A package of La Vie's new plant-based ham

Image courtesy of La Vie

Politics & Law

Plant-Based Companies Respond to French Decree Banning Meat-Like Words on Veggie Packaging

Yesterday 27 February, the French government issued a decree prohibiting the use of words such as “steak, “ham”, “cutlet”, or “escalope” on the labels of meat-free foods. The ruling comes in response to allegations from the meat industry that such terms are confusing for consumers. Similarly, last December, the Republican (Les Républicains) party of France introduced a bill to prohibit the production and marketing of cultivated meat in the tradition-focused country. The measure seriously compromises the sales prospects of home-grown French innovations in the face of major foreign companies not affected by this new legislation, argues French vegan whole-cut leader Umiami. Despite the French government’s support for the industrialisation of the plant-based sector, including the Umiami startup factory, these regulations seriously hamper their economic development …

more

HappyVore launches plant-based bacon pieces (allumettes)

© HappyVore

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

HappyVore Launches Plant-Based Bacon Pieces Made From Pea Protein

French alt meat brand HappyVore has launched plant-based allumettes — matchstick-shaped bacon pieces said to be ideal for use in dishes such as quiche and carbonara. The allumettes feature a smoked taste and are made with just seven ingredients — textured pea protein, water, natural flavors, soluble corn fiber, salt, red beet, and carrot concentrate. They are rich in protein and fibre, contain less than 3% fat, and can be cooked in three to five minutes. The products add to HappyVore’s extensive range of meat alternatives, which includes fish sticks, breaded supremes, meatballs, sausages, steak, nuggets, and more. In April, the brand reported a +40.2% growth in value sales, putting it at second place in the French plant-based delicatessen sector. Repeat purchase rates were at …

more

Happyvore pack shot

©Happyvore

Facts & Figures

France: HappyVore Reaches 2nd Place in Plant-Based Deli Category

HappyVore reports it has risen to 2nd place in the French plant-based delicatessen department. As the leading contributor to the growth of the plant-based delicatessen category, the French SME has posted a +40.2% growth in value sales (January-March 2023 vs. October-December 2022). HappyVore has now reached 9.3% of the value market share (January-March 2023), moving up to 2nd place, just behind the Nestlé brand Garden Gourmet. Since its creation, HappyVore has continued to innovate in favor of a change in the consumption habits of the French, with tasty products that replicate animal meat in flavor and texture, without compromising on taste. Additionally, according to the firm Agrosolutions, a HappyVore product emits on average 12 times less kg of CO2 equivalent and requires 2.8 times less …

more

happyvore founders

©Happyvore

Products & Launches

HappyVore Launches Gourmet Breaded Supremes

HappyVore, one of the leading startups on the French plant-based scene, this week announced the launch of its gourmet plant-based breaded supremes. “We made them only with plants using wheat protein as a protein source. A schnitzel 2.0 with deliciously crispy breadcrumbs and a tender centre,” the brand said on social media. The breaded supremes are Nutriscore A and can be cooked quickly, with just five minutes in the pan. They are now available exclusively on the brand’s website. Consumers will also be able to find them from the end of September in supermarkets in Auchan, Géant Casino, Leclerc, Monoprix, Intermarché and Système U shops. After only three years of existence, HappyVore (formerly known as Les Nouveaux Fermiers) had already announced in mid-June the opening …

more

happyvore founders

©Happyvore

Company News

HappyVore Announces €35M Raise, Plans to Open France’s Largest Plant-Based Meat Factory

HappyVore, a leading startup on the French plant-based scene, announces several developments. After launching new products, OOH advertising in the Paris metro and major French cities, the company has just announced a raise of €35 million. In addition, after only three years of existence, HappyVore (formerly known as Les Nouveaux Fermiers) has just announced the opening of its own production plant located in Chevilly, near Orléans. “One year ago, we discovered an industrial wasteland there, which we decided to enlarge and renovate completely to make it our new food production site,” said co-founder Guillaume Dubois. This former 19,000m² factory was acquired last year by the startup, which refurbished it to increase its production capacity. With the new factory, the company has capabilities to produce more …

more