Pulmuone limited edition packaging

© Pulmuone

Company News

Pulmuone Launches Limited-Edition Earth Month Packaging for Tofu and Kimchi Products

Pulmuone, a major producer of tofu and plant-based foods in the United States, has rolled out limited-edition packaging for several of its product lines during April in recognition of Earth Month. The temporary designs are being used on products sold under the Nasoya, Pulmuone, and Wildwood brands and include tofu and kimchi items available nationwide. “Sustainability is a core value, from our responsibly sourced ingredients to our efforts to make plant-based eating more accessible. With this year’s Earth Month campaign, we hope to inspire more consumers to consider the environmental benefits of plant-based foods,” said Ellen Kim, director of marketing communications & consumer insights at Pulmuone. Pulmuone Foods USA, a subsidiary of Pulmuone in South Korea, produces a wide array of tofu and Asian-style products …

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fruit and veggie basket

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Guest Posts

In the Wake of MAHA, Is 2025 the Year to Finance Food Fast?

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an Advisor to a food innovation ETF. She is a consultant to multi-national companies focused on sustainability and an Advisor to C-Suite interested in understanding the growth and whitespaces in the food industry. She is also the host of the podcast, The Plantbased Business Hour on iTunes and vegconomist. In a recent Upside & Impact: Investing for Change podcast episode, Elysabeth Alfano explored the urgency of food system transformation with Ertharin Cousin, CEO of Food Systems for the Future and former Executive Director of the World Food Programme. The discussion highlighted the need for smart capital, policy alignment, and a patient investment approach in the wake of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. In the Wake of MAHA, Is 2025 …

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jerky

© CellX

Fungi, Mushrooms & Mycelium

CellX Expands into US Market with GRAS-Cleared Morel Mycelium and New Jerky Brand

CellX, a biotechnology company operating in both cultivated meat and mycelium-based protein development, has received self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for its morel mushroom mycelium ingredient under US FDA regulations. The determination was made by an independent panel of scientific experts following an evaluation of safety data and nutritional composition. The company, which began developing mycelium-based ingredients in 2022, has introduced morel mushroom mycelium as a high-protein alternative protein source. Produced via biomass fermentation, the ingredient contains approximately 50% protein and 25% fiber, along with B vitamins, iron, and zinc. CellX’s proprietary morel strain was developed in partnership with a university and isolated from a wild sample collected in Shangri-La, China. CellX founder and CEO Ziliang Yang stated, “After four years of R&D, …

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Sergio Fabregat, director de F4F - Expo Foodtech © F4F - Expo Foodtech

Fairs & Events

Food 4 Future: “We Believe That Progress Happens When All Stakeholders Sit at the Same Table”

Sergio Fabregat, with a background in Business Administration from the University of Barcelona and an Executive Master in Marketing and Sales from ESADE, is the driving force behind two of Spain’s food innovation events: F4F – Expo Foodtech in Bilbao and the newly launched Expo Agritech in Málaga. As the Event Director, Fabregat plays a pivotal role in shaping platforms that connect key stakeholders across the food tech value chain. In this interview, we spoke with him about the role of F4F in accelerating innovation in the fields of new proteins, biotechnology, and cellular agriculture. He shares insights on the event’s key program highlights for trade visitors, the industry players and markets in focus, and how Food 4 Future is helping to shape the future …

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CSM Ingredients egg reduction solution

© CSM Ingredients

Egg Alternatives

CSM Ingredients Addresses Egg Supply Chain Issues With Advanced Egg Reduction Solution

Global ingredient-tech company CSM Ingredients group has announced the launch of Egg ‘n Easy Plus, an advanced egg reduction solution designed for cakes, muffins, and brioches. The ingredient is said to build on the success of the company’s Egg ’n Easy line, offering a new formulation with greater flexibility and cost-efficiency. It could help to address the supply chain issues increasingly facing the egg industry, as avian flu outbreaks reduce availability and drive up prices. Egg ‘n Easy Plus is a fully customizable plant-based powder solution that can replace up to 100% of whole eggs in brioche recipes, which typically contain 5% to 15% egg. Switching from free-range eggs to Egg ‘n Easy Plus can reportedly lower egg-related costs by up to 55% while preserving …

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Cosaic

Founders Tomas Turner and Dimitri Zogg. © Cosaic

Company News

Cultivated Biosciences Rebrands to Cosaic, Introduces Unique Yeast-Based Ingredient

Cultivated Biosciences, a Swiss producer of yeast-based ingredient solutions, has announced that it is rebranding to Cosaic and launching a new product. The name is intended to evoke the word “mosaic”, bringing to mind the blending of several ingredients into one product. The rebrand comes as Cosaic, which was originally focused on pure fat alternatives, changes its approach to produce a more powerful ingredient. The company has just introduced Cosaic Neo, a multifunctional natural emulsion made through yeast fermentation. The ingredient contains proteins and fibers as well as fat, claiming to provide eight key functionalities. It is said to replace unwanted additives while improving taste, mouthfeel, stability, and more. Strong value proposition Cosaic Neo is suitable for use in a variety of categories, including milk …

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Accelerating Sustainability Summit

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Fairs & Events

Icos Capital & Bühler Hold Accelerating Sustainability Summit, Connecting Dozens of Biotech Companies

On March 28, climate venture tech capital fund Icos Capital held the Accelerating Sustainability Summit at Bühler’s CUBIC Innovation Campus in Uzwil, Switzerland. The event brought together investors, industry leaders, and startups from the biotech sector with the aim of accelerating sustainable solutions and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. By establishing an ecosystem of collaboration and innovation, Icos and Bühler hope to help startups scale up their efforts to tackle urgent and complex challenges in the food industry. The startups that attended the event included BioRaptor, a bioprocessing data analytics platform, and Triplebar, which creates generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) models to design strains for protein production. “At Icos Capital, we aim to uncover and invest in cutting-edge innovations to drive sustainability forward,” said Nityen …

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The Cultivated B siemens hannover messe

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Fairs & Events

n!Biomachines and Siemens Focus on Simplifying Biomanufacturing for Alternative Proteins

At the ongoing Hannover Messe, The Cultivated B and Siemens have teamed up to present advancements in biomanufacturing for the alternative protein sector. The companies are showcasing their AUXO V® bioreactor, a key technology aimed at scaling alternative protein production through economically sustainable methods. n!Biomachines, a subsidiary of The Cultivated B, is at the forefront of developing bioreactors designed for the food industry and other sectors. These bioreactors play a central role in producing proteins traditionally sourced from animals, but through biomanufacturing methods that eliminate the need for animal agriculture. The bioreactors are built with an emphasis on scalability, precision, and ease of use, allowing for the transition from lab-scale production to industrial-level output. Hamid Noori, CEO of n!Biomachines, commented on the partnership with Siemens, …

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Lidl

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Cheese Alternatives

Lidl Germany and Proveg Incubator Launch Search for the Next Big Plant-Based Cheese Innovation

The demand for plant-based cheese alternatives is rising fast, with sales in six European countries reaching EUR 194 million in 2023 – an increase of 7% in just one year. Germany leads the charge, boasting the largest market for dairy-free cheese on the continent. Yet, consumers are still craving more: recent surveys show that a quarter of Europeans want greater availability and variety in plant-based cheese. In response, Lidl Germany has teamed up with the ProVeg Incubator to launch an exciting new startup competition. Their mission? To uncover the next groundbreaking plant-based cheese innovation that could hit supermarket shelves under Lidl’s Vemondo brand. The Lidl x ProVeg Cheese Alternative Innovation Competition is open to startups developing both finished products and novel ingredients or technologies that …

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SWAP Food chicken

© SWAP Food

Products & Launches

Heura and SWAP Launch Plant-Based Chicken Fillet Across 2,000 European Supermarkets

Heura and SWAP have jointly launched a plant-based fillet across major supermarkets in France, Spain, and Portugal. The product, named “Suprême,” is now available in more than 2,000 retail outlets, including Carrefour, Leclerc, Monoprix, Intermarché, and Super U. The rollout will continue through June 2025. The product is a result of a collaboration between Barcelona-based Heura and French food tech company SWAP, previously known as Umiami. The Suprême is manufactured in France and developed to replicate the taste and texture of chicken breast using only plant-based ingredients. It contains seven ingredients and provides 20 grams of protein per serving, earning a Nutri-Score A. This marks SWAP’s first entry into the mass retail market. “This partnership with Heura marks a key milestone for SWAP: our entry …

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Culture Biosciences

© Culture Biosciences

Manufacturing & Technology

Culture Biosciences Offers a Mobile Solution for Faster and More Scalable Biotech Development

Culture Biosciences has introduced a new solution for biotech and cellular agriculture teams: the Stratyx 250, a mobile, cloud-based bioreactor system designed to streamline process development. This new bioreactor promises to cut down on development time and costs, improve scalability, and simplify bioprocess monitoring and control, offering key benefits for growing companies in the cellular agriculture space. The Stratyx 250 is tailored to meet the specific needs of biotech companies, particularly those working on cellular agriculture, where efficient scaling and optimization are critical. Traditionally, bioreactor systems require extensive manual oversight, specialized expertise, and complex infrastructure to process vast amounts of experimental data. The Stratyx 250 addresses these challenges by combining automation, AI-driven data analysis, and cloud-based control, enabling remote monitoring and real-time adjustments. This means …

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Ingredients

iba 2025: RAPS Presents Ingredient Solutions for Tailor-Made Baked Goods

Under the motto ‘Bake the world a little better’, ingredient and spice expert RAPS will present its solutions for the bakery industry at the international bakery trade fair iba in Düsseldorf, Germany, from May 18-22, 2025. The spotlight will be on the company’s functional coating technologies and a wide range of savoury fillings and toppings, many of which are also available in vegan versions. As the bakery sector continues to evolve, RAPS supports manufacturers and bakery chains with highly functional and ready-to-use ingredients for doughs, fillings and toppings. At iba, the company will demonstrate how its innovations contribute to improved flavour and performance in baked goods and snacks.  A key technology on display will be Coatec, RAPS’ proprietary microencapsulation process. It protects sensitive core ingredients …

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Carrefour partners with Vida Veg

© Carrefour

Retail & E-Commerce

Carrefour Brazil Announces Strategic Partnership With Plant-Based Brand Vida Veg

Carrefour Brazil has announced it will be expanding access to plant-based food through a partnership with Vida Veg, a leading Brazilian vegan food brand. As part of the collaboration, Carrefour will add three of Vida Veg’s cashew-based products to its range — mozzarella cheese, traditional cream cheese, and cream cheese with fine herbs. The products will be sold under Carrefour’s own brand, making Vida Veg the retailer’s first supplier of plant-based products for its private label range. Carrefour will be able to offer the dairy alternatives at a relatively affordable price point, making them accessible to more consumers. The idea for the collaboration arose when Vida Veg founder Álvaro Gazolla visited Carrefour in Spain and noticed the chain’s plant-based range. The news comes as Carrefour …

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© Revo Foods

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Revo Foods Launches Black Cod Alternative Made With Fungi Protein & 3D Extrusion Technology

Austrian food tech company Revo Foods has announced the launch of EL BLANCO, an alternative to black cod made from mycoprotein (fermented fungi protein) and microalgae oils. The product is made using a new 3D extrusion technology, which gives a layered texture and the appearance of a scaled fish filet. Using computer-guided models, the technology is able to transform unstructured proteins such as mycoprotein into products with aligned, heterogeneous fibers. Integrating fat into the protein matrix provides the flaky texture typical of black cod, while microalgae oil makes the product rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Mycoprotein provides a complete amino acid profile, high bioavailability, and a rich source of fiber, while being low in carbohydrates and saturated fat. The ingredient does not need high-temperature processing, …

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Supermarket shelves with alt milk courtesy ProVeg

Image courtesy ProVeg

Market & Trends

Plant-Based Dairy Sees Rapid Growth in Western Europe & North America Due to “Profound Shift” in Consumer Preferences

According to insights from strategy consultancy Roland Berger, the plant-based dairy market in Western Europe and North America is growing at an unprecedented rate as consumers increasingly prioritize health and sustainability. In 2023, the size of the plant-based dairy retail market reached $11.55 billion (€10.7 billion), up from $7.34 billion (€6.8 billion) in 2019. This reflects a compound annual growth rate of 12%. The growth is primarily driven by plant-based beverages, which make up 60% of the total market, followed by yogurt and cheese alternatives. The horeca sector is also increasingly embracing dairy alternatives, providing a foundation for continued growth in the industry. However, plant-based dairy still only accounts for a fraction of the traditional dairy market. Milk alternatives are the most successful product type, …

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Beyond Meat La Vie

© Beyond Meat X La Vie

Marketing & Media

Beyond Meat and La Vie’s ‘Brandmance’ Leads to New Burger and Joint Campaign in the UK

Beyond Meat and La Vie, two leading plant-based food companies, have announced a new partnership following a playful exchange on social media. The brands, which focus on plant-based meat alternatives, have come together to promote animal welfare and encourage consumers to explore plant-based options through a joint marketing effort. The collaboration includes the launch of Beyond Meat’s “All Taste, No Worries” campaign, which features Barbara the cow. This campaign follows a similar approach to La Vie’s “Relax, it’s plant-based” campaign, which showcased Leon the pig. Both advertisements center on a scenario in which a person prepares a meaty dish, only for the animal typically associated with that meat to appear anxious. The twist comes when the viewer learns the meal is actually plant-based, aligning both …

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Stella Mccartney hydefy

© Stella Mccartney

Leather Alternatives

Hydefy Introduces Fungi-Based Leather Alternative with Stella McCartney’s New Handbag

A new fungi-based textile developed by Hydefy has been launched in the fashion industry through a debut collaboration with luxury designer Stella McCartney. The partnership brings to market a high-performance, sustainable alternative to traditional leather, offering a cruelty-free solution that combines durability and aesthetic appeal. Hydefy’s material is derived from fungi discovered during NASA-backed research in Yellowstone National Park. Through a proprietary fermentation process, Hydefy is created by combining the fungi with sugarcane waste. The result is a versatile, vegan material that is designed to be both environmentally responsible and highly durable. This textile is being marketed as a suitable alternative for use in fashion, automotive, and interior industries, with the capacity for customization and rapid prototyping. Stella McCartney, a long-time advocate for animal-free and …

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Steakholder Foods

© Steakholder Foods

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Steakholder Foods Moves Toward US Expansion, Reports Solid Commercial Progress in 2024

Steakholder Foods Ltd. (Nasdaq: STKH) has published its financial results for the year ending December 31, 2024, alongside updates on key partnerships and commercial progress. The company, which specializes in 3D-printed and cultivated meat and seafood products, has made notable strides in its path to commercialization. Commercial growth and partnerships Steakholder Foods achieved its first commercial revenues in 2024, a significant milestone as it began executing its business model. The company signed agreements with Bondor Foods Ltd., for the sale of its SH™ – Fish premix blends, which will be used in Bondor’s new plant-based fish products. Another important partnership was with Wyler Farm, which placed an order for SH™ – Beef premix blends to create plant-based meatballs, burgers, and minced beef. These deals represent …

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In the Fraunhofer IVV's food pilot plant, all process steps are carried out, from the development of meat alternatives to sample production © Fraunhofer IVV

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Fraunhofer IVV to Showcase Alternative Ingredients and Textured Proteins for Meat Substitutes at IFFA 2025

From 3-8 May 2025, the leading international trade fair IFFA in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, will focus on the topic of ‘Technology for Meat and Alternative Proteins’. In line with this, the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV will be showing how alternative ingredients and textured proteins can be used to create meat substitute products with the typical meat structure. Technologies for automated cleaning will be presented for resource-saving and efficient production. The Fraunhofer IVV will be exhibiting at the VDMA stand in Hall 11, VDMA Stand C31. With its expertise in the field of alternative proteins, the Fraunhofer IVV offers food and ingredient manufacturers comprehensive support. This ranges from the selection of raw materials and process development to market-ready foods. At the …

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ClearMeat partners with NIFTEM

Image: ClearMeat on LinkedIn

Cultivated Meat

Indian Cultivated Meat Company ClearMeat Partners With Academic Institution NIFTEM to Scale Food Tech Innovation

Indian cultivated meat company ClearMeat has announced a collaboration with the country’s National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K). According to a LinkedIn post, ClearMeat recently hosted a productive meeting with the Head of NIFTEM, Mr. Harinder Oberoi, at the institute’s headquarters. This marked the start of an official partnership that will combine the expertise and resources of the two organisations as they work to scale innovation within the biotech and foodtech segments. NIFTEM operates under the Indian government’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries, supporting research and education within the food processing sector. “We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Oberoi for his unwavering trust in our brand and his commitment to standing in solidarity with our mission to revolutionize the cultivated …

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