Retail & E-Commerce

Tiba Tempeh gains Morrisons listing

©Tiba Tempeh

Tiba Tempeh Rolls Out into Morrisons as Tempeh Continues to Enter the UK Mainstream

It’s been a good news week for plant-based at UK supermarket chain Morrisons, which operates around 500 stores across England, Wales, Scotland, and Gibraltar. HAPPIEE! this week rolled out its frozen plant-based seafood into 327 Morrisons locations, and One Planet Pizza landed its second major UK supermarket launch through the same chain, with its frozen category first vegan Tex Mex pizza. Now, Tiba Tempeh announces its launch into 327 Morrisons stores with its Original Tempeh Block and Plant-Based Mince. Tiba Tempeh’s new Plant-Based Mince is described by the company — founded in 2019 by Alex and Ross Longton, with experience at Kraft Heinz and other food industry leaders — as the only 100% natural and organic plant-based mince on the market. The mince rolled out …

more

Organisations and brands:

Blackbird Foods wings

© Blackbird Foods

Blackbird Foods’ Seitan-Based Wings Land at 100+ Wegmans Stores Nationwide

Blackbird Foods, a New York City-based plant-based food company, has announced the launch of its plant-based wings in Wegmans stores. The brand’s Buffalo and Korean BBQ-flavored wings are now available at over 100 Wegmans locations nationwide. The expansion into Wegmans represents a key step in Blackbird Foods’ growth. Emanuel Storch, CEO of Blackbird Foods, highlighted the alignment between the two companies, stating, “Partnering with Wegmans is especially exciting, as it highlights our shared dedication to providing high-quality, plant-based food options.” The plant-based wings, made from seitan, a wheat-based protein, are designed to mimic the texture and taste of traditional chicken wings. Each 12 oz package includes a separate sauce packet to enhance flavor. The Buffalo wings offer a spicy and tangy profile, while the Korean …

more

Organisations and brands:

© Happiee

HAPPIEE! Expands UK Retail Presence with Sainsbury’s & Morrisons Listings

Young brand HAPPIEE!, formed in 2022 as a subsidiary of Growthwell Foods, a leading Southeast Asian producer of meat alternatives, announces its latest milestone with new listings in two of the UK’s largest supermarket chains. Since 25 September, HAPPIEE! products have been available in 245 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. From today, 9 October, the brand will further extend its reach by launching in 327 Morrisons locations. The frozen range first landed in the UK last summer and rolled out into ASDA last December ahead of Veganuary 2024. HAPPIEE! offers alt seafood products such as Shrimpiee, Breaded Shrimpiee, Squidiee, and Calamariee. These products are designed to mimic the flavour and texture of real seafood, suitable for dishes such as stir-fries and paella. According to the …

more

Organisations and brands:

Supermarket stockpiling

©Sondem - stock.adobe.com

How Sustainable are German Supermarkets? Superlist Ranking Announced for Spring 2025

This week, think tank Questionmark has published the methodology for the new Superlist Environment in Germany. It will compare the efforts of Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd, Edeka, Kaufland, Lidl, and Rewe regarding the protein transition, sustainable agriculture, and combating climate change. Superlist Environment is an initiative from think tank Questionmark, in collaboration with the Albert Schweitzer Foundation, Madre Brava, Physicians Association for Nutrition and ProVeg, with consulting of Deutsche Umwelthilfe. The supermarkets have already provided feedback on the methodology at the New Food Conference on September 3rd in Berlin. In spring 2025, Questionmark will publish the results of the study and a ranking of the supermarkets. Race to the top on sustainability The recent implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the …

more

Organisations and brands:

Better Balance, Sigma's global plant-based food brand, announced the launch of its popular Better Dog at all Gelson's Markets locations across Los Angeles County.

Image courtesy of Better Balance

Better Balance’s Gluten & Soy-Free Plant-Based Dogs Hit Gelson’s 27 Locations in LA County

Better Balance, Sigma‘s global plant-based food brand, announces the launch of its latest release — the Better Dog — at all 27 Gelson’s Markets locations across Los Angeles County, from Santa Barbara to Pacific Beach. The Better Dog is a gluten and soy-free alternative made from pea protein. The brand claims that it has quickly become a favorite among consumers and industry experts for its superior taste and texture. The product earned various accolades after its initial launch in Spain in 2022 and its US debut in Chicago’s foodservice scene this February. Gelson’s will offer two SKUs: the Jumbo pack, featuring two extra-long hot dogs, and the Classic, a five-pack of traditional-sized hot dogs. Ana Guerra, Head of US for Better Balance, shares, “As we …

more

Organisations and brands:

Lidl

Jérémy-Günther-Heinz Jähnick / Somain - Lidl (01) / Wikimedia Commons / Cc-by-sa 3.0.

Lidl NL Permanently Reduces Plant-Based Prices, Adds Pea Protein to Beef Mince for Blended Product

Lidl Netherlands has announced a permanent reduction in the cost of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, meaning they will be priced equally to or lower than their animal-based equivalents. The retailer says it aims to ensure price is not an obstacle to making sustainable choices. The news comes after a ProVeg study conducted last year found that people are far more likely to choose plant-based foods when they are priced more affordably. The research showed that most people want plant-based products to be priced the same as animal foods, with similar government subsidies. Lidl has already slashed the prices of plant-based alternatives in other European markets such as Germany, Denmark, Hungary, and Austria. Dutch chain Jumbo has made a similar move, along with various other …

more

Organisations and brands:

Image courtesy of ProVeg

Netherlands: Supermarket Meat-Free Promotions Stagnate While Alt Meat Sales to Caterers Double

According to animal rights organisation Wakker Dier, the number of meat-free promotions available at Dutch supermarkets has barely increased for the third year in a row, remaining about the same on average. Additionally, there have been few reductions in meat promotions, with three available for every meat alternative offer. The organisation noted that there were discrepancies between retailers, with Aldi and Hoogvliet having reduced their meat-free promotions by 38% and 34% respectively. On the other hand, Jumbo has increased its vegetarian offers by 41%, and Spar saw the second-highest increase at 31%. Aldi runs 11 meat promotions for every meat-free offer, making it the worst-scoring supermarket in this area. Jumbo and Albert Heijn are tied in first place, with two meat promotions for every vegetarian …

more

Organisations and brands:

Veganz Mililk

© Veganz Group

Veganz’ 2D Printed Oat Milk Discs Arrive on Organic Grocery Stores Following €10M Investment

The gluten-free organic Mililk oat milk discs are produced by Veganz Group with 2D printers and sold in sheet form. Veganz claims that this form saves 94% packaging waste and 85% weight compared to products in milk cartons. The sustainable product, first revealed last summer, is now available in organic food stores in Germany. The milk alternative is now available under the Veganz Bio Mililk® Oat Barista brand from Terra Naturkost, the organic wholesaler for north-east Germany. Five-litre packs with printed sheets of gluten-free organic oats (grown in Europe) in barista quality are now available at the chain, in addition to its existing availability at REWE. Rapid success The innovative product has been an instant hit among retailers and consumers. Veganz reports that in taste …

more

Organisations and brands:

SHICKEN launches at Costco US

© SHICKEN

SHICKEN Tikka Kebab to Launch at Costco US After Sales at European Stores Rise by 15%

Asian-inspired plant-based brand SHICKEN announces that its award-winning Tikka Kebab has gained a listing at Costco US, following the brand’s huge success at Costco UK and its expansion into Costco Iceland, Sweden, and France earlier this year. According to SHICKEN, sales of the Tikka Kebab have risen by 15% at Costco stores in the UK and Europe over the past year. SHICKEN will now reportedly become the only UK plant-based brand in Costco US stores, initially launching at locations in the northwest with the possibility of expanding into other regions. The potential opportunity across the entire Costco estate is said to be over $40 million in sales revenue. The launch comes after SHICKEN secured listings at another US chain, Sprouts Farmers Market, earlier this year. …

more

Organisations and brands:

Better Nature tempeh gains REWE listing

Image credit Samantha Couzens

Better Nature Brings its Tempeh to German Chiller Cabinets Through REWE Deal

Tempeh products in Organic and Smoked varieties from UK startup Better Nature are now available throughout Germany at REWE, furthering the company’s German retail footprint in addition to its availability at Edeka in the Rhine-Ruhr region. REWE thus continues its support for plant-based producers and innovations in the field, such as the innovative and sustainable 2d printed Mililk discs made by Veganz, which are supplied to the retail group, whose subsidiaries include the REWE, Penny, and Billa chains. This April, REWE inaugurated its first purely plant-based supermarket in Berlin, offering over 2,700 vegan products. Good for the gut and full of nutrients Tempeh consists of protein-rich soybeans that are fermented with mould to form a firm block. It has a slightly nutty flavour and can be …

more

Organisations and brands:

Sprouts Farmers Market Store Interior, VA, USA

©Refrina -stock.adobe.com

Sprouts Farmers Market Sees Q2 Stock Surge as CEO Eyes Whole Foods’ Market Position in Natural & Healthy Foods

Sprouts Farmers Market has announced its second-quarter earnings for 2024, showcasing strong financial performance and resilience among its health-conscious customer base despite the current economic climate. Shares of Sprouts Farmers Market increased significantly after the earnings report, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s strategic direction and market positioning. The company’s strategic focus on health-forward products has clearly paid off, as consumers continue to prioritize dietary choices regardless of inflation and tightened spending. Sprouts stock has jumped 72% in the year-to-date period. Net sales totaled $1.9 billion; a 12% increase from the same period in 2023 Comparable store sales growth of 6.7% Diluted earnings per share of $0.94; compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.65 and Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.71(1) in the …

more

Organisations and brands:

Unlimeat Korean BBQ_Bulgogi pack shot

© UNLIMEAT

UNLIMEAT Rolls Out 5 “K-Vegan” Products into GIANT and MARTIN’S Stores as Korean Food Surge Continues

Plant-based food brand UNLIMEAT, producer of popular “K-Vegan” products from upcycled, discarded vegetables, has launched five of its products into 149 GIANT and MARTIN’S stores in the USA, as the surge of interest in Korean food continues worldwide. Following the brand’s retail partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market earlier this month whereby its BBQ products launched into around 400 Sprouts stores, this latest expansion brings further Korean-style plant-based cuisine to the US market. The company has a US office base as well as its Korean HQ and launched an online store last November. In interview with vegconomist last year, founder and then-CEO Keum Chae Min explained the brand’s strategy and MO: “We believe that the alternative meat market will continue to stagnate unless it also focuses …

more

Organisations and brands:

Image courtesy of ProVeg International

Overcoming Retail Obstacles to Boost Your Plant-Based Sales

Sometimes in retail, plant-based products just won’t shift. How do we navigate the barriers that keep consumers from purchasing plant-based products? In the latest New Food Hub article, ProVeg International addresses common challenges supermarkets face when selling plant-based products. The article provides solutions and strategies to help you overcome these obstacles and enable you to optimise your plant-based sales. Let’s focus on one of the key challenges and uncover its solution. Challenge: consumer resistance to change Resistance from customers who are loyal to traditional products People can be creatures of habit, preferring to stick to what they know rather than try something new. Getting consumers to switch to a plant-based version of an animal-based product can be difficult when they’re happy with their usual items. …

more

Confetti Snacks

© Confetti Snacks

Confetti Snacks Expands into Europe Through TJ Maxx and HomeSense

Confetti Snacks, a US-based brand known for its upcycled vegetable and fruit chips, has expanded its distribution to Europe. This move is in collaboration with TJ Maxx and HomeSense, and the products are now available in nearly 1,000 stores across the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Poland. Confetti Snacks offers a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense chips made from imperfect produce. The top three products – Thai Green Curry Mushrooms, Black Truffle Mushrooms, and Just Half Moons Mandarin Chips – achieved a 65% sell-through rate in the first two weeks of availability in Europe. Tackling food waste The brand was founded by Singapore native Betty Lu with a mission to tackle food waste and provide a nutritious, minimally processed snack option. “We take ‘ugly’ or unsellable …

more

Organisations and brands:

Lidl Belgium drops prices of plant-based protein products

© Lidl Belgium

Report: Which European Supermarket Chains Will Be the First to Meet Planetary Health Goals?

Global environmental advocacy organisation Madre Brava has assessed the climate and protein transition ambitions of Europe’s 15 largest supermarket chains to determine which will be the first to meet human and planetary health goals. The report finds that all the retailers have set targets to reduce the emissions of their food products, or plan to do so by the end of the year. However, Ahold Delhaize and Lidl currently take the lead. Lidl has committed to increasing plant-based protein sales and decreasing meat and dairy sales in six European countries — Austria, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The retailer will also reportedly improve the ratio of plant to animal proteins sold in all 31 countries where it operates. Meanwhile, Ahold Delhaize told Madre …

more

Organisations and brands:

Monoprix

Image: Monoprix

Monoprix Announces Commitments to Improving Visibility & Accessibility of Plant-Based Foods

Earlier this year, major French supermarket chain Monoprix partnered with vegetable-based food companies Bonduelle and Céréal Bio to conduct a consumer consultation on the theme of making diets more plant-based. Almost 15,000 people took part in the consultation, and Monoprix has now published the results. They indicate that many French people are in favour of promoting plant-based foods, with over 60% supporting measures such as sharing easy plant-based recipes and increasing information about the nutritional and health benefits of plant-based products. Currently, Monoprix and convenience store chain Franprix (owned by the same parent company) promote plant-based foods during Veganuary and the barbecue season. This involves in-store promotions and the sharing of recipes and information via social media, newsletters, and websites. Following the survey results, the …

more

Organisations and brands:

UNLIMEAT X Sprouts Market

© UNLIMEAT

UNLIMEAT Brings Vegan Korean BBQ to Sprouts Stores Across the US

UNLIMEAT, a prominent Korean vegan food producer, has announced a significant retail partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market, launching its products in approximately 400 Sprouts stores nationwide. The initial lineup features plant-based Korean BBQ, bulgogi, and pulled pork. The company’s product offerings are designed to provide vegan alternatives to traditional Korean dishes, which have been gaining popularity in the US as part of a growing global interest in Korean culture. Rising interest in Korean cuisine According to data cited by The Food Institute, interest in Korean food spiked almost 90% in 2021 and has continued to grow since. UNLIMEAT notes that Google Trends data indicates a 35% increase in searches for Korean recipes and ingredients from 2021 to 2023. Ryan Chung, Co-CEO of UNLIMEAT, commented, “Korean …

more

Organisations and brands:

Heather Mills in blue suit

© Heather Mills

Heather Mills Acquires Alternative Stores to Create a Central Hub of ‘Hero’ Plant-Based Products in the UK

Heather Mills, owner and founder of VBites who was recently recognised as ‘Vegan Woman of the Year‘ at the 2024 Vegan Women’s Summit in Los Angeles, announces the acquisition of the award-winning online plant-based store Alternative Stores. This latest addition to Mills’ vegan portfolio aims to offer support to hundreds of family businesses and assist with the launch of their own brands, and follows last year’s acquisition of the Plant & Bean manufacturing facility in Boston, UK, which was facing administration. Alternative Stores lists a wide variety of notable plant-based brands including UK egg alternative producer Sinless Food; Naturli butter; LoveRaw confectionery; Violife cheese; Mummy Meegz chocolate and treats; and of course, VBites, in addition to other categories such as footwear, household, pet food, and …

more

Organisations and brands:

Lidl's new Vemondo ribs

© Lidl Germany

Lidl Germany Introduces New Vemondo Products Including Vegan Ribs

Lidl is launching a range of new products under its own-brand vegan range Vemondo as part of a new promotion week. Lidl customers across Germany can now look forward to several new vegan products. “From high-quality meat substitutes and vegan ribs to vegan ice cream desserts: with Vemondo, we offer a wide selection of delicacies every day at the usual low Lidl price,” announced the discounter. The new range includes vegan moussaka, vegan camembert, vegan ribs, vegan nuggets, vegan tortillas, vegan chocolate crunchies, and vegan stracciatella ice cream. The Vemondo range is licensed with the V-Label and received the Vegan Food Award from PETA Germany in the “Best Vegan Range” category in 2023. Lidl’s vegan product range already includes over 450 items in total. Influencing …

more

Organisations and brands:

mother with daughter in supermarket

Image courtesy ProVeg International

11 Dutch Supermarkets Commit to Selling 60% Plant-Based Proteins by 2030

Supermarket chain SPAR and app-only grocery retailer Picnic have become the latest companies to commit to the ambitious protein transition goals set out by Dutch animal welfare organization Wakker Dier. They will work to sell 50% plant-based proteins by 2025, with this goal increasing to 60% by 2030. A total of 11 supermarkets operating in the Netherlands have now made the commitment; the others are Albert Heijn, Aldi, Crisp, Dirk, Ekoplaza, Jumbo, Lidl, Plus, and Odin. Together, these retailers hold a market share of over 90%. The only major Dutch supermarket chain that has not yet committed to the goal is Vomar. Currently, around 40% of proteins sold by Dutch supermarkets are plant-based. As the retailers work to increase this percentage, they will publish their …

more

Organisations and brands:

load more