A RENFREWSHIRE food producer which specialises in vegan “meat” products has secured shelf space with every Whole Foods store across the UK.

The deal is one of series of listings recently secured by Sgaia Foods, which now has more than 50 stockists. The company, started by Hilary Masin and Alberto Casotto, supply their Mheat product to retailers such as Roots and Fruits and Real Foods, as well as major restaurants in Scotland and England. It is now exporting to New Zealand.

Ms Masin said: “Our Scottish customers have literally propelled us to a whole new world. We’ve gone from making these products in our kitchen at home, to having three units in an industrial complex in Paisley.

“We’ve sent pallets to New Zealand and we’re stocked widely across the UK including in some prominent London retailers.

“We’re also working with some great restaurants partners to bring our Mheat onto as many plates as we can.”

Ms Masin and Mr Casotto put Mheat on a commercial footing in 2015 with support from Business Gateway, having first started making their plant-based foods two years earlier.

The Italian duo hope that, by offering a tasty alternative to meat, they can encourage more people to follow a vegan lifestyle.

The product range currently includes steaks, burgers, rashers, cheese and charcuterie packs, and the owners have a long-term aim to supply the catering industry.

Ms Masin added: “Our food business was launched in order to promote plant-based living where meat, cheese and milk are made vegan to support those in search for tasty, animal-free foods. We believe we have also created something that resonates with people who haven’t connected to plant-based living yet.”