a plate with a steak takes center stage, representing the connection between meat consumption and environmental degradation Generative AI

© catalin-stock.adobe.com
Fairs & Events

Plantega & World Animal Protection Join Forces to Promote Plant-Based Diets at Climate Week NYC 2024

The plant-based deli brand Plantega and the animal welfare organization World Animal Protection US are joining forces at Climate Week NYC 2024 to promote plant-based eating to protect animals and the planet. The collaboration aims to raise awareness about the “devastating” environmental impact of animal agriculture and the link between eating meat, dairy, and eggs and climate change. According to the non-profit, most climate decisions and strategies overlook industrial meat and dairy despite their significant role in GHG emissions and land use. Lindsay Oliver, Executive Director of World Animal Protection US, shares: “The growing accessibility of innovative animal-free proteins signals a culinary and environmental revolution. We’ve partnered with Plantega to prove that plant-based eating is not just easy and delicious — it’s the ultimate way …

more

The Italian beef trader Gruppo Tonazzo, a family business for five generations, announced it would discontinue its meat business at the end of this year.

© Tonazzo Group
Company News

Gruppo Tonazzo Shuts Down Meat Business to Focus on Plant Proteins: “We Feel a Deep Responsibility to Future Generations”

The Italian beef trader Gruppo Tonazzo, a family business for five generations, announced it would discontinue its meat business at the end of this year. The company said it would focus solely on plant proteins and expand its plant-based brand, Kioene, which was introduced almost 40 years ago and, today, is among the market’s leaders, offering over 100 products. As reported by local media, the company’s meat facilities in Villanova di Camposampiero will specialize in producing high-quality vegetable and legume-based foods. Employees involved in the meat division can transition to roles within the plant-based business, ensuring job continuity. A long-term vision According to Tonazzo’s leadership, the strategic decision reflects a long-term vision to address the environmental impact of meat and promote healthy diets for future …

more

Organisations and brands:

Jasmine Uchi, PharmD

Supplied by Jasmine Uchi
Opinion

Op Ed: Jasmine Uchi of VeganMed – Hidden Animal Ingredients in Medicine Put Patients at Risk

Dr. Jasmine Uchi, is the Director of Medical Affairs and Operations at VeganMed, Inc. and an adjunct professor at the University of the Pacific’s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. Often referred to as the “alpha-gal pharmacist,” Dr. Uchi is recognized for her expertise in addressing Alpha-gal Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy. She has made significant contributions to patient safety and health equity through her published research, which has gained attention across multiple media platforms. Additionally, Dr. Uchi is a registered pharmacist and a TEDx speaker, passionately advocating for ingredient transparency in medicine to promote safer and more inclusive healthcare practices.  In this article, she discusses the critical need for transparency regarding animal-derived ingredients in medications. The Hidden Ingredients in Our Medications: Why Pharma Must …

more

Christophe Chantre Tender Food

Christophe Chantre © Tender Food
veg+ Interviews

Tender Food: “We Need Technology Breakthroughs to Rekindle Growth of the Alternative Meat Industry”

Tender Food is a Boston-based company specializing in plant-based meats, aiming to replicate the texture and taste of whole cuts like chicken breast, pulled pork, and steak. The company’s proprietary technology uses plant proteins to mimic the muscle fibers found in animal meats, providing a more realistic texture and satisfying eating experience compare to other plant-based options. Founded by a team of scientists and entrepreneurs, Tender Food seeks to differentiate itself in the alternative protein market by targeting whole cuts rather than processed products. Christophe Chantre is the co-founder and CEO of Tender Food. In this interview, he discusses the company’s mission to create whole-cut plant-based meats using fiber-spinning technology developed at Harvard. He also explains the company’s focus on scaling production, the role of …

more

Organisations and brands:

Agriculture / Agribusiness

Webtalk Recording: Anthropogenic Agriculture – Regenerative Revolution?!

The recording of the webtalk “Anthropogenic Agriculture – Regenerative Revolution?!” offers insights into the intersection of human-influenced farming practices and the potential for a shift towards regenerative agricultural systems. The discussion featured a panel of experts, including Tobias Menne, Vice President of Global Sales at constellr; Ivo Degn, Co-Founder of Climate Farmers; Dr. Philipp Wree, Department Lead at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft; and Nadine Filko, who served as moderator. The experts came together to explore how regenerative agriculture, focusing on restoring soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance, can serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. Key topics included the compatibility of a plant-based food system with regenerative agriculture, opportunities and risks of modern farming techniques, and the effects of climate change on agriculture. These discussions underscored the …

more

Organisations and brands:

UGG launches vegan boots in collaboration with Collina Strada

© UGG
Shoes

First Ever Vegan UGG Boots Launch in Collaboration With Collina Strada

UGG, the Californian brand widely known for its sheepskin boots, has launched the first ever vegan versions of the shoes in collaboration with New York fashion label Collina Strada. The boots are available in a variety of styles and colors, in line with Collina Strada’s reputation for bold, contemporary designs. They include everything from tall ruffle boots to mini platform boots, and are suitable for all genders. The range is made from eco-friendly materials such as sugarcane, TENCEL, and recycled polyester microfiber. While UGG is not specifically marketing the boots as vegan, they have been confirmed to be free of animal-derived materials. UGG joins a range of shoe brands that have launched vegan products in recent years, including Adidas, Allbirds, and Puma. Last year, it …

more

Organisations and brands:

© Future Food Systems
Fairs & Events

Independent Forums Presents Future Food Systems Chicago: Igniting Innovation

Independent Forums presents Future Food Systems Chicago: Igniting Innovation, taking place at The Merchandise Mart on 24 October 2024, and featuring speakers from Mondelēz International, Beam Suntory, The Cheesecake Factory, Kerry, PURIS Holdings, Fall Line Capital, AQUA Cultured Foods, and more. Independent Forums is proud to host the next edition of Future Food Systems in Chicago, Illinois. The event series, now in its third year, brings together stakeholders from the food and beverage sector to address how the industry can harness innovation, technology, and collaboration to improve the current food system. “We’re excited to bring together a diverse group of changemakers” “Chicago is positioning itself as a global leader in food innovation and manufacturing, and we’re excited to bring together a diverse group of changemakers …

more

Organisations and brands:

Flora Food Group

© Flora Food Group
Company News

Upfield Rebrands to Flora Food Group as Part of “Large-Scale Transformation”

Major plant-based food company Upfield Group B.V. has announced that it is changing its name to Flora Food Group B.V., in a move described as “a substantial step in the company’s evolution”. Flora Food Group says the new name reflects its mission to provide products that are more affordable and sustainable than their dairy equivalents. The company is working to capitalize on four megatrends — population growth, demand for dairy alternative solutions, animal welfare concerns, and environmental regulations. To address these trends, Flora Food Group aims to provide “delicious, natural, and nutritious” dairy alternatives across four categories — butter and spreads, creams, liquids, and cheese. The new name will come into effect immediately at the Dutch corporate level, and will be phased in across global …

more

Organisations and brands:

Swedish plant-based food company Havredals announces the launch of its plant-based meat range in the New York Metro area, following its debut in Virginia this February.

Havredals' fava chicken patty - Image courtesy of Havredals

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Havredals’ Fava Bean Meat Range Rolls Out in New York Metro Area in Response to High Demand

Swedish plant-based food company Havredals announces the launch of its fava-bean meat range in the New York Metro area, following its debut in Virginia this February. Despite the decline of plant-based meat sales in the USA, Havredals says it has been experiencing strong demand for its great-tasting and affordable beef and chicken offerings crafted with fava beans, peas, and oats from regenerative farming, which, moreover, are soy, gluten, and GMO-free. Listed with Performance Food Group (PFG), the company’s distribution partner in the country, Havredals’ range is now available for food service customers across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, marking a substantial expansion in the Northeast. The Swedish company states, “This expansion highlights Havredals’ mission to drive positive change in the food industry, contributing …

more

Organisations and brands:

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is inviting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on novel food products to receive advice on the requirements for applications to obtain authorization to market their innovations in the EU market.
Politics & Law

EFSA’s Call for Pre-Submission Advice for SMEs on Novel Food Applications Ends Soon

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is inviting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on novel food products to receive advice on the requirements for applications to obtain authorization to market their innovations in the EU market. As stated by EFSA, the initiative aims to support SMEs with no or limited experience by providing general pre-submission advice (GPSA) at two stages of their novel food development and application process: At the very early stage of developing the novel food, even before starting the studies that will be included in the application. At the latest stages of the application’s preparation, when most of the information that will be included in the application is already available to the SME. Selected SMEs will receive valuable advice from EFSA, from …

more

Organisations and brands:

plant-based business hour
Plantbased Business Hour

Is 2025 the Year for Financing Food Fast? Ambassador Ertharin Cousin Weighs In

Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture and Executive Director of The Food Systems for the Future, Ertharin Cousin, joins CEO of VegTech Invest, Elysabeth Alfano, on The Plantbased Business Hour to discuss the pivotal year of 2025 for food and other systems shifts. Specifically, they discuss: What is the Food Systems for the Future Institute? Given your long tenure as the Ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture and as Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme, how have you seen the landscape around global nutrition and food insecurity change? At COP28, the World Bank declared that Food Tech is Climate Tech. There is a growing understanding of the overlap of food systems and energy use, and food’s impact on …

more

Organisations and brands:

MeliBio honey close up

© MeliBio

Company News

MeliBio Secures Patent for Plant-Based Honey in Germany, Bee-Free Products to Reach More EU Consumers

San Francisco-based MeliBio announces it has secured a utility model registration for its “Plant-Based Honey Composition” from the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). The registration protects the company’s novel method of replicating honey’s complexity using only plant-based ingredients, reinforcing “MeliBio’s pioneering role in advancing alternative honey production technologies that challenge the status quo of the traditional honey industry,” the startup said in the announcement. The company explains that ‘utility models’ in Germany offer quicker registration and immediate protection than conventional patents, ensuring MeliBio’s technology is safeguarded as it innovates. MeliBio states, “The registration is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the MeliBio team, empowering the company to explore further collaborations, expand product offerings, and increase its impact on the food tech …

more

Organisations and brands:

Plant Based World Expo

© Plant Based World Expo
Fairs & Events

Plant Based World Expo North America Sees Record Attendance From Buyers

Plant Based World Expo North America took place for the fifth time on September 11-12 at the Javits Center in New York City. This year’s event saw a record-breaking number of buyers in attendance, representing sectors such as food service, retail, hospitality, and distribution. Of the thousands of visitors at the show, two-thirds had direct purchasing power. Other key industry players also attended, such as senior executives from major companies, product developers, academic researchers, and government officials. An expanded Hosted Buyer Matchmaking Program helped buyers and exhibitors make business connections. The expo saw international participation, featuring exhibitors and products from countries such as Mexico, the UK, Italy, and Brazil. Key industry trends were revealed, including the growing shift towards whole food-based products. There was also …

more

Organisations and brands:

Raisio Food Solutions' plant-based ready-to-use sauce with noodles on a white plate

© Raisio
Food & Beverage

Raisio Unveils New Plant-Based Offerings at SIAL 2024

Raisio, a Finnish food company with over eight decades of experience in health-focused, responsibly produced food, is set to showcase its latest plant-based innovations at SIAL 2024. Specializing in gluten-free oats and plant proteins, Raisio has earned a reputation in the oat industry and plant-based food sector as a provider of plant-based food solutions. Raisio launches shelf-stable plant-based Sauces for HoReCa At SIAL, Raisio will highlight its new Beanit® ready-to-use plant-based sauces, developed specifically for the B2B and HoReCa sectors. These sauces, made from fava beans and peas, offer a convenient solution for professional kitchens, as they are shelf-stable and can be used or heated with minimal preparation. The new products combine rich plant-based protein with flavorful sauces, designed to meet the growing demand for …

more

Organisations and brands:

Cathedral City plant-based smokey cheddar

© Cathedral City
Cheese Alternatives

Cathedral City Launches Plant-Based Smokey Cheddar

UK cheese brand Cathedral City has expanded its dairy-free range with the launch of a plant-based alternative to smokey cheddar. The launch follows the introduction of the dairy version of the cheese in 2023. Cathedral City says it aims to “bring on-trend flavours to all consumers whether they consume dairy or are dairy-free”; figures reportedly indicate that smokey is the leading flavour within the plant-based market.1 The company claims that the product is the first smokey cheese alternative in the UK to be flavoured with natural methods. The taste is created using water infused with natural woodchip smoke. According to Cathedral City, the plant-based cheese melts well and is ideal as a burger topping. It is also said to have a similar taste and texture …

more

Organisations and brands:

vitrolabs_leather

© VitroLabs
Leather Alternatives

Vegan Bio-Based Leathers to Grow by 37.4% Annually Over the Next Decade

The push for sustainable alternatives to animal and plastic leathers has led to a burgeoning market of vegan bio-based leathers. According to a 10-year market forecast by IDTechEx, the vegan bio-based leather industry production capacity will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.4% from 2024 to 2034. Leather is a sought-after material for its durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. However, the report points out that according to UN estimates, animal leather production exceeds 20 billion square feet annually, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Additionally, the tanning process of leather production releases hazardous chemicals and gases, including lead, chromium, arsenic, and carcinogenic arylamine. Meanwhile, vegan leather made from plastics, a common alternative due to its low cost, has environmental issues, including …

more

© Rival Foods
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Rival Foods to Showcase Its Newest Plant-Based Innovation at SIAL Paris

Rival Foods, a Dutch start-up known for its innovative shear cell technology, is set to introduce a new line of plant-based meat products at this year’s SIAL trade fair in Paris. Following the success of its plant-based ‘chicken’ range, which includes whole-cut filets, blocks, and pulled varieties, the company is expanding its offerings with a new range of ‘meat’ products. Made from just six natural ingredients, including soy and wheat protein, the new meat pieces offer a high-protein, low-fat, and low-salt alternative, designed to replicate the texture and versatility of traditional meat. Rival Foods aims to cater to both the foodservice industry and home cooking, providing an option that fits seamlessly into a wide range of dishes without compromising on taste or nutrition. “These meat …

more

Organisations and brands:

Fairs & Events

Session 5 of the ‘update’ Webtalk Series: Mastering Food Production: Next Generation AltMeat Processing

The new international business webtalk series ‘update’ discusses the most pressing issues of the ongoing protein transition. Based on the latest news, data, and facts, the future of the industry will be put forward and discussed with key market players in this series of talks. Mastering Food Production: Next Generation Alt Meat Processing October 17th, 10:30 AM CT (CHICAGO) | 5:30 PM CEST (BERLIN) | 4:30 PM BST (LONDON) >> Register now! While the traditional market is looking for options to reorganise processes and create new products, well-known industry masters and new visionaries are working on the processing of the future. We take a look behind the scenes at the handling of new machines and methods for producing innovative products. What does the future hold for machinery innovation, …

more

Organisations and brands:

Apple waste for upcycled leather

© Beyond Leather Materials
Leather Alternatives

Leap by Beyond Leather Materials Earns USDA Biobased Certification with 91% of Apple Waste Content

Denmark’s Beyond Leather Materials announces that its alternative to leather Leap has earned the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label, showcasing its 91% biobased content. Made from apple waste from European juice and cider production, Leap is an environmentally friendly, next-gen material that is said to deliver a leather-like performance, feel, and touch for use in small leather goods, furniture, home decor, and soon, automotive. As a 100% animal-free material, Leap has also recently earned the Vegan Trademark certified by The Vegan Society. Mikael Eydt, co-founder and CEO of Beyond Leather, shares, “Earning the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label for Leap® with 91% biobased content is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved when we …

more

Organisations and brands:

© Blue Tribe
Products & Launches

India’s Blue Tribe Launches “Rich, Aromatic” Plant-Based Chicken Momos

Indian meat alternatives brand Blue Tribe has expanded its range with the launch of a new product, plant-based chicken momos. Momos are a type of steamed filled dumpling originating from Tibetan and Nepali cuisine, often sold as street food in India. Blue Tribe’s product contains soy and pea proteins to mimic the texture of chicken, combined with vegetables and traditional Darjeeling herbs and spices. The momos can be prepared in just minutes, either by steaming, frying, or microwaving. They are lower in saturated fat than traditional momos and free of cholesterol. According to Blue Tribe, the product can be eaten as a snack, appetizer, or component of a larger meal, and can be paired with various sauces and sides. Additionally, the momos can be added …

more

Organisations and brands:

load more

Most Read in the Last 30 Days

The field of vegan news has grown enormously in recent years, making it increasingly important for decision-makers to keep track of the dynamic scene. While the mass of vegan news certainly does not determine its quality, the increasing coverage of vegan issues in mainstream media highlights the lasting impact that veganism has on our society and the future of the food industry.

more

The relevance of vegan news is especially evident in google data, as vegan google searches increased by 47% in 2020, reaching a popularity almost twice as high as in 2015.

While the overall vegan newsfeed is steadily expanding in response to the growing interest, several sub-reporting media have been formed to cover different issues connected to a vegan lifestyle. Most importantly, vegan food sites, recipe sites, and vegan business sites are shaping the vegan news landscape, with the latter underlining the immense economic potential of the vegan industry.

Vegan News About Food

For publishing, perhaps more than any other industry, it is necessary to capture and reflect social change, with the press ramping up coverage of plant-based issues in response to the rising success of vegan lifestyles. Vegan news mostly focus on the positive effects of a vegan diet, addressing human health, animal welfare and the planet. Therefore, vegan food news is one of the strongest sectors in vegan reporting.

vegan news about food
©insta_photos-stock.adobe.com

Because concerns about the health-ramifications of a meat-rich diet are rising sharply, vegan food news is a crucial news branch in which plant-based foods and recipes are discussed. In particular, vegan food news channels carry the message that there are a lot of vegan food options on the market, saving animals’ lives.

If plant-based products as a whole were seen as a brand, it is safe to say that the brand awareness of plant-based products is increasing year by year. In 2021, more vegan alternatives were launching than ever before, opening a giant market supported by the passion for a healthy vegan diet.

However, the key players in the search for a vegan turnaround are the stakeholders within the industry, including established companies and startups that are gradually expanding their plant-based portfolio. At this pivotal point, the need for another vegan news category has formed, the vegan business news.

Vegan Business News

Vegconomist is an online magazine that specializes in vegan business news and is geared towards a B2B audience. Created by Peter Link in 2018, vegconomist shares news from all over the business world, including vegan hotspots like the UK, Germany, and the United States, but also Asian countries and the African continent.

Vegconomist is now available in four languages, with each site having a different focus based on the language region. While the English-language page is internationally oriented, the German, French and Spanish pages each have a regional focus.

global vegan news
© everythingpossible - stock.adobe.com

Furthermore, vegconomist provides a newsletter that decision-makers and anyone looking to know more about vegan brands, new products in the growing plant-based meat and dairy market, as well as investments and market trends, can sign up for to receive emails containing the latest vegan business news.

If you don't want to miss out on any vegan business news, you can sign up for the vegconomist newsletter here.