| Owner | Hain Celestial Group |
Linda McCartney Foods is a British brand. It makes delicious vegetarian and vegan food. You can find their products in the UK and other countries. These include Norway, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. They offer things like veggie burgers, sausages, and meatballs. They also make stir-fry dishes and pastas.
The company was started in 1991. It was founded by Linda McCartney. She was a famous musician, photographer, and animal rights activist. Her brand became very successful. Over the years, the company has had different owners. Since 2006, it has been part of the Hain Celestial Group.
Contents
How the Company Started
The Beginning of Linda McCartney Foods
Linda McCartney Foods began in 1991. Linda McCartney herself started it. The first products were frozen vegetarian meals. These included golden nuggets and "beefless" burgers. The recipes used a special ingredient. It was called textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Before the food brand, Linda wrote a cookbook. It was called Linda McCartney's Home Cooking. Her band even used it on tour. Their 1989 tour was the first to serve only vegetarian food.
Early Product Development
The first food packages showed Linda's picture. They also had her signature. The Vegetarian Society approved the products. A company called Ross Young's made the ready meals.
More products were added in 1991 and 1992. These included Spaghetti Bolognese-style and deep country pies. The Spaghetti Bolognese was special. It was the only meat-free version available then. The brand also launched across Europe and America in 1992.
In 1993, the ingredients changed. They switched from TVP to wheat protein. This made the food taste more like meat. By 1995, the product range grew. A new factory opened in Fakenham. New options included country-style Kievs and savoury burgers.
In 1993, Linda announced new frozen meals for America. They were called Linda McCartney's Foods from the Heart. The range launched in 1994. It was the first American company with only meat-free foods. Products included Fetticini Alfredo and Chili Non-Carne.
Changes in Ownership
Joining McVitie's and Heinz
In 1996, the brand joined McVitie's Prepared Foods. This was a part of United Biscuits. The products were improved in October 1996. They had less fat and salt, and more protein. There were 14 products offered at this time. These included pepperoni-style pizza and creamy garlic kievs.
In December 1999, H.J. Heinz Co. bought the company. Heinz planned to sell the vegetarian foods worldwide. They bought it as part of a larger deal.
Owned by Hain Celestial Group
The brand was sold again in 2006. It was bought by the Hain Celestial Group. The McCartney family still helps develop new products.
What Products They Make
Linda McCartney Foods makes many chilled and frozen foods. These are meat analogues. They come as burgers, sausages, and sausage rolls. You can also find meatballs, stir-fry dishes, and pastas. In 1995, they also offered American Barbecue and Traditional Stew.
The food line had a few issues in the 1990s. Some pies had too much meat in 1992. Some burgers had more fat than advertised in 1995. A report in 1999 said some products might contain genetically modified soya.
Sponsorships
Linda McCartney Foods sponsored a cycling team. Julian Clarke set up the team in 1998. In 2000, it was the first British team. It competed in the Giro d'Italia race. A rider named David McKenzie won one stage. The team stopped competing that same year.
See also
