Beyond Meat, makers of plant-based meat substitute products, announced its plan to enter the global market beginning this summer.

The El Segundo-based company said it had partnered with a select group of distributors to enter over 50 countries including Canada, Australia, Chile, Israel, Korea, South Africa, and most of Europe, among others.

The company said it had a stellar 2017, doubling sales and increasing its product distribution to more than 27,000 grocery stores and restaurants.

“Reflecting rapid demand growth in the United States and sustained interest from international markets, we’ve taken steps to significantly increase our production capacity,” Ethan Brown, chief executive said in a statement.

Beyond Meat was founded in 2009 and has raised $72 million in funding, according to Cruncbase, an online website that tracks startups.

Manufacturing and trade reporter Shwanika Narayan can be reached at [email protected] or 323-556-8351. Follow her on Twitter @shwanika.