Beyond Burger

© Beyond Meat

Beyond Burger Rolls Out at Over 800 Co-op Stores UK-Wide

Beyond Meat has announced that the Beyond Burger is launching at over 800 Co-op convenience stores and supermarkets across the UK. The burger, which has won several awards including Which’s Best Vegan Burger 2023, will be available in the frozen aisle. It contains 19g of protein and is cholesterol-free. A recent life cycle analysis indicates that the Beyond Burger requires 97% less land, 97% less water, and 37% less non-renewable energy than a comparable beef burger, while also generating 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. “Just in time for the warmer weather and BBQ season, we’re delighted to be extending our tasty Beyond Burger into Co-op stores across the UK,” said Lee Crane, Regional Sales Manager UK at Beyond Meat. “Local and convenient, the new launch …

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Revo Foods launches THE KRAKEN plant based octopus

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Revo Foods Unveils ‘THE KRAKEN’ Plant-Based Octopus Crafted from Fungi Protein

Austrian startup Revo Foods today announces a “culinary innovation” with what it describes as the world’s first plant-based alternative to octopus tentacles, created with fungi protein. When asked as to its production methods, Revo responded that it is “testing a unique new 3D structuring approach” for which further details cannot be revealed as yet. Branded as “THE KRAKEN – Inspired by Octopus”, the product is ready to eat but can also be grilled, fried, or baked. It can be used to replicate classic octopus-based dishes such as the Spanish Pulpo a la Gallega or Greek Octopus Salad. The mycoprotein tentacles are said to offer an authentic aroma, taste and texture, a Nutriscore A nutritional profile grading, as well as a high omega-3 fatty acid content …

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A plant-based steak with marbled fat

Image courtesy of Planteneers

The Latest in Plant-Based Steaks and Why They’re So Crucial Right Now

The consumer behaviour of those (vegans and omnivores alike) who purchase plant-based products has evolved significantly from the curiosity-led impulse buys before the 2023 dip — amid an influx of new, sometimes inferior products on the market — to repeat purchases of quality, evolved products which fit into the day-to-day routine and are now tried and tested by families and cooked at home in their favourite ways. Last week, the UK’s biggest supermarket chain Tesco reported that the plant-based revolution is entering a second phase, largely driven by more consumers cooking from scratch. The retailer noted that despite the drop in sales last year, sales of meat-free ingredients and whole cuts are now increasing, with plant-based steaks and chicken breasts witnessing a 20% sales uptick …

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Beyond Steak launches in Belgium

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Beyond Steak Arrives in Belgium, Launching at 250 Delhaize Stores

Beyond Meat has announced that its award-winning Beyond Steak has launched in Belgium for the first time. In a LinkedIn post, the brand revealed that the product is now available at Delhaize, one of the country’s leading supermarket chains. Over 250 Delhaize stores are stocking the plant-based steak. Delhaize has been offering Beyond Meat products since 2019, when it first listed the Beyond Burger. The brand’s Smash Burger, Chicken Burger, and Tenders are also available at the retailer. The launch comes six months after Beyond Steak arrived in the UK, where it received a gold award in the esteemed Casual Dining Innovation Challenge 2023. The judges described the product as a “sustainable gamechanger”, praising its high protein content and low saturated fat levels. “Resonating with …

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Azuma Foods has launched a new plant-based fish lineup --- Just Like Fish Series.

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Azuma Foods Launches Plant-Based Seafood Range “Future Fish” in Japan

Azuma Foods, a Japanese food manufacturer with over 50 years of experience creating innovative Japanese cuisine, has launched a new plant-based seafood lineup, Future Fish, under its brand Green Surf. The new range comprising tuna, salmon, and squid aims to offer alternatives made without animal ingredients to lessen the strain on marine resources caused by fishing while helping consumers reduce their seafood consumption, says the Japanese food manufacturer. The Azuma Foods R&D team crafted the new plant-based fish alternatives using konjac (a starchy root vegetable) flour, salt, locust bean gum (seeds from the carob tree), and trehalose (a type of sugar) to mimic the authentic taste and texture of real fish. The fishless products come refrigerated and sliced. They can be used in multiple recipes, including sashimi, marinated fish …

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PLNT plant-based lamb strips

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PLNT to Showcase New Plant-Based Lamb Strips and Chicken Sausages at Alimentaria

PLNT, a plant-based meat brand owned by Dutch protein producer Jan Zandbergen, has developed two new products — plant-based lamb strips and chicken-style sausages. The lamb strips are made from pea, wheat, and soy protein, and are said to be ideal in an Indian curry or as a topping on naan bread. They can be prepared in three to four minutes, and feature an open structure to capture seasonings and sauces. The sausages are made with rice and soy protein, replicating the texture and flavour of traditional chicken sausages. They are said to be especially suitable for the food service industry. Both products will be presented at Alimentaria, a food industry trade show taking place in Barcelona from March 18-24. Targeting meat-eaters Jan Zandbergen began …

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Vegan Zeastar plant-based seafood pop-up

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Vegan Zeastar Opens Pop-Up Plant-Based Seafood Restaurant in The Hague

Dutch plant-based seafood brand Vegan Zeastar, owned by Vegan Finest Foods, is opening its first-ever pop-up restaurant. The restaurant will be located at Zèta, a vegan cafe at Grote Markt in The Hague, from March 5-10. The menu will feature a range of dishes showcasing Vegan Zeastar’s extensive product range, which includes Sashimi, King No Crab, Shrimpz, and King No Crab Cakes. The meals will be prepared by Zèta’s chefs. The pop-up is for “everyone who wants to try something different, whether it is for the experience, for your health, for the environment, or for the animals”. Those interested in attending can now book a table. “We are excited to host our first pop-up restaurant at Zèta,” said Rosella D’angeli, co-founder of Vegan Zeastar. “This …

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juicy_marbles_basting_closeup

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Juicy Marbles Partners With Grocery Delivery Services in the UK & Czech Republic

Plant-based whole-cut producer Juicy Marbles has partnered with rapid grocery delivery service GoPuff, allowing UK consumers to have a two-pack of plant-based steaks delivered to their doors in as little as 30 minutes. The news comes a year after Juicy Marbles’ first major UK supply deal with supermarket chain Waitrose in a trial intended to last just two weeks. When 86% of the stock sold out within four days, the deal became long-term. Juicy Marbles’ steaks have since seen successful launches at Tesco where they retail at a lower price than comparable animal-based steaks, as well as at Whole Foods UK. Sales have reportedly been strong to date. “We love that Gopuff provides home chefs with a fast, convenient way to get their groceries when …

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Ordinary Seafood's alt salmon

© Ordinary Seafood

German Alt Seafood Startup Ordinary Seafood to Cease Operations

The Potsdam startup Ordinary Seafood will sadly cease its business operations due to financial difficulties. The startup was founded as recently as 2022 by Dr. Anton Pluschke with the aim of solving the myriad problems associated with industrial fishing. With its plant-based fish alternatives, the company wanted to transform the global seafood industry and become the world’s leading alternative seafood products company by 2030. Despite its far-reaching mission and goals, Ordinary Seafood has now had to cease operations due to financial difficulties. According to the founder, despite the incredible customer feedback and great response, the financing landscape has changed dramatically in recent times, which has now led to the closure of the company. The shakeout continues Other startups that have had to close doors in …

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Havredals burger

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Havredals Enters US Market with Plant-Based Meat Alternatives in Partnership with Performance Food Group

Havredals, the Swedish producer of plant-based mouldable meats, announced its official debut in the US market. The company has established a vendor agreement with Performance Food Group (PFG), a leading food distributor in Virginia, signaling the start of its product availability across the East Coast of the US, including Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, and more. Havredals’ line-up for the US market features its plant-based beef and chicken burgers, as well as ground beef and chicken alternatives. These products are crafted from a blend of fava beans, peas, and oats, offering a clean label and whole food option for health-conscious consumers. Fava beans are known for their regenerative agricultural benefits, high solubility, emulsifying properties, and high amino acid profile, making them an attractive ingredient option for …

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THIS beef burger

© THIS

Report Explores Practical Approaches to Achieving Price Parity for Plant-Based Meat

New Food Innovation, an organisation acting as an accelerator for the food industry, has published a new report titled “Plant-based Meats – The Battle For Price Parity”. Authored by food scientist, chef, and author Anthony Warner, the report finds that plant-based meat is still 67% more expensive than animal meat in the UK. It explains how this is a major obstacle preventing consumers from switching to more sustainable options, with the cost of living crisis and rising inflation exacerbating the problem. Warner then discusses how the cost of plant-based meat could be reduced, suggesting an overhaul of supply chains. While soy or pea protein is generally far cheaper than meat, the ingredients added to plant protein to make meat alternatives — such as flavourings, fats, …

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Revo Foods salmon alternative

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Revo Foods is Sued for “Misleading” Consumers That its Plant-Based Salmon is Real Fish, Court Dismisses Case

An Austrian court has dismissed a lawsuit brought against alt seafood startup Revo Foods by Vienna City Council, based on the labelling of its famed plant-based salmon. The lawsuit claimed that the name of the product, “Revo™ Salmon – 100% Plant-Based with Pea Protein”, could mislead consumers into thinking it contained real salmon. However, the administrative court rejected this. “Our packaging declares that only 100% plant-based ingredients are used and clearly labels the products as vegan without animal-based ingredients,” said Robin Simsa, CEO of Revo Foods. “In our view, any accusation of deception is unjustified. Many consumers are specifically looking for these types of products, and it is important to give guidance of the product taste with descriptive names.” According to the startup, this is …

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Australian plant-based meat category sees significant changes

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Australian Plant-Based Meat Category Has 3X More Products Than in 2017

Research by alt protein think tank Food Frontier has indicated that there have been significant changes in the volume and type of products available in the Australian plant-based meat category in recent years. In 2017, major retailers stocked less than five plant-based meat brands made by Australian or New Zealand-based companies; this has now risen to over 30. The number of products in the category has increased threefold, from under 90 to almost 300. As consumers seek more convenient options, products like nuggets, mince, deli slices, and meatballs are becoming increasingly available. Meat alternatives that are suitable for a variety of dishes — such as chunks, strips, and whole cuts — are also becoming more popular, though there are still relatively few of these products …

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WHEATY to Present New Seitan-Based Meat Alternatives at BIOFACH

In time for BIOFACH 2024, TOPAS GmbH is presenting various new vegan products without fillers and additives with its flagship brand WHEATY. The world’s leading trade fair for organic food BIOFACH starts again in Nuremberg, tomorrow February 13. And this year the pioneering company for organic vegan meat alternatives in Germany, TOPAS GmbH, founded by Klaus Gaiser in 1993, will be there once again. The company can be found in Hall 9, Stand 409. This year, managing director Klaus Gaiser and his team will present new products on-site, which will then be added to the order lists via organic wholesalers from March 2024. The specialist retail brand WHEATY has been one of the established players in the refrigeration sector for meat alternatives for over 30 …

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Alpha Foods is using HME in a different way to make meatier plant-based chicken.

Image courtesy of Alpha Foods

Alpha Foods Unleashes the Power of HME Technology to Make the “Most-Meat Like” Plant-Based Chicken Strips

California-based Alpha Foods, a popular plant-based brand known for its frozen burritos, wraps, tamales, and nuggets,  launched plant-based Homestyle Chik’n Strips last year to cater to consumers from vegans to flexitarians to meat lovers. The company, now part of the The LIVEKINDLY Collective, says that its plant-based chicken strips shred, taste, and cook just like chicken and describes them as the “most meat-like” plant-based chicken.  To satisfy consumer demands for a plant-based product that provides a meat-like eating experience, the company leverages High Moisture Extrusion (HME) technology but uses a unique processing approach.   Alpha Foods explains that its HME method mixes and cooks soy and wheat in an extruder at specific temperatures. Through this process, the plant proteins melt and fold into strands that resemble the fibers responsible …

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The new butchery in Málaga

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Vegan Butchery Chain El Vegans Opens New Location in Málaga, Spain

After expanding with stores in Catalonian cities such as Hospitalet, San Cugat, Sabadell, and Granollers, El Vegans, a vegan butcher’s shop from Barcelona, has opened its first branch in Málaga. El Vegans was founded in 2018 to help people transition to animal-friendly diets by offering plant-based and delicious alternatives to meat and cheese. Located in Huelín, El Vegans is also the first butcher of its kind in the southern city, offering traditional deli and butcher’s shop items in more sustainable versions: from escalopes, burger patties, various cheeses, and vegan blood sausage, to prepared dishes such as seitan cannelloni, soy meat skewers, croquettes, and fillings for fajitas or kebabs, sweets, and beverages. The products of this innovative store are mainly made in-house with natural ingredients, such …

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New Wave PopcornShrimp

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US Plant-Based Shrimp Firm New Wave Foods Shuts Down Amidst Financial Woes

San Francisco-based New Wave Foods, a plant-based seafood company backed by Tyson Ventures, the venture capital arm of poultry giant Tyson Foods, ceased activities last November and is currently undergoing assignment for the benefit of creditors (a voluntary alternative to formal bankruptcy), as first reported by Alt Meat. According to a general assignment document, New Wave Foods faced financial difficulties and admitted its inability to repay its debts fully. Consequently, the company decided to halt its operations.  Plant-based shrimp for foodservice New Wave Foods manufactured plant-based shrimp for the food service industry. Michelle Wolf and Dominique Barnes established the company in 2015 to disrupt the $9 billion dollar shrimp market with an alternative made with sustainable seaweed and plant proteins. The company planned to develop a range …

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Growthwell Foods

©Growthwell Foods

Report Finds Surprising Attitudes to Plant-Based Meat in Southeast Asia

A report commissioned by GFI APAC and conducted by the Good Growth Co. has studied consumer attitudes to plant-based meat in six Southeast Asian countries — Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Unlike in many Western countries, only a small percentage of consumers (21% on average) said they were looking to reduce their meat consumption. In fact, almost a quarter of participants wanted to eat more meat. However, the consumers who ate the most meat were also the most enthusiastic about plant-based alternatives, while those who consumed less meat were more skeptical about plant-based products. This indicates that, unlike in the West, consumers are looking to diversify their protein consumption rather than replace meat. High levels of awareness 44% of participants said they …

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Chunk Foods 6oz plant-based steak

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Chunk Foods Secures $7.5M Amid Strategic Collab with Better Balance for Vegan Whole Cuts

Better Balance, a plant-based subsidiary of Mexico-based multinational food processing company Sigma Alimentos, one of Latin America’s largest meat and dairy producers, announces a strategic partnership with New York-headquartered startup Chunk Foods to develop co-branded plant-based whole cuts for the Latin American market. The strategic collaboration follows a $7.5 million seed extension for Chunk Foods led by Cheyenne Ventures, which the startup says reflects “ongoing investor confidence” in its vision as well as the potential of plant-based whole cuts. The extension brings the seed round to a total raise of $22M, making it one of the largest seed rounds in the alt protein category, according to the company. Through the alliance, Chunk is set to develop a new line of co-branded plant-based whole-cut meats, marking …

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Planteneers fried sausage on fork

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Plant-Based Sausage Market to Record Huge 26.5% CAGR as Products Become “Indistinguishable” From Meat

According to a report by Future Market Insights, the plant-based sausage market is set to increase in value from $1,228.1 million in 2023 to $12,936.9 million by 2033. This represents a huge CAGR of 26.5%. A key driver will be the improved taste and texture of plant-based sausages, which the report says makes them increasingly indistinguishable from meat. Furthermore, many consumers view meat-free sausages as a healthier option, as they are cholesterol-free and typically lower in saturated fat than conventional sausages. Increased concern about animal welfare and the environment is another market driver. Finally, plant-based sausages are seen as a convenient option, as they can be cooked quickly and easily. All these drivers are expected to continue over the forecast period. Restraining factors However, several …

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