cows factory farming

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Sustainability / Environment

Researchers Formally Challenge Distortion of Data in UN Report as Downplaying Impact of Meat Reduction

Researchers Paul Behrens from Leiden University and Matthew Hayek from New York University have formally challenged the validity of a recent report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) regarding the reduction of meat consumption and its effect on lowering emissions. In a detailed letter, they urged the FAO to retract the publication, citing significant discrepancies in data interpretation and methodology. The disputed report, part of a sequence presented at the COP28 climate summit, titled “Pathways Towards Lower Emissions,” misuses data from a 2017 study co-authored by Behrens. The FAO’s analysis focused on strategies to reduce emissions from the livestock sector, primarily through improved animal management, reduced food waste, enhanced breeding practices, and improved feed quality. The report downplayed reducing meat consumption, suggesting that …

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VEGDOG Pure Bites made with microbial proteins

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Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

MicroHarvest & VEGDOG Unveil Dog Treat with “First-of-its-Kind” Microbial Protein

Two German companies, the biotech startup MicroHarvest and plant-based pet food producer VEGDOG, have partnered to introduce a dog treat crafted from a sustainable ingredient: microbial proteins from biomass fermentation.  While other pet food products have utilized microbes like yeasts and mycelium, MicroHarvest’s first-of-its-kind protein is derived from bacteria that have been consumed by humans for centuries in foods such as kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut, according to the announcement.  Combining the microbial protein with potato and apple pomace, the innovation — VEGDOG Pure Bites — is said to be hypoallergenic, suitable for dogs with protein intolerances and allergies, and recommended for use in veterinary practice. Tessa Zaune-Figlar, founder and CEO of VEGDOG, comments, “Our goal at VEGDOG is to show dog owners that they do not have to rely on meat-based products to …

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ISS Guckeheimer Chef with Plants

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Sustainability / Environment

Humane Society Scorecard Exposes Gap Between Sustainability Pledges and Practice in US Foodservice

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has issued its latest Protein Sustainability Scorecard. This annual report evaluates major US foodservice companies’ efforts to diminish environmental and animal welfare impacts through their purchasing and menu selections, particularly as these companies serve vast networks, including schools, corporate offices, and stadiums. Director of Food Service Innovation at the Humane Society, Kate Watts, underscored the need for transparency, stating, “All companies should be transparent about their sustainability targets, goals and progress. Customers deserve to know which companies are following through and which companies are falling short of their commitments.” Providing a ‘hard look’ at company initiatives “The HSUS Protein Sustainability Scorecard was created to provide the public and customers with a hard look at what companies are …

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Company News

Univar Solutions and Meurens Natural Forge Strategic Alliance to Boost Sustainable Food Solutions in Europe

Univar Solutions B.V., a subsidiary of Univar Solutions LLC, has forged an exclusive partnership with Meurens Natural, a leading provider of organic and natural cereal extracts, to serve markets in Poland and Italy. The strategic alliance will incorporate Meurens Natural’s Sipal® and Natu® ranges into Univar Solutions’ portfolio, enhancing Univar Solutions’ offerings of clean-label and organic ingredients in alignment with the growing European demand for sustainable food solutions. Foodology by Univar Solutions is an innovative food and ingredients partner, helping food brands of all sizes tackle product development challenges with its network of solution centers and test kitchens, culinary experts and in-house scientists. These specialists are able to refresh and develop formulas and will provide additional technical and culinary support for Meurens Natural ingredients, ensuring …

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Magic Valley introduces new cultivated pork bao buns at public tasting

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Cultivated Meat

Magic Valley’s Cultivated Pork Impresses with “Indistinguishable” Flavor at Tasting Event

Australian firm Magic Valley, a cultivated meat company at the forefront of scalable solutions, debuted a new product —cultivated pork bao buns — at a recent tasting at John Gorilla Café in Brunswick. The event brought together a wide range of attendees from different industries, all intrigued by future technology, advancements in food technology, and the alternative protein sector, according to the announcement. Magic Valley claims to have developed a scalable platform for growing beef, lamb, and pork without fetal bovine serum using iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) technology. This tech allows cells to grow indefinitely to create unlimited quantities of meat. On the right track However, while producing volumes to stay competitive in the food industry is essential, Magic Valley’s primary goal is to replicate …

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Cultimate Foods showcased its CultiFat at a tasted event held at ProVeg Incubator in Germany

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Cultivated Meat

Cultimate Foods Secures €2.3M to “Deliver the Meaty Flavors Consumers Crave” Via Cultivated Fats

Despite the difficult fundraising environment, German startup Cultimate Foods, a B2B cultivated fat supplier for the alt protein industry, has secured €2.3 million in seed funding to scale the production of its functional ingredient, CultiFat, and expand its operations and commercial collaborations. High-Tech Gründerfonds, one of Europe’s leading seed investors, led the round, which also included participation from the Life Science Valley Wachstumsfonds, b.value AG, and Kale United. Food tech investor Big Idea Ventures also joined the round. Made from beef and pork fat cells using cell ag technology, CultiFat contains the essential fatty acids responsible for the distinctive flavor and aroma of meat. According to Cultimate Foods, its fat is a game-changing ingredient that elevates the taste and texture of plant-based meat. The German startup has developed two …

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Dreamfarm almond-based cheese

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Cheese Alternatives

Italy’s Dreamfarm Launches Innovative Almond-Based Cheeses in Germany

Italian startup Dreamfarm has announced that its almond-based cheese alternatives are launching in Germany. The cheeses will initially be available at Edeka stores in Berlin, and may later launch at restaurants and pizzerias. The news comes less than two months after Dreamfarm expanded to Delhaize stores in Belgium, following an “incredibly positive” reception in Italy. A launch in the Netherlands is also said to be on the cards. The startup’s rapid expansion has been made possible by a €5 million investment from food industry entrepreneurs Giampaolo Cagnin and Francesco Mutti, which has also allowed for the establishment of a new production facility. Dreamfarm aims to provide a healthier alternative to other plant-based cheeses on the market. While many cheese alternatives are made predominantly from coconut …

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Alex Podcast episode 1
Investments & Finance

Investment Climate Podcast: Tim Fronzek of Nosh.bio Reveals the Secrets to Fundraising Success

In this new podcast series, co-produced by vegconomist, Alex Shandrovksy interviews investors about benchmarks for funding alt proteins in 2024 and uncovers the investment playbooks of successful Climate Tech CEOs and Leading VCs. Podcast Host Alex Shandrovksy is a strategic advisor to numerous global food tech accelerators and companies, including leaders in alternative proteins and cellular agriculture. His focus is on investor relations and post-raise scale for agrifood tech companies. Episode 01: Tim Fronzek, Nosh bio’s fundraising playbook In this first episode, Alex talks to Tim Fronzek from Nosh.bio to unlock the secrets to weathering the storm of fundraising in a tumultuous investment climate. As our esteemed guest, he unveils the narrative of his company’s gripping quest for seed funding against a backdrop of spiraling …

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Alpro new branding

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Studies & Numbers

39% of Romanians Consume Plant-Based Products As Flexitarianism Surges

According to research by Danone Romania, 39% of Romanians now consume plant-based products, up from 30% last year. Meanwhile, less than a third (31%) eat meat daily. 33% of respondents said they choose plant-based foods for their taste, while 30% cited sustainability. Consumers between the ages of 25 and 34 are the most likely to choose a more plant-based eating pattern. 30% of those surveyed said they follow a particular dietary principle, such as vegetarianism, veganism, or flexitarianism. The latter is becoming particularly popular in the country; according to the study, this reflects “an evolution in food preferences and awareness”. The research was conducted last month by NMS Hungary Kft, which surveyed a representative sample of 500 Romanians. “Promising trajectory” A recent report by ProVeg …

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Vegan calamari rings on a plate

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Products & Launches

Spanish Seafood Producer Aguinamar Partners with Vrave to Launch Vegan Calamari in Major Retailers

In another collaboration between a traditional food company and a food startup, the Spanish seafood producer Angulas Aguinaga Group, via its brand Aguinamar, has partnered with Grin Grin Foods (which recently rebranded to Vrave) to launch its first plant-based product, Aros de Mar, a vegan calamari. With Aros de Mar, Aguinamar is adding a vegan option to its lineup of easy-to-prepare seafood products, expanding into the growing plant-based seafood category. The new alternative will be available in Carrefour and Alcampo at the end of April. The product is konjac-based, providing quality and texture to the calamari alternative while offering a good amount of fiber and a few kilocalories. It is suitable for pan frying, baking, or air frying, allowing it to obtain a crunchy and firm texture. Konjac …

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Prime Roots Plant-Based Deli Meat

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Company News

Prime Roots is Giving Away a Million Slices of Koji Mycelium Deli Meat

Prime Roots, producer of koji mycelium cold cuts, as well as plant-based pâtés and foie gras products amongst others, is giving away a million slices of its vegan koji deli meat alternative on a US tour. The Californian brand was recently recognized on Time Magazine’s America’s Top GreenTech Companies in 2024 list and has received several further awards as pictured below. Additionally, the B-Corp last month celebrated being featured in the hugely popular Netflix series You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment. In the series, Prime Roots was the “leading innovator” of the plant-based deli meat in the swap, in an experiment whereby in sets of twins one consumed an omnivore diet and the other plant-based, in order to compare the physical effects. Cybertruck …

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Veganuary choose chicken free

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Charity & Campaigns

Veganuary Launches ‘Choose Chicken-Free Week’ in the US With Nationwide Initiatives

Veganuary, the non-profit initiative encouraging plant-based diets, is initiating its “Choose Chicken-Free Week” starting next Monday, accompanied by a range of discounts and special offerings from various brands and eateries across the United States. Following the successful introduction of over 2,000 new vegan products and dishes worldwide during Veganuary 2024, the organization aims to foster long-term dietary changes with the support of campaigns throughout the year. According to a survey conducted among Veganuary participants, 82% expressed intentions to either adopt a fully vegan lifestyle or substantially reduce animal product consumption post-January. Veganuary’s Choose Chicken-Free Week aims to demonstrate the accessibility of plant-based alternatives to chicken and eggs, addressing the mounting concerns regarding avian flu outbreaks and the sustainability of conventional poultry production.  Coinciding with Respect …

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Kynda and Revo Foods CEO statements

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People

CEO Statements: Revo Foods & Kynda Biotech on Mycoprotein, the Vegan Meat of the Forest

In this installment of the series “CEO statements: what excites, moves and motivates“, in which our German language platform interviews CEOs on current topics, vegconomist spoke to Robin Simsa, CEO of Revo Foods, and Daniel MacGowan- von Holstein, CEO of German company Kynda Biotech GmbH. Both companies specialise in alternative products based on mycoproteins and see it as the future of meat alternative products. Mycoprotein is becoming increasingly popular due to its texture similar to meat and its high nutritional value. This protein alternative is often produced through the fermentation of fungal components and offers not only a sustainable source of protein, but also one that is very similar in texture and flavour to conventional meat. This makes mycoprotein an attractive ingredient for the development …

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Rais Case X Dole X Ananas Anam

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Leather Alternatives

Dole Partners With Rais Case and Ananas Anam to Transform Agricultural Waste Into Sustainable Fashion

Dole Packaged Foods, one of the world’s largest producers of fruit and vegetables, has joined forces with Rais Case, a circular design brand from Southern California, and Ananas Anam, the creator of plant-based material Piñatex. This collaborative effort aims to repurpose organic waste into functional fashion accessories, beginning with a limited-edition Vida Bag crafted from Piñatex, a vegan leather alternative derived from pineapple leaf fibers sourced from Dole Philippines farms. Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Dole Packaged Foods, Americas, Orzse Hodi, spoke on the significance of waste reduction efforts, stating, “For every ton of pineapples harvested, three tons of pineapple leaves are discarded, making it our job to find ways to reduce and repurpose our waste as much as we can. In addition …

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Doug Grant, CEO of Atlantic Fish Co

CEO Doug Grant © Atlantic Fish Co

Cultivated Seafood

Atlantic Fish Co: “We Want to Have Our Products in Restaurants All Over the United States and Beyond”

Based in North Carolina, Atlantic Fish Co has developed a proprietary technology to cultivate fish cells that can thrive in liquid suspension, focusing on high-performing cell lines of wild-caught species, such as halibut and sea bass, and using genetic engineering technology to grow the cells in bioreactors and providing them with nutrients for growth. Founded in 2020, the Atlantic Fish Co. recently unveiled what it claims is the world’s first cultivated black sea bass product, during a tasting at the North Carolina Food Innovation Lab. Speaking at the time, Doug Grant, CEO of Atlantic Fish Co. stated: “Developing the world’s first cultivated black sea bass is a win for our company and consumers who want sustainable, ethical seafood. We will provide seafood that is also …

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The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) has released a study that highlights Europe's animal-based protein balance and argues for the growing interest in alternative proteins. 

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Studies & Numbers

Europe’s 60% Reliance on Animal Proteins Challenged in New EU Alt Protein Research

The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) has released a new study evaluating the potential of algae, insects, microbial fermentation, and cultivated meat to improve food security and reduce the environmental impacts of food production within the EU.  However, to make the case for the growing interest in these alternative proteins, the report explains Europe’s current protein balance. According to the authors, plant-based protein intake in the wider world accounts for 57% of total protein consumption. However, in Europe, animal protein still makes up the majority, somewhere between 55 and 60% — exceeding plant-based protein consumption since the 1970s and the recommended daily intake by about a third. Moreover, with this impressive demand for meat, the region faces a deficit in local feed production, importing 61% of …

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UNLIMEAT pulled pork wrap launches at Starbucks Hong Kong

© UNLIMEAT/Starbucks Hong Kong
Food Service

UNLIMEAT Pulled Pork Wrap Launches at Starbucks Hong Kong

Korean plant-based meat brand UNLIMEAT has joined forces with Starbucks Hong Kong to offer a plant-based pulled pork wrap. The wrap combines UNLIMEAT’s pork alternative with carrot, red cabbage, and lettuce to create a “satisfying and guilt-free meal”. UNLIMEAT first entered the Hong Kong market in 2020, and has since secured several major collaborations in the region. IKEA Hong Kong launched an Earth Day Menu featuring the brand’s meat alternatives in 2022, and convenience store chain 7-Eleven has introduced two products made with UNLIMEAT’s signature Korean BBQ. “We have been dreaming of launching something at Starbucks ever since we launched our first products in Hong Kong,” said UNLIMEAT CEO Keumchae Min. “Our pulled pork has been our most popular product in the United States, so …

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© Migros
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Migros Launches Upcycled Meat Alternatives Made From Spent Brewer’s Grain

Swiss supermarket chain Migros has partnered with Circular Food Solutions to launch a new range of upcycled meat alternatives. The products are made from spent brewer’s grains, a byproduct of the barley used in beer production. The grains, rich in nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and fibre, are combined with Swiss-grown peas and wheat to produce the meat alternatives. There are currently three products in the range: burgers, mince, and marinated pieces. The meat alternatives have been developed using Circular Food Solutions’ technology, which aims to help companies take advantage of the growing demand for plant-based foods while making better use of resources. The technology is said to produce alt meats with “a unique fiber texture, taste, and elasticity”. The new products are part of …

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Beyond AcaciaFarbestBeyondAcacia

© Farbest Brands
Ingredients

Amid America’s Fiber Crisis, Newly Developed ‘Beyond Acacia’ Naturally Lowers Sugar & Increases Dietary Fiber

Amid an escalating fiber crisis in the US, where dietary fiber deficiency leads to thousands of deaths every year, Farbest Brands is now offering Beyond Acacia®, a gum acacia product manufactured using a new process that produces high-density granules, in partnership with Alland & Robert. Beyond Acacia, like traditional gum acacia, is a wholly natural source of dietary fiber. The ingredient, devoid of taste, color, and odor, reduces sugar content and enhances fiber without altering the flavor or texture of products. It offers multiple applications, serving as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and texturizer, and is also employed in encapsulation, film-forming agents, extrusion aids, tableting, and confectionery. Beyond Acacia is vegan, non-GMO, USDA-certified organic, Kosher, and Halal certified. America’s fiber crisis Research indicates a significant deficiency in …

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Berger-Schinken, a German firm with over 130 years of history in ham and sausage processing, and the Austrian upcycling and food tech company Kern Tech have partnered to launch a 100% cheese plant-based sausages.

© Kern Tec
Products & Launches

Ham Producer Berger-Schinken & Upcycled Fruit Pit Startup Kern Tec Unveil Plant-Based Cheese Sausages

Berger-Schinken, a German firm with over 130 years of history in ham and sausage processing, and Austrian upcycling and food tech company Kern Tec, have launched a co-branded product: plant-based cheese sausages. The new vegan sausages are crafted from pea protein and feature Kern Tec’s most recent development — Berg-Gaudi — a plant-based cheese made from upcycled fruit pits.  This first-of-its-kind cheese launched in various flavors last year under Kern Tec’s brand Wunderkern, joining a range of no-milk drinks made with apricot kernels that became the most-sold product at vegan superstore BILLA Pflanzilla a few months later. Wunderkern also offers oils and chocolate spreads from waste seeds from the juice and jam industries.  The plant-based cheese sausages are gluten-free, lactose-free, certified vegan, and are available just in time for …

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Most Read in the Last 30 Days

The field of vegan news has grown enormously in recent years, making it increasingly important for decision-makers to keep track of the dynamic scene. While the mass of vegan news certainly does not determine its quality, the increasing coverage of vegan issues in mainstream media highlights the lasting impact that veganism has on our society and the future of the food industry.

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The relevance of vegan news is especially evident in google data, as vegan google searches increased by 47% in 2020, reaching a popularity almost twice as high as in 2015.

While the overall vegan newsfeed is steadily expanding in response to the growing interest, several sub-reporting media have been formed to cover different issues connected to a vegan lifestyle. Most importantly, vegan food sites, recipe sites, and vegan business sites are shaping the vegan news landscape, with the latter underlining the immense economic potential of the vegan industry.

Vegan News About Food

For publishing, perhaps more than any other industry, it is necessary to capture and reflect social change, with the press ramping up coverage of plant-based issues in response to the rising success of vegan lifestyles. Vegan news mostly focus on the positive effects of a vegan diet, addressing human health, animal welfare and the planet. Therefore, vegan food news is one of the strongest sectors in vegan reporting.

vegan news about food
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Because concerns about the health-ramifications of a meat-rich diet are rising sharply, vegan food news is a crucial news branch in which plant-based foods and recipes are discussed. In particular, vegan food news channels carry the message that there are a lot of vegan food options on the market, saving animals’ lives.

If plant-based products as a whole were seen as a brand, it is safe to say that the brand awareness of plant-based products is increasing year by year. In 2021, more vegan alternatives were launching than ever before, opening a giant market supported by the passion for a healthy vegan diet.

However, the key players in the search for a vegan turnaround are the stakeholders within the industry, including established companies and startups that are gradually expanding their plant-based portfolio. At this pivotal point, the need for another vegan news category has formed, the vegan business news.

Vegan Business News

Vegconomist is an online magazine that specializes in vegan business news and is geared towards a B2B audience. Created by Peter Link in 2018, vegconomist shares news from all over the business world, including vegan hotspots like the UK, Germany, and the United States, but also Asian countries and the African continent.

Vegconomist is now available in four languages, with each site having a different focus based on the language region. While the English-language page is internationally oriented, the German, French and Spanish pages each have a regional focus.

global vegan news
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Furthermore, vegconomist provides a newsletter that decision-makers and anyone looking to know more about vegan brands, new products in the growing plant-based meat and dairy market, as well as investments and market trends, can sign up for to receive emails containing the latest vegan business news.

If you don't want to miss out on any vegan business news, you can sign up for the vegconomist newsletter here.