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Meredith Marin, Co-founder of Vegan Hospitality © Vegan Hospitality

Vegan Hospitality: “Our Mission Is To Create Scalable Solutions That Make Vegan Dining Accessible and Desirable For All”

We sat down with Meredith Marin, Co-founder of Vegan Hospitality, to discuss the organization’s journey, impact, and future plans. In this insightful conversation, she shares how Vegan Hospitality has evolved over the past five years, why it recently transitioned into a non-profit, and how it is working with businesses worldwide to create a more vegan-friendly hospitality industry. Can you introduce Vegan Hospitality and share its core mission and values? Vegan Hospitality is a U.S. based nonprofit with global food systems impact. We represent the world’s largest network of professional vegan hospitality consultants. Our leadership team, along with our network of independent consultants, empowers businesses in the hospitality industry to implement strategies that reduce food-related emissions and increase inclusivity for vegan and plant-forward guests. Our mission is to create scalable solutions …

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Scooter's Coffee

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Scooter’s Coffee Drops Plant-Based Milk Upcharge at All Locations US-Wide

The US’s fourth-largest coffee chain, Scooter’s Coffee, has removed the upcharge for plant-based milk alternatives at its 800+ locations across 29 states. The change follows discussions with the corporate engagement team from animal protection organization Mercy for Animals, which urged Scooter’s Coffee to promote inclusivity by making plant-based options more accessible. Mercy for Animals notes that almost 90% of people from some areas of East Asia are lactose intolerant, along with 80% of Native Americans, 65% of Africans and African Americans, and 50% of Latin Americans. Milk alternatives also have a much lower environmental impact than cow’s milk, meaning that removing the upcharge has benefits for both human health and the environment. “We are thrilled that Scooter’s Coffee has listened to their customers and taken …

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Stockeld Dreamery PLNT burger

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Stockeld Dreamery Partners with PLNT Burger to Introduce Cultured Cheddar Across 13 Locations

Stockholm-based Stockeld Dreamery has announced a partnership with PLNT Burger, a plant-based burger chain with 13 locations across New York City, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. The collaboration introduces Stockeld’s Cultured Cheddar as the flagship cheese for PLNT Burger’s menu, a deal that has been in development for 18 months. The partnership has been facilitated through Stockeld’s distribution arrangement with Sysco. The move is part of Stockeld Dreamery’s ongoing efforts to establish a stronger presence in the US foodservice sector, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. In a LinkedIn post, Sorosh Tavakoli, CEO of Stockeld Dreamery, outlined three key reasons for the collaboration. These include the alignment of both companies’ regional focus, shared emphasis on high-quality food, and PLNT Burger’s recent profitability and …

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Vietnamese Salad with Beyond Steak

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Beyond Meat Introduces Beyond Steak to French Food Service Sector

Beyond Meat has announced the launch of its plant-based Beyond Steak in France, marking the product’s first entry into the French food service market. Starting in February 2025, the offering will be available to restaurants nationwide, aiming to provide a versatile option for those seeking plant-based menu additions. The Beyond Steak pieces, crafted from plant-based ingredients such as fava beans and wheat, are designed to replicate the taste and texture of conventional steak. Each 100g portion delivers 24g of protein and contains 182 calories, with only 1g of saturated fat and no cholesterol. The company also released a life cycle assessment (LCA) study of its Beyond Steak earlier this month, which found that the product generates 84% less greenhouse gas emissions and requires 93% less …

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Session 9 of the ‘update’ Webtalk Series: Foodservice – Gateway to Changing Consumer Habits

The international business webtalk series ‘update’ discusses the most pressing issues of the ongoing protein transition. Based on the latest news, data, and facts, the future of the industry will be put forward and discussed with key market players in this series of talks. Foodservice – Gateway to Changing Consumer Habits February 20th, 10:30 AM CT (CHICAGO) | 5:30 PM CET (BERLIN) | 4:30 PM GMT (LONDON) >> Register now! The foodservice sector holds immense potential as a gateway to driving the global transition toward a more sustainable and plant-based food system. As a critical player in shaping consumer habits and preferences, the industry has the power to transform the game—but how is it leveraging this influence? What strategies are currently being deployed by key players? Where are …

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Miyoko's x DoubleDave's

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Pourable Plant Milk Mozzarella from Miyoko’s Now Available at DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks

Miyoko’s Creamery, a producer of plant-based dairy alternatives, has announced a partnership with DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, a regional pizza chain in the US with locations in Texas and Oklahoma. The collaboration introduces Miyoko’s Pourable Plant Milk Mozzarella as a dairy-free option for customers to add or substitute on any menu item. DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, known for its menu items such as Peproni Rolls® and Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli, views the partnership as an opportunity to expand its offerings to include more inclusive options. Marc Asmussen, director of sales, food service at Miyoko’s Creamery, commented on the partnership: “This collaboration marks a significant step in making delicious, sustainable, and accessible dairy-free options available to even more pizza fans. Because we believe that great food should not only taste amazing …

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Mexico vegan

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Latin America Sees a 21.6% Increase in Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

Veganuary has partnered with vegan food discovery platform HappyCow to launch its third-ever rankings of the Latin American countries and cities with the most vegan restaurant options. The study reveals that there are now over 10,000 vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants in Latin America, up by more than 1,700 compared to 2023. This represents an increase of 21.6%. Rankings by country Brazil takes the top spot in the country rankings with 2,953 vegan-friendly restaurants. Mexico has only 33 fewer, and also has the highest number of fully vegan restaurants. Colombia is in third place, followed by Chile. The latter has seen a huge 27.7% increase in vegan-friendly restaurants, with almost 200 new options added last year. Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Paraguay make up …

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Rebellyous Foods Great State Burger

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Rebellyous Foods’ Plant-Based Chicken Patty Joins Great State Burger Menu Amid $2.4M Funding Boost

Seattle-based plant-based food technology company Rebellyous Foods has announced the addition of its plant-based chicken patty to the menu at Great State Burger, a Pacific Northwest restaurant chain. The partnership brings Rebellyous’ plant-based chicken products to a broader audience and aligns with the growing demand for plant-based food options in the restaurant sector. The new menu item, known as the Rebellyous Plant-Based Chicken Burger, includes the company’s signature plant-based chicken patty, topped with organic lettuce, pickles, regular cheese and State Sauce (which is not vegan). In order to make the burger vegan, it must be requested without cheese or State Sauce. The sandwich debuted recently and, according to Great State Burger, has quickly become a popular choice among customers. “We’re excited to introduce a plant-based …

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TiNDLE PLNT burger collaboration

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TiNDLE Foods Partners with PLNT Burger to Feature Plant-Based Chicken on East Coast Menus

TiNDLE Foods has announced a partnership with PLNT Burger, an all-vegan burger chain co-founded by chef Spike Mendelsohn and entrepreneur Seth Goldman, to feature TiNDLE’s plant-based chicken in key menu offerings. Starting this January, TiNDLE Chicken will be the primary plant-based chicken used in the Crispy Chik’n Sandwich and Spicy Chik’n Sandwich across all 13 PLNT Burger locations on the East Coast of the United States. Spike Mendelsohn, PLNT Burger’s co-founder and culinary director, told vegconomist, “Our new Tindle fried chicken sandwich is absolutely delicious and nutritious! Working with the Tindle team has been nothing short of amazing, as they truly understand what the consumer is looking for out of plant-based products.” TiNDLE Foods, which launched its plant-based chicken products in US retail in late …

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Harvester Garden Gourmet Sensational Vegan Pulled Fillet

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GARDEN GOURMET’s Sensational Vegan Pulled Fillet Launches at Harvester & Butlin’s

Nestlé-owned plant-based meat brand GARDEN GOURMET has announced that its Sensational Vegan Pulled Fillet is launching at two well-known UK chains — Harvester restaurants and Butlin’s seaside resorts. At Harvester, the Pulled Fillet is now available as part of various menu options, including tacos, flatbreads, and bowls. Meanwhile, Butlin’s has incorporated the fillet into its Chinese Noodle Soup. According to GARDEN GOURMET, the meat alternative is highly versatile and rich in both protein and fibre. “We’re always looking for ways to improve the dining experience for our guests, and the introduction of GARDEN GOURMET® Pulled Fillet is a fantastic addition to our menu,” said Greg Kusmierski, Senior Kitchen Manager at Buffet restaurants. “It’s a delicious plant-based protein that fits perfectly into our Chinese Noodle Soup …

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THIS Isn't Pork sausages launch in IKEA restaurants across the UK

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THIS™ Isn’t Pork Sausages Launch at IKEA Restaurants UK-Wide

Plant-based meat brand THIS™ has announced that its award-winning THIS Isn’t Pork Sausages are launching at 19 IKEA restaurants across the UK. The sausages will be served as part of IKEA’s new Veggie Sausage & Mash meal, which features three sausages with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a leek and cabbage mix. Costing just £4.95, the meal provides a sustainable option for IKEA customers to enjoy while they shop. IKEA announced in 2020 that 50% of the main meals offered in its restaurants and 80% of its packaged food would be plant-based by 2025. The retail giant has also been taking other measures to make plant-based food more accessible and affordable, including making some popular plant-based dishes cheaper than comparable meat-based products. “Two purpose-driven brands working …

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Pioneering the Culinary Arts: Austria Launches the World’s First Vegetarian-Vegan Culinary Apprenticeship

Starting July 1, 2025, Austria will introduce a vegetarian and vegan culinary apprenticeship program. A draft regulation from Austria’s Ministry of Economy and Labor regarding this culinary training was already prepared in June 2024. Austrian Labor Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) has now officially announced the publication of the regulation, marking a significant milestone for the hospitality industry. Vegan Society Austria welcomes the Vegetarian Apprenticeship “Austria can be proud: with 5% of the population identifying as vegan, the country leads Europe and is now a global trailblazer in meat-free culinary education,” said Felix Hnat, Chairman of the Vegan Society Austria. The society’s years of advocacy have paid off. Through its Vegucation project, over 300 instructors have been trained as vegan-certified chefs. Lisa Klein, Vegucation project manager, …

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La Vie x Papa Johns Hawaiian vegan pizza

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La Vie Partners With Papa Johns to Launch Hawaiian Vegan Pizza Across the UK

French plant-based meat brand La Vie has partnered with pizza giant Papa Johns to launch the new Hawaiian Vegan Pizza in the UK. The pizza consists of a classic tomato base topped with pineapple, dairy-free cheese, and La Vie’s plant-based ham. It is now available at Papa Johns locations UK-wide. “At Papa Johns, we’re always looking to innovate and push the boundaries of what pizza can be,” said Rebecca Carroll, Marketing Director at Papa Johns. “We’re proud of our diverse menu that offers something for everyone, and we’re excited to have joined forces with La Vie™ to introduce a new plant-based pizza – one that’s even more controversial than the classic Hawaiian. This partnership combines popular flavours with plant-based alternatives, offering a bold new way …

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PLNT Burger

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PLNT Burger Launches Equity Crowdfunding Campaign After Opening New Location Near Boston, Massachusetts

American plant-based fast-casual chain PLNT Burger has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign via the Startengine platform to accelerate its expansion. Customers can invest a minimum of $299.20 into the company, which achieved over $11.2 million in sales in 2023. All operating locations have reportedly been profitable year-to-date in 2024 through September. The launch of the crowdfunding campaign comes after PLNT Burger raised $3.8 million in Series A funding at the end of November. According to the Washington Business Journal, this brings the total amount secured by the company to over $12 million. Earlier this month, PLNT Burger opened a new location in Brookline, Massachusetts, a town in the Boston metropolitan area. The restaurant is the chain’s second standalone location (the other is in Manhattan). PLNT …

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Tortilla X Beyond Meat

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Tortilla Becomes First Fast-Casual Chain in the UK to Launch Beyond Steak

Tortilla, a leading fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain in Europe, has announced a new collaboration with Beyond Meat to launch the Beyond Steak Chimichurri Burrito. The limited-time offering will be available at select Tortilla locations across the UK starting January 2, 2025, through February 6, 2025, or while supplies last. This new menu item is designed to offer a plant-based option for Veganuary, targeting meat eaters, flexitarians, and vegetarians alike. The Beyond Steak Chimichurri Burrito features Beyond Meat’s award-winning Beyond Steak, paired with a limited-edition chimichurri mayo, Mexican rice, pinto beans, guacamole, sweetcorn salsa, pickled onions, jalapenos, and tortilla chips—all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. James Garland, food director at Tortilla, commented: “We’re proud to partner with Beyond Meat to be the first fast-casual restaurant …

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PLANT SHACK

© Jose Coello/PLANT SHACK

Spain’s PLANT SHACK to Open First UK Location After Signing Franchise Deal

Spanish fast-casual chain PLANT SHACK is set to open its first UK location in London after signing a franchise agreement with entrepreneur and investor Michael Vosc. PLANT SHACK was founded in 2019 by Sarah and Lee Brogden, both originally from the UK. The chain serves juices, smoothie bowls, coffee, and grab-and-go options, including toast, sandwiches, and poke bowls. Currently, PLANT SHACK has six locations across Spain in Altea, Albir, Santa Catalina, Palma City, Caja Major, and Calpe. The search for a suitable site in London is currently underway, and PLANT SHACK also has plans to expand further into the UK and other international markets. Making plants more accessible Recent figures indicate that vegan orders at UK quick-service restaurants increased by 56% in 2024, while vegetarian …

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Gourmey

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Gourmey Enlists Michelin-Star Talent to Elevate Cultivated Foie Gras Ahead of Regulatory Approval

Gourmey, a Paris-based foodtech developing cultivated foie gras, has announced the creation of its inaugural culinary advisory board. The board includes three renowned Michelin-star chefs: Claude Le Tohic, Daniel Calvert, and Rasmus Munk. The chefs will lend their expertise to the company’s flagship product as Gourmey prepares for the anticipated regulatory approval of its product. The company submitted market approval applications in Europe, the US, Switzerland, and the UK, in the first half of 2024, and was the first to apply for regulatory approval to sell cultivated meat (foie gras) in the European Union this July. This advisory board is a first for the cultivated meat industry, and the three chefs bring a wealth of experience and creativity from across the globe: Le Tohic, based …

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UK food service outlets launch new Veganuary options

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Vegan Orders at UK Quick-Service Restaurants Saw a 56% Increase in 2024

Restaurant technology provider Vita Mojo has published data highlighting consumer eating and drinking trends at UK quick-service restaurants in 2024. Figures were provided by chains such as Leon, Gail’s, Wasabi, Yo!, Wenzel’s, and Subway. Over 139 million individual item orders were analysed, along with 9.8 million meal deals. Contrary to widespread claims that plant-based food is becoming less popular, Vita Mojo’s data shows that vegan orders increased by 56% in 2024, while vegetarian orders were up 64%. According to the company, this indicates that there is still a significant appetite for plant-based options in the UK. In good news for the planet, the use of reusable coffee cups increased by 111% this year, demonstrating a growing commitment by consumers to avoiding single-use plastics. “Customers are …

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Rebellyous Foods chicken nugs

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Rebellyous Foods Plant Based Chicken Now Available Nationwide Through Dot Foods

Rebellyous Foods, a Seattle-based plant-based meat company, has entered into a distribution partnership with Dot Foods, North America’s largest food industry redistributor. The collaboration is set to expand the availability of Rebellyous’ plant-based chicken products, including nuggets, tenders, and patties, across a broad network of foodservice establishments in the United States. Dot Foods operates a unique redistribution model, enabling suppliers to ship in smaller quantities while maintaining frequent deliveries. With over 5,020 distributors in its network and a turnaround time of 2-4 days on orders, Dot Foods offers flexibility to foodservice operators of all sizes. This model will allow Rebellyous Foods to reach customers ranging from independent restaurants to schools and large event venues. Kristie Middleton, chief relationship officer at Rebellyous Foods, commented on the …

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Image credit Aurelia Scherrer

The Voglhaus in Konstanz: Pioneering Biocyclic Vegan Gastronomy

In the picturesque old town of Konstanz on Lake Constance in southern Germany lies the Voglhaus  – a café and concept store celebrated for its commitment to sustainability, regionality, and aesthetics. Founded and managed by Martina Vogl, the Voglhaus (a name that also plays on the German word “Vogelhaus,” meaning “birdhouse”) is dedicated to 100% organic quality, holding dual organic certifications according to recognised organic standards (Demeter and Bioland). With an entirely plant-based menu, where nearly all dishes and drinks are vegan, the café offers a compelling vision for a sustainable future. The Voglhaus is not just a place for good coffee and tasty food but also a pioneer in sustainable gastronomy. By choosing to rely increasingly on biocyclic vegan products, the café goes a …

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