Meatable

© Meatable

Meatable Collaborates with Major NGOs to Address Global Food Challenges

Meatable, a company specializing in cultivated meat technology, announced its collaboration with three global organizations dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems: Food Tank, The United Nations Global Compact, and The Hunger Project. This partnership is part of Meatable’s ongoing efforts to address the environmental and societal challenges of global food production. The world’s population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, which will significantly increase the demand for protein. Traditional livestock farming, however, relies on large amounts of land, water, and energy, and is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. As the environmental costs of food production rise, alternatives like cultivated meat, which aims to reduce these negative impacts, are being seen as a potential solution. Danielle Nierenberg, co-founder of …

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Notco aeromexico

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NotCo Expands Airline Partnerships with New Aeromexico Collaboration

NotCo, a Chilean food technology company, has teamed up with Aeromexico to provide a plant-based meal option for passengers in Premier and Premier One Class. Until May 31, travelers will be able to pre-order the NotBurger, with caramelized onion, manchego-flavored NotCheese, and wedge fries. This meal is available exclusively through Aeromexico’s Preselect Menu, which allows passengers to choose their meals up to 24 hours before their flight. Aeromexico posted on social media, “We’re thrilled to share that this spring, our passengers can enjoy the NotBurger, a delicious plant-based burger, by preordering it through our Preselect Menu, available 24 hours before their flight in Premier One.” The NotBurger offering is part of Aeromexico’s ongoing effort to diversify its in-flight dining options with sustainable and innovative products …

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Nijmegen endorses the Plant Based Treaty

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Dutch City Nijmegen Bans Meat Ads & Endorses Plant Based Treaty

The city of Nijmegen has endorsed calls for a global Plant Based Treaty, becoming the second Dutch city to do so and the 37th globally. Following the endorsement, Nijmegen will implement a ban on advertising fossil fuels and meat products in public spaces such as bus shelters and digital screens. Similar bans have previously been implemented by municipalities in Haarlem and Utrecht. The city will also introduce the plant-based Nimma Sandwich, which has been developed in collaboration with Radboudumc, Radboud University, MVO Nederland, HAN, Compass, Vermaat, and the restaurant De Nieuwe Winkel. The sandwich highlights natural, plant-based ingredients, all of which are sourced from local farmers and producers. “Last year, we put the Plant Based Treaty on the city’s radar,” said Bart Salemans, City Council …

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NYC Health + Hospitals

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NYC Health + Hospitals Marks Milestone of 2 Million Plant-Based Meals Served

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, NYC Health + Hospitals has announced the milestone of serving over 2 million plant-based meals to patients since launching the program in March 2022. In 2024 alone, the health system served over 900,000 plant-based meals to its patients. The initiative, developed in collaboration with Sodexo, is based on scientific evidence linking plant-based eating patterns with improved health outcomes. Studies suggest that plant-based diets can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, while also supporting weight management and the treatment of conditions like hypertension. “It’s been an incredible three years. Crafting quality food has always been the first thought in mind. Crafting quality innovative food to help heal others is even more rewarding. I …

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ProVeg International

Image: ProVeg International

The Generations Fuelling the Plant-Based Market

Consumer habits are changing fast, with Millennials and Gen Z making a significant impact. These generations are increasingly conscious of their food choices and are shaping the future of the food industry through their purchasing power, digital influence, and values-driven consumption. Among these generations, plant-based eating has become more popular, fuelled by concerns about health, sustainability, and animal welfare. According to the latest Smart Protein Project survey, Gen Z has the highest rates of vegetarians (7%), vegans (4%), and pescatarians (5%) in Europe. In contrast, omnivores are more prevalent in the Boomer and Gen X groups.  However, flexitarianism – the practice of reducing meat consumption without eliminating it entirely – is not confined to younger generations. Adoption rates are similar across Boomers (29%), Gen X …

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ProVeg International youth board

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ProVeg Announces 2025 Youth Board to Promote Plant-Based Diets

ProVeg International has selected 20 young advocates from a pool of over 500 applicants to join its 2025 Youth Board, a global initiative focused on advancing plant-based food systems. The board members, aged 15 to 29, represent diverse backgrounds and countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The Youth Board will work closely with ProVeg’s United Nations team, contributing to policy discussions and participating in international events, including the Bonn Climate Conference in June, the World Food Forum in October, and COP30 in November. The board members will advocate for food system changes that reduce reliance on animal agriculture, which ProVeg states is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. ProVeg International CEO Jasmijn de Boo noted the strong interest …

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Campaign urges Brits to give up dairy for International Women's Day

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Campaign Urges British Consumers to Give Up Dairy for International Women’s Day

UK charity Animal Justice Project is calling on the British public to avoid dairy products on International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the treatment of cows in the dairy industry. As part of the campaign, Animal Justice Project has commissioned research to gauge consumer awareness of common dairy industry practices. The results indicate low awareness among the majority of respondents — for example, 52% did not know that dairy cows are impregnated annually to enable milk production, while 83% were unaware that calves are often separated from cows within 24 hours of birth. Furthermore, 82% did not know that dairy cows are typically slaughtered between the ages of 5 and 7, despite having a natural …

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Gen Z

Image: Anna Shvets on Pexels

Study: Gen Z Believes More Action is Needed to Protect Animals and the Environment

A new study by Faunalytics and Good Growth Co has examined the attitudes of Generation Z (commonly defined as individuals born between 1997 and 2012) to environmental and animal protection. The study collected data from educated youth in the United States, Indonesia, Thailand, and China via surveys and interviews. The results indicate that the majority have a preference for ethical products. Just 31% and 34% of respondents said society was doing enough to protect animals and the environment respectively. However, the focus was mainly on companion and wild animals, with farm animals rarely mentioned. When asked why they believed animals and the environment should be protected, study participants mentioned a range of factors, including protecting the planet for future generations and helping animals for their …

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Tom Brady

Image: Tom Brady on Facebook

Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady Launches Vegan GOAT Gummies

Tom Brady, a former NFL quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion, is launching a new line of gummy snacks called GOAT Gummies. As reported by Hypebeast, the snacks are vegan-friendly and organic with no artificial sweeteners or flavors. They contain real fruit and are made in France. The gummies have been developed as part of a multi-year partnership with food delivery company Gopuff, which Brady invested in last year. They will be available exclusively on the platform in three flavors — Sweet Rush (pear, mango, passion fruit, and cherry), Sour Burst (tangerine, apricot, and grapefruit), and Tropic Fusion (passion fruit, raspberry, and pomegranate). Trusted ingredients Tennis player Serena Williams, who is known to consume a plant-based diet, was reportedly one of the first to sample …

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University of North Texas Commits to 60% Plant-Based Dining by 2027

The University of North Texas (UNT) has pledged to make 60% of its campus dining options plant-based by 2027, making it the most ambitious initiative of its kind among US higher education institutions in collaboration with Humane World for Animals, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States. The commitment follows UNT’s high ranking in the College and University Protein Sustainability Scorecard, where it placed second among large self-operated universities. The scorecard, compiled by Humane World for Animals, assesses institutions based on efforts to expand plant-based meal offerings and reduce reliance on animal products. UNT’s plant-based dining strategy UNT has been active in plant-based dining for over a decade, particularly through Mean Greens Café, which became the nation’s first all-vegan university dining hall …

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A plant-based food system could promote social justice

Photo: Nandhu Kumar on Unsplash

World Day of Social Justice: How a Plant-Based Food System Could Build Fairer Societies

On World Day of Social Justice, which is observed on February 20, ProVeg International has called for increased recognition of the role of food systems in building fairer societies. The organization notes that industrial animal agriculture is associated with the exploitation of workers, who are often undocumented migrants. Those working in slaughterhouses and factory farms may suffer injuries and repetitive physical strain, and are also at increased risk of psychological distress. in some cases, this leads to depression, PTSD, domestic violence, or suicide. Meanwhile, government subsidies and supply chains favor large agribusiness, making it challenging for small farmers to succeed. Consequently, smallholders often face debt and economic instability. Benefits of a plant-based food system ProVeg argues that a plant-based food system could provide benefits such …

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woman reading food label

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New Zealand Societies Submit Petition Calling for Clearer Labelling of Vegan Products

The Vegan Society of Aotearoa and the New Zealand Vegetarian Society have formally submitted a petition to ban the misleading labelling of vegetarian and vegan products. The societies note that there is currently no legislation in New Zealand to define what counts as vegan or vegetarian, resulting in consumer confusion. Consequently, they are calling for standardised, legally enforceable labelling requirements to support consumers in making informed purchasing decisions. The current Food Standards Code provides a foundation for foodlabelling requirements, but does not make specific provisions for vegan andvegetarian labelling. The societies argue that this is detrimental not just to vegans, but also to those with allergies to animal products such as dairy and eggs. “We want to help consumers make ethical choices simply and easily,” …

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Veganuary

Evanna Lynch © Veganuary

Veganuary Hits 25.8M Global Participants, Strengthens Presence in North & South America, Asia

Veganuary, the annual campaign promoting plant-based diets in January, has reported participation from approximately 25.8 million people worldwide in 2025. The organization expanded its reach this year with new initiatives in Canada, Peru, and Malaysia, working alongside local partners to encourage plant-based eating. The participation estimate is based on surveys conducted in 11 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Brazil. The findings were then extrapolated using population data. In the US, the campaign saw engagement from major food brands, retailers, and restaurants, with companies such as The Kraft Heinz Not Company, Amy’s Kitchen, and Voodoo Doughnuts launching plant-based products and promotions. According to Sandra Hungate, Veganuary’s US director, “It’s incredibly exciting to see the numbers of participants in January and to know …

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Portrait Tobias Leenaert

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Op Ed: Tobias Leenaert – Can We Stop Paying the Polluters? A Report on the Defund Meat Conference

Tobias Leenaert is the author of How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach, a highly regarded book offering practical strategies for vegan advocacy. He is also the co-founder of ProVeg International. Tobias is known for his thoughtful, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented approach to building a more sustainable and compassionate food system. In this article, Tobias discusses the key takeaways from the Defund Meat Conference in Heidelberg, Germany, where leading academics presented research and strategies for reducing meat consumption through legal, economic, and political interventions. Can We Stop Paying the Polluters? By Tobias Leenaert of ProVeg International On Jan. 16-17, 2025, I attended the Defund Meat Conference at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg, Germany. The one hundred or …

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Flora partners with Gordon Ramsay for Skip the Cow campaign

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Flora Partners With Gordon Ramsay to Build on Success of Award-Winning “Skip the Cow” Campaign

Plant-based butter and spread brand Flora has partnered with world-renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay for a new iteration of its award-winning “Skip the Cow” campaign. In a 20-second ad, narrator Ben Ashenden asks whether Flora’s plant-based butter works well in baking. Susan the cow, who featured in a previous Flora campaign, nods her head. “Cow says yes, could seem biased. Let’s ask an expert,” says Ashenden. Then the camera pans to Ramsay, who is sitting on Susan. “Is that a serious question?” says Ramsay. “Just look at this f***ing cake.” “This campaign represents a bold step forward in showcasing the incredible versatility and taste of Flora for cooking and baking,” said Jorn Socquet, chief marketing officer at Flora Food Group. “Gordon’s passion for exceptional food …

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NAPIC offers alternative protein PhDs

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UK Alternative Protein Innovation Centre NAPIC Launches Fully Funded PhDs

The UK’s National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC), located at the University of Leeds, has opened applications for five fully funded PhD studentships in the field of alternative proteins. The PhD projects cover the following areas: Successful candidates will have opportunities to collaborate and complete placements at industry partners worldwide. They will also receive entrepreneurial training. Funding will cover a maintenance grant of £19,237 per year, UK and Ireland tuition fees, and bench fees. International applicants will need to cover the difference between UK and international tuition fees. Transforming the alternative protein landscape NAPIC was formally launched in December after receiving £15 million in investment from two UK government bodies — the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Innovate UK. Its aim is …

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Chunk Foods

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Chunk Foods Donates Thousands of Plant-Based Steaks to Support Fire-Affected Communities in Los Angeles

Chunk Foods, a producer specializing in plant-based whole-cut products, has donated thousands of plant-based steaks to nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles. The donation is intended to support first responders and residents affected by the recent Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in the Los Angeles and Pasadena areas. The contribution enables local nonprofit organizations to provide high-protein, ketogenic-certified, and clean-label meals to those impacted by the fires. The meals are aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of both emergency responders and displaced community members. “This donation is more than just food. It’s about nourishing the body and soul during a time of crisis. We’re deeply moved by the bravery of first responders and the resilience of those impacted by these fires. This includes many restaurants and …

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Gesunder Veganer Burger

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New BEUC Report Calls on Retailers and Governments to Support Plant-Based Alternatives

A new report from the European Consumer Organization BEUC, “Unwrapping Veggie Burgers”, examines the growing popularity of plant-based meat alternatives in Europe and their potential to diversify protein sources in consumer diets. The report highlights both opportunities and challenges for these products as they gain traction among health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. The EU has seen a remarkable rise in plant-based alternatives, with consumption of meat substitutes increasing fivefold and plant-based milk tripling since 2011. Flexitarianism is also on the rise, with nearly 30% of EU consumers in 2021 identifying as reducing meat consumption and opting for plant-based options instead. A call for change BEUC’s report lays out a roadmap for promoting plant-based diets across the EU. It recommends incorporating environmental considerations into national dietary …

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Emirates develops new vegan options

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Emirates Develops New Vegan Options to Serve on Flights, Including Meals for Kids

Middle Eastern airline Emirates has marked Veganuary by developing new vegan dishes to add to its range of over 300 plant-based options. Chefs from the airline gathered in the Emirates Flight Catering Concept Development Kitchen to workshop new dishes and ingredients; these included savory vegan cannelloni and a lookalike solid egg substitute made from legumes that was trialed in a spicy shakshuka sauce. Additionally, the airline has recently introduced a range of vegan meals for children, including pizza, sweet and sour vegetable casserole, vegetable fajitas, and cauliflower bites with sweet sauce. For dessert, options such as strawberry crumble and vegan chocolate pudding are available. Emirates’ selection of vegan dishes is available on flights to 140 destinations worldwide, using ingredients from various global suppliers. These include …

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More Than 140 Latin American Brands Join Veganuary With Special Offers & New Products

More than 140 brands from Chile, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina have joined this year’s Veganuary campaign in Latin America. The companies have collectively introduced 120 special offers and promotions for Veganuary participants, along with 19 new vegan products and menus. In Chile, participating brands include PedidosYa, Melt Pizzas, and Juan Valdez. Through its PedidosYa Market stores, the former is offering discounts of up to 20% on over 50 plant-based products throughout January. Meanwhile, Veganuary participants can get 20% off the plant-based Vegana Veggie pizza at Melt Pizzas. “The demand for vegan options has grown notably in Chile, which motivated us to create this alliance with NotCo,” said Lucy Garrido, deputy marketing manager at Melt Pizzas. “With this promotion, we seek to encourage more conscious …

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