The company, which recently launched its plant-based Plantastic brand, was however not yet ready to launch the meat-free version of a beef-flavoured stock cube, Whitehouse said in a media call with journalists.

Bakery operator Greggs launched a vegan version of its popular steak bake earlier this month, aiming to replicate the success with its meatless sausage roll that boosted its profits and helped fuel an 80% rise in its share price last year.

(Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)