America

© Pierre Coeurdeuil
Ingredients

Savor: “Our Technology’s Versatility Enables Infinite Customization of Fatty Acid Profiles”

Savor is a pioneering company in the alt-fat space, creating sustainable and customizable fats, oils, and butter by directly converting carbon gases into pure fat molecules. Pierre Coeurdeuil manages Strategic Partnerships at Savor, and works with world-class chefs, bakers and brands to bring innovative, highly sustainable and customizable fats, oils and butter to market. Prior to Savor, he orchestrated launch for a world-first kind of plant-based cheese, was an advisor to food and beverage CEOs in the San Francisco Bay Area, and co-founded dessert manufacturer Petit Pot. Pierre is originally a food manufacturing engineer and emigrated from France in the early 2010s. In this interview, Pierre discusses Savor’s groundbreaking technology, the company’s mission to revolutionize fat production, and the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the …

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UPSIDE Foods is hosting a free one-night-only pop-up in Miami to offer cultivated chicken before Florida's cultivated meat ban takes effect on July 1, 2024.

© UPSIDE Foods
Studies & Numbers

After Tasting Cultivated Meat, Americans of All Political Affiliations Oppose a Ban

Just before Florida’s cultivated meat ban came into force last year, UPSIDE Foods hosted a cultivated chicken tasting in the state, titled the Freedom of Food Pop-Up. Researchers at Tufts University took the opportunity to study the event, and have now published a paper revealing insights into cultivated meat acceptance among Americans. One of the most significant is that the vast majority of attendees opposed the banning of cultivated meat after tasting the product. This held true regardless of political affiliation; those identifying as Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, or something else all said the government should not interfere in small business innovations working toward societal betterment. “Banning cultivated meat sets a really terrible precedent in this country… Completely based on scare tactics and political nonsense,” …

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Laird Superfood

© Laird Superfood
Products & Launches

Laird Superfood Launches Protein Instant Latte with Functional Mushroom Extracts

Laird Superfood has introduced a new product designed to meet the growing demand for protein-enriched beverages in the United States. The Protein Instant Latte, a powdered mix, combines plant-based protein with functional ingredients to offer a convenient, all-in-one coffee alternative. Each serving contains 10 grams of protein derived from a blend of pea, hemp, and pumpkin seed protein. Additionally, the latte mix includes MCTs from coconut, as well as extracts from organic mushrooms including Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Chaga. The product is aimed at consumers seeking cleaner, plant-based protein options to support daily nutritional needs. Laird Superfood CEO Jason Vieth remarked, “Protein is having a moment—and for good reason. Consumers are looking for cleaner, smarter ways to incorporate protein into their daily routines as …

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stock agriculture

Image: Md. Mehedi Hasan on Pixabay
Agriculture / Agribusiness

ProVeg Brazil Opens Pathway for Livestock Farmers to Shift to Plant-Based Agriculture

ProVeg Brazil has launched a new project designed to assist farmers in transitioning from livestock farming to plant-based agroforestry systems. The Cultiva Project will offer agricultural, legal, and marketing support to rural producers seeking to shift from animal production to plant-based food production methods. This initiative is intended to provide economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially fair alternatives for family farmers in Brazil. The initiative comes at a time when Brazil, a major global producer of animal products, faces significant challenges in balancing agricultural land use with environmental sustainability. Livestock farming is responsible for 90% of deforestation in the Amazon and over half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Despite occupying a large portion of its territory with agriculture, 58% of which is dedicated to …

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GEA

© GEA
Manufacturing & Technology

GEA Opens New Food Application and Technology Center in Wisconsin to Support Cellular Agriculture Innovation

GEA has launched its New Food Application and Technology Center (ATC) in Janesville, Wisconsin, designed to support the development and scaling of cellular agriculture processes. Construction of the ATC began in May 2024, and the facility features advanced bioreactors and precision fermentation systems that enable companies to test and optimize processes for producing alternative proteins and other novel food products. Customizable infrastructure for alt-protein production The 10,000-square-meter center is equipped with fermentation and cell cultivation units, along with technologies for upstream and downstream processing, including high-shear mixing, sterilization, filtration, and homogenization. The facility offers flexible, modular equipment that can scale from small lab tests to near-industrial production volumes, with bioreactors ranging from 50L to 500L. This flexibility allows users to experiment with different cell types, …

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Lauren Maillian, President of Slutty Vegan

Lauren Maillian. Image: Slutty Vegan on LinkedIn
People

Slutty Vegan Appoints Tech Executive Lauren Maillian as President

US-based restaurant chain Slutty Vegan has announced the appointment of Lauren Maillian as its new President. Maillian has impressive credentials, having previously led the turnaround of a nine-figure minority-owned media company. She is also the founder and CEO of LMB Group, and was formerly President of Hero Media and CEO of digitalundivided; at the latter, she helped to grow revenue by five times. Furthermore, Maillian founded and exited Sugarleaf Vineyards, becoming the youngest self-made winery owner in the US. She has invested in over 40 consumer startups with a market cap exceeding $5 billion, and has been an advisor to OptimizeRx, Overtime, and Cartier Women’s Initiative. “Big plans” Maillian has seemingly been appointed to help Slutty Vegan recover from a difficult chapter; founder and CEO …

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Chicago stock

Photo: Chait Goli on Pexels
Studies & Numbers

PETA Reveals the US’s Ten Most Vegan-Friendly Cities of 2025

Animal rights charity PETA has published a list of the top ten most vegan-friendly cities in the United States in 2025. Each location offers a diverse range of plant-based options, from major chains to small pop-ups. The top three Despite its reputation for deep-dish pizza and meaty sandwiches, Chicago tops this year’s list. PETA praises options such as Buona’s Italian Beefless Sandwich and Bowl, the Radical Reuben at The Chicago Diner, and custom vegan cakes from Alliance Bakery. Philadelphia, once considered one of the US’s unhealthiest cities, has now been named the second-most vegan-friendly. The Nile Cafe serves plant-based comfort food classics, while Vedge offers upscale dishes. Meanwhile, Monster Vegan serves craft cocktails and dishes such as a charcuterie board with dairy-free artisan cheeses. In …

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Burcon

© Burcon
Manufacturing & Technology

Burcon Begins Commercial Production of Pea Protein at Illinois Facility, Targets 2026 Profitability

Burcon NutraScience has commenced commercial production of its Peazazz C pea protein at its newly acquired manufacturing facility in Galesburg, Illinois. This marks the first time the company has had direct operational control over a commercial-scale production site. Quick ramp-up and forecasts The facility became operational less than three months after commissioning and is now ramping up output through the second half of 2025. The company projects between $1 million and $3 million in revenue for the calendar year 2025, and over $10 million in 2026. Positive cash flow is anticipated by the end of 2026. “The successful startup of our Galesburg facility marks a key operational milestone in Burcon’s commercial scale-up. In less than 90 days since commissioning, our team has brought next-generation protein …

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The Kraft Heinz Not Company

© The Kraft Heinz Not Company
Products & Launches

The Kraft Heinz Not Company Launches Plant-Based Chipotle Mayo and Mac & Cheese Cups

The Kraft Heinz Not Company has announced the launch of two new plant-based products — NotMayo Chipotle Squeeze and Kraft NotMac & Cheese Cups. NotMayo Chipotle Squeeze aims to meet the growing demand for spicy condiments; chipotle is reportedly a top-three flavor in the category at present.* Designed for sandwiches, French fries, burgers, and more, the mayo is vegan-friendly and kosher. It is available in a convenient squeeze bottle, retailing at $4.99. Kraft NotMac & Cheese Cups are claimed to be the only plant-based, microwaveable mac & cheese cups on the market today. They have been created for younger consumers seeking convenient vegan options, and are said to have the same taste as classic Kraft Easy Mac. The NotMac & Cheese Cups can be prepared …

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Mind Blown X PLNT Burger crabby burger

© PLNT Burger/Mind Blown

Gastronomy & Food Service

Mind Blown & PLNT Burger Join Forces for the Third Year to Offer ‘Happy Crabby Sandwich’ for World Ocean Month

US plant-based seafood brand Mind Blown has partnered with fast-casual chain PLNT Burger to offer the limited-time-only ‘Happy Crabby Sandwich’ for the third year running. June is World Ocean Month, and the burger will return to menus from June 8 to mark World Ocean Day. It will be available until September 1 at all PLNT Burger locations across New York, Boston, Philadelphia, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The Happy Crabby features Mind Blown’s Maryland-Style Plant Based Crab Cake, tossed in an Old Bay-inspired seasoning and served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and house-made tartar sauce in a toasted bun. Each crab cake reportedly contains 11g of plant-based protein. “The ‘Happy Crabby’ is back, baby!” said Spike Mendelsohn, co-founder and Culinary Director of PLNT Burger. “This crispy, tangy …

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Switch4Good

© Switch4Good
Society

US Senate Committee Advances Bill Expanding Plant-Based Milk Options in Schools

The Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, legislation that seeks to increase access to both whole milk and non-dairy beverages in the National School Lunch Program. While the bill includes provisions for whole and low-fat milk, it also creates a significant opportunity for expanding plant-based milk options, such as almond, soy, and oat milk, in public schools across the country. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, expressed her support for the bill during the committee markup, highlighting the importance of providing a variety of beverage options to meet the diverse needs of students. “We are working together on a bill that will help ensure that our children, regardless …

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Ash Kalra

© Ash Kalra
Society

California Establishes Committee to Focus on Economic and Environmental Potential of Alternative Proteins

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has appointed a new Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation, which will focus on the economic and environmental potential of alternative proteins, including plant-based, cell-based, and fermented protein sources. The committee will explore how emerging protein technologies can benefit California’s agriculture, economy, and sustainability efforts. Assemblymember Ash Kalra, representing California’s 25th Assembly District, will chair the committee. Kalra, who has long been involved in promoting alternative proteins, stated, “I am thankful Speaker Rivas has established the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation. The focus of this Committee is not just about fostering a vibrant alternative protein research and economy in California, but also putting forth climate solutions in our food systems.” Championing alt protein research Kalra has previously supported funding …

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Vegan Essentials / PlantX

©Vegan Essentials
Company News

Vegan Essentials Undergoes Ownership Change, Returns to Independent Family Management

Vegan Essentials, a long-established online retailer for vegan and plant-based products, is now under the ownership of Steven and Kim Skaff. The couple, who also own Fake Meats, LLC, acquired the company from PlantX, shifting it back to independent, family-run leadership. Founded in 1997, Vegan Essentials was one of the first online stores dedicated to plant-based foods and cruelty-free products. Over the years, it built a strong reputation for providing high-quality items and a reliable shopping experience. The company was sold to Vejii Holdings in 2021 and then to PlantX in 2022. However, in the wake of these changes, the Skaffs have expressed their intent to restore the customer trust and consistency that had defined the company for decades. Enhancing logistics Steven Skaff, who previously …

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© Gopuff
Business Wire

GOAT Gummies — the Organic, Vegan Snack Brand from Tom Brady — Launches Today Exclusively on Gopuff

Snack like a GOAT with real fruit gummies crafted in France PHILADELPHIA & MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GOAT Gummies, the organic, vegan gummy snacks developed by seven-time World Champion, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Brady and Instant Commerce leader Gopuff, launched today exclusively on Gopuff. Embodying the true GOAT mentality and crafted thoughtfully in France, GOAT Gummies contain no artificial sweeteners, dyes or flavors, and are made of real fruit. “Retirement’s been a chance to slow down and enjoy life a little more — and that includes treating myself once in a while,” said Brady. “But when I do reach for something more indulgent, I want the best. GOAT Gummies hit that sweet spot: they taste amazing and come in several delicious flavors, plus they’re made with real ingredients. …

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© Wildtype
Cultivated Seafood

Wildtype’s Cultivated Salmon Becomes First in Seafood Category to Receive FDA Approval in the US

San Francisco-based company Wildtype has launched its cultivated salmon in US restaurants, marking a significant milestone in the cultivated seafood sector. Beginning this month, the product is being featured at Kann, a Portland, Oregon restaurant owned by James Beard award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet. Initially available on Thursday evenings in June, the cultivated salmon will be offered every day starting in July. First cultivated seafood approved for US market Wildtype’s cultivated salmon is the first cultivated seafood to be cleared for sale in the United States. It joins cultivated meat products from UPSIDE Foods and Eat Just’s GOOD Meat division as the third cultivated protein to enter the US market. Chef Gourdet, known for his Haitian-inspired cuisine, noted that sustainability is a core value at Kann. …

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PEKILO protein

Enifer's PEKILO © © Iiro Muttilainen
Fermentation

Enifer Partners With FS to Produce Mycoproteins in Brazil from Corn Ethanol Sidestreams

Finnish mycoprotein company Enifer has announced that its proprietary PEKILO® fermentation technology is set to arrive in Latin America for the first time, in partnership with Brazilian ethanol producer FS. The collaboration will mark the first time Enifer’s PEKILO®Pet and PEKILO®Aqua production processes have operated outside Europe, and the first time corn ethanol-derived thin stillage has been used as feedstock. FS is now working to construct an industrial process at a pilot scale for the Brazilian market, which will produce approximately a combined 500 tonnes of PEKILO®Pet and PEKILO®Aqua annually. The fermentation process will be integrated with FS’s ethanol production, using sidestreams from existing operations to improve resource efficiency and advance circular economy principles. “Relevant and innovative solution” To enable the scale-up of the production, …

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Liberation Bioindustries

© Liberation Bioindustries
Company News

Liberation Labs Rebrands as Liberation Bioindustries Ahead of Commercial Precision Fermentation Launch

Liberation Labs has officially changed its name to Liberation Bioindustries to better reflect its role as a global contract biomanufacturer operating at commercial scale. The company is preparing to bring its first purpose-built precision fermentation facility online in Richmond, Indiana, in early 2026. A second site in Saudi Arabia is currently in the feasibility assessment phase. Mark Warner, founder and CEO, explained the rationale behind the name change: “As we move from concept to completion, the ‘Labs’ part of Liberation Labs felt unnecessarily limiting, if not outright confusing. After all, the world is full of amazing biotechnologies that are at lab scale – we’re building the next generation of industrial biomanufacturing facilities to bring those products to market.” Commercial-scale biomanufacturing capacity Liberation Bioindustries is constructing …

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Frances Gonzalez Little Logan's Farm

Frances Gonzalez © Little Logan's Farm
Interviews

Little Logan’s Farm: “Setting a New Standard for Truly Animal-Free, Regenerative Agriculture”

In a landmark moment for ethical farming in North America, Little Logan’s Farm in New York’s Hudson Valley has become the first officially certified Biocyclic Vegan farm in the United States. Led by Frances Gonzalez—best known as the founder of Vegan Wines and VegFest Puerto Rico—the farm is setting a new standard for truly animal-free, regenerative agriculture. With this certification, Gonzalez is not only cultivating cruelty-free produce but also laying the groundwork for a new era of education, hospitality, and advocacy centered on sustainable, plant-based living. We spoke with Frances to learn more about this certification, her ambitious plans to establish the farm as a national hub for bicyclic vegan training, and how she’s bringing together food, wine, and ethics under one visionary umbrella. Frances, …

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Protein Industries Canada

© Protein Industries Canada
Investments & Finance

Protein Industries Canada Targets Supply Chain Resilience with $15 Million in Genomics and AI Funding

Protein Industries Canada has announced a new funding allocation of $15 million from the Government of Canada to support genomics and artificial intelligence (AI) programs targeting the country’s agrifood industry. The funding is distributed across two streams, aiming to enhance crop breeding capabilities and introduce AI-driven efficiencies throughout the food production value chain. The Genomics Stream will receive $7 million over five years to support the development and commercialization of improved broad-acre crop varieties, with particular focus on pulse and cereal crops. Projects under this stream will utilize genomic technologies to improve plant breeding outcomes and variety development, addressing demand from both growers and ingredient processors. An $8 million investment in AI initiatives will supplement Protein Industries Canada’s current participation in the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence …

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Hollywood Climate Summit

© Chelsea Lauren
Fairs & Events

Hollywood Climate Summit to Feature Vegan Cuisine & Leading Voices From the Plant-Based Industry

The annual Hollywood Climate Summit is set to take place for the sixth time from June 2-4, 2025. It will be hosted at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The event will feature fully plant-based cuisine and a variety of eco-friendly vendors. The organizers are working with partners such as Earth Angel by TheGreenShot, Bevi, r.World, Set Zero, Quixote, Support + Feed, and Food Access LA to provide low-emission transportation, reusable drinkware, and locally-sourced plant-based menu options. The summit aims to bridge the gap between environmental experts and leaders from media and entertainment through action-oriented conversations. Several sessions will take place, including one titled “Why Are We Consuming This?: What We Eat, Buy, and Watch”. The speakers …

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