Better Balance

Florencio Garcia, CEO of Better Balance

Florencio Garcia © Better Balance
Interviews

Better Balance: “We are Constantly Working on Strategies with the Objective of Being One of the Leaders in the Plant-Based Market”

Better Balance, the plant-based food division of the Sigma Group, has achieved remarkable growth in the competitive market for plant-based products, standing out especially in key categories. With a strategy based on innovation and sustainability, the brand continues to expand its presence in the Spanish and European markets. On this occasion, we spoke with Florencio García, Better Balance’s general manager in Europe, to learn more about the company’s recent achievements, including its breakthrough in segments such as plant-based sausages, the launch of veal-flavored Better Bocados and its vision for the future of the plant-based sector. What inspired Better Balance to develop veal flavored Better Bocados and how does it differ from other products on the market? At Better Balance we wanted to offer an innovative …

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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
Retail & E-Commerce

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 …

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Better Balance launches Better Nera with Chunk Foods

© Sigma
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Better Balance Launches Plant-Based Whole Cut ‘Better-Nera’ in Spain with Chunk Foods

Following the announcement this January that the company was to develop co-branded plant-based whole cuts for the Latin American market in collaboration with Chunk Foods, Better Balance now presents the 100% plant-based “Better-nera” cut for the Spanish market. Also co-developed with vegan steak specialist Chunk Foods, using a patented solid-state fermentation technology, this innovative cut of plant meat is a pioneer in its category in Spain, says Better Balance, a subsidiary of the Sigma group. Better-nera has a high protein content (21%) and is an excellent source of fibre, enriched with iron and vitamin B12. In addition, it is cholesterol-free, low in saturated fat and sodium, and contains no artificial colours or preservatives. The product has been categorised with Nutriscore A and can be prepared …

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Better Balance Better Dog arrives in Chicago retailers

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Retail & E-Commerce

Award-Winning Better Dog Lands on Shelves at Chicago Grocery Stores Marking In-Store Retail Debut for Better Balance

Better Balance, a subsidiary of Sigma, headquartered in Spain and Mexico, announced recently that its Better Dog™ is now available at a number of Chicago grocery markets, including Cermak Fresh Market, Pete’s Market, and Tony’s Fresh Market. While the brand has previously focused on foodservice, with partnerships including Chicago’s Kale My Name restaurant and the Sushi Roll restaurant chain in Mexico, this launch marks the brand’s debut in traditional in-store retail. The favored plant dog in multiple regions The Better Dog, created with pea protein and free from gluten and soy, was first introduced in Spain in 2022. Five months later it became the number one selling product in the hot dog and sausage category, claims the brand. Additionally, upon its introduction at Kale My …

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Charcuterie company Aoste launches plant-based products

© Aoste
Products & Launches

French Charcuterie Company Aoste Launches Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

French charcuterie company Aoste has expanded its presence in the meat alternatives market with the launch of a new range of products under the Better Balance brand. The range features five meat alternatives — burgers, sausages, breaded cutlets, original chunks, and chunks with herbs. They are made from ingredients such as soy, peas, wheat, and vegetable oil, and are free of palm oil. The products will be available for both retail and food service, and all five have received a Nutriscore of A. The launch is said to be Aoste’s most significant in a decade in the French market, and the company aims to achieve a 10% market share in plant-based by 2026 according to Points de Vente. Aoste will promote Better Balance through a …

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Chunk Foods 6oz plant-based steak

Supplied by Chunk Foods
Investments & Acquisitions

Chunk Foods Secures $7.5M Amid Strategic Collab with Better Balance for Vegan Whole Cuts

Better Balance, a plant-based subsidiary of Mexico-based multinational food processing company Sigma Alimentos, one of Latin America’s largest meat and dairy producers, announces a strategic partnership with New York-headquartered startup Chunk Foods to develop co-branded plant-based whole cuts for the Latin American market. The strategic collaboration follows a $7.5 million seed extension for Chunk Foods led by Cheyenne Ventures, which the startup says reflects “ongoing investor confidence” in its vision as well as the potential of plant-based whole cuts. The extension brings the seed round to a total raise of $22M, making it one of the largest seed rounds in the alt protein category, according to the company. Through the alliance, Chunk is set to develop a new line of co-branded plant-based whole-cut meats, marking …

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Better Balance on X
Products & Launches

Better Balance Introduces 3 Plant-Forward Burgers in Spain, Including Patty Made Entirely with Garden Vegetables

Better Balance, a plant-based brand launched by the Sigma Group in 2022 and headquartered in Madrid for EU operations, Dallas for US operations, and Monterrey for Mexico, continues its expansion in the Spanish market with the launch of three plant-based burger SKUs. In line with the current trend for plant-forward, whole food products where the vegetables are the star, as a contrast to meat analogues with a focus on replicating the taste of animal products, the new launch entails the Huerta Burger, the Eggplant Burger, and the Spinach Burger, each featuring vegetables as the hero ingredient. The additions come as a line extension to the burger launched in Spain this April, allowing the company to offer the most complete and varied range of burgers on …

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Better balance x kale my name

Image supplied by Kale My Name
Gastronomy & Food Service

Better Balance Continues Foodservice Expansion with Award-Winning Restaurant Collab

Since its US launch last year, plant-based food brand Better Balance has secured many global strategic partnerships, helping to build brand awareness and transform restaurant menus. The newest collaboration with award-winning Chicago restaurant Kale My Name marks yet another milestone in the brand’s mission to bring flavorful plant-based alternatives to consumers worldwide.  From the beginning, Better Balance recognized that partnerships were key to shaping its brand. Last year, it teamed up with Mexican chain Gorditas Doña Tota and 7-Eleven, and even helped Civitas Metropolitano become the first plant-based stadium in mainland Europe.  Most recently, Better Balance announced a new partnership with Kale My Name, becoming the first restaurant in the United States to offer its Better Hot Dog. The pea protein-based hot dog is gluten-free, …

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© Sushi Roll
Food Service

Mexico: Japanese Chain Sushi Roll Joins Forces With Better Balance for ‘Vegan Lab’ Menu

Sushi Roll, a Japanese-inspired restaurant chain in Mexico, has launched a new menu called Vegan Lab in collaboration with alt protein brand Better Balance. The menu features ten dishes, including starters, salads, soups, rolls, nigiri, and main courses. Meats such as pork and chicken have been replaced with Better Balance’s plant-based alternatives to achieve an authentic taste and texture. The launch comes in response to growing demand for plant-based food in Mexico; 65% of Mexicans now reportedly consume plant-based products on a regular basis, while 30% identify as flexitarian. “Innovation is part of Sushi Roll’s DNA and we are constantly renewing our menu to remain in the preference of diners. We know that more and more people expect to find plant-based options and, although Japanese …

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Better Balance 7-Eleven hot dog

© Better Balance

Company News

Better Balance Foods Partners With Solo de Croquetas in Spain and 7-Eleven in Mexico

Better Balance Foods recently joined forces with Solo de Croquetas to increase vegan croquette offerings in Spain. Concurrently, the brand, which belongs to the Sigma Group, increases its offering in Mexico through a deal with 7-Eleven to offer its vegan hot dog at 474 7-Eleven stores around the country. The agreement with Solo de Croquetas comes at an optimal time for both companies. On the one hand, Solo de Croquetas has closed a financing round of more than half a million euros, and on the other hand, Better Balance is already a leader in the vegetable sausage category. The two new flavors of croquette for foodservice and retail are Chili, made with vegetable protein meat, and plant-based Hot Dog. The ingredients for these new croquettes …

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©Better Balance

Gastronomy & Food Service

Better Balance Launches Plant-Based “Veggiebradas” at Mexican Chain Gorditas Doña Tota

Spanish plant-based meat company Better Balance announces it is partnering with Mexican restaurant chain Gorditas Doña Tota to launch vegan Veggiebradas. Made with the brand’s shredded plant-based meat, the Veggiebradas are now available at 38 locations in Monterrey and San Pedro.  Mexican growth Described as the chain’s “first vegan gordita”, the new Veggiebradas feature shredded plant-based meat served with salsa verde. The item is initially available in several dozen Gorditas Doña Tota locations, and the company says it looks forward to expanding nationally to the chain’s 200+ restaurants.  A subsidiary of global food company Sigma, Better Balance launched in 2021 with a range of plant-based shreds, grounds, hot dogs, and dairy-free cheese. In Mexico, the brand has a strong and growing presence, where it recently …

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©Better Balance
Food & Beverage

Global Food Company Sigma Debuts ‘Better Balance’ Plant-Based Meats and Dairy in US

Sigma, a multi-billion dollar food company with leading brands in 18 countries, announces the launch of its new plant-based brand Better Balance in the US. Featuring plant-based shreds, grounds, and dairy-free cheese, Better Balance is currently available for foodservice channels, with future plans for additional products and direct-to-consumer sales. Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Better Balance states its products focus on providing great taste, texture, nutrition and versatility. Offerings include: Shreds – Can be marinated as chicken, beef, pork, or fish. Grounds – For Bolognese pasta, plant-based meatballs, and hamburgers. Hot Dogs – Ideal for grilling and summer celebrations. Sour Cream and Cheese Sauce – For dairy-free queso and nachos. First launched in Spain and Mexico, Better Balance says its products are tailored to suit different …

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