Mr. Charlie's

© Mr. Charlie's
Fast Food

18 New Mr. Charlie’s Locations Coming to Arizona as Part of US Franchise Growth

Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So (TMS), the plant-based fast food chain, has entered a multimillion-dollar development agreement to open 18 locations across Arizona. This expansion is the brand’s largest to date and represents a key step in its national growth strategy. The first Arizona location is slated to open in Scottsdale in 2025, with additional cities expected to be announced in the coming months. The new stores will introduce Mr. Charlie’s plant-based menu to the Southwest. Signature items include the Not a Cheeseburger and the Frowny Meal, which have gained popularity at existing locations in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sydney, Australia. Patrick Lam, an experienced area developer, is partnering with Mr. Charlie’s for this expansion. Lam, who serves as President of …

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HIPPEAS Cheezy Cheddar Pops

© HIPPEAS
Products & Launches

HIPPEAS Launches Vegan Cheezy Cheddar Pops

U.S.-based snack brand HIPPEAS has announced the launch of a new vegan-friendly product, Cheezy Cheddar Pops. Inspired by the classic cheese ball, the snacks are made from sustainably grown yellow peas and chickpeas. Each serving is said to contain 3g of protein and 2g of fiber; the product is also free of gluten and major allergens, and has been verified by the Non-GMO Project. According to HIPPEAS, the Cheezy Cheddar Pops are light and airy with a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Suitable for adults and children alike, they can be purchased from Target, Amazon, Walmart, and the HIPPEAS website. More retailers are expected to be added soon. “Clean, plant-powered ingredients” HIPPEAS’s products are made using yellow peas grown with sustainable farming practices such as conservation tillage and …

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Lindt Vegan lindor

© Lindt & Sprüngli
Sweets & Snacks

Lindt Responds to Canadian Vegan Cravings with Launch of LINDOR Vegan Truffles

Lindt & Sprüngli has launched its LINDOR Vegan Truffles in Canada, catering to the growing demand for indulgent, plant-based chocolate alternatives. The new truffles, which come in both Original and Dark Chocolate varieties, are made with oat-based chocolate to replicate the smooth, melting experience traditionally associated with milk chocolate. The LINDOR Vegan Truffles are available in 120g bags, with each truffle individually wrapped. Lindt & Sprüngli, based in Switzerland, has been producing high-quality chocolates for over 175 years and continues to expand its range of offerings to meet the demands of various dietary preferences, including veganism. Last year, the company launched vegan truffle balls in the US, and also recently invested in Food Brewer, which produces cocoa alternatives using plant cell culture. The introduction of …

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Keftas

Image: HARI&CO on LinkedIn
Products & Launches

HARI&CO Launches Plant-Based Keftas Made From French Legumes

HARI&CO, a French company making plant-based products from legumes, has announced the launch of its new meat-free keftas. Inspired by the popular Moroccan dish made from minced meat and spices, the keftas are suitable for use in kebabs, sandwiches, and appetizers. They are made from legumes grown in France and are additive-free, with ingredients including pea protein, wheat protein, onions, tomatoes, and spices. The keftas reportedly contain 20g of protein per 100g and have received a score of 90/100 on Yuka, an app that scans food and cosmetic products to rate their health impact. Additionally, they have a Nutriscore of A and have gained V-Label certification. Helping French people eat more sustainably The new launch comes just weeks after it was revealed that HARI&CO had …

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© Fabumin
veg+ Interviews

Fabumin: “We Use Legume Cooking Side-Streams and Turn Them Into a High-Value, Sustainable Ingredient”

In this interview, we speak with Adi Yehezkeli, CEO and Co-founder of Fabumin, an innovative company based in Tel Aviv’s vibrant food tech community. Fabumin offers a unique alternative to eggs in the food industry with its aquafaba powder—a sustainable, affordable, and versatile ingredient made from legume cooking side-streams. Adi discusses the unique benefits of Fabumin’s technology, the company’s commitment to sustainability, and its exciting journey towards commercialization. She also shares insights on the future of the alternative protein industry and how Fabumin plans to play a key role in its evolution. Can you describe Fabumin and the solutions you’re offering/developing? What sets you apart from others in the market? Fabumin offers a revolutionary new raw material to the food industry: aquafaba powder. Aquafaba is …

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Vegetable bowl stock

Image: Kaboompics on Pexels
Studies & Numbers

Study: 38% of German and UK Adults Plan to Eat More Plant-Based Food

A new study has indicated that 38% of German and UK adults intend to change their diets by consuming more plant-based food. Conducted by GFI Europe in partnership with Plant Futures and market research agency HarrisX, the study surveyed 4,827 people across the two countries, which are Europe’s largest plant-based markets. It found that 51% of respondents intend to either eat more plant-based foods or consume less meat and dairy, with around one in five planning to do both. These three groups are described as follows: Understanding consumer motivations Under 10% of participants described themselves as vegan or vegetarian, but 31% in the UK and 39% in Germany said they were flexitarians who limited their meat consumption. About two-thirds in both countries had eaten at …

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PLANTA queen

© PLANTA
Company News

Planta Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection Amid Declining Consumer Spending

Plant-based restaurant chain Planta, along with its parent company CHG US Holdings and 17 affiliates, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 12, 2025, in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company cited the need to restructure its operations and reduce costs, amid declining consumer spending on dining out in the US. Steps to improve financial stability According to The Street, the bankruptcy filing by CHG US Holdings reported assets of between $50,000 and $100,000, with liabilities ranging from $10 million to $50 million. Planta described the filing as a strategic move to streamline operations and improve its financial standing, according to a statement published by Reuters. Planta operates 18 locations across major cities such as New York, Chicago, Los …

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Planteneers UPF

© Planteneers
Interviews

Planteneers on UPFs: All Ultra-Processed, All Unhealthy?

“Precision Wellness” is one of the current top trends, according to Innova Market Insights. The focus is on healthy nutrition, including gut health, ideally personalized to the individual needs of consumers. But what is “healthy nutrition”? By what criteria are foods classified as healthy? Health organizations like the German Nutrition Society, the World Health Organization, and America’s FDA derive their nutrition recommendations first and foremost from the content of macro- and micronutrients, sugar, and salt in foods. Another classification scheme currently being widely discussed is the NOVA system, which categorizes foods exclusively based on their degree of processing. This four-stage system differentiates between unprocessed or minimally processed foods, foods with processed ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods or UPFs. According to nutrition experts this last …

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Bolt Threads

©Bolt Threads
Business Wire

Bolt Projects Holdings Reports Q1 2025 Financial Results

In the first quarter of 2025, Vegan Silk Technology Platform revenues grew nine-fold year-over-year to $0.2 million, with gross margins at breakeven despite shipping only modest amounts in the period For full year 2025, Vegan Silk Technology Platform revenues are projected to reach at least $4.5 million, supported by multi-year supply agreements and customer expansion For full year 2026, Vegan Silk Technology Platform revenues are projected to reach at least $9.0 million, reflecting a growing customer base and successful product adoption Bolt’s goal remains to achieve long-term, sustainable profitability through revenue growth, operational efficiencies, and cost of goods sold reductions BERKELEY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#biobased–Bolt Projects Holdings, Inc. (“Bolt,” “Bolt Projects” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BSLK), which develops and produces innovative biomaterials for the beauty and personal …

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© PhyCo Technologies, NextGen Food Innovators
Investments & Finance

Canadian Food Innovation Network Backs Student-Led Projects with $50K in Foodtech Funding

The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) has awarded a total of $49,982 to five student-led food technology ventures through its NextGen Food Innovators program. The funding supports early-stage food innovations that address key issues such as food safety, waste reduction, and sustainability in the Canadian food sector. The NextGen Food Innovators program is designed to support students developing food technologies that have clear commercial applications. The program helps advance innovations from early-stage research to market-ready solutions, focusing on intellectual property-driven projects with real-world potential. Since its inception, CFIN has provided over $20 million in funding to various foodtech ventures across Canada, promoting innovation in the food sector. Dana McCauley, CEO of CFIN, stated, “Canada’s food sector needs bold thinkers who can turn new ideas into …

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Heura receives funding from European Investment Bank

© Heura
Investments & Finance

Heura Secures €20M From the European Investment Bank, Expects to Reach Profitability in Q4 2025

Spanish plant-based brand Heura has secured €20 million in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The capital will enable the company to accelerate its mission of expanding beyond plant-based meat, developing a new generation of products with improved nutritional density in mass-consumption categories. Heura says the funding demonstrates significant institutional support for its model, which is driven by science, sustainability, and health. The news comes after Heura opened an Innovation Hub in Barcelona’s 22@ district this January. At the time, the brand announced plans to register six new patents over the following nine months. “This financing agreement with Heura is a clear example of how the EIB is stepping up its support for companies that are at the forefront of the bioeconomy sector, driving …

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selection of legumes

© Ingredion
Facts & Figures

Ingredion Improves Full-Year Outlook Following Strong Q1 Results

Ingredion, a global provider of ingredient solutions for food and beverage manufacturing, has reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025. Q1 reported and adjusted operating income increased by 30% and 26% respectively compared to the prior year period. Reported and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $3.00 and $2.97, compared with $3.23 and $2.08 in Q1 2024. Full-year reported EPS is now expected to be in the range of $10.93 to $11.63, while adjusted EPS is predicted to be in the range of $10.90 to $11.60. Ingredion notes that its Texture & Healthful Solutions segment saw a 34% increase in operating income in Q1; this was driven by strong sales volume across all geographies, especially for clean-label solutions. The segment previously experienced …

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Bunge soy protein

© Bunge
Protein

Bunge Introduces New Soy Protein Concentrates and Expands Production Capacity

Bunge has introduced a new line of soy protein concentrates at IFFA, set to launch this fall, designed to address common challenges in the plant-based protein sector. The new concentrates are intended to offer a clean taste, neutral color, and cost-effective solution for food manufacturers. The soy protein concentrates, produced in Bunge’s new facility in Morristown, Indiana, are part of the company’s strategy to enhance its plant-protein offerings. The Morristown facility, which is nearing completion, is set to become the largest food-grade plant protein production site globally. Bunge has invested $550 million in this state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to provide significant scale to its operations. The soy protein concentrates will feature around 70% protein content and 17% fiber on a dry-basis, with both non-GMO …

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T. Hasegawa

© T. Hasegawa
Ingredients

New Technology by T. Hasegawa Gives Vegan Foods the Flavor Profile of Animal Proteins

Flavor manufacturer T. Hasegawa has announced the launch of PLANTREACT, a natural flavor technology that is said to replicate the complex taste of animal proteins in plant-based foods. PLANTREACT uses fermentation and advanced reaction flavor techniques —such as Maillard reactions and enzymolysis — to provide authentic chicken, beef, pork, and milk profiles in fully vegan applications. The technology aims to address consumer demand for better-tasting plant-based proteins. All the flavors are heat stable, ensuring a consistent taste regardless of cooking processes. They also allow manufacturers to maintain clean label guidelines, and are available in a range of delivery systems including liquid and dry paste. The proprietary technology was developed over a six-month period through T. Hasegawa’s “Bridge to Tokyo” program, which combines the R&D expertise …

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Indiana state house

Photo by Steven Van Elk on Unsplash
Cultivated Meat

Indiana Enacts Two-Year Ban on Cultivated Meat, Set to Begin in July 2025

Indiana has enacted a two-year ban on the sale, production, and labeling of cultivated meat, a decision signed into law by Governor Mike Braun on May 6, 2025. The moratorium, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, and remain in place until June 30, 2027, comes as part of House Bill 1425. The law prohibits the sale of lab-grown meat unless it adheres to strict labeling requirements, including a clear statement that the product is an “imitation meat product,” according to Indiana Ag Connection As defined by the bill, cultivated meat refers to animal protein grown from stem cells in a laboratory, designed to replicate the look, taste, and nutritional profile of conventional meat. Under the new law, any company misbranding such products could …

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First Bight Ventures

© First Bight Ventures
Manufacturing & Technology

BioWell Assumes Control of Texas BioTechnology’s Pilot Facility to Address Biomanufacturing Gaps

BioWell, a nonprofit accelerator based in Houston, has officially assumed control of the Texas BioTechnology pilot facility in Richmond, Texas. The 33,000-square-foot plant is now the largest publicly accessible industrial biomanufacturing facility in the US, offering critical resources for scaling up biotechnological processes. With 13,000 liters of fermentation capacity, the facility provides contract development and manufacturing services, along with advanced laboratory spaces and bioprocessing equipment. Veronica Breckenridge, founder of BioWell and First Bight Ventures, commented on the strategic importance of the new partnership, noting that the facility offers an operational platform to support startups, research institutions, and industry leaders in biomanufacturing. Breckenridge stated, “Our involvement in this initiative comes at a pivotal moment. The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) recently published a comprehensive …

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Kate Farms

© Kate Farms
Investments & Acquisitions

Danone Acquires Majority Stake in Plant-Based Formula Company Kate Farms

Danone has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Kate Farms, a US-based producer of plant-based, organic nutrition products. The acquisition, which is expected to enhance Danone’s specialized nutrition portfolio, will see the integration of Kate Farms’ products, including formulas for everyday consumption and those designed for tube feeding, into Danone’s existing offerings. Shane Grant, Deputy CEO of Danone Group, explained the strategic fit between the two companies. “Kate Farms is complementary to our specialized nutrition offerings, which we believe will allow us to reach more consumers and patients and bring a high-quality new standard of care to people with a wider variety of health needs,” he stated. While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the acquisition follows a strong …

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Violife

© Violife
Business Wire

The Votes Are In: Violife Elected Canada’s Favourite Dairy Free Cheese

Violife is officially the country’s #1 dairy free cheese brand,* dethroning long-standing category leader after just four years in-market TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–It’s been a busy election season for Canadians, but when it comes to taste, one clear winner swept the polls — by capturing a third of all dairy free cheese sales, Canadians have spoken: Violife is the country’s #1 dairy free cheese brand!* After just four years in the Canadian market, Violife has unseated the category-leading incumbent, proving that taste, texture, and versatility wins votes. “This landmark victory is a testament to the power of unparalleled taste and exceptional texture. In this season of heated competition, we’re honoured that Canadians have voted with their wallet and entrusted us with their tastebuds,” says Meryem Leyoussi, Commercial …

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Tesco plant-based meat sales

© Tesco
Retail & E-Commerce

Tesco Says It Is Unlikely to Meet Target of Increasing Plant-Based Meat Sales by 300%

In 2020, major UK supermarket chain Tesco set an ambitious target to increase its plant-based meat sales by 300% by 2025. But in a new sustainability report, the retailer has acknowledged that it is now “highly unlikely” to meet this goal, following the slowdown in sales of meat alternatives in recent years. Compared to the baseline year, 2018, plant-based meat sales were up 130% by the year 2021/22. However, this declined to 94% for 2024/25, indicating a fall in sales. Despite this, there is still interest in plant-based products — Tesco says it has seen a growing emphasis on protein diversity, with consumers turning to whole foods such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, nuts, seeds, and tofu. Increasingly, shoppers are seeking out veg-led dishes; these now …

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© No Meat Factory
Fairs & Events

Daiya, No Meat Factory & Other Plant-Based Companies Recognized at FABI Awards 2025

The National Restaurant Association Show has revealed the winners of its annual Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards, which honor exceptional and innovative products shaping the future of the industry. There are several plant-based products among the awardees again this year, including: “The cutting edge of food and beverage innovation” The winners will be showcased at the National Restaurant Association Show, which takes place from May 17-20 in Chicago. FABI Judge Becky Davis will give a demonstration of the standout awardees at The Culinary Experience Stage, and tasting sessions will take place at The Tasting Zone on three occasions — Saturday from 1:00-2:30 p.m., Sunday from 1:15-2:45 p.m., and Monday from 10:45-11:45 a.m. Last year’s winners included Plant-based Meat Bites by Black Sheep Foods, the Beyond …

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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.