Helene Nielsen DUG

© Helene Nielsen
Interviews

DUG: “Potatoes Are More Versatile Than Almost Any Other Food”

DUG is a Swedish brand with roots in science and research at Lund University. It was there that the patented emulsion technology was developed, forming the basis for the brand’s vegan-friendly, potato-based milk alternatives. According to the company, these alternative beverages have a very low carbon footprint and can be used like any other milk. The DUG brand is owned by DUG Foodtech AB. Helene Nielsen has been CEO of DUG Foodtech since 2023 and has more than two decades of experience in sales and export in the FMCG sector. Stints at brands such as Oatly, Tweek and Sproud have made her an accomplished leader in the European foodtech market. With a particular focus on building international markets – from retail to coffee and OOH …

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stock grocery basket

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Studies & Numbers

Vegan Shopping Basket Saves Austrian Families €225 per Month, Study Shows

A recent study conducted by the Institute for Organic Farming (FiBL) has provided new insight into the cost of various diets, revealing that a fully vegan diet is the least expensive option for a family of four in Austria. The research, commissioned by WWF, compared the costs and environmental impacts of several dietary patterns, including the typical mixed diet, a healthy omnivorous diet, a healthy ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet, and a healthy vegan diet, all based on Austrian dietary guidelines. The study also evaluated the effect of purchasing organic foods. The study focused on a basket of 75 foods deemed essential for each diet and analyzed the weekly or monthly food costs for a family of four. In addition to economic factors, the study examined the greenhouse …

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Investment Climate Podcast

© Investment Climate Podcast
Investments & Finance

Investment Climate Podcast: Arthur Erickson of Hylio, How to Get Funded in 2025

In this podcast series, Alex Shandrovsky interviews investors about benchmarks for funding Alt Proteins in 2025 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. This podcast is syndicated through our media partners, Foodtech Weekly and Vegconomist. Episode 34: Hylio In this episode, I talk with Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Hylio, a Texas-based company developing precision drone systems for agriculture. Arthur shares why they chose equity crowdfunding on StartEngine over traditional venture capital, citing the importance of control and understanding the ag industry’s …

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© Pierre Coeurdeuil
Ingredients

Savor: “Our Technology’s Versatility Enables Infinite Customization of Fatty Acid Profiles”

Savor is a pioneering company in the alt-fat space, creating sustainable and customizable fats, oils, and butter by directly converting carbon gases into pure fat molecules. Pierre Coeurdeuil manages Strategic Partnerships at Savor, and works with world-class chefs, bakers and brands to bring innovative, highly sustainable and customizable fats, oils and butter to market. Prior to Savor, he orchestrated launch for a world-first kind of plant-based cheese, was an advisor to food and beverage CEOs in the San Francisco Bay Area, and co-founded dessert manufacturer Petit Pot. Pierre is originally a food manufacturing engineer and emigrated from France in the early 2010s. In this interview, Pierre discusses Savor’s groundbreaking technology, the company’s mission to revolutionize fat production, and the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the …

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Beyond Meat

© Beyond Meat
Retail & E-Commerce

Beyond Burger Jalapeño Hits ASDA Shelves as Beyond Meat Expands UK Availability

Beyond Meat is increasing its availability in the UK retail market with the introduction of its Beyond Burger Jalapeño, which is now available at 317 ASDA stores. This is the first time the spicy variant has been introduced to ASDA customers. The company has also expanded the availability of its original Beyond Burger, which is now rolling out in 350 ASDA convenience stores. Both burger varieties will be offered in the chilled and frozen sections of the store, with the chilled version priced at £4.28 and the frozen option at £3.98. The Beyond Burger Jalapeño contains 16 grams of protein per 100 grams, is soy-free and has been designed to appeal to those who enjoy bolder flavors. Beyond Meat has partnered with Dr. Divya Sharma …

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OGGS brand refresh

© OGGS
Products & Launches

OGGS Reveals Brand Refresh & Several New Vegan Cakes

British plant-based bakery brand OGGS has announced a brand refresh designed to emphasise “fun, playfulness, and a touch of elegance”. Based on the results of a customer survey conducted earlier this year, the refresh includes updated recipes and branding. OGGS has also launched several new products, entering the celebration cake category for the first time with two options — the three-tier Indulgent Celebration Chocolate Fudge Cake and the two-tier Rich Chocolate Fudge Cake. At Tesco, the brand is launching Mega Birthday Cupcakes — featuring sponge cake filled with raspberry jam and finished with icing and sprinkles — along with Zesty Lemon Cakes, which consist of mini sponges with lemon-flavoured filling, icing, and drizzle. OGGS has also introduced a new product at Sainsbury’s, the Afternoon Tea …

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MaGie Creations

© MaGie Creations
Ingredients

MaGie Creations Launches “World’s First” Emulsifier Made From Upcycled Brewer’s Grain

Dutch food-tech company MaGie Creations has announced the launch of what is claimed to be the world’s first emulsifier made from brewer’s grain, a major byproduct of the beer industry. According to MaGie Creations, brewer’s grain accounts for up to 85% of brewing byproducts, and is typically used as animal feed or discarded. To address this, the company has developed a process that transforms the fibre- and protein-rich biomass into a proprietary food-grade emulsifier named PowerBond. The clean-label ingredient is said to provide an alternative to synthetic and ultra-processed emulsifiers, meeting the growing demand for natural ingredients and sustainable sourcing. “This innovation is more than just a new ingredient — it’s a glimpse of the future of food,” said Madeleine Gielens, founder of MaGie Creations. …

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Almond milk stock

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Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Vast Majority of Nutrition Professionals in Spain & Portugal Say Plant-Based Dairy Can Be Part of a Healthy Diet

New surveys conducted by the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) in Spain and Portugal have indicated that there is strong support for plant-based dairy alternatives among nutrition professionals. In Spain, 88% of professionals agreed that plant-based alternatives can be part of a healthy diet, while 78% supported their inclusion in the national dietary guidelines. Results were similar in Portugal — 93% said plant-based products can be incorporated into healthy diets, and 76% were in favour of their inclusion in dietary guidelines. However, 81% of nutrition professionals in Spain and 96% in Portugal believed that dairy alternatives should be fortified with vitamins and/or minerals. Furthermore, the vast majority in both countries agreed that the nutritional value of the products depends on the type of plant used. …

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The Future of Protein Production Amsterdam

© The Future of Protein Production Amsterdam
Fairs & Events

Join Over 1,000 Industry Professionals at Amsterdam’s 2025 Future of Protein Production Conference

The Future of Protein Production conference is scheduled to take place in Amsterdam on October 29-30, 2025, and is expected to attract around 1,000 attendees, including industry leaders, investors, and startups. The event will feature more than 50 speakers from organizations such as Bühler, GFI, Meatable, EFSA, and EIT Food, offering insights into the latest developments and trends in the alternative protein sector. Key topics This year’s conference will focus on several key topics central to the growth and commercialization of alternative proteins. Discussions will span areas such as culinary innovation, scaling production, investment and funding, retail strategies, and the latest in sustainable manufacturing technologies. One of the key themes will be culinary innovation, exploring how advancements in taste, texture, and nutritional value are driving …

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© Rügenwalder Mühle
Company News

Rügenwalder Mühle Retains Dominance in Germany’s Plant-Based Market

Rügenwalder Mühle has reinforced its position as the leading player in the German market for plant-based meat and sausage alternatives, continuing to outperform others in the industry. Dominant market share Despite a decline in overall market performance, the family-owned company has achieved notable growth, solidifying its significant market share of 43.3% as of the first quarter of 2025. This figure surpasses the combined market share of all its competitors, further cementing the company’s leadership in this space. Jörg Pfirrmann, managing director of Rügenwalder Mühle, attributed the company’s success to its innovation-driven approach and strong brand leadership. “We are growing profitably and have gained new market shares through innovations and clear brand leadership – against the industry trend,” he stated. Outperforming a downward market While the …

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Food Brewer cocoa

© Food Brewer
Investments & Finance

Foodtech VC Investment Fell Sharply in Q1 2025, But Alt Proteins Remained Active

According to a new report by PitchBook, foodtech VC investment fell sharply in the first quarter of 2025, with deal value down 49.6% QoQ. $1.4 billion of venture capital was invested over 202 deals in Q1, representing an annual run rate of $5.6 billion over 808 deals. In comparison, $10.3 billion was invested over 1,127 deals last year, while a huge $49.8 billion was invested over 2,721 deals in 2021. According to PitchBook, dealmaking has been slowed by high investor selectivity. However, alternative proteins have done relatively well — they were the second-largest foodtech investment category over the past 12 months, with $1.7 billion invested over 199 deals despite headwinds facing the industry. Within the category, fermentation was particularly successful. Notably, Food Brewer — the …

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Redefine Meat burger

© Redefine Meat
Products & Launches

Redefine Meat Introduces Plant-Based Burgers and Mince with 90% Less Saturated Fat

Redefine Meat has launched a new line of plant-based products aimed at improving the taste and nutritional profile of its offerings. The next-generation Redefine Burger and Redefine Beef Mince are set to hit retail shelves across the Netherlands, Germany, and France. These products feature significant improvements, including a reduction in saturated fats by up to 90% and a protein content ranging from 11 to 16 grams per 100 grams. Delivering a “meatier” experience The newly released products were developed in collaboration with chefs, meat experts, and consumers to ensure both flavor and texture meet consumer expectations for a more authentic meat experience. Extensive sensory testing, which involved both vegan and non-vegan participants, informed the final formulations of the burgers and mince. The company claims that …

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UPSIDE Foods is hosting a free one-night-only pop-up in Miami to offer cultivated chicken before Florida's cultivated meat ban takes effect on July 1, 2024.

© UPSIDE Foods
Studies & Numbers

After Tasting Cultivated Meat, Americans of All Political Affiliations Oppose a Ban

Just before Florida’s cultivated meat ban came into force last year, UPSIDE Foods hosted a cultivated chicken tasting in the state, titled the Freedom of Food Pop-Up. Researchers at Tufts University took the opportunity to study the event, and have now published a paper revealing insights into cultivated meat acceptance among Americans. One of the most significant is that the vast majority of attendees opposed the banning of cultivated meat after tasting the product. This held true regardless of political affiliation; those identifying as Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, or something else all said the government should not interfere in small business innovations working toward societal betterment. “Banning cultivated meat sets a really terrible precedent in this country… Completely based on scare tactics and political nonsense,” …

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VEGDOG

© VEGDOG
Investments & Acquisitions

Vegan Dog Food Brand VEGDOG Raises €9M in Series A Funding

German vegan dog food brand VEGDOG has raised €9 million in Series A funding. The round was led by the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF VC) and existing investor Green Generation Fund. Other participants included business angels Dominique Locher, Attollo S.A., and Andrea Skersies, along with investment platform Select Alternative Investments and existing shareholder SFO. The news comes after VEGDOG reached €10 million in annual sales and 66% year-on-year growth in 2024. Growth rates of up to 80% are expected for the coming years. In 2025, VEGDOG plans to double its team in order to expand into the entire DACH region and the Netherlands, followed by other European countries in 2026. The brand’s products are currently available D2C in Germany and Austria, as well as …

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Laird Superfood

© Laird Superfood
Products & Launches

Laird Superfood Launches Protein Instant Latte with Functional Mushroom Extracts

Laird Superfood has introduced a new product designed to meet the growing demand for protein-enriched beverages in the United States. The Protein Instant Latte, a powdered mix, combines plant-based protein with functional ingredients to offer a convenient, all-in-one coffee alternative. Each serving contains 10 grams of protein derived from a blend of pea, hemp, and pumpkin seed protein. Additionally, the latte mix includes MCTs from coconut, as well as extracts from organic mushrooms including Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Chaga. The product is aimed at consumers seeking cleaner, plant-based protein options to support daily nutritional needs. Laird Superfood CEO Jason Vieth remarked, “Protein is having a moment—and for good reason. Consumers are looking for cleaner, smarter ways to incorporate protein into their daily routines as …

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A close up of a man's hands tearing apart a piece of 3D printer plant-based beef steak to show the muscle-like fibres.

© Steakholder Foods
Cultivated Meat

Tokyo Scientists Discover Key Amino Acids for Enhancing Flavor in Cultivated Meat

Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have identified key factors that influence the flavor of cultivated beef, specifically focusing on free amino acids. Their study, recently published in Food Chemistry, explores how these compounds can be measured and controlled to enhance the taste of lab-grown meat. As global demand for meat continues to rise, the environmental and ethical concerns surrounding traditional meat production have intensified interest in cultivated meat. While the technology has advanced significantly, one challenge remains: replicating the taste of conventional beef. The role of amino acids in meat flavor Amino acids, which contribute to the flavor profile of traditional meat, play a central role in this research. Free amino acids, in particular, are critical in shaping meat’s …

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Henrik Lund, founder & CEO of Naturli

Henrik Lund © NATURLI’ Foods
veg+ Interviews

Danish Plant-Based Food Association: “An EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods Could Help Ensure a Level Playing Field for Producers”

Managing director of plantbased at Dragsbæk A/S and chairman of the Danish Plantbased Food Association, Henrik Lund is an experienced retail manager with a strong background in food and beverage, FMCG, and key account development. With a deep understanding of the consumer goods industry, Henrik has worked to drive change and support the transition to more sustainable food production. In this interview, Henrik discusses the work of the Danish Plantbased Food Association, recent achievements, and the association’s ongoing efforts to promote plant-based food solutions in Denmark and across Europe. Who is the Danish Plant-Based Food Association, and what does it stand for? The Danish Plant-based Food Association is Europe’s largest association for plant-based foods. When Plantebranchen was founded in 2019, the association quickly gained interest …

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stock agriculture

Image: Md. Mehedi Hasan on Pixabay
Agriculture / Agribusiness

ProVeg Brazil Opens Pathway for Livestock Farmers to Shift to Plant-Based Agriculture

ProVeg Brazil has launched a new project designed to assist farmers in transitioning from livestock farming to plant-based agroforestry systems. The Cultiva Project will offer agricultural, legal, and marketing support to rural producers seeking to shift from animal production to plant-based food production methods. This initiative is intended to provide economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially fair alternatives for family farmers in Brazil. The initiative comes at a time when Brazil, a major global producer of animal products, faces significant challenges in balancing agricultural land use with environmental sustainability. Livestock farming is responsible for 90% of deforestation in the Amazon and over half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Despite occupying a large portion of its territory with agriculture, 58% of which is dedicated to …

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© Alexandre Bompard
Market & Trends

Analysis: Private-Label Products Are Driving Plant-Based Retail Sales Growth in Four European Countries

GFI Europe has analysed previously unpublished Circana data, finding that cheaper private label products led to a growth in plant-based retail sales volumes across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain between 2022 and 2024. In Germany, the sales volume of private-label products grew by 41.4%, while branded sales volumes fell by 8.3%. Across six plant-based categories, the market grew by 6.8% to €1.68 billion. A similar pattern was seen in France; private-label products increased 21.6% in volume, while branded products fell 1.2%. The market across five plant-based categories grew by 20.5% to €537 million. In Italy, the sales volume of private label products was up 17.4%, compared to a 1.5% reduction in branded options. Across five categories, the plant-based market expanded by 16.4% to €639 million. …

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Lantmännen Biorefineries acquires minority share in Sproud

© Sproud
Investments & Acquisitions

Lantmännen Biorefineries Becomes Part-Owner of Pea Milk Brand Sproud

Lantmännen Biorefineries, part of the energy division of Swedish agricultural cooperative Lantmännen, has announced an investment in plant-based milk brand Sproud. Through the investment, Lantmännen Biorefineries has become a minority stakeholder in Sproud, with a share of approximately 10%. Sproud, which is also based in Sweden, produces pea-based milk alternatives that are sold in 30 countries throughout the Nordics, Europe, North America, and Asia. The products are available for both retail and food service, and can also be purchased online. The news comes after Lantmännen secured a loan of €50 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) earlier this year to support the construction of a pea protein processing plant in Lidköping, Sweden. “It’s a positive development that we can become a part-owner of Sproud, …

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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
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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.