New York (CNN Business) Beyond Meat, a plant-based protein company that makes meatless alternatives to beef and pork, is working on fake bacon and steak.

The two products are part of the company's longer-term innovation efforts, CEO Ethan Brown told CNN Business. They are "important as we build out the portfolio," he said, adding that the items are still in development.

Brown didn't share when Beyond plans to bring the items to market, noting that the company's researchers would need a "surprise breakthrough" to launch in the near future.

Beyond is working on alternatives to bacon and steak.

Demand for Beyond Meat's product has shot through the roof as many people look to reduce their meat intake for health and environmental reasons. The fake meat company reported sales of $40.2 million in the first quarter — up 215% from the same period a year before.

Dunkin' DNKN Beyond Meat BYND On Wednesday, it announced a partnership withto sell a breakfast sandwich featuring asausage in Manhattan.

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