Retail & E-Commerce

Somenoya tofu shop in Barcelona

© Somenoya

Japan’s Someno’s TOFU Co. Reports 179% Sales Surge at First Overseas Branch in Barcelona

Someno’s TOFU Co., a Japanese tofu maker since 1862, opened the company’s first overseas branch, Somenoya, in Barcelona, Spain, this February. Eight months after the launch, the company reports that its retail outlet has experienced sturdy growth, with a 179% increase in sales in September compared to February.  TOFU Catalán S.L established the Barcelona shop in 2010; however, it sold its ownership to Someno’s TOFU Co. in October 2022. During the succession period, the business ceased operations, resuming and reopening in February 2023. With the motto “soybeans save the world”, Somenoya offers a tofu collection made by artisans using traditional processing methods and Nigari, a natural coagulant made from seawater. The company also sells SoMeat, a plant-based meat imported from Japan, and a range of Bento lunch …

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Planted plant-based hoisin duck

© Planted

Planted Launches at 350 Tesco Stores, Debuts Plant-Based Hoisin Duck

Planted, a Swiss startup producing meat alternatives using fermentation technologies, has secured a major retail listing at the UK’s largest supermarket chain, Tesco. Three Planted products have now launched at 350 Tesco stores nationwide, including a brand new plant-based hoisin duck alternative that is currently not available anywhere else. The meat alternative is made with sunflowers, oats, and peas, and is said to have “the perfect balance of caramelised crispiness and tender juiciness”. The other products launching at Tesco are plant-based kebab meat and lemon & herb flavour plant-based chicken, both featuring updated packaging. All three meat alternatives are described as clean-label, representing a “new standard in the plant-based meat industry”. Planted has also recently achieved B Corp certification, receiving an “outstanding” rating due to …

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© Grubby

Plant-Based Recipe Kit Startup Grubby Announces First Retail Launch at Tesco

Grubby, a UK startup offering plant-based recipe kits, has announced that it is launching at Tesco following the success of its D2C business. The launch marks the first time Grubby has been available for retail, with three recipe kits on offer — Aubergine Thai Green Curry, Curried Coconut Dahl, and Crispy Gnocchi Puttanesca. Each kit serves two people and will be presented in a dedicated branded display, with more varieties set to be introduced soon. Grubby began as a B2B business delivering to offices, before pivoting into D2C during the pandemic. The brand has over 56,000 customers, with customer spend trebling within the past year. The new launch comes as Tesco reports that plant-based is a “high-growth category”, countering media claims that the industry is …

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The Vegetarian Butcher plant-based butchery

© The Vegetarian Butcher

The Vegetarian Butcher Celebrates 13th Anniversary With New Plant-Based Butchery in Rotterdam

Dutch alt meat brand The Vegetarian Butcher (owned by Unilever) is marking its 13th anniversary with the opening of a plant-based butchery in Rotterdam. The store will offer “the meatiest plant-based craftsmanship out there”, with dozens of varieties of meat alternatives available. This will include limited edition products that are exclusive to the store. The news comes after The Vegetarian Butcher opened plant-based butcher counters at 24 Carrefour stores in Spain earlier this year, along with one in France in 2022. The brand has also previously opened a pop-up restaurant in The Hague and a lunchroom at Rotterdam Central Station. From local to global Since it was founded in 2010, The Vegetarian Butcher has successfully grown from a local brand to a global one, with …

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Vegan Korean BBQ Brisket

© UNLIMEAT

PlantX Adds UNLIMEAT to Ecommerce Portfolio

Plant-based food platform PlantX Life Inc. (CSE: VEGA) is further expanding its ecommerce offerings by adding South Korea’s UNLIMEAT to its brand lineup.  UNLIMEAT, owned by Korea’s Zikooin Company, specializes in a variety of Korean-inspired plant-based meat products, such as Korean BBQ, pulled pork, tuna, jerky, mandu, rice balls, and frozen Kimbap, made using upcycled ingredients like repurposed grain, rice and soy.  Among the products soon to be available through PlantX are UNLIMEAT’s plant-based Korean BBQ, pulled pork, mandu dumplings, and a selection of ready-to-heat products inspired by Korean flavors, including frozen Kimbap and rice balls.  Lorne Rapkin, CEO of PlantX, commented on the new distribution agreement, stating, “We are excited to support UNLIMEAT’s US expansion with this new logistics and distribution agreement. The brand …

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Food tech leader TiNDLE Foods, formerly Next Gen Foods, announces an expansion into new categories (including milks, ice creams, and sausages) and a new brand identity

© TiNDLE Foods

Singaporean Plant-Based Brands Expand Into Europe, Capitalizing on Growing Demand

Singaporean plant-based brands are increasingly taking advantage of rising demand elsewhere in the world to expand internationally, with a particular focus on Europe. The number of alt protein companies in Singapore has reportedly skyrocketed in recent years, as the country becomes increasingly concerned about food security and actively recruits scientists in the field. While the Singaporean alt protein market provides considerable opportunities, some companies are opting to make their success global. Among the most notable is plant-based chicken brand TiNDLE, which launched at hundreds of UK restaurants last year before rolling out at retail stores in the country this April. The brand is also available at thousands of EDEKA supermarkets in Germany. Another Singaporean brand, Growthwell Foods’ HAPPIEE! (which mostly focuses on seafood alternatives) arrived …

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Meatless Farm OOO ad on bus stop states Trying Times

© Meatless Farm

Meatless Farm is “Back for Good”, Returning to Supermarkets with National Comeback Campaign & New Product Launch

UK brand Meatless Farm, which was acquired by VFC this June following turbulent times, returns to Tesco shelves this week, additionally relaunching into Sainsbury’s and Ocado, along with an extension to its filled pasta range and a national OOH comeback campaign. The brand’s economic struggles earlier this year, during which administrators were appointed, generated prolific media attention, as such this OOH and digital advertising campaign intends to raise awareness that the Meatless Farm is back in retail for consumers. The message ‘For the Tryers,’ invites the increasing number of UK meat-reducers to ‘give it a try,’ further enticing them to purchase once again with a QR code generating a £2 discount and a Greenjinn money-off coupon. The campaign will run from the 25th September to …

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Crave secures Sainsbury's listing

© Crave

CRAVE Secures Listing at Sainsbury’s for Recently Relaunched Vegan Snacks

UK challenger brand CRAVE, winner of TV pitch show Aldi’s Next Big Thing, announces this week it has achieved a listing at selected Sainsbury’s stores for recently re-launched snacks Pickled Onion Noughties and Hot & Spicy Hot Dawgs. The free-from producer recently faced legal challenges when the names of three of its products were deemed too similar to those made by major brands, in a now altogether too familiar situation in the plant-based space. In response to the cease and desist letters, CRAVE agreed to rename its products. Following these tumultuous times for the startup, it comments this week that the new Sainsbury’s listing shows that perseverance has paid off and that the free-from and vegan market is very much in demand. Created by food …

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Albert Heijn launches AH Terra, an own-label plant-based line with 200 products

© Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn Launches AH Terra: The Largest Selection of Plant-Based Options in the Netherlands

Albert Heijn (AH), the leading supermarket chain in the Netherlands, has launched AH Terra, an own-label plant-based line comprising 200 products, including 58 NPDs — the largest and most diverse selection of plant-based options available, claims AH. The new AH Terra line encompasses various plant-based categories: milk, cheese, margarine, alt meat, seafood, vegetable spreads, snacks, and appetizers. The first AH Terra products, including margarine, milk, cheese slices, and vegetable spreads, are already available nationwide. Marit van Egmond, CEO of Albert Heijn, comments: “By leading the protein transition and expanding our range with plant-based proteins, we offer our customers the opportunity to make more conscious and sustainable choices. The introduction of own-brand line AH Terra makes plant-based food and drink even easier.” The protein transition The new launch aims to …

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Alexandre Bompard at a Carrefour announcing the launch of a coalition to democratize plant-based foods

© Alexandre Bompard on LinkedIn

Carrefour and Major Food Companies Launch Plant-Based Coalition to Take Alternatives Mainstream

Président Directeur Général of Carrefour, Alexandre Bompard,  has announced the launch of a plant-based coalition to democratize and develop plant-based alternatives for the market.  In partnership with food manufacturing and distribution companies Danone, SAVENCIA, ANDROS, Bel Bonduelle, Unilever, and NUTRITION & SANTE, the coalition aims to reach €3 billion in sales by 2026. “This initiative demonstrates our ability to join forces and assume our collective responsibility as manufacturers and retailers to consume sustainable products at reasonable prices,” says Bompard on social media. Food is responsible for almost 25% of GHG emissions, and global warming is increasing rapidly. As 50% of households follow a flexitarian diet, and the purchasing power of the French is under significant pressure, Bompard believes that affordable plant-based alternatives are a solution …

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UNLIMEAT-upcycled-food-low

© UNLIMEAT

UNLIMEAT Furthers its Presence in US Natural and Organic Stores as K-Food Continues to Trend

South Korean plant-based meat brand UNLIMEAT expands its US retail footprint with increased presence in the Natural and Organic Market, as interest in K-Pop and K-Foods continues to trend globally. The fast-growing Asian company announces today the launch of its plant-based offerings into a list of natural and organic stores such as Mollie Stone’s Markets, Berkeley Bowl, Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins in California, and Good Earth Markets in Utah.  The products introduced by UNLIMEAT in Natural & Organic stores consist of three SKUs: plant-based Korean BBQ; pulled pork; and Mandu, a large Korean-style dumpling. UNLIMEAT states that the expansion into said natural & organic stores marks its most significant achievement since its debut last winter into Albertsons, one of the largest supermarket chains in …

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Alternative Protein Shopper/ Consumer with Basket

Image: Gorodenkoff - stock.adobe.com

USA: Non-GMO Project Finds Absence of GM Ingredients Vital to Plant-Based Shoppers

According to non-profit organization the Non-GMO Project, as the plant-based food market matures, buyer preferences are becoming more nuanced and apparent. The Non-GMO Project states that shopper behavior indicates that not all plant-based foods are perceived equally by consumers. The organization says there is a growing awareness that some plant-based foods have no real health advantages over traditional, conventional products such as meat, eggs and dairy. For example, most shoppers want to avoid GMOs – and this is especially true when it comes to plant-based products. This means that a GMO ingredient can negate the supposed benefits of a plant-based product. Shoppers’ continued preference for non-GMO ingredients is an important part of the plant-based food conversation. Consumers are signaling their aversion to genetic engineering through …

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Wayfare Foods pudding

© Wayfare Foods

WayFare Foods Introduces Dairy-Free Puddings to Albertsons in Midwest US

Following the retail success of the company’s plant-based yogurt launch earlier this year, WayFare Foods is now unveiling its dairy-free pudding lineup at Albertsons stores across the US.  Just in time for the back-to-school season, these creamy vegan puddings offer a delectable treat for health-conscious families. Founder Kelly Coffin, a parent herself, understands the importance of tasty and healthy snacks for kids. She states, “We at WayFare know that families adopting a vegan lifestyle, in particular, don’t want to give up their favorite snacking choices.” With Albertsons now carrying these puddings, convenience meets nutrition for busy families.  No soy. No nuts. These silky-smooth vegan puddings are a blend of wholesome ingredients such as butter beans and oats and are available in three flavors (butterscotch, chocolate, …

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Singaporean plant-based brand HAPPIEE! has launched its frozen seafood and meat analogs in the UK

© HAPPIEE!

Singapore’s HAPPIEE! Introduces “Mouth-Watering” Seafood Range in the UK

Singaporean plant-based brand HAPPIEE! has launched its frozen seafood and meat analogs in the UK, marking its expansion into international markets. The company secured a listing with Ocado online supermarket and has announced plans to launch at Tesco nationwide in the coming months.  The brand’s frozen range includes breaded and plain shrimp, breaded calamari rings, squid rings, and one meat analog: lamb shawarma, described as tender and delicious. The seafood range, according to the company, offers “the mouth-watering flavours of the sea.” All the products are GMO, cholesterol and additives-free, high in fibre, and low in calories. HAPPIEE! uses konjac flour for its fish products and soy, potato, or wheat protein for both alternatives.  The frozen category continues to grow in the UK. Tesco’s data reveals that a third …

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Vegan Buffalo Chicken Pizza

©Blackbird Foods

New York’s Blackbird Foods Continues Trajectory, Rolls Out More Vegan Pizzas into Whole Foods

Blackbird Foods continues its trajectory of success with the addition of three plant-based pizzas to its line-up at Whole Foods, including its recent product developed with fellow plant-based brand daring, the Blackbird Buffalo Pizza.  Blackbird’s pizzas are already listed at 300 Target stores, and the brand has also launched a line of plant-based chick*n WINGS, available in Buffalo and Korean BBQ flavors. Blackbird’s Margherita, Supreme, and Buffalo frozen pizzas are now launching in Whole Foods’ Southern Pacific region, which includes shops in Southern California, Arizona, Southern Nevada, and Hawaii. The Buffalo, topped with vegan cheese, fresh onions, and daring’s plant-based chicken, launched nationally at Sprouts last spring. With the launch in Whole Foods SoPac, Blackbird is increasing its reach and making its vegan pizza creations …

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MF No duja

@ Meatless Farm

Meatless Farm Back on Shelves Less Than a Month After Facing Administration

Best-selling products from UK alt meat brand Meatless Farm are back on supermarket shelves, along with a new product development said to be the first-to-market, just weeks after famously being acquired by industry peer VFC. Speaking to vegconomist on the acquisition of the brand, VFC Co-founder Matthew Glover said that the acquisition, financed from the company’s cash reserves, marks a crucial milestone for the company and its mission to remove animals from the food chain. A major step for plant-based “Those claiming the plant-based food movement has peaked are mistaken. The consumer appetite for plant-based is still there and at a total EU level, the category is in growth, with unit sales growth of the plant-based milk, meat and cheese categories outpacing that of animal-based …

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Mind Blown Seafood + Tom Colicchio

©Mind Blown Seafood Co.

PlantX Adds Mind Blown Plant-Based Seafood to E-Commerce Platform

Vancouver-based online supermarket PlantX announces today that it has added Mind Blown™ vegan products from The Plant Based Seafood Co. to its popular ecommerce platform. The Plant Based Seafood Co., a female-founded and family-owned enterprise, is the creator of  The Mind Blown™ range, which entered retail in early 2021. The range includes Dusted Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Dusted Scallops, and Crab Cakes which have attracted notable investors such as TV host and celebrity chef Tom Colicchio as well as chef Spike Mendelsohn of PLNT Burger. Award-winning innovations The Mind Blown range has received multiple awards and is available in food service through several major distributors including Sysco, US Foods, Fancy Foods Inc., and Webstaurant, and in retail at Sprouts. The most recent innovation, Mind Blown™ Shelf-Stable …

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Vegan Asian Dumplings

©Plant Up

Canada: Plant Up Debuts Globally-Inspired Plant-Based Frozen Meals at Major Retailers

Food startup Plant Up announces its globally-inspired plant-based frozen meals are now on sale at Sobeys, Foodland and Safeway locations across Canada.  Co-founded by Aamir Malkani, Plant Up states it is bringing a “taste revolution” to the plant-based category by sourcing unique flavors and ingredients from around the world. In contrast to what it deems “boring, repetitive burgers and nuggets”, Plant Up says it is on a mission to answer consumer demand for convenient, better-tasting meals with cleaner ingredients.  To create its first products – Asian Dumplings and Thai Basil Chik’n – the company’s team reportedly traveled around the world to sample authentic tastings of these dishes in their countries of origin. Plant Up also partnered with a diverse group of chefs and spent over …

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Better Nature Lidl launch

© Better Nature

Better Nature Continues Phenomenal Trajectory With Rollout into 966 Lidl Stores

Better Nature, the UK brand spearheading the rise of Tempeh 2.0, announces a nationwide rollout of its Organic Tempeh, Curry Tempeh Pieces and Mediterranean Tempeh Pieces into all 966 Lidl stores across the country. The retail expansion comes as part of Lidl’s Vegan Week (today 27th July to 2nd August) and marks the brand’s biggest ever product rollout with over 50,000 units shipped. In the past year alone, Better Nature has raised £700K in a seed plus round; secured listings with Holland & Barrett, Selfridges, Gopuff, and allplants; launched a £3M funding round and secured its first UK supermarket listing at Tesco. Better Nature has plans for expansion in the UK and mainland Europe, as well as launching new tempeh lines and focusing on NPD …

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Ikea plant based hot dog

© IKEA

IKEA Discusses the New PLANT HOTDOG and Plant-Based Targets for 2025

In 2020, IKEA announced that 50% of main meals offered in its restaurants would be plant-based, 80% to be non-red meat, and 80% of all packaged food offered to be plant-based by 2025. With this date fast approaching, and in the wake of the newly launched PLANT HOTDOG, we spoke with IKEA’s Tanja Schramm to gain some insights into these targets. The Swedish retail giant says it has seen an increase in the popularity of plant-based options, with the veggie ball in particular accounting for a significant portion of sales. IKEA is also exploring ways to remove or replace dairy in its range to further reduce the climate impact of its food ingredients. IKEA has undertaken an initiative to promote the accessibility and affordability of …

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