Burger King and Unilever partner for meat-free Rebel Whopper

Burger King has joined forces with Unilever’s meat alternative business, The Vegetarian Butcher, to release a new plant-based burger.

The Rebel Whopper is being launched simultaneously in more than 2,500 Burger King restaurants across 25 countries in Europe.

The announcement comes just three months after Burger King revealed plans to debut a plant-based burger in the US containing meat-free patties developed by Impossible Foods.

Unilever secured a deal to acquire Netherlands-based The Vegetarian Butcher in 2018. The business’s portfolio – which includes ‘vegan smokey hotdog’, ‘vegan nochicken nuggets’ and ‘vegan nomince’ – are sold in more than 4,000 outlets in 17 countries.

“We are confident that the Rebel Whopper is the sandwich everyone has been waiting for and provides the ultimate plant-based patty alternative with the iconic Whopper build,” said David Shear, president of Burger King EMEA. “I’m excited to let the Rebel Whopper do the talking and see whether our guests can tell the difference.”

Hanneke Faber, president Unilever foods and refreshment, added: “Less than a year after acquiring The Vegetarian Butcher in the Netherlands, we are excited to partner with the iconic Burger King brand across Europe.

“The new Rebel Whopper powered by The Vegetarian Butcher offers meat lovers a fabulous meat-free experience.”

McDonald’s is currently partnering with meat substitute company Beyond Meat to trial a plant-based burger called the PLT in Canada.

A recent report from Barclays suggested the global market for alternative meat could reach roughly $140 billion over the next ten years.