Beyond Meat's success has prompted several veteran meat companies to invest in plant-based alternatives during a time of growing interest in the category. Impossible Foods, Nestle, Tyson Foods, Maple Leaf Foods, Perdue Foods and Smithfield Foods are among the companies that have introduced such products.

The balance between supply and fast-growing demand has challenged plant-based meat makers including Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, both of which have raised additional funds to boost production. Plant-based chicken nugget maker Rebellyous Foods is also expanding production with plans to move into a 21,000-square-foot Seattle facility that could ultimately produce 100,000 pounds of food per month.

Global foodservice companies Sodexo and Aramark have both announced partnerships to expand their plant-based meat offerings on campuses, corporate cafeterias and other locations. Sodexo's deal with Impossible Foods will put the Impossible Burger on the menu at 1,500 locations and Aramark will be serving plant-based sausages and burgers from Beyond Meat.