Impossible Foods to Slash around 20% of Workforce

Impossible Foods also offered voluntary separation payments and benefits to employees at the end of 2022, said the person, who asked not to be named discussing private information. An internal document viewed by Bloomberg confirmed the separation packages being offered. The company previously reduced headcount in October, cutting about 6% of its workforce at the time.

Impossible Foods didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Closely held Impossible Foods recently said its sales were up more than 50% in 2022 in dollar terms at US retail stores. In a September interview, Chief Executive Officer Peter McGuinness said Impossible Foods has a strong balance sheet and good cash position.

Impossible Foods has rapidly expanded to restaurants and supermarkets. Maintaining momentum will become challenging as performance of the broader plant-based meat category slips. Supermarket sales of refrigerated meat alternatives fell 15% by volume for the 52 weeks ended Jan. 1, according to market-research firm IRI, while they declined 14% in dollar terms.

In restaurants and food-service outlets, orders of plant-based burgers dropped 9% in the 12 months ended in November, according to market researcher NPD Group. Impossible Foods sells products at major restaurant chains, including White Castle, Qdoba and Burger King, which offers the Impossible Whopper.

Data from HundredX, a consumer-experience strategy firm, also suggests falling interest. The percentage of shoppers who have eaten Impossible products but say they’re less likely to eat as much going forward has risen, according to feedback collected from 1,723 consumers in the last year.

Beyond Meat Inc., a key competitor to Impossible Foods, also reduced its workforce last year amid slumping sales. The company’s stock has rallied about 35% this year following an 81% plunge in 2022.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Scrabbl staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)