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Vegan Dog Food Brand Omni Launches at Europe’s Largest Pet Food Retailer Fressnapf

December 8, 2023

Omni, a leader in the UK plant-based pet food scene, this week announces its collaboration with Fressnapf, a leading German pet retailer and one of the largest globally. Boasting over 1400 stores and with a workforce of approximately 8000 employees across 12 European countries, Fressnapf states it is the largest pet product retailer in Europe. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Omni, as its innovative dog food products, made from plant, yeast, and algae proteins, will now be accessible to Fressnapf’s extensive online customer base. This represents a significant endorsement and a leap into mainstream recognition for Omni’s commitment to health-first and sustainable practices, a notable achievement for the British brand. The range of products to be featured on Fressnapf includes Omni’s specialized dry …

Organisations and brands:

Omni

Algae, Microalgae & Seaweed

VivoMega’s New Omega-3 Supplements from Microalgae Gain V-Label Certification

December 8, 2023

GC Rieber VivoMega, a Norwegian manufacturer of fish oils, has expanded into the algae oil market with a new line of vegan DHA Omega-3 concentrates derived from marine microalgae. Today, the company announces that it has received the International V-Label certification for its new vegan products. Established in Switzerland in 1996, the V-Label certification has set a precise definition and criteria to classify products as vegan or vegetarian to ensure the quality and the origin of ingredients while allowing consumers to identify products quickly. “This certification further helps validate our efforts to provide a superior product with exceptional purity parameters and optimal sensory profiles. We launched our vegan DHA omega-3 at Expo West this year and received great customer feedback and engagement,” said Ståle Søfting, Sales and Marketing …

Organisations and brands:

GC Rieber VivoMega

Darko Mandich ©Melibio

veg+ Opinion

Op Ed: Darko Mandich, CEO of MeliBio, Discusses the Dark Side of the Honey Industry

December 8, 2023

Darko Mandich, as many of our readers will know, is the CEO of MeliBio, the Californian pioneer of bee-free honey. Founded in 2020, MeliBio replaces honeybees with microorganisms to create an award-winning B2B solution for restaurants and food companies looking to offer a more ethical and sustainable alternative to honey made by bees. We reached out to Darko following some recent anti-vegan publicity in the mainstream media and after seeing some negative comments on LinkedIn. We felt MeliBio should have the chance to express its (and the bees’) side of the story. Here is what Darko had to say. Unveiling the Dark Side of Honey: Pollinator Gentrification Threatens Biodiversity By Darko Mandich, CEO of MeliBio In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the honey industry …

Organisations and brands:

melibio

Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Nature’s Fynd Launches “World’s First” Fungi-Based Yogurt at Whole Foods

December 8, 2023

Chicago-based food company Nature’s Fynd has developed what it claims is the world’s first fungi-based yogurt. The dairy-free product, which is described as “delightfully thick and creamy”, is made from the company’s nutritional and sustainable Fy protein. Packaged in single-serving containers, the yogurt is available in three flavors — strawberry, peach, and vanilla. It contains 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and live active cultures, while also being free of allergens such as nuts, soy, and gluten. All three flavors are now available at Whole Foods stores US-wide. Fy protein is produced through the fermentation of a type of fungi that originates in Yellowstone National Park; the process uses just a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. The new yogurts are …

Organisations and brands:

Nature's Fynd

Recipe box provider Gousto plant-based meals

Facts & Figures

Recipe Box Provider Gousto Sees Meatless Meal Sales Double Within Four Years

December 8, 2023

UK-based recipe box provider Gousto has released its 2024 Food Trends report, which reveals that the company’s sales of meatless meals have doubled in the past four years. Additionally, Gousto told Wales Online that 23% of meal orders were plant-based in 2023, with this figure even higher in some areas. The highest proportion of plant-based meals was ordered in the following towns and cities: London – 32.5% Harrow – 31% Brighton – 30% Bristol – 28.2% Cambridge – 27.3% Edinburgh – 26.8% Watford – 26.3% Oxford – 26.3% Truro – 26.1% Southall – 25.9%. “Flexitarianism and the rise of plant-based meals have been some of the most important food trends of 2023,” says the Food Trends report. Plant-based meal kits Recipe kits rose in popularity …

Organisations and brands:

Gousto

©GTFO It's Vegan

Market & Trends

Global Vegan Sashimi Market to Be Worth $218.8M by 2033

December 8, 2023

According to a new report by Future Market Insights, the global vegan sashimi market will be worth $218.8 million by 2033, growing with a CAGR of 8.5% over this period. As consumers become increasingly concerned about the environment, animal welfare, and health, demand for plant-based seafood products is growing rapidly. At the same time, interest in Japanese dishes such as sushi and sashimi is also increasing. These factors will lead to a rise in demand for vegan sashimi. Over the forecast period, government initiatives supporting the development of plant-based foods are expected to help the industry expand, while new technologies will make it possible to produce better quality, more realistic products. Expanding economies in Asian countries, the increasing trend towards fusion cuisine, and rising demand …

Organisations and brands:

Future Market Insights

Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Cultzyme Builds Intelligent Bioreactors to Unlock the Potential of Biomanufacturing

December 8, 2023December 8, 2023

Cultzyme is a Spanish bioprocessing solutions company founded last year to help biotech companies accelerate the development of cell-based foods, novel therapies, and materials. The company builds multipurpose bioreactors with an intelligent system that is said to streamline bioprocessing using the latest digital technology. Branded as Bioreactor Intelligent Operative Nanotechnology (BION), the advanced system integrates the latest hardware, AI, and cloud computing to control the biomanufacturing process and achieve consistent outcomes more efficiently and at lower costs. BION delivers scalable methods, real-time monitoring, advanced sensors, and automated control to optimize production processes. Additionally, the system provides precise control and data analytics to improve efficiency. The digital system also features innovative applications for precise temperature and maceration control and measurement to understand the internal evolution of the product, avoiding …

Organisations and brands:

Cultzyme

Marketing & Media

Impossible Foods CEO Outlines Crucial Shifts Needed for Survival of Plant-Based Industry

December 7, 2023

The plant-based industry is standing at a pivotal crossroads. While long-term growth predictions do appear to be promising and meat consumption is declining in developed countries such as the UK, the US, Australia, and certain European markets, current challenges such as decreasing sales and an increasingly competitive marketplace create substantial setbacks for plant-based companies. The plant-based sector’s current predicament stems from several factors, including potential marketing missteps, consumer misinformation, and intense competition from traditional animal agriculture. Peter McGuinness, CEO of Impossible Foods, spoke to this at the recent Adweek X conference in Los Angeles, citing a much-needed industry-wide transformation that emphasizes collaboration to overcome these challenges. At the conference, McGuinness pointed out the detrimental effect of early “wokeness” and foodtech positioning in plant-based meat marketing, which he …

Organisations and brands:

Impossible Foods

Crafty Counter has joined forces with chickpea specialist Fabalish to introduce deviled eggs with a vegan twist.

Egg Alternatives

Crafty Counter and Fabalish Partner for Holiday Launch of “First-Ever” Ready-to-Eat Vegan Deviled Eggs

December 7, 2023December 7, 2023

US plant-based hard-boiled egg pioneer Crafty Counter has joined forces with chickpea specialist Fabalish to introduce a vegan version of holiday favorite: Deviled WunderEggs. The new product, described as the first-ever ready-to-eat vegan deviled eggs, features Fabalish Classic Vegan Mayo. According to Crafty Counter, it is the perfect rich and creamy ingredient for a plant-based deviled filling. Deviled WunderEggs come in a tray with six hard-boiled egg whites and a pre-made deviled egg filling sachet. Crafty Counter has launched the NPD as a special holiday batch sold direct-to-consumer, which means limited units will be initially available. Experience nostalgia in every bite Based in Austin, Texas, Crafty Counter is a pioneer in the plant-based egg scene. The company claims that WunderEggs are the first ready-to-eat vegan hard-boiled eggs …

Organisations and brands:

crafty counter

Wundereggs

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud of KBW Ventures and Lou Cooperhouse, Founder, President and CEO of BlueNalu © BlueNalu

Company News

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Joins BlueNalu’s Corporate Advisory Board

December 7, 2023

San Diego cellular aquaculture company BlueNalu announced the addition of Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud to its corporate advisory board during COP 28. According to BlueNalu, the Prince’s commitment to sustainable development, food safety and resilience, and the humane treatment of animals aligns with the company’s mission to provide healthy, humane and regenerative seafood to meet the world’s growing demand. Prince Khaled, CEO of KBW Ventures, has invested in BlueNalu’s funding rounds over the past five years, its most recent being a Series B round this October which raised $33.5 million to scale production of cultivated toro (the high-value portion of bluefin tuna) and demonstrate the technological capabilities of its platform to create whole-muscle seafood products. Seafood is a crucial protein source …

Organisations and brands:

BlueNalu

Cheese Alternatives

Daiya to “Revitalize the Category’s Market Potential” with Natural Fermentation Recipe Switch

December 7, 2023

Daiya, a global leader in plant-based dairy, has announced the relaunch of popular plant-based cheese products with new and improved recipe formulations. This introduction follows the company’s significant multi-million dollar investment in a groundbreaking natural fermentation technology earlier this year, which CEO Michael Watt said was “one of the largest investments in next-generation plant-based cheese since we started the company 15 years ago.” The reformulated cheese line, now available across North America, incorporates the Daiya Oat Cream blend, a propriety cultured ingredient that will now be central to Daiya’s offerings. The new formula is being used in products including dairy-free shreds, slices, blocks, and sticks, aiming to replicate the melt and flavor of traditional dairy cheese, meeting consumer expectations for taste and texture. Traditional fermentation …

Organisations and brands:

Daiya

Vegan protein sources- EIT Food calls for innovative policymaking on protein diversification to address the challenges of the food system Challenges

Health

New Study Finds Plant-Based Diets Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

December 7, 2023

The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has published a detailed study on the role of diets in modifying the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The findings show that regimes that include more vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits reduce the chance of developing this terrible neurodegenerative disorder. According to the paper, more plant-based diets, like the Mediterranean and traditional diets in China, Japan, and India, have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, contrary to the Western diet. The researchers also found that AD rates are rising in these countries as they adopt Western-style eating habits. The review, which also investigates which foods reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, outlines the protective foods against AD: green leafy vegetables, colorful fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, omega-3 fatty acids, and …

Organisations and brands:

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease

Sweets & Snacks

CRAVE Launches Birthday Cake-Inspired Vegan Sandwich Cookies

December 7, 2023

UK-based free-from snack brand CRAVE has announced the launch of its new gluten-free and vegan sandwich cookies, Bisco’s. Inspired by birthday cake, each Bisco consists of two golden cookies with a filling of vanilla cream and sprinkles. The new product is CRAVE’s first cookie, and will launch at Sainsbury’s at the end of the month. It follows the supermarket chain’s recent announcement of a new trial where frozen, chilled, and ambient free-from products will be combined in one aisle. Bisco’s will launch at Sainsbury’s on December 31, as the first in a series of new product launches that CRAVE says it is planning for 2024. Legal challenges CRAVE has had a successful year in 2023, but has also faced challenges. In July, the brand revealed …

Organisations and brands:

Crave

Studies & Numbers

Danish Report Outlines Six Ways to Boost Sales of Organic Plant-Based Foods

December 7, 2023

A report by Dansk Vegetarisk Forening (the Vegetarian Society of Denmark) and Fonden for Okologisk Landbrug (The Foundation for Organic Agriculture) has analysed the potential of organic plant-based foods to be sold in grocery stores and food service outlets. The report is based on the results of a four-month field study which included interviewing key stakeholders, observations in supermarkets, and participating in relevant events. Based on the research, the report’s authors have compiled several recommendations targeted at different levels of the supply chain. There are six key takeaways: Taste — External and impartial taste assessors should be used to ensure plant-based foods taste as good as possible, along with a diverse panel of taste judges such as consumers, chefs, and colleagues from other departments. Buyers …

Organisations and brands:

Vegetarian Society of Denmark (DVF)

Meatiply raises funds to expand operations.

Chicken Yakitori prototype © Meatiply

Cultivated Meat

Meatiply Secures Funds to Expand Cell-Based Operations for Meat and Functional Ingredients

December 7, 2023

Meatiply, a Singapore-based cultivated meat startup, has reportedly raised $3.75 million in the first close of a seed funding round co-led by previous investor Wavemaker Partners and AgFunder with participation from Seeds Capital, the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore ( a government agency). According to Benjamin Chua, co-founder and COO of Meatiply, the company is one of the few cultivated meat startups to raise seed funding this year. Despite the challenging conditions in climate investment, a second close is scheduled for Q1 2024. In 2022, the biotech secured $1 million in a pre-seed; with this round, the total raised capital amounts to $4.75 million. Meatiply will commence operations at a new facility next year. With the newly raised capital, it will expand its R&D capabilities and …

Organisations and brands:

Meatiply

Asda vegan turkey - part of the vegan Christmas range

Retail & E-Commerce

One in Three Brits Have to Bring Their Own Food to Christmas Celebrations

December 7, 2023December 6, 2023

Recent data coming from UK supermarket Asda indicates that 29% of Brits are uncertain about preparing a vegan-friendly Christmas dinner, while 75% of vegans often feel compelled to bring their own main dish to festive celebrations. Addressing this issue, Asda has introduced the OMV! Turkey & Trimmings for One, priced at £3.50. This vegan alternative includes a plant-based turkey, cranberry and orange stuffing, vegan sage and onion stuffing balls, and ‘no pigs’ in blankets, aiming to simplify the vegan Christmas dinner experience. Concerning Christmas Day preparations, according to the survey, about 17% of Brits express anxiety over cooking a separate meal, and 19% are unsure about vegan meal options. Additionally, 21% fear their offerings might not meet expectations. In response, 28% of Brits have researched …

Organisations and brands:

ASDA

Image: Scelta / vegconomist

Ingredients

These 3 Companies Are Creating Healthy Fat Alternatives From Mushrooms

December 6, 2023

Today, we look into three companies using mushrooms to create healthy fats for plant-based foods. Interest in mushrooms continues to grow among consumers and manufacturers since these wonders of nature, neither plants nor animals, offer exceptional functionality, encompassing supplements, textiles, meat alternatives, beverages, colorings, and now fats. Some mushrooms have a high lipid content, composed of unsaturated fatty acids, that can be used to replace vegetable and saturated fats. According to Brazilian researchers, edible mushrooms worldwide contain linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acids (some more than others), making them an important essential fatty acid source for a healthy diet. The global mushroom market is expected to reach $115.8 billion by 2030, and mushrooms were named Ingredient of the Year by The New York Times in 2022. 1. Scelta Mushrooms Scelta Mushrooms, …

Organisations and brands:

Mycorena

Scelta Mushrooms

The Mushroom Meat Co.

Company News

PlantBaby Celebrates 3rd Anniversary, Doubling YOY Revenue with $6M in Sales Amid Global Expansion

December 6, 2023

PlantBaby, a producer of plant-based child nutrition products, is celebrating its third anniversary with substantial revenue growth and an upcoming partnership set to expand its reach globally. Launched in 2021, the company claims it has doubled its revenue yearly, reporting an impressive $6 million in the first two years. The company’s flagship product, Kiki Milk, has been a significant contributor to its success. Since its launch in December 2021, the company has been expanding its retail presence in the US, with a recent rollout in nearly 100 Wegman’s Food Markets, along with the addition of new product offerings, and now Kiki Milk is set to make a global impact. A strategic partnership with iHerb will facilitate Kiki Milk’s availability in over 180 countries. Alex Abelin, co-founder …

Organisations and brands:

Kiki Milk

PlantBaby

Politics & Law

Polish Ministry of Agriculture Drafts Decree to Censor Plant-Based Meat Labelling

December 7, 2023December 6, 2023

The Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has proposed a new draft decree which aims to amend existing regulations on food labels, specifically targeting the labelling of vegan meat alternatives, potentially impacting how these products are presented to consumers. The proposed amendment, released yesterday on the Government Legislation Centre’s website, seeks to regulate the use of terms traditionally associated with meat products, such as “ham,” “smoked meat,” and “sausage”. According to the Ministry, the objective is to protect terms customarily used to describe meat products and ensure that the interests of consumers are protected, allowing for more informed choices. This initiative follows requests from eight agricultural organizations, including #HodowcyRazem and the Association of Butchers and Wędliniarzy RP, advocating for legal protection of these terms …

FAO conducted a foresight exercise to explore and evaluate future safety issues of plant-based food products, precision fermentation, and 3D food printing.

Studies & Numbers

Are Plant-Based, Precision Fermentation, and 3D Printed Products Less Safe to Eat than Conventional Foods?

December 6, 2023

A recent meeting for food safety assessment on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS) organized by The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) conducted a foresight exercise to explore and evaluate future safety issues of plant-based, precision fermentation, and 3D printed food products. After the exercise and the evaluation of the current food safety standards, the meeting concluded that, in general, the food safety hazards of these NFPS are similar to those of conventional foods. However, they emphasize that new production and processing technologies can introduce unique conditions within a specific NFPS, requiring careful monitoring and consideration from a food safety standpoint. They also added that it was important always to consider the intended uses of final products when conducting safety assessments on …

Organisations and brands:

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

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