THIS receives £1.5 million investment from ITV

Plant-based meat business THIS has received £1.5 million of investment from broadcaster ITV in exchange for advertising inventory across its channels and streaming service.

As part of its Media for Equity programme, ITV will subscribe for £1.5 million of shares in THIS, with the option to subscribe for two additional tranches of £1.5 million each. In return, the plant-based meat brand will receive advertising inventory on the broadcaster’s channels and streaming service. It marks the first time ITV has ever invested in a food company.

The news follows a string of successes for THIS in 2023, including an international launch in the Netherlands, listings at Boots and WHSmith, and the recent launch of plant-based roast chicken for the holiday season. Earlier this year, THIS was named the UK’s fastest-growing food or drinks company by Alantra.

“ITV is a media powerhouse, and to have them as an investor, especially as their first food business investment, is super exciting. Not only did we get to make the porkiest plant-based TV ad ever, the scale of the investment means that we can reach audiences across the country and get closer to making meat-free the norm,” said Andy Shovel, co-founder and co-CEO of THIS.

THIS has also recently announced a partnership with UK pie brand Pieminister; together, the two companies have launched the new THIS Isn’t a Chicken and Bacon Pie. The pie contains plant-based meat by THIS in a smoky, creamy sauce, encased in flaky pastry. It is said to be ideal for “the most carnivorous flexitarians”, as well as vegans and vegetarians.

The new option adds to Pieminister’s range of plant-based pies, which also includes the Mooless Moo (jackfruit “steak” and ale), the Kevin (chestnut mushroom, tomato, and quinoa), and the Maroc Star (a Moroccan-inspired filo pie).