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Demand still sluggish for California-based Beyond Meat

Beyond Meat products are seen in a refrigerated case inside a grocery store in Mount Prospect, Ill., Feb. 19, 2022. Beyond Meat said Wednesday, May 10, 2023, that its first-quarter revenue fell nearly 16% due to lower demand in most markets for its plant-based burgers, sausages and other products. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

Beyond Meat reported better-than-expected sales on Wednesday in the second quarter despite continuing weak demand for its plant-based burgers, chicken, and other products.

The El Segundo, California-based company said its revenue fell nearly 9% to $93.2 million for the April-June period. That was better than the $87.8 million Wall Street anticipated, according to analysts polled by FactSet.


Beyond Meat narrowed its net loss to $34.4 million, or 53 cents per share, from $53.5 million a year ago as it worked to streamline its operations. That was in line with analysts’ forecasts.

It said its net revenue per pound rose 6.1% as it offered fewer discounts and raised prices for some products in the U.S. But its sales volumes fell 14% on weaker retail and food-service demand in the U.S. and international markets.

Beyond Meat has been trying to boost demand with new, healthier products. Earlier this spring, the company introduced Beyond Burger patties and Beyond Beef grounds with 60% less saturated fat than the previous products. A healthier sausage, made with avocado oil, followed in June.

And last month, it debuted Beyond Sun Sausage, a product filled with bell peppers, spinach, lentils and other vegetables and fruits. Unlike previous products, Beyond Meat said the new sausage isn’t intended to replicate meat, but to be a healthier protein option.

Its stock, which has fallen 66% in the past 12 months, jumped 8% in after-market trading following the earnings report.