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UPSIDE Foods

© UPSIDE Foods

UPSIDE Foods Restructures Operations Amid Ongoing Workforce Reductions

UPSIDE Foods, a cultivated meat company based in Berkeley, California, has confirmed recent workforce reductions, citing a strategic restructuring aimed at improving operational efficiency. The layoffs come as part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations and focus on the commercialization and scaling of its products. A company spokesperson told both AgFunderNews and Alt-Meat: “We’ve reorganized our team and operations to stay agile and efficient to meet any challenges ahead,” but they did not disclose specific numbers or details about the restructuring. This marks the third round of workforce reductions in the last year, following similar cuts in February and July 2024. The decision reflects ongoing financial pressures within the company and the broader cultivated meat industry, which continues to grapple with the difficult task …

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dog treats

© Creative Cat Studio - stock.adobe.com

CULT Food Science Subsidiary Signs Agreement for Supply of Cultivated Meat for Pet Treats

CULT Food Science Corp. has announced that its subsidiary, Further Foods Inc., has entered into a research and development (R&D) supply agreement with a cultivated meat producer. The agreement secures a supply of cultivated meat for the creation of Noochies!, a line of pet treats made from lab-grown meat. Noochies! will be introduced at the Global Pet Show in Orlando, Florida, from March 26-28. The event will serve as an opportunity to present the pet treat line to distributors and consumers in the pet food industry. Further Foods is also expanding its distribution in Asia, specifically targeting Southeast Asia, where it has received initial orders from a distributor. Additional discussions are ongoing with other potential partners in the region. The growing interest in sustainable pet …

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Simple Planet medium

© Simple Planet

Simple Planet Moves Closer to Halal Certification with New Serum-Free Technology

Seoul-based startup Simple Planet announced the will pursue Halal certification for its cell-based food products, as part of its strategy to tap into the global Halal market. This initiative comes on the heels of a recent collaboration with the Halal Science Center (HSC) at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last month. The partnership hopes to facilitate the certification process for cell-based products and expand their reach in Halal markets worldwide. Development of serum-free culture medium In addition to this collaboration, Simple Planet has developed an edible, serum-free culture medium using probiotics-derived metabolites, which is seen as a critical step toward meeting Halal certification requirements. Probiotics-derived metabolites are naturally free from Haram substances, making them a suitable and permissible …

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the better meat co blended

© The Better Meat Co.

The Better Meat Co. Signs Largest Supply Deal to Date for Mycoprotein

The Better Meat Co. (BMC) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with a large South American meat company for the purchase of Rhiza mycoprotein. The agreement, the company’s largest to date, outlines plans to supply 30 dry tons of Rhiza mycoprotein per month, equivalent to 90 tons when hydrated. This latest LOI brings BMC’s total projected revenue from signed agreements with major meat companies in South America, North America, and Asia to approximately $13 million annually. The company partners with meat producers under joint development agreements (JDAs), allowing them to incorporate Rhiza mycoprotein into new product formulations. Participating companies pay a monthly fee for access to the ingredient and, upon completion of the JDA, may enter purchase agreements contingent on commercial-scale availability. Applications in …

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Solar Foods

© Solar Foods

Solar Foods Signs MoUs Regarding Commercialization of 6,000 Tonnes of Solein, While Fazer Launches Solein-Powered Products in the US

Solar Foods has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two international customers regarding the commercialization of 6,000 tonnes of its air-based protein, Solein, per year. The MoUs are a joint plan of the companies and outline the principles of the planned collaboration. Solar Foods has already been working with the companies on research and product development. If the collaboration leads to a binding agreement, the 6,000 tonne volume would correspond to approximately half the full production capacity of Solar Foods’ Factory 02, which is now in its pre-engineering phase and is aimed to be fully operational in 2030. The facility has an annual planned capacity of 12,800 tons, almost a hundred times that of the company’s Factory 01. “These agreements serve as compelling proof …

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Verdino announces rebranding strategy

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Romanian Plant-Based Meat Company Verdino Announces New Rebranding Strategy

Verdino, a Romanian producer of pea protein-based meat alternatives, has announced a new rebranding strategy that aims to strengthen its market position. The updated brand identity has been developed based on quantitative research conducted by the company last year, which highlighted that consumers are interested in products made from vegetables and different types of plant protein. Respondents wanted options that were healthy and easy to integrate into their daily routines. Based on this research, Verdino has developed a new logo that looks like a broad smile, along with the slogan “Live. Life. Green”. The branding aims to create an emotional connection with consumers, while symbolizing the joy of eating well and benefiting the planet. Verdino is also working to update its recipes, making its portfolio …

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Meatable hires meat industry veterans

Image courtesy of Meatable

Meatable Hires Two Meat Industry Veterans in Strategic Move

Dutch cultivated meat company Meatable has strengthened its ties to the meat industry through the strategic hiring of two industry veterans. Maiko van der Meer is Meatable’s new Director of Commerce and will be based in the Netherlands. He has extensive experience in the meat, fish, poultry and plant-based industries, having led efforts at MOWI, Vion Food Group, 2 Sisters Food Group, and Tyson Foods. He began his new role on March 1. Eugene Leong has been appointed as Meatable’s new Head of Asia, based in Singapore. He has more than 25 years of business experience in flavors and food ingredients, most recently at McCormick and Cargill. Leong will join Meatable on May 5, helping to expand the company’s footprint in the Asian market. The …

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© Ingredion

Ingredion Recognized on List of World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 11th Time

Ingredion, a global supplier of ingredients such as starches, sweeteners, and pea protein, has been named on Ethisphere’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the eleventh time. 136 organizations have been recognized on the 2025 list, spanning 19 countries and 44 industries. However, Ingredion is one of just nine honorees in the food, beverage, and agriculture industry. The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment is conducted using Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®. This requires companies to provide over 240 proof points demonstrating that their practices align with robust ethics and compliance, governance, a culture of ethics, initiatives supporting a strong value chain, and environmental and social impact. This data then undergoes qualitative analysis by a panel of experts. “Congratulations to Ingredion for achieving recognition as …

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gfi career pathways

© GFI

GFI Introduces Career Mapping Tool for Alternative Protein Industry

The Good Food Institute (GFI) has launched an interactive web tool designed to provide career guidance for individuals interested in the alternative protein sector. The Alternative Protein Career Pathways tool offers insights into job roles, required skills, and educational resources for those seeking employment in plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-derived protein industries. The tool presents career maps outlining the production process for each alternative protein category, detailing key steps such as supply chain sourcing, bioprocess optimization, strategic marketing, and regulatory affairs. Users can explore various stages of production and access information about specific job roles, associated skills, and relevant academic backgrounds. Additionally, the platform includes links to job boards and training programs, including university courses, industry certifications, and online learning options. Who can benefit from the …

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burcon protein

© Burcon

Burcon-Backed Partnership Acquires Illinois Protein Facility, Prepares for 2025 Production

Burcon NutraScience Corporation, a developer of plant-based protein technologies, announced that its alliance partner, RE ProMan, LLC, has completed the acquisition of a protein production facility in Galesburg, Illinois. The facility will be used to integrate Burcon’s protein processing technologies, with commercial-scale production expected to begin in the first half of 2025. John Vassallo, a director at Burcon, stated that the facility was selected based on its infrastructure and suitability for the company’s protein production needs. “The Galesburg facility was our top choice, offering the infrastructure needed to bring Burcon’s innovative protein products to market,” he said. This marks the first time Burcon has operational control over a commercial production facility. The company develops plant-based protein ingredients derived from sources such as pea, canola, soy, …

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Tiba Tempeh

Founders Alexandra and Ross Longton. © Tiba Tempeh

Tiba Tempeh Secures Over £1.1M in Funding Following 736% Surge in Retail Sales Value

UK tempeh brand Tiba Tempeh has raised over £1.1 million in funding. The round was led by Maven Capital Partners through its Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, supported by the British Business Bank. Perfect Redd, the venture capital arm of Samworth Brothers, also made a follow-on investment. The funding will be used to enhance Tiba Tempeh’s marketing, sales, and product development, with new product launches planned for 2025. The news comes after Tiba Tempeh saw its retail sales value increase by a huge 736% in the past year, reportedly becoming the fastest growing brand in the UK chilled meat-free category*. The company has contributed £1.2 million in retail sales value over the past year, as demand for less processed meat alternatives continues to rise. Tiba …

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New Veganuary CEO Wendy Matthews

Wendy Matthews. Image: LinkedIn

Veganuary Announces New CEO & Campaign Achievements for 2025

Veganuary, the global campaign encouraging people to try a vegan diet in January, has announced that CEO Ria Rehberg is stepping down. On LinkedIn, Rehberg said she would be taking some time to rest and recharge. Wendy Matthews, Veganuary’s current Head of International Partnerships and Expansion, will take over as CEO from March 15. “While I’m grateful for this incredible progress, this moment is also bittersweet for me as it marks my final Veganuary as part of the organization,” said Rehberg. “After leading this campaign for six years and helping transform it from a primarily UK-based initiative to a truly global movement active in 20 countries worldwide, I’ve decided to step down and hand the reins to someone new. “Having worked alongside Wendy in our …

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Meati Foods whole foods

© Meati Foods

Meati Foods Hit by Unexpected Financial Crisis, Leading to Difficult Layoffs

Meati Foods has issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) announcing the permanent termination of 150 employees at its Thornton, Colorado, manufacturing facility. The layoffs will begin on May 6, 2025. According to the company, the decision follows an unexpected financial action by its lender, which removed cash from Meati’s accounts and took control of the remaining reserves on February 28, 2025. In a letter to employees, the company stated that the action was “not reasonably foreseeable” and resulted in an inability to continue operations at the facility. The letter stated that the company was unable to give any advance notice of the action because the “lender’s actions were wholly unanticipated and unforeseeable.” Uncertain future for Meati The layoffs were unexpected, as Meati Foods …

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Created by vegconomist

Female Leaders Shaping the Future of Vegan and FoodTech in 2025

The plant-based and food technology industries are undergoing a significant transformation, driven by innovation, sustainability, and ethical considerations. Women are at the forefront of this movement, leading innovative companies that are reshaping how we produce and consume food. In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting some of the visionary female founders, CEOs, and leaders who are making a significant impact in plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-based food. While there are hundreds of incredible women driving meaningful change in this space, these are some of the leaders we’re especially excited to watch in 2025 as they take their companies and the industry to new heights. Deniz Ficicioglu – Co-Founder & CEO, BettaF!sh Deniz Ficicioglu is making her mark in the plant-based seafood space with BettaF!sh, a …

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allplants curries on tablescape

© allplants

Grubby to Relaunch Allplants’ Ready Meals After Acquiring the Brand’s Recipe IP

Plant-based meal kit brand Grubby has announced its acquisition of the recipe IP for ready meal company Allplants, which entered administration last November. Grubby now plans to relaunch Allplants’ product range — which includes pre-prepared meals, desserts, healthy breakfast pots, and more — under its own brand. The news comes after Grubby launched a new Marketplace feature on its website, allowing consumers to order plant-based grocery items alongside the company’s meal kits. The Allplants brand and digital assets were acquired by Ella Mills, founder of plant-based brand Deliciously Ella, last month. She said Allplants would be integrated into her existing business, Plants; however, the deal did not include recipes. “The love for these meals is clear” Allplants was launched in 2016 and initially achieved considerable …

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Odd Burger Vegan Fast Food

© Odd Burger

Odd Burger Sees Reduced Losses as Franchise Model Expands in Canada

Odd Burger Corporation has released its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, reporting revenue growth and a significant reduction in net loss compared to the previous quarter. Revenue for the quarter reached $727,294, marking a 6.2% increase from the prior quarter, while remaining largely unchanged from the same period last year. The company attributed the increase to its expanding franchise network and growing consumer-packaged goods (CPG) business. Net loss for the quarter was $272,476, a sharp decline from the $1.3 million loss reported in the previous quarter. The company also reported improved gross margins, citing its shift towards a franchise model as a contributing factor. Continued expansion across Canada Odd Burger currently operates 20 locations across Canada and continues to focus on …

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Image courtesy ProVeg International

ProVeg Nigeria Partners With V-Label to Promote Vegan Products in the Country

Food awareness organization ProVeg Nigeria has partnered with global vegan certification V-Label to promote plant-based and vegan products throughout Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria is said to have seen significant changes in dietary patterns in recent years, with a growing number of consumers avoiding or reducing their intake of animal products. Consequently, the country is a rapidly expanding market for sustainable and ethical products, with one report suggesting that the Nigerian vegan food market will grow with a CAGR of 10.3% between 2024 and 2031. V-Label has already been active on the African continent for several years, with V-Label South Africa operating under the management of ProVeg South Africa. The initiative has been instrumental in promoting plant-based certification and awareness in the region, working with …

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S Group

© Ronnie Hole/S Group

Finnish Retailer S Group Reports Increase of Over 10% in Plant-Based Milk & Cheese Sales in January

Finnish grocery retailer S Group has reported a significant increase in sales of plant-based products following a successful campaign in January. This year, the group expanded its collaboration with Vegaanihaaste (the Vegan Challenge) to all its grocery stores, including S-market, Prisma, Sale, and Alepa. The challenge reportedly attracted a record number of participants. As a result, sales of plant-based milk and cheese products increased by more than 10 percent in January compared to a year ago. Meanwhile, sales of fava protein brand Härkis and alt dairy brand Oddlygood were up several dozen percent. Demand for fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables, and plant-based cooking products also rose compared to January last year; this was encouraged by the “Alle euron hevi” concept, which highlights produce that costs less …

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Cabbage Field

© Андрей Яланский@stock.adobe.com

PBFA Unveils Strategic Plan to Grow US Production & Consumption of Plant-Based Foods

The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and Plant-Based Foods Institute (PBFI) have unveiled their 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. The plan will guide the organizations toward achieving their goals of growing plant-based market share and increasing US production and consumption of plant-based foods. It describes a systems-based approach that involves working across sectors and disciplines in partnership and collaboration with a diverse group of food system participants. “By combining the industry-building work of PBFA with the food system work of PBFI, we are creating a uniquely powerful engine to drive change farther and faster,” said Rachel Dreskin, CEO of PBFA and PBFI. Six pillars The pillars of the Strategic Plan include: “The spirit of service” Progress has already been made toward the first pillar by revising the …

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Meredith Madden impossible foods

© Meredith Madden

Impossible Foods Hires Former Kraft Heinz Not Co. CEO Meredith Madden as Chief Demand Officer

Impossible Foods has named Meredith Madden as its new Chief Demand Officer, the company announced Monday. Madden most recently served as CEO of The Kraft Heinz Not Company, a joint venture between NotCo and Kraft Heinz focused on plant-based alternatives. In her new role, she will oversee sales, marketing, product, and communications, with a focus on simplifying commercial operations. A company spokesperson told Food Dive that Madden will be responsible for all “front of house” operations, including sales, product, marketing, and communications. Madden’s transition to Impossible Foods follows structural changes at NotCo’s joint venture with Kraft Heinz. She served as CEO of The Kraft Heinz Not Company until the end of 2024, but earlier this month, NotCo decided to close its New York offices and …

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