North America

Plant Based Foods Association

© Plant Based Foods Association
Society

Sodexo and PBFA Conclude Nationwide Plant-Based Sampling Tour Across US College Campuses

The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) partnered with Sodexo Campus to host a nationwide event during Earth Week (April 17–22, 2025), bringing plant-based food offerings to eight university campuses. The event provided students with an opportunity to sample a variety of plant-based foods from notable brands including Impossible Foods, JUST Egg, Violife, MorningStar Farms, and Gardein. Over 1,500 students participated in the event, which aimed to raise awareness of sustainable and flavorful plant-based dining options available to college students. This activation aligns with Sodexo’s commitment to integrating more plant-based meals into its campus dining services. The company has publicly committed to ensuring that 33% of its menu offerings are plant-based by the end of 2025. The Earth Week event was seen as a step toward …

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Eat JUST protein

© Eat JUST
Protein

Eat Just Launches One-Ingredient Mung Bean Protein Powder at Whole Foods

Eat Just, Inc., the company behind the plant-based Just Egg, has launched its new protein powder, Just One, which is now available at Whole Foods Market locations across the United States. This product is distinct for being made with just one ingredient: mung beans, a legume known for its high protein content and sustainability. Unlike many traditional protein powders, which often combine various protein sources such as pea, whey, or soy with a range of additives, artificial flavors, and fillers, Just One offers a simpler alternative. The mung bean protein used in Just One is non-GMO and provides the most protein per gram compared to other leading products on the market. Additionally, the product is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Joshua …

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Beyond Meat chicken pieces

© Beyond Meat
Products & Launches

Beyond Meat Rolls Out Beyond Chicken Pieces at Kroger, Fuelled by Strong Consumer Interest

Beyond Meat, has launched its Beyond Chicken Pieces at over 1,900 Kroger stores across the United States. The unbreaded chicken alternative, made from simple ingredients and avocado oil, was introduced in response to consumer demand, following numerous requests on the company’s social media platforms. Beyond Chicken Pieces offer 21 grams of plant-based protein per serving and are designed to provide a healthy alternative to traditional chicken. The product contains just 0.5 grams of saturated fat and no cholesterol, GMOs, hormones, or antibiotics. It is also certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check program and the Clean Label Project for meeting safety and transparency standards. Additionally, it aligns with nutritional programs from organizations such as the American Diabetes Association’s Better Choices for Life. The product’s formulation …

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Phytolon

© Phytolon
Fermentation

Phytolon and Ginkgo Bioworks Reach Key Milestone in Natural Food Colors as FDA Moves to Ban Synthetic Dyes

Phytolon, a biotech startup specializing in natural food colors, and Ginkgo Bioworks, a leader in cell programming, have successfully completed the second milestone in their collaboration to improve the production of natural food colors. This achievement marks a nearly threefold increase in the efficiency of yeast strains used to produce two natural pigments: Beetroot Red and Prickly Pear Yellow. Improved strains enhance efficiency The improved strains, developed through Ginkgo’s AI-driven modeling and high-throughput screening, are designed to meet food-grade quality and performance standards across a variety of applications, including baked goods, dairy and dairy alternatives, confectioneries, and snacks. The enhanced production process not only boosts efficiency but also reduces costs and the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process. Unlike conventional natural color production methods that …

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UNLIMEAT

© UNLIMEAT
Retail & E-Commerce

UNLIMEAT Expands US Retail Presence with Plant-Based Korean BBQ Offerings at Kroger

South Korean plant-based food manufacturer UNLIMEAT is expanding its US retail distribution through a new partnership with Kroger, the country’s largest supermarket chain. Beginning in May, the company’s Korean BBQ Bulgogi and Pulled Pork Original products will be available in over 300 Kroger-affiliated stores, including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, and Smith’s. The new partnership comes amid continued consumer interest in Korean cuisine in the US, reflected in recent data from Circana showing a 10% increase in Korean restaurant locations over the past year. Michelin recognition for Korean restaurants has also grown, with 16 establishments now holding at least one star, and social media engagement remains high, with Korean food-related hashtags exceeding 15 billion views on TikTok. This rollout follows UNLIMEAT’s earlier entries into other …

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Balletic

© Balletic
Fermentation

Balletic Launches Precision-Engineered Protein Blend That Can Be Turned Into Meat Alternatives

US-based food tech company Balletic has announced the launch of Balletic Nova, a line of high-performance protein ingredients engineered for nutritional impact. Made using fermentation, the range includes Balletic Meat, a blend that can be combined with water and seasonings then shaped into patties, cutlets, meatballs, or crumbles. Designed to hold its structure when cooked, the product is said to deliver over 32g of complete protein per 40g serving and balanced BCAAs to support muscle protein synthesis. Balletic Meat is made from a proprietary protein blend containing soy, wheat gluten, pea, fava, chickpea, and L-leucine. It is free of dairy, cholesterol, and artificial additives. The line also includes Balletic Bake, designed to boost the protein content of baked goods, and Balletic Smooth, which can be …

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Shiru

© Shiru
Ingredients

Shiru Launches AI-Driven Plant-Based Ingredients for the Future of Clean Label Foods

Shiru, an AI-driven ingredient discovery company, has commenced the commercial production of two new plant-based ingredients, uPro™ and OleoPro™, following successful development and customer feedback. These ingredients, both designed to address key challenges in food formulation, are now available for commercial orders. uPro™ is a structured protein derived from potato protein, offering texturizing and emulsifying properties suitable for a wide range of food applications. OleoPro™, a protein-based fat alternative, delivers a substantial reduction in saturated fat content, while maintaining the functional properties of traditional fats. Dr. Jasmin Hume, founder and CEO of Shiru, explained, “uPro™ and OleoPro™ demonstrate how AI can rapidly identify natural ingredients to solve critical formulation challenges. Our Flourish™ platform’s ability to analyze millions of proteins quickly and precisely means food companies …

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A cultivated chicken sandwich

© UPSIDE Foods
Politics & Law

UPSIDE Foods Wins First-Round Victory in Court After Challenging Florida Cultivated Meat Ban

After filing a lawsuit against Florida’s cultivated meat ban in August of last year, UPSIDE Foods has been granted an important first-round victory by Chief Judge Mark Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. The ruling denies an attempt by the government to dismiss the legal challenge, meaning the case will progress in the trial court. UPSIDE’s lawsuit alleges that Florida’s cultivated meat ban violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution because it was enacted to shield in-state conventional meat producers from out-of-state cultivated meat producers. Furthermore, UPSIDE claims the ban is preempted under federal laws that regulate the interstate market for meat and poultry products. UPSIDE is represented by the nonprofit law firm the Institute for Justice (IJ). …

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Neptune bioinnovation center

© Nova Scotia
Fermentation

Nova Scotia Launches Large-Scale Bioinnovation Centre with Global Fermentation Capacity

Nova Scotia has opened a new bioinnovation facility in Dartmouth that is expected to play a central role in the development of Canada’s bioindustrial sector. The Neptune BioInnovation Centre, a 51,000-square-foot facility, is designed to support large-scale precision fermentation and spray drying, addressing commercial-scale needs in areas such as biotechnology, agriculture, and alternative proteins. The provincial government has allocated $5 million to convert the facility into a multi-user space equipped with both wet and dry laboratories. The centre is one of only three facilities of its kind globally and the first in Canada to provide this level of biomanufacturing capacity. Economic projections According to the province, the centre is projected to generate over 2,400 jobs and contribute approximately $334 million annually to Nova Scotia’s gross …

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A bowl with algae oil

© Checkerspot
Algae, Microalgae & Seaweed

Checkerspot Develops “World’s First” High-Oleic Palm Oil Alternative Made With Microalgae Fermentation

California-based biotech company Checkerspot has announced the development of what it claims is the first ever high-oleic palm oil alternative produced entirely through microalgae fermentation. As explained in a study published this month in the journal Fermentation, Checkerspot took the microalga Prototheca moriformis and used classical strain improvement techniques to enhance oil yield and composition. The resulting oil closely matches the fatty acid profile of conventional high-oleic palm oil, containing over 55% oleic acid and 32% palmitic acid. The technology does not involve genetic engineering. The fermentation process reportedly demonstrated scalability from laboratory to industrial levels, achieving oil titers up to 145 grams per liter and oil content of approximately 70% of the dry cell weight. Consequently, the oil could be a viable alternative to …

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Eclipse Foods non-dairy whole milk

© Eclipse Foods
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Eclipse Foods Launches Non-Dairy Whole Milk That Replicates The Molecular Structure of Dairy

Eclipse Foods, the plant-based brand aiming to make products that are indistinguishable from conventional dairy, has announced the launch of its new Non-Dairy Whole Milk. The product is said to deliver on flavor, stability, sweetness, and whiteness — areas where Eclipse says most plant-based milk alternatives fall short. The milk has a neutral taste, while its stability allows it to foam in hot and cold drinks without settling at the bottom of the cup. The Non-Dairy Whole Milk was developed by isolating proteins from peas and chickpeas to replicate the molecular structure of milk. It is shelf-stable and will target food service partners, including coffee shops, smoothie bars, bakeries, and cafes. The new product was inspired by the dairy region of Hokkaido, Japan, and the …

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21st.BIO

Image supplied by 21st.BIO
Fermentation

21st.BIO Engineers Safer Fungal Strain for Protein Production, Calls for EU Regulatory Reform

Biotech firm 21st.BIO has developed a new strain of Aspergillus oryzae, a filamentous fungus commonly used in fermentation, that has been engineered to remove all known pathways for producing mycotoxins — potentially harmful compounds sometimes found in fungi. The new strain, described in a peer-reviewed study published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, was designed to avoid producing substances such as aflatoxins and other unwanted byproducts. It also eliminates the genes responsible for penicillin G production, which reduces the risk of unintended antibiotic residues. According to the study’s lead author, José Arnau, Executive Director of Strain Development and Regulatory Affairs at 21st.BIO, the work removes a longstanding safety concern in fungal-based production systems. “By eliminating the last safety challenge around filamentous fungi, we’re unlocking the full …

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Sunday Supper

© Sunday Supper
Company News

Sunday Supper Appoints New Leadership Team, Launches $2.5M Seed Round

Sunday Supper, a plant-based Italian food brand, has announced an expansion of its executive team alongside the launch of a $2.5 million seed funding round as the company looks to strengthen its position in the plant-based food sector and drive further retail growth. Spencer Oberg has been appointed as CEO, bringing over a decade of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, including his recent role as chief operating officer at Good Planet Foods, where he contributed to the company’s growth in the plant-based dairy market. “We’re leaning into our strong brand and existing traction to expand retail presence and explore innovative new products and revenue channels. I couldn’t be more excited to lead this company and incredible team into what’s next,” stated Oberg. In …

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Angela Crawford, Ph.D

© Angela Crawford, Ph.D
Marketing & Media

Dr. Angela Crawford’s “The Vegan Transformation” Explores the Emotional and Entrepreneurial Impact of Veganism

Released today, Dr. Angela Crawford’s new book explores the emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of adopting a vegan lifestyle, while also documenting how this transition has influenced individuals to launch businesses aligned with their values. The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World is based on a mixed-methods study involving 345 survey participants and 75 in-depth interviews. The book examines how shifting to a plant-based lifestyle has affected participants’ sense of purpose, mental well-being, and professional paths. Dr. Crawford, who holds a PhD in psychology and has worked as a psychotherapist for over two decades, conducted the research to investigate how lifestyle changes linked to veganism may extend beyond physical health outcomes. “Less is known about the psychological benefits of a plant-based …

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ISS Guckenheimer

© ISS Guckenheimer
Food Service

Report Reveals Which US Food Service Companies Are Delivering on Plant-Based Menu Promises

Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, has released its annual report evaluating leading U.S. food service companies on their efforts to improve animal welfare and reduce their environmental impact through plant-based menu changes. Called the Food Service Industry Protein Sustainability Scorecard, the report features companies that are collectively responsible for serving tens of thousands of meals per day, including at K-12 schools, colleges, universities, corporate offices, sports arenas, public facilities, and more. The scorecard was compiled by surveying companies and collecting information about their sustainability commitments, along with the steps they are taking to achieve these goals. The following companies all earned A grades: “Customers value transparency” The scorecard evaluates concrete, evidence-backed efforts to reduce food-related emissions, finding …

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Atlantic Natural Foods

© Atlantic Natural Foods
Company News

TUNO Manufacturer Atlantic Natural Foods Files for Bankruptcy

Atlantic Natural Foods, a US plant-based company that owns brands such as Loma Linda, TUNO, Chick’n, and Neat, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In a petition filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Atlantic Natural Foods listed $10 million to $50 million in assets. The company also declared $1 million to $10 million in liabilities, with 100 to 199 creditors. Atlantic Natural Foods did not specify why it was filing for bankruptcy, but announced plans to reorganize its business. The news comes a few months after the company terminated a $30 million agreement that would have seen it acquired by vertically integrated plant-based food company Above Food. Both parties mutually agreed to the withdrawal, citing changes in the …

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Plant Based World Pulse

© Plant Based World Pulse
Investments & Acquisitions

Emerald Takes Over Plant Based World Expo from JDE as Sector Outgrows Startup Roots

Emerald Holding, Inc., a major producer of trade shows and conferences in the United States, has acquired the Plant Based World Expo (PBW) and its associated media platform, Plant Based World Pulse, from JD Events (JDE). The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition includes both the North American and European editions of the Plant Based World Expo, as well as the digital content platform PBW Pulse. These assets will now be integrated into Emerald’s portfolio of food-related events, which includes established industry trade shows such as the International Pizza Expo. JDE passes the torch amid rapid growth Plant Based World Expo was launched by JDE in 2019 to provide a business-focused platform for stakeholders in the plant-based sector. JDE Founder and CEO …

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World Animal Protection Canada pig

© World Animal Protection Canada
Politics & Law

Canada to Host National Election Debate on Animal Protection

On April 23, a virtual debate focused on animal protection policies will bring together federal candidates from four major Canadian political parties. The event, held via Zoom, will be conducted in both English and French with simultaneous translation, and is open for media observation and public registration. The debate is organized by Animal Justice, the Montreal SPCA, the Vancouver Humane Society, the BC SPCA, and World Animal Protection. It marks only the second time a national debate dedicated to animal welfare has been held during a Canadian federal election campaign. Cross-party voices join the conversation Confirmed participants include Nathaniel Erskine-Smith (Liberal, Beaches—East York), Alistair MacGregor (NDP, Cowichan—Malahat—Langford), Elizabeth May (Green Party, Saanich—Gulf Islands), and Yves Perron (Bloc Québécois, Berthier-Maskinongé). All federal parties with representation in …

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Kerntech apricot kernals

Michael Beitl © Marius Höfinger Photography
Ingredients

Kern Tec Responds to EU Tariffs on Us Almonds: “We Offer a Crisis-Proof Almond Alternative”

In response to the tariffs imposed by the US on steel and aluminum, the EU has decided on retaliatory measures that also affect almonds and soybeans from the USA. A counter-tariff of 25% has been imposed on US almonds, and the industries affected have already expressed their concerns about the potential impact. In 2024, the EU imported $ 1.2 billion worth of shelled almonds from the United States. Around 92% of almonds imported into the EU come from California, while European agriculture only covers around a third of European demand. Kern Tec offers Europe an alternative Kern Tec explains: “As a European company, Kern Tec offers a crisis-proof almond alternative: ‘nut’ products made from apricot kernels have the advantage of being very similar to almonds …

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Environmental Impact Rating on packet of meat

© HollyHarry - stock.adobe.com
Studies & Numbers

Survey Reveals 46% of US Adults Would Consider Plant-Based Diets to Cut Food Emissions

A recent survey conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult reveals that 46% of Americans would consider adopting a plant-based diet to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to food production. The poll, which included responses from 2,203 US adults between March 24-26, 2025, found that 16% of respondents would “strongly consider” such a dietary change, while an additional 30% said they would “somewhat consider” it. Environmental impact of food production The survey results come as Earth Day approaches and coincide with growing concerns about the environmental impact of the food industry. Research from the United Nations has pointed to the significant role of food production, particularly livestock farming, in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Beef, in particular, is noted as …

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