In a pea-protein pickle… Beyond Meat reports tomorrow as it tries to flip sagging plant-based patty sales with a revamped recipe (more protein, less sodium) announced last week. Beyond logged a net loss of $70M last quarter as sales fell 9% to an undercooked $75M. Its stock is down ~50% since the start of last year. After early IPO success and a Starbucks sando partnership, Beyond’s getting grilled by consumers’ wariness over its burgers’ price and ingredients. Not helping: beef with US meat lobbies, which have outspent alt-meat competitors by 190x.
Crazy Feta on deck… Fast-casual Mediterranean chain Cava reports tomorrow. In November, the pita purveyor reported 50% year-over-year sales growth and swung to a profit. The Chipotle rival went public in June, and the stock’s up over 30% since. Known for customizable bowls and falafel-stuffed pitas, Cava’s rapidly expanded its footprint to nearly 300 locations across the US. Chipotle crushed estimates last quarter despite price hikes (guac = extra extra), with foot traffic growing 7%. That could bode well for Cava.