Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has signed a multi-year strategic partnership with Quorn, the UK's No. 1 meat-free brand.

This new partnership will see Quorn Professionals - the brand's foodservice development arm - join forces with Freemans Event Partners to roll out new meat-free menus across Freemans Event Partners' event, venue and concessionaire portfolios.

With more than 25 core foodservice products to put a twist on, Quorn's culinary team is collaborating with Freemans Event Partners to create delicious meals that pack a flavour punch and are better for the planet.

The companies will also collaborate with Freemans Event Partners brand activation division, to explore experiential and brand activation opportunities this year and beyond.

Stephen Freeman, Freemans Event Partners CEO explained: "Quorn is more than just a food brand, it is synonymous with the meat-free movement, and this is a very exciting partnership for us.

"Through this partnership with Quorn we can explore and develop new additions to our menus giving event goers a greater level of choice and variety. In doing so, we hope to meet some of our own aspirations as a business to reduce impact on the environment. This partnership really is a win for everyone."

Aspirational meat reducers now make up 55% of the meat-free market, meaning meat-free eating is no longer a trend, it's a consumer behaviour. Whether a customer is vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian they are demanding more delicious meat-free options are on menus.

This is evidenced in the latest statistics from Sodexo, the food service business, which show that during 2022 (January-November) 10% of all meals sold across its UK and Ireland client sites were vegetarian or vegan, compared to 8% during the same period in 2021.

It also comes at a pivotal time for the events industry. With sustainability high on the agenda, finding more sustainable options within supply chains will be key for operators who are serious about reducing their environmental impact.

Quorn has been pioneering meat-free since it launched its first product in 1985 with its unique super-protein. Quorn mycoprotein is at the heart of all Quorn products and uses 95% less land, water and carbon emissions than equivalent beef products. By 2030, the trailblazing brand's goal is to become a net positive business and provide 8 billion meals a year; one for every person on the planet.

Freemans Event Partners is a leading event solutions provider and supports over 400 of the UK and Europe's largest and most prestigious events and venues.

From the likes of Silverstone, Lord's Cricket Ground, to Burghley Horse Trials and the BMW PGA Championship. Freemans Event Partners deploys over 2,500 concessions outlets at these events and venues, with Silverstone alone featuring over 250 concessionaires

Freemans Event Partners also boasts a strong track record in brand activation, with partnerships with global household brand names such as Diageo, Red Bull and Coca-Cola, reaching 15,000,000 people at events each year.

Phil Thornborrow, Foodservice director Quorn, added: "We have a clear vision at Quorn, to tackle climate change by serving great tasting food. To do that, making Quorn accessible to all, in or out of the home, is really important to us. That's why we're incredibly excited to work with Freemans Event Partners.

"Working with a leading name like Freemans Event Partners will put the Quorn brand directly in front of millions of consumers each year, at some of the most renowned and illustrious events and venues here in the UK and further afield."