Beyond Meat

In February 2025, Beyond Meat laid off 64 employees (9% of global workforce) and halted all operations in China. In August 2025, the company cut an additional 44 employees (6% of global workforce) in North America. These layoffs came amid continued declining revenues, with Q2 2025 US retail revenues falling 27% and total sales dropping 19.6% year-over-year. CEO Ethan Brown acknowledged it was 'not the moment for plant-based meat right now.'

Scientists and researchers challenged Beyond Meat's environmental claims, noting the company's life-cycle assessments lacked independent verification and failed to account for emissions from sourcing soy and other commodities. S&P Global's Trucost gave Beyond Meat a 0% environmental disclosure ratio in 2018, compared to 98-99% for traditional meat companies like Tyson. Oxford researcher Hannah Ritchie found claims difficult to substantiate, and experts noted supply chain traceability gaps for key ingredients including soy and coconut oil.

In October 2022, Beyond Meat cut 200 jobs, representing 19% of its global workforce, as part of cost-reduction measures. The layoffs coincided with the departure of COO Doug Ramsey, CFO Philip Hardin, and chief growth officer Deanna Jurgens. The company cited the need to reduce operating expenses and target cash flow positive operations.

Beyond Meat's Chief Operating Officer Doug Ramsey was arrested on September 17, 2022 for biting a man's nose and making terroristic threats during a road rage incident outside a University of Arkansas football game. Beyond Meat suspended Ramsey immediately and he departed the company on October 14, 2022. Days later, chief supply chain officer Bernie Adcock also resigned.

Beyond Meat's core business model centers on producing plant-based meat alternatives that require dramatically less natural resources than conventional beef. University of Michigan research found a Beyond Burger uses 99% less water, 93% less land, and generates 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a beef patty. The company has published life-cycle assessments and ESG reports to document these environmental benefits.

Beyond Meat, founded by Ethan Brown in 2009, produces plant-based alternatives to beef, pork, and poultry products. The company went public in 2019 and its products are sold in major retailers and fast food chains globally. Brown was named UNEP Champion of the Earth in 2018 for 'work towards reducing our dependence on animal-based foods.'