Meat- and Fish Alternatives: Latest News 2023 - vegconomist: the vegan business magazine

The Raging Pig Company has launched the Raging Weißwurst, a plant-based Bavarian white sausage alternative.

Image courtesy of The Raging Pig Company

The Raging Pig Company Launches Vegan Bavarian White Sausage for Oktoberfest

September 26, 2023September 25, 2023

Food tech startup The Raging Pig Company has launched the Raging Weißwurst, a plant-based Bavarian white sausage, in partnership with SIGGIS, a restaurant chain based in Munich, to coincide with the 188th edition of Oktoberfest. The innovative product, made with high-quality plant-based ingredients such as peas and mushrooms, will be available as a traditional breakfast served with sweet mustard, pretzels, and white beer. “Our Raging Weisswurst is the result of intensive research & development and passion for plant-based products. We are convinced that this innovation will not only appeal to convinced vegans, but will also encourage meat lovers to try plant-based alternatives,” says Dr. Arne Ewerbeck, co-founder of The Raging Pig Company. Oktoberfest is taking place in Munich until the 3rd of October, offering many plant-based dishes, including Planteneers’ Bavarian veal …

Organisations and brands:

The Raging Pig Company

MorningStar Farms Steakhouse Style Burger

MorningStar Farms’ New Steakhouse Style Burger Targets Omnivores

September 22, 2023

MorningStar Farms, a plant-based subsidiary of Kellogg, is introducing its latest plant-based offering, the Steakhouse Style Burger, in a move to cater to the taste preferences of omnivores. This product launch comes at a time when the plant-based burger market is seemingly saturated with options, sparking queries about the decision to add another contender to the mix. Yet, with traditional meat consumers constituting a significant portion of plant-based protein purchasers, MorningStar Farms has designed the Steakhouse Style Burger to mimic the taste and texture of real meat. Joe Beauprez, senior director of marketing, frozen foods at MorningStar Farms, explains, “We know shoppers have been seeking a premium plant-based burger option – something that’s already seasoned and truly tastes like meat, but with prep simple enough …

Organisations and brands:

Kellogg

MorningStar Farms

unMEAT’s Vegan Luncheon Meat Launches in 960 Australian Woolworths Stores at Price Parity

September 22, 2023

unMEAT, an alt meat brand owned by Philippines-based seafood giant Century Pacific, is expanding into Australia with a rollout at the country’s largest supermarket chain, Woolworths. The brand’s shelf-stable vegan luncheon meat is now available at 960 Woolworths stores across the country, at price parity with conventional luncheon meat products. The meat alternative is also available from the Woolworths website. According to Century Pacific, one in three Australian consumers is consciously reducing their meat intake, meaning the company sees favorable prospects for the unMEAT brand in the country. “The thesis behind plant-based alternatives remains,” said Greg Banzon, executive vice president and COO of Century Pacific. “Consumers want healthier and more planet-forward food choices. As a food company, we need to address these needs through innovation …

Organisations and brands:

Century Pacific

unmeat

Woolworths

Mycorena Partners With Leading Meat Company to Commercialise Mycoprotein-Based Products

September 22, 2023

Swedish mycoprotein producer Mycorena has announced it is partnering with leading animal meat supplier Atria Sweden to launch a range of mycoprotein-based products. The meat alternatives will be made with Mycorena’s mycoprotein ingredient, Promyc, which is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. The protein is made using a proprietary fungal fermentation process. Atria Sweden — a leading producer of sausages, hamburgers, cold cuts, and other meat products for the retail and food service sectors — has entered into the collaboration with the aim of reducing its carbon footprint. As part of the partnership, Mycorena will scale up its production of Promyc, while Atria will use its product development capabilities to create a range of meat alternatives. “Mycoprotein is an exciting new Swedish …

Organisations and brands:

Atria

Mycorena

Alt proteins could help to sustainably scale up the seafood industry

Report: Alternative Proteins Could Be Key in Sustainably Scaling the Seafood Industry

September 21, 2023

A new report by McKinsey has found that plant-based, cultivated, and fermented fish alternatives could play an important role in scaling up the seafood industry. Despite the fact that more than 85% of global fish stocks are fully exploited or overexploited, demand for seafood continues to rise worldwide. While aquaculture has increased seafood production, it has not been able to keep up with demand, meaning other solutions are needed. Alternative seafood does not have to contend with some of the challenges faced by conventional seafood producers; for example, a limited number of licenses are issued for fishing and aquaculture due to sustainability issues, whereas this does not apply to alt seafood. Additionally, conventional seafood can contain unsafe levels of mercury, and may need to be …

Organisations and brands:

McKinsey

Veggie Grill Relaunches Mexican Baja Fish Menu with OmniFoods Golden Fillet

September 20, 2023

Vegan fast-casual chain Veggie Grill announces partnership with OmniFoods, relaunching its Baja Fish menu items with OMNI Golden Fillet, replacing the Gardein Fish Filet. The announcement follows the restaurant chain’s other recent, notable menu additions over the last few months, including steak fajita quesadillas with Beyond Steak and poached egg avocado toast with Yo Egg’s plant-based runny egg. Veggie Grill will feature the OMNI Golden Fillet in three authentic Mexican dishes: Crispy Baja Fish Tacos, Crispy Baja Fish Bowl, and Crispy Baja Fish Burrito. These menu items will be topped with a jalapeno slaw, cilantro, and pico de gallo. The new offerings will be available at all of the chain’s 17 locations across California, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts. This marks OmniFood’s first restaurant partnership in …

Organisations and brands:

OmniFoods

Veggie Grill

THIS Launches Limited Edition Plant-Based Roast Chicken & Stuffing

September 19, 2023

After 12 months of R&D, UK alt meat brand THIS has launched a new product — THIS™ Isn’t Roast Chicken & Stuffing. The plant-based chicken crown is made from soy and pea protein, with stuffing in the middle and a sage and garlic melt topping. The limited-edition product is said to be ideal as a centrepiece for a festive meal or a Sunday roast. Another seasonal product by the company, THIS™ Isn’t Pork Pigs In Blankets, is also set to return to supermarket shelves for the third year in a row in the coming months. The news comes as THIS reports that its revenue is forecast to hit £20 million this year, up by over 50% compared to 2022. Furthermore, THIS is now the UK’s …

Organisations and brands:

THIS

Squeaky Bean Enters Yet Another New Category with Protein Pot Launch

September 19, 2023

British alt meat brand Squeaky Bean has expanded into the ready meal category with the launch of two new protein pots. The meals are: Teriyaki Duck Protein Pot — Plant-based duck pieces with teriyaki sauce and piquillo peppers. Beef Ragu Protein Pot — Beef-style pieces made from wheat and pea protein, covered in ragu sauce and topped with Applewood smoked vegan cheese. Both pots can either be eaten alone or combined with carbohydrates for a more filling meal. They can be prepared in the microwave in just one minute. Additionally, Squeaky Bean is expanding its range of chicken-style pieces with two new products: Chargrilled Jerk Style Mini Fillets — Smoky fillets with a seasoning containing cayenne, pimento, chilli, garlic, ginger, and nutmeg. Sweet Chilli Chicken …

Organisations and brands:

Squeaky Bean

MATR Foods Uses Fungal Fermentation & Upcycled Veg to Make “New Generation” of Alt Meats

September 12, 2023

MATR Foods is a Danish startup producing sustainable meat alternatives via fungal fermentation. Made with just five ingredients — oats, split peas, lupin, beetroot, and potatoes — the products are described as a “new generation” of plant-based food. The ingredients used are organic, upcycled, and sourced from Danish farms. To transform them into meat alternatives, MATR adds natural fungi spores, which ferment the ingredients to give an umami flavor and firm bite. The resulting products are low in calories and high in fibre, with no additives. Success in European markets MATR’s product range includes plant-based steak, mince, and a block that can be cut into any shape. The meat alternatives have already launched at Sticks N’Sushi in the UK, Denmark, and Germany as part of …

Organisations and brands:

MATR Foods

German Startup The Plantly Butchers Reports Huge Success of its Debut Brand Billie Green

September 6, 2023

Since the launch of its first five products in September 2022, the young corporate startup The Plantly Butchers (TPB) has exceeded expectations with its first brand Billie Green, having already surpassed the 10 million mark, making it one of the most successful food newcomers in Germany in recent years. With a strong repurchase rate of 58 percent (2nd place, GfK as of June 2023), the market leadership with Billie Green vegan ham cubes and a turnover of 10 million euros in its first year, The Plantly Butchers (TPB) has quickly become the 5th most successful producer of vegetarian and vegan vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives in Germany (as of July 2023). “The initial situation for market entry was anything but ideal: global crises and inflation …

Organisations and brands:

Billie Green

The Plantly Butchers

©Vivera

Vivera: Fall in Alt Meat Sales Caused by Cost of Living, Not Declining Consumer Interest

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023

Dutch brand Vivera has commented that economic conditions such as inflation and the rising cost of living are to blame for the dip in alt meat sales, countering media claims that consumers are losing interest in the sector. Speaking to Dutch publication Tubantia, Vivera points out that while alt meat sales have fallen by 1.9% in the Netherlands this year, conventional meat sales are down even more at 5.5%. Meanwhile, fish sales have fallen by a huge 13%. Consequently, the decline can be attributed to consumers reducing their spending on more costly items. “Everything has become more expensive, including in supermarkets. You see people cutting back on their groceries and buying less food,” said Vivera Marketing Director Karin Lowik. Furthermore, Vivera is still seeing double-digit …

Organisations and brands:

Vivera

Image courtesy of THIS

THIS Secures First International Listings with the Netherlands’ Largest Supermarket Chain

September 4, 2023

UK alt meat brand THIS announces its first international launch through an exclusive partnership with Albert Heijn, the Netherlands’ largest supermarket chain. Four of the brand’s best-selling plant-based meats, THIS Isn’t Beef Burgers, THIS Isn’t Chicken Pieces, THIS Isn’t Pork Sausages, and THIS Isn’t Streaky Bacon, will be available across 430 Albert Heijn stores from the 11th of September. The debut of THIS products in the Netherlands marks a significant milestone for the brand as it continues to succeed in the plant-based food industry with its realistic alternatives. At the beginning of the year, the food tech company secured £15 million to increase its R&D capabilities, consolidate supply chains, and expand overseas. Its recent launches in the UK include THIS Isn’t Beef Burgers and three on-the-go products featuring the brand’s famous bacon …

Organisations and brands:

Albert Heijn

THIS

HappyVore launches plant-based bacon pieces (allumettes)

HappyVore Launches Plant-Based Bacon Pieces Made From Pea Protein

September 4, 2023

French alt meat brand HappyVore has launched plant-based allumettes — matchstick-shaped bacon pieces said to be ideal for use in dishes such as quiche and carbonara. The allumettes feature a smoked taste and are made with just seven ingredients — textured pea protein, water, natural flavors, soluble corn fiber, salt, red beet, and carrot concentrate. They are rich in protein and fibre, contain less than 3% fat, and can be cooked in three to five minutes. The products add to HappyVore’s extensive range of meat alternatives, which includes fish sticks, breaded supremes, meatballs, sausages, steak, nuggets, and more. In April, the brand reported a +40.2% growth in value sales, putting it at second place in the French plant-based delicatessen sector. Repeat purchase rates were at …

Organisations and brands:

Happyvore

UNLIMEAT Sees Further Success as Plant-Based Pulled Pork Launches at Good Earth Markets

September 4, 2023

Plant-based pulled pork by Korean alt meat brand UNLIMEAT is now available at Good Earth Markets, a chain of natural food stores in Utah. Described as “soft and shredded”, the soy-based product is high in protein and comes with Korean barbecue sauce. It can be found at Good Earth stores in American Fork, Layton, Orem, Riverdale, Sandy, and Spanish Fork. The launch is the latest in a long line of successes for Unlimeat, which arrived in the US last year with the introduction of plant-based pork and beef — advertised with a billboard in New York’s Times Square. This was followed by the company’s hugely popular vegan jerky a few months later. Ever since then, Unlimeat has rolled out at numerous US grocery stores — …

Organisations and brands:

Unlimeat

Dr. Praeger’s Launches Newest Veggie Burgers on QVC Shopping Channel

September 1, 2023

Dr. Praeger’s, an all-natural frozen foods company founded by cardiac surgeons Dr. Peter Praeger and Dr. Eric Somberg, featured on the QVC shopping channel last night, unveiling their latest veggie burger lines. The newly launched products will be available exclusively on QVC as a “prelude to an exciting retail launch in October,” according to CEO Andy Reichgut. The two new offerings on QVC are Dr. Praeger’s 4-oz Veggie Crunch Burgers, available in two different varieties: Southwest Sweet Potato, with black bean, chipotle, and spinach, and Cauliflower, with broccoli, zucchini, and peas. These burgers further the brand’s offerings of plant-based burgers that focus on vegetables, as opposed to ingredients that mimic meat. Reichgut, offered insights into the growing plant-based movement, telling vegconomist, “We expect to see …

Organisations and brands:

Dr. Praeger's

German Pea Protein Leader endori Adds Vegan Tuna to its Growing Portfolio of Pea Products

September 1, 2023

Germany’s endori, previously known as Amidori, is the newest addition to a list of at least ten global vegan tuna launches so far this year. While many of the plant-based tuna products are produced with soy, wheat, legumes, seaweed and algae, or a mix of plant proteins, this stands out as one of the few created with a pea protein base, making it suitable for those with dietary requirements and allergies. It is worth noting that Nestlé’s Vuna has been priced at around €6.50 euros for a small jar, creating an opportunity for more affordable products on the European market. Authentic flavour with tuna-like structure The NPD joins the brand’s two existing alternative seafood products — fishcakes and fingers — in its portfolio which entails …

Organisations and brands:

Endori

Vegan Zeastar Introduces “World’s First” Plant-Based King Crab at Lower Cost to Real Thing

August 31, 2023

In response to the rapid decline of king crab populations due to overfishing and climate change, Netherlands-based Vegan Zeastar has launched a plant-based alternative that it claims is a world first. Said to provide the same taste and texture as conventional king crab, the product is suitable for use in a range of dishes, including sushi, poke bowls, crab cakes, salads, and on toast. It also provides a more affordable alternative, as king crab prices have skyrocketed following a ban on harvesting in Alaska. Due to its lack of shell, the plant-based king crab can be handled easily. It is sold frozen for a long shelf life, and is free of palm oil and GMOs. “Vegan Zeastar is all about unique and revolutionary plant-based seafood, …

Organisations and brands:

Vegan Zeastar

Image courtesy of Squeaky Bean

Squeaky Bean Enters Plant-Based Seafood Category with Tuna Flakes and Smoked Salmon Slices

August 30, 2023

British plant-based meat brand Squeaky Bean announces the launch of its first-ever fish alternatives: Squeaky Bean Tuna Style Flakes and Squeaky Bean Beechwood Smoked Salmon Style Slices; marking what the brand claims to be the first vegan smoked salmon-style slices to be available in major retailers. The new smoked salmon slices will launch first at Waitrose on the 20th of September. And from the 27th of September, both products will be available at Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. Squeaky Bean, which keeps expanding its portfolio with vegan versions of the traditional snack sausage rolls or crumbed ham slices, says that its NPDs respond to the growing demand for plant-based fish. Becky Youseman, marketing controller at The Compleat Food Group, said: “Eating fish is a popular diet …

Organisations and brands:

Squeaky Bean

The Plant Based Seafood Co. Announces Co-Development Collab with ICL Group Ltd.

August 30, 2023

The Plant Based Seafood Co., recognized for its plant-based seafood brand Mind Blown, has entered into a co-development agreement with ICL Group Ltd., a multinational company specializing in sustainable technologies for the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. This partnership aims to develop innovative replication technologies for plant-based seafood alternatives, bringing together a team of professionals with expertise in the plant-based food industry. Monica Talbert, CEO and Co-Founder of Mind Blown expressed her anticipation for the partnership, stating, “We are very excited to partner with ICL, a giant in the research and development arena. We look forward to combining our technology, knowledge, creativity, and expertise to create and accelerate new, more nutritional products to market, as well as continue to positively impact our oceans.” Scaling up production ICL …

Organisations and brands:

ICL

Mind Blown

Plant Based Seafood Co

The vegconomist-newsletterinformation for decision-makers

The vegconomist-newsletter
information for decision-makers