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PLNT Burger Partners with Bona Furtuna to Feature Exclusive “Chik’n Parm” Sandwich

September 29, 2023September 29, 2023

PLNT Burger, the plant-based fast-casual eatery by Chef Spike Mendelsohn, has joined forces with premium Italian food producer Bona Furtuna to introduce a limited-edition “Chik’n Parm” Sandwich. The sandwich features Bona Furtuna’s Original Passata Tomato Sauce, which is produced on the company’s Sicilian farm, and it will be served alongside PLNT Burger’s Crispy Herb Fries seasoned with Bona Furtuna’s Cacio E Pepe Blend. Brian Ralph, COO and president of Bona Furtuna, commented, “We are pleased to collaborate with PLNT Burger, sharing our commitment to sustainability and quality. This partnership allows us to introduce some of Bona Furtuna’s products to a wider audience, promoting sustainable choices.” PLNT Burger’s executive chef, Michael Colletti, is the mind behind the creation. The “Chik’n Parm” Sandwich comprises a crispy Meati …

Organisations and brands:

PLNT Burger

Fairs & Events

Industry Leaders to Gather at IPBFWG Event to Discuss the Role of Plant-Based Foods in a Sustainable Food System

September 29, 2023

The International Plant Based Foods Working Group (IPBFWG) announces its upcoming event, “The Role of Plant Foods in Transitioning to a Sustainable Food System,” set to take place on the 13th of October, 2023, in Brussels, Belgium. IPBFWG, a coalition of international plant-based trade associations representing Europe, the UK, Canada, the USA, China, India, and Mexico, promotes a healthier, more sustainable, and more compassionate food system. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders, experts, policymakers, and organizations to support and expand the plant-based food industry to maximize production and promote the transformation of the animal-centered global food system. The program includes the IPBFWG Industry Forum, where industry leaders will discuss important topics such as market growth, consumer education, and the influence of multinational corporations on the sector. The goal is …

Organisations and brands:

The International Plant Based Foods Working Group (IPBFWG)

Svenja Fritz © Oatly

Interviews

Oatly: “Our Food System Still Clearly Favors Products of Animal Origin”

September 29, 2023

Swedish oat specialist Oatly offers a wide portfolio of plant-based dairy alternatives, including alternatives to milk, ice cream, yogurt, cooking creams, spreads, and on-the-go drinks. The company has been campaigning for equal treatment of plant-based alternatives and animal products at the political level for some time and, together with various partners, is making concrete demands on politicians. We spoke in an interview with Svenja Fritz, Head of Communication & Public Affairs at Oatly for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. Since 2021, Fritz has been committed to driving change towards a more sustainable food system. She previously held senior positions in the House of Representatives in Berlin, in the Ministry for Integration in Baden-Württemberg, and in the German Bundestag. She previously worked as press spokesperson for …

Organisations and brands:

Oatly

Fairs & Events

Yo Egg to Debut Mini Plant-Based Sunny-Side-Up Eggs at Vkind Experience in LA

September 29, 2023

Vegan platform Vkind announces that the Israeli startup Yo Egg will debut mini plant-based sunny-side-up eggs at its forthcoming multicultural food event, the Vkind Experience (VKX). Yo Egg, also based in Southern California, developed the mini-eggs, especially for VKX. The new product will be featured in a custom dish curated by celebrity chef Chris Tucker for the event’s Asian room. According to Vkind, VKX is a comprehensive plant-based food experience that will immerse participants in a multi-sensory world, offering a tour through eleven themed rooms covering 35,000 square feet at Magic Box in Los Angeles. The event is scheduled for the 11th and 12th of November, 2023. This event follows Vkind’s successful vegan cooking competition show Peeled, sponsored by VFC, the famous UK vegan fried …

Organisations and brands:

Vkind

Harald Suchanka (CEO F&P) - Image courtesy of Handtmann

Company News

Handtmann Celebrates 150 Years of Success with Gala Event

September 29, 2023

Handtmann Group of Companies, a global leader in food processing technology, marked its 150th company anniversary with a grand gala attended by prominent figures from politics, business, and the local community. The celebration, held at Biberach’s Gigelberg, included speeches by distinguished guests and a symbolic transition of leadership. Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann of the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg commended Handtmann’s extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, highlighting its significant contributions to the local and national economy. He states that the company, “with its approximately 4,300 employees and an annual turnover of one billion euros, is an engine of prosperity and an economic factor for both state and country. The noise of the machines in the workshops of Handtmann is the sound of successful transformation.” Thomas Handtmann, in recognition of his …

Organisations and brands:

Handtmann

veg+ Sustainability / Environment

Plant-Based Diets Combat the Obesity and Climate Crises, says top EU scientific advisor

September 29, 2023

Plant-based diets promote human health, combat climate change, and foster a more sustainable food system, highlights Eric Lambin, a member of the European Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors and co-author of Towards Sustainable Food Consumption. In a recent interview published in Horizon magazine, Lambin, a geography and sustainability science professor at UCLouvain, Belgium, discussed the need for a more sustainable and healthy food system. “We are now facing a public health crisis – with widespread overweight, obesity and malnutrition issues — and a global environmental crisis,” he told Horizon. To tackle obesity and climate change, Lambin recommends shifting towards plant-based diets, emphasizing legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, reducing meat consumption, and prioritizing sustainably sourced fish and seafood. He also noted the need to reduce …

Organisations and brands:

Horizon

Ayala Meidan Rimoni. © Redefine Meat

veg+ Interviews

Redefine Meat: “Our New-Meat is a ‘Hero Item’ on Menus, Appealing to Meat Lovers and Vegans”

September 29, 2023

Israel’s Redefine Meat is known for its unique “new-meat” technology, said to be able to replicate any cut of meat in plant-based form. Since the meat alternatives launched commercially in 2021, they have received extensive praise — including from Michelin-star chefs — with the company raising a huge $135 million to expand globally. Redefine Meat has gone on to partner with Europe’s largest meat importer, Giraudi Meats, allowing for an expansion across multiple countries. The brand is now available at numerous restaurants Europe-wide, adding a record 70 new food service customers during this year’s Veganuary campaign alone. In the UK, Redefine Meat has joined forces with gourmet food distributor Classic Fine Foods to make its products available at high-end restaurants across the country. Global Marketing …

Organisations and brands:

Redefine Meat

Fast Food

UK Chain The Beefy Boys Launches Its First Vegan Burger

September 29, 2023

The Beefy Boys, a UK burger chain with locations in Hereford, Cheltenham, and Shrewsbury, has introduced its first vegan option. The Beef Free Boy consists of a mushroom-based patty in a bun with lettuce, onion, gherkin, vegan dirty mayo, and vegan cheese. The launch comes in response to growing customer demand for plant-based options; while the chain does already offer three meatless burgers, they all contain dairy cheese. The burger has now rolled out at all three Beefy Boys locations after a successful trial in Hereford in July. Launched in 2011, The Beefy Boys is said to have a cult following and won two categories at this year’s National Burger Awards. The chain prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and authentic cooking methods. “Our …

Organisations and brands:

The Beefy Boys

Market & Trends

Vegetarianos Hoy Celebrates Milestone of 2,000 Certified Vegan Products in LATAM

September 29, 2023September 28, 2023

Vegan products certified by the NGO Vegetarianos Hoy have reached historic figures, highlighting the growth of the vegan movement in Latin America. According to the organization, over 2000 products from have been registered with the V-Label and the Vegan Seal across seven LATAM countries. The Santiago de Chile-based foundation announced the positive news within the framework of the region’s most important fairs of the F&B sector: the Food Tech in Mexico and Espacio Food & Service in Chile. “The Foundation has registered sustained growth over the past 5 years in its vegan certification program and we are pleased today to announce this new milestone of more than 2,000 certified products in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Panama, and Costa Rica,” announced Ignacia Uribe, GD and …

Organisations and brands:

Vegetarianos Hoy

©Novel Farms

Investments & Finance

Novel Farms Receives $999,967 NSF Grant to Elevate Cultivated Meat Production

September 28, 2023

Novel Farms, Inc., a Berkeley-based food technology startup, has secured a significant Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Valued at $999,967 over two years, this grant recognizes Novel Farms’ contributions to the cultivated meat production field, particularly its proprietary scaffolding platform. The platform employs microbial fermentation and tissue engineering techniques and aims to revolutionize cultivated meat production by slashing production costs. Novel Farms claims its technology enables it to produce the marbling and texture of real muscle cuts combined with the ability to scale more efficiently than other cultivated meats due to its highly customizable scaffolds. Dr. Nieves Martinez Marshall, CEO of Novel Farms, commented, “We are proud to be rooted in fundamental research and are grateful …

Organisations and brands:

novel farms

New research by MycoTechnology shows that many mainstream consumers purchase plant-based protein powders.

Fungi, Mushrooms & Mycelium

MycoTechnology Research: Widespread Adoption of Plant-Based Protein Powder Among Non-Vegan Consumers

September 28, 2023

New research commissioned by MycoTechnology, a company specializing in mycelial fermentation to make protein powders, shows that a significant number of mainstream consumers, not only vegans and athletes, purchase plant-based protein powder. According to the research conducted by Brightfield Group in Q1 2023, out of 725 users of plant protein powder, only 17% identified as vegans. Meanwhile, the survey found that 46% of participants identified as athletes, although 77% claimed to engage in physical activity at least three times per week. With about a third of the plant-based protein powder consumers identifying as ‘early adopters’ and ‘early majority’ shoppers, the data suggests that using plant protein powder is becoming popular among the general population rather than just a niche market, says the company. Jonas Feliciano, Marketing Director at …

Organisations and brands:

MycoTechnology

Fast Food

Taco Bell Announces Nationwide Launch of Vegan Nacho Sauce in the United States

September 28, 2023

Taco Bell is reintroducing its popular Nacho Fries, but this time with a plant-based twist. The fast-food chain is launching the dish with Vegan Nacho Sauce, marking its first national release of a vegan limited-time offering. On October 12th, the Nacho Fries with Vegan Nacho Sauce will be available at participating Taco Bell locations across the entire United States as part of the chain’s aim to expand its appeal to customers with various dietary preferences. In 2022, vegetarian options accounted for 23% of Taco Bell’s product sales, prompting trials of a Vegan Crunchwrap at select US locations in June 2023, which also featured Vegan Nacho Cheese. After receiving positive feedback, the company began working on ways to offer the sauce on a broader scale. Liz …

Organisations and brands:

Taco Bell

Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Novozymes Launches New Clean-Label Biosolution for “Perfect Textures” in Plant-Based Meat

September 28, 2023

Novozymes (NASDAQ OMX: NZYM-B), one of the world’s largest providers of microbial technologies and enzymes, has launched Vertera®ProBite, a new clean-label product that the company claims delivers “perfect textures” in plant-based meat. The Danish company says that its new biosolution addresses consumers’ concerns about the texture and long ingredient lists of alt meat, ultimately encouraging more people to choose sustainable food options. A study conducted by the company shows that 95% of consumers think plant-based meat should improve. According to the 2023 Unmet Needs Discovery Survey by the Plant-Based Food Association, texture is the number one factor dissuading consumers from adopting plant-based alternatives. “Now’s the time to raise the (burger) bar and find perfect textures that consumers will love inside plants,” states Novozymes. Unlocking the potential …

Organisations and brands:

novozymes

Studies & Numbers

32.2% of Australians Have Reduced Their Meat Consumption in the Past 12 Months

September 28, 2023

A study by Australia’s Griffith University has found that 32.2% of respondents have reduced their meat consumption over the past year. Health was the most commonly cited reason, amid rising concerns about the link between animal products and chronic disease. This was followed by environmental and animal welfare issues. However, a small percentage of respondents (3.3%) had actually increased their meat consumption. Most participants who had cut down on meat said they aimed to follow a plant-forward diet, but a minority (14.3%) said they were just trying new products and did not necessarily plan on a long-term diet change. Overall, findings indicated widespread interest in and openness to plant-based foods. Some respondents reported barriers to eating a plant-based diet, such as other household members not …

Organisations and brands:

Griffith University

Tuna steaks made from upcycled algae by Poseidona

Poseidona - Image courtesy of Eatable Adventures

Startups, Accelerators & Incubators

Spain Foodtech Startups Program Reveals 2023 Cohort of Agrifood Pioneers

September 28, 2023

Spain Foodtech Startups Program announces its 2023 cohort, with four Spanish startups leading the new agrifood revolution with innovative technologies, natural alternatives, and upcycled proteins. Backed by an impressive investment of €10 million, this program aims to support the selected startups over the next three years to make them capable of competing globally. Spain Foodtech, a collaboration between Eatable Adventures, ICEX Spain Export and Investments, and CNTA, seeks to position Spain as a technological leader. According to the data from an Eatable Adventures study, the food tech investment in Spain reached €268 million in 2022, marking a growth of 9.3% compared to the previous year. Four pioneers From over 120 applications, Spain Foodtech selected the following startups: Bio2coat: Develops natural coatings that extend the shelf life …

Organisations and brands:

Eatable Adventures

Spain Foodtech Startups' Program

Fairs & Events

Top Highlights From the European Vegan Summit 2023

September 28, 2023

The European Vegan Summit took place online from September 19 to 23, hosted by the Polish vegan think tank Green REV Institute. Politicians, activists, and industry experts came together to explore how reforming the food system could mitigate the challenges of climate change, food poverty, animal suffering, biodiversity loss, and more. Highlights from this year’s event included a focus on: Food system transition — Speakers discussed sustainable agriculture, the environmental impact of various food choices, and policy proposals and strategies that could reform the European food system. “The EU is still a leader in climate action, but it doesn’t do enough (…) there will be a lot of conservatism until the end of the mandate,” said MEP Francisco Guereirro. Effective and inclusive activism — Activists …

Organisations and brands:

European Vegan Summit (EVS)

Celebrities

Wiz Khalifa’s MISTERCAP’S Introduces At-Home Mushroom Growing Kits

September 27, 2023

Wiz Khalifa, the multi-platinum-selling American recording artist, ventures into the wellness industry with the launch of MISTERCAP’S, a brand making specialty organic mushrooms more accessible through its at-home mushroom growing kits. MISTERCAP’S initial product lineup features three organic options: the Oyster Grow Kit, Shiitake Grow Kit, and Lion’s Mane Grow Kit. Khalifa expressed, “People love growing their own food. People know so little about mushrooms, so my goal with MISTERCAP’S is to showcase its positive benefits and bring them to a wider audience.” The company highlights that not only do the kits yield flavorful mushrooms, but they also offer distinct functional and nutritional advantages associated with these strains, potentially enhancing energy levels, boosting cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system. The global mushroom market …

UK-born charity Veganuary has opened its eighth country chapter in Spain.

Charity & Campaigns

Veganuary Opens Office in Spain to Continue the Campaign’s Global Expansion, Vegan Actor Dani Rovira Becomes Supporter

September 27, 2023

UK-born charity Veganuary, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, announces it has opened its eighth country chapter in Spain. Moreover, the Spanish actor Dani Rovira recently joined Veganuary as a supporter to spread the message and importance of veganism. With the climate crisis making headlines almost daily, the organization says it is intensifying its efforts to promote planet-friendly vegan diets worldwide. Besides the new office in Spain, the charity has chapters in seven countries: the UK, USA, Germany, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and India. In addition, it has partner organizations in Mexico, Italy, France, Switzerland, South Africa, Australia, and Singapore to run official campaigns and make veganism mainstream. Amanda Romero, the new director for Veganuary Spain, shares that more than five million people, representing 13% of the …

Organisations and brands:

Veganuary

Products & Launches

Xampla Launches Morro Brand for Vegan and Biodegradable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics

September 27, 2023September 27, 2023

Xampla, a natural material company based in the UK, has launched a new brand, Morro, to commercialize its highly innovative, vegan, and eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. The company, a University of Cambridge spin-off, has developed a technology that uses plant proteins or sustainable feedstocks to create a material that behaves like plastic, providing protection and extending the shelf-life of ingredients and products. However, since Xampla’s natural material is not chemically modified, it “does things that plastic never could,” such as being soluble, edible, cookable, and completely biodegradable in any environment, including home compost, explains the company. “Our technology is a world-first, capable of replacing the most polluting plastics at scale and delivering performance parity,” says Xampla. Switching away from single-use plastics Morro’s portfolio includes …

Organisations and brands:

Morro

Xampla

Food Service

These Ten Pubs in the UK Are 100% Vegan and We 100% Approve

September 27, 2023September 27, 2023

Pubs are a cornerstone of British culture, but they typically feature meat-heavy menus and drinks that contain ingredients of animal origin. However, this is beginning to change, with a growing number of British pubs keeping the traditional experience while beginning to offer vegan options as consumer demand continues to grow. And there are (at least) ten locations across the UK that are now fully vegan including food and drinks too. Harp & Crown Located near Corsham in Wiltshire, the Harp & Crown offers a range of homemade and seasonal vegan food, along with a selection of vegan ales, wines, and ciders. The menu features dishes such as curried jackfruit, seitan wings, and mushroom and lentil lasagne. Accommodation is also available. The Queen Inn This traditional …

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