March 2008
Veggie innovator breaking new ground
The Globe and Mail | Randall Anthony Mang
January 2008
Garden Protein International Grabs PETA Award for Getting the Meat Out of Chicken and Beef
Gourmet Vegan Food Innovator Proves That Respect for Animals and Human Health Comes in Delicious Flavours
Richmond, British Columbia -- People who believe that heart- and animal-friendly vegan mock meats can't beat the "real thing" have never sunk their teeth into one of Richmond-based Garden Protein's juicy faux-chicken breasts or meatless beef strips. The appearance, flavor, and texture of these mock meats will fool even the most die-hard meat-eater and make vegans question whether some jokester might have slipped them some actual animal flesh. That's why Garden Protein has won the Company of the Year category in PETA's 5th Annual Proggy Awards. Garden Protein owner Yves Potvin will receive a framed certificate and will be featured on PETA's award-winning Web site PETA.org. PETA's Proggy Awards ("Proggy" is for "progress") recognize animal-friendly achievements in commerce and culture.
Potvin got his start making German sausage in a small factory on Vancouver's East Side. After mastering the vegan hot dog and a line of other faux cured meats, Potvin sold his company--the popular Yves Veggie Cuisine--and set about formulating fresh faux meats that mimicked chicken and beef in every way. He eventually came up with Gardein brand vegan chicken breasts and beef strips by combining soy, wheat, and carrot fibre, which he marinated and slow-cooked. The results have to be tasted to be believed.
"Garden Protein has elevated faux meats to a new level--prompting rave reviews from vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike," says PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich. "The company is putting smiles on the faces of many a gourmand and helping to safeguard human health and fight animal suffering at the same time."