SunOpta dream oat milk

© SunOpta
Company News

SunOpta Shares Jump Over 4% as Dream Oatmilk Barista Lands in 6,700 Locations of Certain Well-Known Chain

SunOpta Inc. has announced that it will expand the distribution of its Dream Oatmilk Barista product to an additional 6,700 locations across North America starting in January 2025. The expansion is part of a partnership with an unnamed large coffee chain. While SunOpta has not officially disclosed the partner, investment firm DA Davidson has suggested that Starbucks is likely the partner, according to a report by TipRanks. Following the announcement, SunOpta’s stock saw a 4.4% increase, rising to CAD 8.62 ($6.32 USD) at the time of writing, according to MarketWatch. The increase in distribution will take advantage of SunOpta’s existing manufacturing infrastructure, including its oat extraction facility in Modesto, California, and a production site in Midlothian, Texas. Both facilities are expected to support the larger …

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California Cultured cell cultivated chocolate

© California Cultured
Investments & Finance

Chocolate Giant Puratos Makes Strategic Investment in California Cultured’s Cell-Based Cacao

California Cultured, a startup pioneering plant cell culture to produce cacao, has received an undisclosed investment from Sparkalis, the food tech venture arm of the Belgian international group Puratos. The new capital will fund the startup’s scaling operations at an upcoming new facility (currently under construction) to bring a cell-based cocoa powder product to the market. Filip Arnaut, managing director of Sparkalis, commented: “At Sparkalis, we seek out visionary startups like California Cultured that are creating transformative solutions for the food industry. Their innovative approach to cocoa production aligns perfectly with our mission to foster a healthier and more sustainable future for the global food ecosystem. We are thrilled to support their journey in the world of chocolate.” Uniting forces to address commodity challenges The …

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Plant Based Foods Association May Cause

© Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA)
Charity & Campaigns

Largest-Ever Collaboration of Plant-Based Powerhouse Brands Unites in Landmark Campaign to Drive Consumer Awareness

The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) has partnered with advertising agency AKQA Bloom to launch the “May Cause” campaign, a landmark initiative that unites leading plant-based giants such as NotCo, Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat, and many more. This represents the largest-ever cross-category collaboration of plant-based brands, all working to promote the benefits of a plant-based diet, says the PBFA. Launched during New York City’s Climate Week, the campaign represents a pivotal moment for the industry, shifting the focus from competition to collaboration in order to drive wider consumer adoption of plant-based products. CEO Rachel Dreskin enthused about the initiative, “This campaign marks a key moment for our industry. By coming together, for the very first time, as a diverse coalition of brands across 20+ plant-based …

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S2 EP1 Investment Climate Podcast NovaMeat

Investment Climate Podcast

Investments & Finance

Investment Climate Podcast: Giuseppe Scionti of NovaMeat

In this podcast series, Alex Shandrovsky interviews investors about benchmarks for funding alt proteins in 2024 and uncovers the investment playbooks of successful climate tech CEOs and leading VCs. Podcast Host Alex Shandrovksy is a strategic advisor to numerous global food tech accelerators and companies, including alternative proteins and cellular agriculture leaders. His focus is on investor relations and post-raise scale for agrifood tech companies. Series 2 Episode 1: Giuseppe Scionti of NovaMeat In this episode, Alex talks to Giuseppe, CEO and Founder of NovaMeat, a food tech company based in Barcelona that focuses on creating next-generation plant-based meat alternatives (whole cuts, deli cuts, and shredded cuts. Giuseppe emphasizes the importance of long-term relationship-building with investors and the concept of lines versus dots. The key …

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WB Burgers Asia, the Japanese master franchisee of the American burger chain Wayback Burgers, has opened a new multi-brand, plant-based restaurant called "Next Restaurant" in Omotesando, Tokyo.

© WB Burgers Asia
Food Service

New Vegan Restaurant by Wayback Burgers Asia Launches in Tokyo with Diverse Menu and Expansion Plans

WB Burgers Asia, the Japanese master franchisee of the American burger chain Wayback Burgers, has opened a new multi-brand, vegan restaurant called “Next Restaurant” in Omotesando, Tokyo. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of plant-based and gluten-free dishes, including bento boxes such as the Next Foie Gras Kalbi Bento, Next Short Rib Bento, Next Curry Bento, Next Pork Ginger Bento, and Next Beef Bowl Bento. There are also vegan pasta options such as bolognese and carbonara and vegan pizzas and cheesesteaks. To complement the menu, the company created “Niseko & Smoothie,” a new brand highlighting fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from farms in Hokkaido. An “unconventional” concept The new vegan restaurant, described as unconventional (a ghost kitchen), operates as a pick-up and delivery establishment with …

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Tiba Tempeh gains Morrisons listing

©Tiba Tempeh
Retail & E-Commerce

Tiba Tempeh Rolls Out into Morrisons as Tempeh Continues to Enter the UK Mainstream

It’s been a good news week for plant-based at UK supermarket chain Morrisons, which operates around 500 stores across England, Wales, Scotland, and Gibraltar. HAPPIEE! this week rolled out its frozen plant-based seafood into 327 Morrisons locations, and One Planet Pizza landed its second major UK supermarket launch through the same chain, with its frozen category first vegan Tex Mex pizza. Now, Tiba Tempeh announces its launch into 327 Morrisons stores with its Original Tempeh Block and Plant-Based Mince. Tiba Tempeh’s new Plant-Based Mince is described by the company — founded in 2019 by Alex and Ross Longton, with experience at Kraft Heinz and other food industry leaders — as the only 100% natural and organic plant-based mince on the market. The mince rolled out …

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Clean Food Group oil

© Clean Food Group
Fermentation

Clean Food Group to Create “Revolutionary” New Raw Materials for Cosmetics Through Transformed Food Waste

UK biotech company Clean Food Group has announced a strategic partnership with cosmetics product developer and manufacturer THG LABS to create groundbreaking raw materials, starting with a low-impact, high-performance oil for use in beauty and personal care products. The collaboration aims to provide the cosmetics industry with more sustainable, effective, and responsible bio-equivalent alternatives to agriculturally intensive ingredients. By transforming food waste into valuable resources, the collaboration aims to reduce the environmental footprint of cosmetics production. The newly announced partnership stems from eight years of pioneering research led by Professor Chris Chuck, Technical Lead at Clean Food Group. The company’s proprietary technology platform uses scalable, non-GMO yeast strains and fermentation processes, utilizing bread waste as a food source to produce sustainable alternatives to conventional oils …

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Blackbird Foods wings

© Blackbird Foods
Retail & E-Commerce

Blackbird Foods’ Seitan-Based Wings Land at 100+ Wegmans Stores Nationwide

Blackbird Foods, a New York City-based plant-based food company, has announced the launch of its plant-based wings in Wegmans stores. The brand’s Buffalo and Korean BBQ-flavored wings are now available at over 100 Wegmans locations nationwide. The expansion into Wegmans represents a key step in Blackbird Foods’ growth. Emanuel Storch, CEO of Blackbird Foods, highlighted the alignment between the two companies, stating, “Partnering with Wegmans is especially exciting, as it highlights our shared dedication to providing high-quality, plant-based food options.” The plant-based wings, made from seitan, a wheat-based protein, are designed to mimic the texture and taste of traditional chicken wings. Each 12 oz package includes a separate sauce packet to enhance flavor. The Buffalo wings offer a spicy and tangy profile, while the Korean …

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The Swedish Mineral Shift project, aiming to enhance mineral absorption from grains, has optimized an ancient process called hydrothermal treatment to reduce phytic acid, the antinutrient that binds mineral absorption.

© Axfoundation
Science

Swedish Hydrothermal Treatment Innovation Makes Grains Mineral-Rich Like Meat

Consuming more plant-based foods and less red meat can benefit both personal health and the environment. Grains and legumes offer plant-based proteins and essential minerals like iron and zinc for healthy and nutritious diets. However, our bodies absorb minerals from meat more easily than those found in grains, challenging the shift to plant-based diets. The Mineral Shift, a Swedish project aiming to enhance mineral absorption from grains, has optimized an ancient process called hydrothermal treatment to reduce phytic acid, the antinutrient that binds mineral absorption. “This is a great example of how minerals can be significantly more available from grain products, making it easier for more people to eat sustainably without compromising on nutritional content. Whole grains are among the most sustainable foods we can …

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Kwerky powdered plant milk

© Kwerky
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

KWERKY Develops Powdered Plant Milk Made From Oat and Pea Protein

British brand The Good Pea Company, known for producing milk alternatives made from split peas and coconut cream, has launched an offshoot range called KWERKY. The first new product offered under the brand will be a powdered plant milk made from a blend of oat and pea protein. The powder can be shaken with water to make plant-based milk, or added directly to drinks. It is shelf-stable and contains just five ingredients, with no added sugars, sweeteners, gums, or seed oils. The new product is said to provide a more sustainable alternative to ordinary plant-based milks, as it requires 90% less water and generates less packaging waste. It is also shelf stable, helping to prevent food waste and providing a lightweight option for those who …

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Greenpeace protests methane emissions by the Müller Group

© Greenpeace
Sustainability / Environment

Report: Methane Emissions From Major Meat & Dairy Companies Rival Big Oil

A new report by Greenpeace Nordic has found that the estimated methane emissions of 29 major meat and dairy companies rival those of the world’s reported 100 biggest fossil fuel corporations. If the meat and dairy industry is left unregulated, it is projected to heat the world by an additional 0.32°C by 2050. In contrast, a shift away from the overproduction and overconsumption of animal products could produce a cooling effect of 0.12°C by 2050. While this may seem like a relatively modest change, research suggests that each 0.3°C of projected warming prevented by the end of the century could reduce exposure to extreme heat for 410 million people. Titled “Turning down the heat: Pulling the Climate Emergency Brake on Big Meat and Dairy”, the …

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Bene Meat Technologies' banner

© Bene Meat Technologies
Company News

Bene Meat Technologies Unveils “Cutting-Edge” Cell Bank, Seeks FDA Approval for Cultivated Pet Food

Czech cultivated meat startup Bene Meat Technologies (BMT) has unveiled what it describes as a cutting-edge cell bank, for the long-term supply of cells for cultivating different meat products. Developed over extensive research, the cell bank grants access to a sufficient quantity and variety of cells for research and production. It holds over 5,000 samples of high-quality primary cells from various species taken from small tissue samples, minimizing animal impact. The company explains that due to standardized processes, it delivers optimal preservation, ensuring purity and stability. Additionally, the facility has secure systems to safeguard sample continuity and safety, even in emergencies. Ing. Zuzana Šaturová, manager of the cell bank, shared, “The cell bank is a crucial element in our effort to produce meat in an …

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Plantbased Business Hour

What is the State of Plant-based Chicken in the US? With CEO of Daring Chicken, Jeff Gendelman

2021 was supposed to be the year of plant-based chicken: nuggets, strips, patties were all the rage. CEO and Founder of Daring Chicken, Jeff Gendelman, joins CEO of VegTech Invest and host Elysabeth Alfano on The Plantbased Business Hour to take us through the highs and lows of the plant-based chicken trajectory and the chances for success of the category. Specifically, they discussed: Europe is having much more success with this category than the US. Let’s take a trip around the world to discuss how plant-based, specifically chicken, is doing in Europe, Asia and then the US. Are you seeing any signs of things changing in the US? If so, where? Nuggets? Patties? Strips? Meals? Breaded? How much of the change is driven by the …

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© Happiee
Retail & E-Commerce

HAPPIEE! Expands UK Retail Presence with Sainsbury’s & Morrisons Listings

Young brand HAPPIEE!, formed in 2022 as a subsidiary of Growthwell Foods, a leading Southeast Asian producer of meat alternatives, announces its latest milestone with new listings in two of the UK’s largest supermarket chains. Since 25 September, HAPPIEE! products have been available in 245 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. From today, 9 October, the brand will further extend its reach by launching in 327 Morrisons locations. The frozen range first landed in the UK last summer and rolled out into ASDA last December ahead of Veganuary 2024. HAPPIEE! offers alt seafood products such as Shrimpiee, Breaded Shrimpiee, Squidiee, and Calamariee. These products are designed to mimic the flavour and texture of real seafood, suitable for dishes such as stir-fries and paella. According to the …

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The Jackfruit Company

© The Jackfruit Company
Investments & Finance

The Jackfruit Company Raises $5M to Fuel US Expansion and Innovate Jackfruit Products

The Jackfruit Company (TJC), based in Boulder, Colorado, has secured a $5 million Series B extension funding round led by existing investors InvestEco, Creadev, and Grosvenor Food & AgTech. This latest round of capital will support the company’s efforts to enhance its plant-based meat offerings made from whole jackfruit, as well as fuel continued market expansion.  This Series B extension follows a previous $23 million Series B round closed in 2021, which enabled the company to expand its distribution across retail and foodservice channels in the United States. The Jackfruit Company operates under two brands: TJC, which focuses on jackfruit ingredients for industrial and foodservice markets, and jack & annie’s, a consumer-facing brand offering products like burgers, breakfast sausage patties, and nuggets. Together, their products …

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Cultivated grouper fillet

Cultivated grouper fillet © UMAMI Bioworks
Cultivated Seafood

UMAMI Bioworks to Bring Cultivated White Fish to the UK Amid New Regulatory Landscape

UMAMI Bioworks, a startup from Singapore developing cultivated seafood technologies, announces the launch of operations in the UK, marking its first European expansion. UMAMI Bioworks has developed a platform for cultivated seafood to address the overfishing crisis with sustainable alternatives, positioning itself as a leader in the blue bioeconomy. By introducing its technology in the UK, the company aims to deliver a high-quality pipeline of cultivated seafood products, starting with white fish. The UK’s supportive regulatory framework, evidenced by the recent launch of a regulatory sandbox for cultivated proteins and reforms to streamline the regulatory process for regulated foods (which includes cultivated seafood), will allow the company to capitalize on the UK market. CEO Mihir Pershad shares, “Our decision to enter the UK market aligns …

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Oatly campaign convinces Brits to try oat milk in tea

Image credit Luke Ripley
Marketing & Media

New Oatly Campaign Aims to Convince Brits to Try Oat Milk in Tea

Oatly has launched a new 360 integrated campaign with the aim of convincing Brits that oat milk works in tea. While figures indicate that over half of UK coffee drinkers opt for oat milk, new research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Oatly suggests that Brits are much more reluctant to try oat milk in their tea. In fact, just 4% of tea drinkers said they use a plant-based alternative, while 31% said they would be surprised to see someone drink tea with plant-based milk. The “It Works in Tea” campaign will feature OOH advertisements including billboards in Brighton, London, and Manchester, along with digital and in-store promotions and PR. It will also be advertised on Twitch, Spotify, Oatly’s social media channels, and Connected TV …

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Hand arranging sugar cubes as a metaphor for increasing sugar consumption or dietary control.

© Irina Ukrainets - stock.adobe.com
Science

NUS Researchers Use Sugar Cubes for Cheap, Scalable Production of Rye Scaffolds for Cultivated Meat

Large-scale production of edible scaffolds and effective culturing methods for fat tissues — both crucial for replicating the texture, flavor, and nutritional value of meat — remain a technical challenge for the commercialization of cultivated meat. Scaffolds provide structural support for cells to multiply and develop into tissues. But they are typically made from synthetic or animal-based materials, which are expensive and inedible. But a research team led by Professor Huang Dejian from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has successfully cultured pork fat using a new kind of plant protein scaffold. The scientists identified secalin, a protein extracted from rye and barley, both common crops, as a suitable source to create edible scaffolds. They then developed a template-leaching method for creating sponge-like scaffolds using …

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THIS and Dell'Ugo launch plant-based ravioli

© THIS/Dell'Ugo
Products & Launches

THIS Partners With Dell’Ugo to Launch Plant-Based Ravioli

UK plant-based meat brand THIS has partnered with premium fresh pasta company Dell’Ugo to launch two new plant-based ravioli products. The first variety, Dell’Ugo THIS™ Isn’t Bacon & Cheese Ravioli, contains THIS’s plant-based bacon lardons with dairy-free gouda. The second, Dell’Ugo THIS Isn’t Chicken & Pesto Ravioli, is made with THIS’s chicken-style pieces and PDO Genovese basil pesto. Dell’Ugo already offers several Italian products that are suitable for vegans, including pasta, gnocchi, bread, and sauces. However, the new launches mark the first time the brand has offered a range containing plant-based meat. CEO of Dell’Ugo Sophia Cooke, comments, “We have been active in the vegan world for a number of years and were the first to launch fresh filled plant based vegan pasta. Over the …

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Barcelona's UOBO, a food-tech startup on a mission to revolutionize food manufacturing with alternatives to eggs, has raised €500,000 to develop new products.

© UOBO
Investments & Finance

UOBO Secures Six-Digit Funding, Joins Forces with Cubiq Foods to Create Egg Replacers for Manufacturers

Barcelona’s UOBO, a food tech startup on a mission to revolutionize food manufacturing with alternatives to eggs, has raised €500,000 in a seed funding round led by Enzo Ventures. The new funding will be used to develop new products and expand operations. This January, the startup launched liquid plant-based eggs for food service, which have garnered impressive feedback. The product, made with canola and potato protein, is said to replace eggs in multiple dishes, from omelets to pastries, while offering an authentic taste. “We are thrilled to have the support of Enzo Ventures as we scale our business and bring our innovative solutions to the market,” said Sergi M., co-founder of UOBO. Replacing eggs in manufacturing UOBO has also announced a partnership with the food-tech …

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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.

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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.