Africa

Newform Foods partners with the Plenty Foundation

© Newform Foods
Cultivated Meat

Newform Foods Launches the Plenty Foundation to Fight Food Insecurity With Cultivated Protein

South Africa’s Newform Foods (previously Mzansi Meat) has launched the Plenty Foundation, a nonprofit aiming to address food insecurity and malnutrition in Africa through biotechnology. While plant-based proteins will be an important part of this strategy, the Foundation will also work with Newform Foods to enhance the taste and nutrition of plant-based foods with cultivated proteins. As part of its overall strategy to reduce undernourishment rates, the Plenty Foundation will combine philanthropy, commercial R&D, and market partnerships. Currently, the organization is pursuing its first funding round, while also aiming to form partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. “The Plenty Foundation is more than just another not-for-profit; it’s a movement aimed at revolutionizing how we think about food and nutrition in Africa,” said founder Arturo …

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ProVeg NFH Nigeria

Image courtesy ProVeg International

Society

Tapping into Nigeria’s Plant-Based Food Market

With a rich food heritage, developing economy, growing bank of F&B innovators, and impressive population growth, Nigeria is one to watch as our world strives to transform the food system. Though ripe with potential, the African country’s market for plant-based foods has only started to take off recently, with first-mover VeggieVictory securing the spot as Nigeria’s earliest plant-based restaurant and brand. In its latest New Food Hub interview, NGO ProVeg International caught up with the Founder of VeggieVictory, Hakeem Jimo (also the new director of ProVeg Nigeria), to learn more about the African country’s food industry. An entrepreneur of many talents, Hakeem shared valuable lessons and insights into unlocking Nigeria’s plant-based food industry. Let the food do the talking “It was a bit crazy,” Hakeem …

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Fry's burger

©Fry's
Politics & Law

South Africa: Government’s Seizure of Meat Alternatives Halted Indefinitely

The South African government’s planned seizure of meat alternatives has been halted for an indefinite period, following a victory in court for the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA). The government’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) initially announced its intention to seize the products last year, saying that plant-based foods should not be allowed to use names intended for processed meat products (such as “sausage” or “burger”). But the CGCSA argued in court that there were no names legally reserved for processed meats, and no regulations for how meat alternatives could be labeled. As a result, it described the seizure as unlawful and a “significant overreach”. The Council previously secured a temporary victory at the Johannesburg High Court last year, …

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Tennyson Williams, Regional Director at WAP

Image credit: World Animal Protection FB
Fairs & Events

Africa: Campaigners Urge Governments to Promote Plant-Based Proteins to Mitigate Climate Crisis

At the 2nd Africa Protein Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, last week, campaigners urged governments to promote plant-based proteins arguing that the growing demand for meat is fueling the climate crisis. The summit, organized by the international animal welfare organization World Animal Protection (WAP), was launched to raise awareness of the potential of plant-based diets to mitigate climate change — additionally, the summit called for implementing livestock farming practices at a lower scale to reach animal welfare standards. According to Tennyson Williams, the director for Africa at WAP, large-scale animal operations produce more GHG emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, fueling the climate crisis. “Climate change is one of the worlds’s biggest threats and intensive animal farming is one of the biggest contributors to climate change,” he …

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On The Green Side clean label chicken alternatives

© On The Green Side
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

On The Green Side: Clean-Label Chicken Alternatives From South Africa

On The Green Side is a South African plant-based meat producer focused on clean-label chicken alternatives. The company describes itself as a “modern chicken farmer”, aiming to directly compete with conventional chicken. Its products are made from a range of proteins, including soy, wheat gluten, faba bean, lentil, chickpea, and pea. Proprietary high moisture extrusion technology is used to give the plant-based chicken an authentically meat-like texture. On The Green Side already manufacturers for several major South African retailers, through both its own brand and private labels. The products are also available for food service, and the company is in the process of closing deals with global food manufacturers. Sales forecasts for 2023 predict a 50/50 split between local and global markets, changing to 10/90 …

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FAO soybean project funded by Japan launched in Ghana

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Agriculture / Agribusiness

FAO Initiative Aims to Unlock the Potential of the Ghanaian Soybean Industry

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently launched a project in Ghana to help farmers increase their soybean production, improve their post-harvest technologies, and develop land.  The initiative, funded by the Government of Japan, will receive US$600,000 to strengthen the legume’s entire value chain and address the country’s food and nutrition security challenges. The project is part of One Country, One Priority Product (OCOP), an FAO initiative to help African countries develop sustainable and environmentally friendly value chains for specific agricultural products. Dr. Yurdi Yasmi, regional representative of the FAO in Ghana, said that alongside the project, the FAO would raise awareness of the consumption of soybeans and their potential to reduce malnutrition, as reported by The B&FT Online.  “I appreciate the …

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Soy-based vegan ice cream launched by Dairyland

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Sweets & Snacks

The Dairy-Free Dream: Dairyland Launches Vegan Ice Cream in Kenya

Dairy products company Dairyland, which claims to be Kenya’s ice cream leader for over 25 years, has recently launched a new range of vegan ice cream.   To celebrate the new product, Dairyland launched a campaign called The Dairy-Free Dream, inviting those with lactose intolerance to finally indulge in the treat of their dreams. Soy-based, the new vegan ice cream range includes five flavors: vanilla, strawberry, cappuccino, brownie, and hazelnut. This initiative allows Dairyland to meet the evolving needs of consumers, especially dietary needs and values, while aligning the company with the global shift towards health, wellness, and environmental awareness, reported the local media outlet Pulse Live. “Our Vegan Ice Cream is a game-changer for individuals who are lactose intolerant. They can now indulge in their favorite frozen …

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ProVeg international opens new office in Nigeria to promote the benefits of plant-based diets

© ProVeg International
Startups, Accelerators & Incubators

ProVeg Kickstarts the Plant-Based Revolution in Nigeria

Global food awareness organization ProVeg International announces the launch of its first office in Nigeria to help transform the food system in the world’s third fastest-growing country by population. As a new food awareness organization in the country, ProVeg Nigeria will promote the benefits of healthy and climate-friendly diets by showcasing the deliciousness of plant-based foods, joining the global team on its campaign to replace animal consumption with alternative protein by 50% by 2040. In 2021, ProVeg launched the ProVeg Africa Accelerator planting the seeds of the plant-based movement across the continent.  Hakeem Jimo, the new country director of ProVeg Nigeria, said: “I’m truly thrilled about the opening of the ProVeg Nigeria office and the impact we will have in raising awareness about the need to …

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TPPS crowd shots

© TPPS
Fairs & Events

Africa’s Premier Plant-Based Event ‘The Plant Powered Show’ Returns in May & August

Fast becoming one of the most successful food and lifestyle events on the South African exhibition calendar, The Plant Powered Show returns to Cape Town this May and is also set to take place in Johannesburg for the first time this August. The Plant Powered Show takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from Friday, May 26 to Sunday May 28, welcoming vegans and vegetarians as well as flexitarians, reducetarians, sports enthusiasts, and those looking for healthier and more ethical lifestyle choices for themselves and their families. The hugely successful inaugural Plant Powered Show (under the name The Festive Vegan & Plant Powered Show) took place online in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions and featured an extraordinary line-up …

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© Woolworths
Charity & Campaigns

The Impact of Veganuary on Retail & Food Service in South Africa

According to ProVeg South Africa, the local NGO partner for Veganuary, over 30, 000 South Africans have signed up for Veganuary since 2019. The organisation reports that approximately 38 new plant-based products were launched in South Africa this January, and numerous household names spanning food service and retail offered new plant-based products or specials nationwide throughout the month. Woolworth’s Woolworths recently launched its new PlantLove range, a wide range of vegan products ranging from ready meals to cheeses. Interesting to note is the terminology on some of the products following the uncertainty around restrictions on labelling of plant-based items in the country; for example, “Crumbed Soya Ocean Strips” for a fish finger type product. “We encourage our customers to make better food choices that are …

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New Food Invest 2023

© ProVeg International

Fairs & Events

New Food Invest 2022 Takes Place Next Week

A host of game-changing speakers are lined up to present at the New Food Invest 2022 conference, co-hosted by Beyond Animal and ProVeg International, which takes place online on Thursday, 27 October. Focusing on Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the event will bring together a plethora of alt protein and cell-ag companies, startups, investors and VC firms, including the following speakers, who will address corporate investment in alt proteins, and whether the public is ready for cultivated meat, amongst other topics. Dwayne Holmes, Director, Responsible Research & Innovation, New Harvest Ludovic Reysset, Head of Plant-Based Platform, Sonae Claire Smith, Founder, Beyond Animal, Beyond Investing Professor Nick Lin-Hi, University of Vechta Antii Savilaasko, Partner and Head of Research, Impact Cubed Malte Clausen, Partner and Associate …

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Plant-rich food at COP27

Image: Unsplash / Edgar Castrejon
Sustainability / Environment

COP27: Programme for the Food4Climate Pavilion Revealed

The programme for the Food4Climate Pavilion, which will appear at this year’s COP27 summit for the first time ever, has been published. The Pavilion is supported by a range of organisations, including ProVeg International, Compassion in World Farming, and Food Tank. It will highlight the need to change the food system in order to meet climate targets. The venue will host daily talks, with opportunities for delegates from UN member states to network with NGOs, the commercial industry, academic institutions, and researchers. The following themes will be discussed: Interaction of science and policy-making to guide food system change Voice of young people on food systems and climate change Just transition for farmers and farming communities Food innovation and protein diversification Adaptation and Agriculture Day: an …

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Plant-rich food at COP27

Image: Unsplash / Edgar Castrejon
Sustainability / Environment

160 NGOs Urge Egypt to Serve Plant-Rich Food at COP27

Food awareness organisations ProVeg International and 50by40 are leading a group of 160 NGOs which is calling for Egypt to serve plant-rich food at COP27. The NGOs have sent a joint letter to the Egyptian COP27 steering group suggesting that delegates attending the ten-day climate conference should be served plant-based meals throughout. They emphasise that Egyptian cuisine would be ideally suited because it is rich in plant foods. “In a time of climate crisis and growing hunger, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, it is a moral imperative to serve food that has the least climate footprint and allows for global equitable food distribution,” said Lasse Bruun, CEO of 50by40. Food pavilions at COP27 For the first time ever, this year’s COP summit will feature …

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2022 new food invest

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Fairs & Events

2022 New Food Invest Will Focus on Africa, Middle East, and Europe

Beyond Animal and ProVeg International announce the 2022 New Food Invest online conference, which brings together international plant-based and cultured-food businesses, investors, and venture capitalists to accelerate the growth of these sectors. The world’s first online conference solely dedicated to investments in the developing alternative protein and sustainable food technology sectors, New Food Invest was launched last year and is co-hosted by international non-profit organisation ProVeg and investment platform Beyond Animal. The first event was a great success, drawing 400 attendees to hear from 75 presenters about the commercialisation of next-generation technologies. Participating investors made a minimum of $75 million per investment offer accessible. 2022 New Food Invest At the online event taking place on October 27, 2022, New Food Invest will concentrate on the …

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Fry's sausage

©Fry's
Politics & Law

Temporary Victory in South Africa Where Seizure of Plant-Based Foods Has Been Halted

Plant-based advocates in South Africa are celebrating a temporary victory after succeeding at the Johannesburg High Court on Saturday in halting thousands of product seizures scheduled to take place today, 22nd August. The Food Safety Agency (FSA) was set to begin the seizure of thousands of plant-based meat alternatives from retailers across the country for using terms such as “burger”, “nugget”, and “sausage”, in a now familiar battle that plant-based industry has been winning in various markets. To name recent examples, the French decree on labelling was suspended just three weeks ago down to insufficient legality, and famously, Amendment 171 actioned by the dairy lobby was rejected by the EU parliament last May. Saturday’s ruling prohibits the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development …

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COP27 Food Systems Pavilion

Image: UN
Sustainability / Environment

COP27 Food Systems Pavilion to “Put Food Centre Stage” in Fight Against Climate Change

A coalition of 15 food organisations has announced it will be hosting a Food Systems Pavilion at COP27, the United Nations’ climate change conference. The diverse group features policymakers, scientists, farmers, youth, and more, with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors all represented. The co-hosts are Clim-Eat, Coalition of Action for Soil Health (CA4SH), EIT Food, Environmental Defense Fund, FOLU, Good Food Institute, Infarm, SNV, and Yara International. Session partners are Aleph Farms, Food Tank, Just Rural Transition, One Acre Fund, and Rabobank, while supporting partners are World Farmers’ Organisation, World Food Forum, YPARD, IAAS World, and YOUNGO. COP and food system change Despite the huge proportion of emissions that originate from the food industry, this will be the first year that COP has featured …

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ProVeg Food4Climate Pavilion

Image: ProVeg International
Sustainability / Environment

“Tectonic Shift” as ProVeg is Granted 130m² Food4Climate Pavilion at COP27

This year, food awareness organisation ProVeg International is set to host its Food4Climate Pavilion at COP27, the United Nations’ climate change conference. Organised in collaboration with 15 partners, the 130-square-meter pavilion will feature ten food and agriculture topics. This will be the first time COP has hosted pavilions dedicated to food system change, highlighting the environmental impact of the food industry to delegations from over 200 countries. According to ProVeg, it will be impossible to meet climate targets without addressing agricultural emissions. Using the banner Diet Change Not Climate Change, the organisation will encourage UN member states to make plant-based food systems a part of their climate policy. COP26 and the food industry At last year’s climate conference, COP26, there was considerable criticism of the …

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Fresh African Vegetables on Market Stall in London

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Studies & Numbers

High Demand for Plant-Based Meat in Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt, Says New Study

A new study has found high demand and consumer acceptance of plant-based meat in a range of African countries, particularly Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt. The results suggest a viable market-based solution to mitigate the effects of rising meat consumption and accelerate the emerging alt protein sector across the continent. The new study, from US-based North Mountain Consulting Group and South Africa’s Credence Institute, found that four out of five Gen Z and Millennials are highly likely to try plant-based meat in Kenya and Nigeria, while in Egypt, three out of five are highly likely to try. Africa has historically been susceptible to food security disruptions, with plant-based solutions a potential source of increased food security. The data shows how lower-middle-income families are an important emerging …

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Just Egg

©Eat Just

Politics & Law

South Africa Bans Meat-Like Terms on Vegan Products, Threatens to Seize JUST Egg From Woolworths

South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has banned the use of meat-like terms on plant-based product labels. Shockingly, in the same vein, JUST Egg products may be seized from Woolworths stores in the country. According to DALRRD, names such as “nuggets”, “vegetarian sausages”, “ribs”, and “chicken-style” are “prescribed and reserved for processed meat products” and must not be used by plant-based producers. The Food Safety Agency has been instructed to seize any plant-based products using these terms. JUST Egg has also come under fire from DALRDD, with major retailer Woolworths ordered to stop selling the product as eggs. The supermarket has been told that all JUST Egg products will be seized if it does not comply. The measure flies in …

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