Company News

Sunday Supper

© Sunday Supper

Sunday Supper Appoints New Leadership Team, Launches $2.5M Seed Round

Sunday Supper, a plant-based Italian food brand, has announced an expansion of its executive team alongside the launch of a $2.5 million seed funding round as the company looks to strengthen its position in the plant-based food sector and drive further retail growth. Spencer Oberg has been appointed as CEO, bringing over a decade of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, including his recent role as chief operating officer at Good Planet Foods, where he contributed to the company’s growth in the plant-based dairy market. “We’re leaning into our strong brand and existing traction to expand retail presence and explore innovative new products and revenue channels. I couldn’t be more excited to lead this company and incredible team into what’s next,” stated Oberg. In …

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Moolec Science

© Moolec Science

Moolec Science Merges with Bioceres Group to Scale Molecular Farming Platform

Moolec Science, a producer of animal proteins through molecular farming, has entered into an all-stock business combination with Bioceres Group Limited and related entities. The deal, finalized on April 17, 2025, will position Moolec as the parent company of Bioceres Group, Nutrecon LLC, and Gentle Technologies Corp., creating a larger entity focused on innovation in food production and sustainability. Moolec uses molecular farming to produce animal proteins and nutritional oils by engineering plants to carry animal protein genes. This approach allows for the production of proteins typically sourced from animals, but using plant-based systems, which could provide a more sustainable and scalable alternative. In the new structure, Moolec will issue up to 87 million new shares and 5 million warrants to the shareholders of the …

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Atlantic Natural Foods

© Atlantic Natural Foods

TUNO Manufacturer Atlantic Natural Foods Files for Bankruptcy

Atlantic Natural Foods, a US plant-based company that owns brands such as Loma Linda, TUNO, Chick’n, and Neat, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In a petition filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Atlantic Natural Foods listed $10 million to $50 million in assets. The company also declared $1 million to $10 million in liabilities, with 100 to 199 creditors. Atlantic Natural Foods did not specify why it was filing for bankruptcy, but announced plans to reorganize its business. The news comes a few months after the company terminated a $30 million agreement that would have seen it acquired by vertically integrated plant-based food company Above Food. Both parties mutually agreed to the withdrawal, citing changes in the …

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© Neat Burger

Neat Burger to Close All UK Locations, Citing Financial and Operational Challenges

Neat Burger, the vegan restaurant chain co-founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio, has announced the closure of all its UK locations, marking the end of its six-year run in the country, as reported by The Sun. The closures, which will result in the potential loss of approximately 150 jobs, come after a period of financial difficulties for the brand. Financial struggles in the UK The chain, established in 2019, had expanded to several cities, including London, Milan, and New York. Despite receiving positive reviews for its plant-based offerings, Neat Burger faced mounting challenges in recent years. In 2023, the company reported significant financial losses, with figures showing a 140% increase in losses, reaching £7.9 million for the year. At the time, Neat Burger …

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Quevana

© Quevana

Spain-Based Quevana Opens High-Capacity Plant for Cashew Cheese Production

Quevana has opened a new 2,400-square-meter facility in the province of Segovia, Spain, establishing one of the largest cashew cheese production sites in Europe. The site, located in the rural municipality of Vallelado, is expected to produce over 400,000 units of fermented plant-based cheese per month. The facility, converted from a former meat processing plant closed since 2013, will serve as the company’s central hub for the production of its semi-aged, organic cashew-based cheeses. The plant meets IFS food safety standards and is fully certified organic. Alejandro Álvarez Rubio, CEO and co-founder of Quevana, stated that the expansion addresses the company’s growing operational needs. “This is a historic step in the development of our company and will allow us to keep growing with our existing …

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Ilya Sheyman GFI

© Ilya Sheyman

Leadership Transition at The Good Food Institute as CEO Ilya Sheyman Steps Down

The Good Food Institute (GFI) will undergo a leadership change this summer as CEO Ilya Sheyman prepares to step down from his role, effective June 2, 2025. The organization’s current Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations, Jessica Almy, will serve as interim CEO while a nationwide search for a permanent successor is conducted. Strategic growth under Sheyman’s tenure Sheyman joined GFI in 2021, leading the organization through a period marked by expanded international presence and increased financial support for alternative protein research and development. During his tenure, GFI established a new affiliate in Japan and reported the mobilization of substantial private and public investment into alternative protein innovation. In a statement, Sheyman said, “Over the past three years we’ve catalyzed hundreds of millions …

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© cellva

Cellva Shifts Focus to Microencapsulation Technology with Launch of Cocoa Substitute

Cellva has recently undergone a strategic pivot, refocusing its efforts on microencapsulation technology, which it sees as central to its future growth. This shift is accompanied by the consolidation of its research and development and administrative operations, all aimed at streamlining its processes and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable food solutions. The future of cocoa The company’s new direction is highlighted by the launch of CoffeeCoa™, a cocoa substitute developed through innovative use of microencapsulation. The product, made from upcycled coffee husks, is designed to replicate the taste, color, and texture of cocoa, while offering added nutritional benefits, such as increased fiber and antioxidants. CoffeeCoa™ is positioned as a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of food applications, including cookies, baked …

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SMAQO

Image supplied by SMAQO

Former Mycorena CEO Launches SMAQO with Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Fungi Products

Ramkumar Nair, the founder and former CEO of Mycorena, has launched SMAQO, a new venture focused on fungi-based food products. After leading Mycorena through its development of mycoprotein ingredients, Nair identified a significant gap in reaching end consumers. While Mycorena’s B2B model enabled it to create innovative products, it fell short in terms of direct consumer access. Speaking to vegconomist, Nair explained, “Despite having exceptional products and groundbreaking innovations, we were heavily reliant on large food companies for manufacturing and distribution of the final food products. This dependency meant that our offerings rarely reached everyday consumers as we had hoped.” This realization led Nair to reframe his approach with SMAQO. “At SMAQO, we’re focused on building a business model that connects directly with consumers. That …

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Natural Innovations

CEO Matt Wood and commercial director Tom Edwards. © Natural Innovations

Plant-Led Ingredients Supplier Freshcut Foods Rebrands to Natural Innovations

Freshcut Foods, a UK-based company supplying plant-led ingredients to the food industry, has announced it is rebranding to Natural Innovations. The change is said to mark the next stage of the company’s growth journey, as it increasingly focuses on food innovation and helping business customers adjust to changing consumer preferences. Natural Innovations has been supplying ingredients to global foodservice brands, food manufacturers, and recipe box providers for over 20 years, and the company says it has established itself as a clear market leader in bespoke, chef-led ingredients. The new name is accompanied by refreshed branding and an updated website. “After more than two decades of successfully growing Freshcut Foods, this new approach is a natural evolution of our company, reflecting our ambition for growth, commitment …

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PoLoPo potatoes

© PoLoPo

PoLoPo Develops Pilot Plant for Converting Bioengineered Potatoes into Protein Powder

PoLoPo, a company specializing in molecular farming, has completed the design of its first pilot-scale facility for processing genetically modified potatoes into functional protein powders for food industry applications. The announcement follows a five-ton harvest of protein-enriched potatoes, produced during a recent field trial. The company transitioned from greenhouse operations to open-field cultivation at the end of last year, increasing its production capacity from tens of kilograms to approximately three tons per harvest. The most recent harvest exceeded this figure, yielding five tons of protein-rich potatoes. In parallel with the field trial, PoLoPo also expanded its laboratory capacity to meet increased demand for protein sample testing. The facility design was developed in partnership with engineering consultancy NIRAS, which has experience in infrastructure, green energy, and …

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DMK GROUP

© DMK GROUP

Europe’s Largest Dairy Cooperative Merger Could Open New Opportunities for Plant-Based Innovation

The DMK Group and Arla Foods have announced their intention to merge, creating Europe’s largest dairy-focused cooperative. The merger, which is subject to approval from both cooperatives’ representative assembly and regulatory authorities, will bring together over 12,000 farmers and achieve pro forma sales of €19 billion. While the merger primarily targets the dairy sector, it also has significant implications for the growing plant-based dairy market. Both companies have increasingly expanded into the plant-based space, and the merger may further accelerate this trend. Expansion of plant-based offerings Arla Foods, traditionally known for its dairy products, has been expanding its plant-based product range in response to the growing demand for vegan alternatives. One of its recent innovations includes the launch of the Arla® Pro soft serve mix, …

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BettaF!sh launches SAL Nom

© BettaF!sh

EIT Food Initiative Announces €875,000 in Funding for Startups Including Hooked & BettaF!sh

EIT Food, a food innovation community supported by the EU’s European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), has announced the winners of its Fast Track to Market Initiative. A total of €874,503 will be awarded to four mature agrifood startups and SMEs. The funding will help the companies accelerate their commercial success, enter new markets, and expand in existing ones. The winners are: The winners will benefit from EIT Food’s Revenue-Based Financing (RBF), a success-sharing model that provides immediate funding with flexible repayments tied to future revenues. There are no fixed repayments or equity losses, allowing businesses to scale at their own pace. Payments start after project completion and continue for 1 to 5 years until a maximum threshold (award amount + 7.5% annual premium) …

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Ivy Farm Technologies

Gail Francis © Ivy Farm Technologies

Ivy Farm Appoints Gail Francis to Lead Commercial Efforts for Premium Cultivated Wagyu Beef

Ivy Farm Technologies has appointed Gail Francis as its new Vice President of Commercial, effective immediately. Francis brings over 30 years of experience in the global food industry, having held leadership roles in major food manufacturers, brands, and startups across the UK, Europe, and international markets. Prior to joining Ivy Farm, Francis served as Director of Business Growth & Delivery at Naylor Nutrition. In this role, she was instrumental in securing investment for a plant-based production facility and helping to shape the company’s market strategy. “I’m excited to join Ivy Farm, a company at the forefront of the cultivated meat sector. As the food industry works to meet net-zero targets, cultivated meat will play a vital role in reducing emissions and shifting the food system …

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Pulmuone limited edition packaging

© Pulmuone

Pulmuone Launches Limited-Edition Earth Month Packaging for Tofu and Kimchi Products

Pulmuone, a major producer of tofu and plant-based foods in the United States, has rolled out limited-edition packaging for several of its product lines during April in recognition of Earth Month. The temporary designs are being used on products sold under the Nasoya, Pulmuone, and Wildwood brands and include tofu and kimchi items available nationwide. “Sustainability is a core value, from our responsibly sourced ingredients to our efforts to make plant-based eating more accessible. With this year’s Earth Month campaign, we hope to inspire more consumers to consider the environmental benefits of plant-based foods,” said Ellen Kim, director of marketing communications & consumer insights at Pulmuone. Pulmuone Foods USA, a subsidiary of Pulmuone in South Korea, produces a wide array of tofu and Asian-style products …

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Cosaic

Founders Tomas Turner and Dimitri Zogg. © Cosaic

Cultivated Biosciences Rebrands to Cosaic, Introduces Unique Yeast-Based Ingredient

Cultivated Biosciences, a Swiss producer of yeast-based ingredient solutions, has announced that it is rebranding to Cosaic and launching a new product. The name is intended to evoke the word “mosaic”, bringing to mind the blending of several ingredients into one product. The rebrand comes as Cosaic, which was originally focused on pure fat alternatives, changes its approach to produce a more powerful ingredient. The company has just introduced Cosaic Neo, a multifunctional natural emulsion made through yeast fermentation. The ingredient contains proteins and fibers as well as fat, claiming to provide eight key functionalities. It is said to replace unwanted additives while improving taste, mouthfeel, stability, and more. Strong value proposition Cosaic Neo is suitable for use in a variety of categories, including milk …

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Beyond Meat La Vie

© Beyond Meat X La Vie

Beyond Meat and La Vie’s ‘Brandmance’ Leads to New Burger and Joint Campaign in the UK

Beyond Meat and La Vie, two leading plant-based food companies, have announced a new partnership following a playful exchange on social media. The brands, which focus on plant-based meat alternatives, have come together to promote animal welfare and encourage consumers to explore plant-based options through a joint marketing effort. The collaboration includes the launch of Beyond Meat’s “All Taste, No Worries” campaign, which features Barbara the cow. This campaign follows a similar approach to La Vie’s “Relax, it’s plant-based” campaign, which showcased Leon the pig. Both advertisements center on a scenario in which a person prepares a meaty dish, only for the animal typically associated with that meat to appear anxious. The twist comes when the viewer learns the meal is actually plant-based, aligning both …

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Heura York-style plant-based ham

© Heura

Alternative Protein Companies Including Nature’s Fynd, Heura & Upside Foods Rank Highly in the FoodTech 500

The FoodTech 500, an annual ranking by Forward Fooding that showcases agrifoodtech startup and scaleup companies working to create a better future of food, has published its results for 2024. Several notable alternative protein companies have made the top 25, including: Methodology All entries were manually validated to create a shortlist of 500 finalists, then data from each application was processed using algorithms to provide a business size score and a digital footprint score. Each company was then assessed on its sustainability using data from a self-assessed questionnaire devised by sustainability experts, taking into account each Sustainable Development Goal the companies were achieving. Finally, the three scores were aggregated to give each company a score out of 300, determining their rank. For example, Nature’s Fynd …

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Libby Peppiatt The Vegan Society

Libby Peppiatt © The Vegan Society

The Vegan Society Appoints Libby Peppiatt as New CEO

The Vegan Society has announced the appointment of Libby Peppiatt as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 14 May. Peppiatt, who was selected by the charity’s Council of Trustees, will succeed Abbey Mann, who has served as interim CEO following Steve Hamon’s departure in September. Peppiatt comes to The Vegan Society from her previous position as CEO of Restore, a mental health charity based in Oxfordshire. There, she led national behaviour change campaigns and implemented workplace wellbeing and mental health programs. She also has held senior roles at other mental health organizations, including Mind and Rethink, and contributed to the Time to Change campaign. In a statement regarding her appointment, Peppiatt acknowledged The Vegan Society’s history of pioneering work in advocating for animal rights and …

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Paulo Teixeira Melt&Marble

Paulo Teixeira © Melt&Marble

Melt&Marble Strengthens Leadership to Scale Precision-Fermented Fat Production

Melt&Marble, a company specializing in precision-fermented fats, has announced two significant additions to its leadership team as it prepares for large-scale commercial production. Tue Hodal, a veteran of industrial biotech and pharma, has joined the company as its first Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Paulo Teixeira, previously the Chief Innovation Officer at Mycorena, has been appointed as the company’s new Product Manager. Focus on bioprocess optimization Hodal brings over 25 years of experience in operational expansion, particularly in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. His past roles include high-level positions at major firms such as Chr. Hansen, Novo Nordisk, and Lundbeck. Most recently, he served as CTO at Bacthera, a company focused on bacterial biotherapeutics. At Melt&Marble, Hodal will oversee the optimization of bioprocesses and downstream operations …

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Sanah Baig plant based foods institute

Sanah Baig - Image supplied.

Plant Based Foods Institute Welcomes Former White House Policy Advisor Sanah Baig As Executive Director

The Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI) announced the appointment of Sanah Baig as its new Executive Director, effective June 9, 2025. Baig, who has extensive experience in agricultural and food policy, most recently served as Senior Policy Advisor for Agriculture and Nutrition at the White House. She also held the role of Deputy Under Secretary at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), where she led the agency’s $4+ billion science enterprise, focusing on agricultural innovation at the intersection of climate resilience, nutrition security, and food systems equity. In a statement, Baig expressed her excitement about joining PBFI, stating, “Leading PBFI at this pivotal moment is an unparalleled opportunity to architect a food system where plants take center stage. Through deep collaboration with partners across the …

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