North America

Mililk_lifestyle shot

© Veganz
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Veganz Partners With Jindilli Beverages, Bringing Printed Plant-Based Milk to North America, Australia and New Zealand

German plant-based food producer Veganz has partnered with US-based Jindilli Beverages to bring products made with its Mililk® technology to the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Mililk consists of 2D-printed sheets that can be blended with water to form plant-based milk. The new collaboration includes the production of oat and almond Mililk at Veganz’s facility in Ludwigsfelde, Germany. It also includes the export and distribution of 1-liter Mililk packs in Tetra Pak format for retail, along with 5-liter Mililk packs and the new Creamer Drops (a plant-based coffee creamer) for food service. The products will be launched via Jindilli’s established plant-based milk brand Milkadamia, which has a strong presence in the food service sector and at over 13,000 retail stores in the US. Milkadamia …

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Veggie burger stock image

Image: Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
Ingredients

Canadian-UK Collaboration Develops New Plant-Based Burger Ingredients Using Domestic Crops

A joint effort between Canadian and UK organizations has commenced to develop plant-based burger ingredients using Canadian-grown legumes and sunflower crops. The project includes Lovingly Made Flour Mills and Botaneco from Canada, collaborating with Stars UK R&D and the University of Leeds. The initiative focuses on overcoming challenges related to moisture retention and juiciness in plant-based burgers by processing Canadian legumes and sunflower into protein-rich ingredients and innovative fat components. These ingredients will be incorporated into new burger formulations for international restaurant distribution. Protein Industries Canada and Innovate UK support the project, facilitating collaboration between Canadian and UK agrifood companies to address protein demand in both markets. Robert Hunter, CEO of Protein Industries Canada, stated, “Canada has an unparalleled opportunity to supply the world with …

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Solyve

© Solyve
Investments & Acquisitions

Lallemand to Expand Production Capacity via Proposed Acquisition of French Baking Ingredient Firms

Lallemand Inc., a Canadian-based producer of yeast, bacteria, fungi, and enzyme solutions, is in exclusive talks to acquire AIT Ingredients and Solyve, two subsidiaries of the French milling group Moulins Soufflet, itself part of the larger agricultural cooperative Groupe InVivo. Founded in Canada, Lallemand operates over 50 manufacturing facilities worldwide and employs approximately 5,500 people. Its portfolio serves a broad set of industries including baking, human and animal nutrition, biofuels, distilled spirits, crop protection, oenology, and brewing. Lallemand’s CEO Antoine Chagnon noted the geographical and sectoral expansion the acquisition would bring: “With the presence of AIT Ingredients in France, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, APAC and Africa, and Solyve in France, these proposed acquisitions will reinforce our presence and increase our global footprint and production capacity and …

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Daily Harvest

© Daily Harvest
Investments & Acquisitions

Plant-Based Startup Daily Harvest Acquired by Dairy Giant Chobani

Daily Harvest, a US startup offering plant-based smoothies, snacks, protein products, and ready meals, has been acquired by dairy giant Chobani for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition marks Chobani’s entry into the ready-to-make meals category. Daily Harvest was founded in 2015 to improve consumers’ access to convenient, organic foods rich in fruits and vegetables. In a statement, the startup said its products, website, and team would remain unchanged following the acquisition. “I’m excited to share a new chapter in our journey,” said Ricky Silver, CEO of Daily Harvest. “Daily Harvest is officially joining the Chobani family, a company whose values and vision beautifully align with our own. Like us, Chobani is deeply committed to nourishing people, uplifting communities, and using business as a force for …

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Odd Burger Corporation-Odd Burger Set to Open Record Number of locations

Famous Burger by Odd Burger (CNW Group/Odd Burger Corporation)
Company News

Odd Burger Secures Distribution Deal With Dot Foods Canada

Vegan fast-food chain and food technology company Odd Burger has announced that its manufacturing division, Preposterous Foods Inc., has secured a distribution deal with Dot Foods Canada. Through the deal, Odd Burger’s products will become available to hundreds of distributors across the country. Five retail products — the ChickUn Fillet, Smash Burger, Chickpea Burger, ChickUn Pretenders, and Breakfast Sausage — will initially be offered. Odd Burger says the partnership will allow it to better serve national grocery and restaurant chains through a convenient distribution channel and national pricing program. Dot Foods Canada was founded in 2016 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dot Foods Inc. The company, which has distribution centers in Ingersoll and Calgary, lists more than 3,300 products from over 100 suppliers …

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Mr. Charlie's

© Mr. Charlie's
Fast Food

18 New Mr. Charlie’s Locations Coming to Arizona as Part of US Franchise Growth

Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So (TMS), the plant-based fast food chain, has entered a multimillion-dollar development agreement to open 18 locations across Arizona. This expansion is the brand’s largest to date and represents a key step in its national growth strategy. The first Arizona location is slated to open in Scottsdale in 2025, with additional cities expected to be announced in the coming months. The new stores will introduce Mr. Charlie’s plant-based menu to the Southwest. Signature items include the Not a Cheeseburger and the Frowny Meal, which have gained popularity at existing locations in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sydney, Australia. Patrick Lam, an experienced area developer, is partnering with Mr. Charlie’s for this expansion. Lam, who serves as President of …

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HIPPEAS Cheezy Cheddar Pops

© HIPPEAS
Products & Launches

HIPPEAS Launches Vegan Cheezy Cheddar Pops

U.S.-based snack brand HIPPEAS has announced the launch of a new vegan-friendly product, Cheezy Cheddar Pops. Inspired by the classic cheese ball, the snacks are made from sustainably grown yellow peas and chickpeas. Each serving is said to contain 3g of protein and 2g of fiber; the product is also free of gluten and major allergens, and has been verified by the Non-GMO Project. According to HIPPEAS, the Cheezy Cheddar Pops are light and airy with a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Suitable for adults and children alike, they can be purchased from Target, Amazon, Walmart, and the HIPPEAS website. More retailers are expected to be added soon. “Clean, plant-powered ingredients” HIPPEAS’s products are made using yellow peas grown with sustainable farming practices such as conservation tillage and …

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Lindt Vegan lindor

© Lindt & Sprüngli
Sweets & Snacks

Lindt Responds to Canadian Vegan Cravings with Launch of LINDOR Vegan Truffles

Lindt & Sprüngli has launched its LINDOR Vegan Truffles in Canada, catering to the growing demand for indulgent, plant-based chocolate alternatives. The new truffles, which come in both Original and Dark Chocolate varieties, are made with oat-based chocolate to replicate the smooth, melting experience traditionally associated with milk chocolate. The LINDOR Vegan Truffles are available in 120g bags, with each truffle individually wrapped. Lindt & Sprüngli, based in Switzerland, has been producing high-quality chocolates for over 175 years and continues to expand its range of offerings to meet the demands of various dietary preferences, including veganism. Last year, the company launched vegan truffle balls in the US, and also recently invested in Food Brewer, which produces cocoa alternatives using plant cell culture. The introduction of …

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PLANTA queen

© PLANTA
Company News

Planta Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection Amid Declining Consumer Spending

Plant-based restaurant chain Planta, along with its parent company CHG US Holdings and 17 affiliates, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 12, 2025, in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company cited the need to restructure its operations and reduce costs, amid declining consumer spending on dining out in the US. Steps to improve financial stability According to The Street, the bankruptcy filing by CHG US Holdings reported assets of between $50,000 and $100,000, with liabilities ranging from $10 million to $50 million. Planta described the filing as a strategic move to streamline operations and improve its financial standing, according to a statement published by Reuters. Planta operates 18 locations across major cities such as New York, Chicago, Los …

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© PhyCo Technologies, NextGen Food Innovators
Investments & Finance

Canadian Food Innovation Network Backs Student-Led Projects with $50K in Foodtech Funding

The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) has awarded a total of $49,982 to five student-led food technology ventures through its NextGen Food Innovators program. The funding supports early-stage food innovations that address key issues such as food safety, waste reduction, and sustainability in the Canadian food sector. The NextGen Food Innovators program is designed to support students developing food technologies that have clear commercial applications. The program helps advance innovations from early-stage research to market-ready solutions, focusing on intellectual property-driven projects with real-world potential. Since its inception, CFIN has provided over $20 million in funding to various foodtech ventures across Canada, promoting innovation in the food sector. Dana McCauley, CEO of CFIN, stated, “Canada’s food sector needs bold thinkers who can turn new ideas into …

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selection of legumes

© Ingredion
Facts & Figures

Ingredion Improves Full-Year Outlook Following Strong Q1 Results

Ingredion, a global provider of ingredient solutions for food and beverage manufacturing, has reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025. Q1 reported and adjusted operating income increased by 30% and 26% respectively compared to the prior year period. Reported and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $3.00 and $2.97, compared with $3.23 and $2.08 in Q1 2024. Full-year reported EPS is now expected to be in the range of $10.93 to $11.63, while adjusted EPS is predicted to be in the range of $10.90 to $11.60. Ingredion notes that its Texture & Healthful Solutions segment saw a 34% increase in operating income in Q1; this was driven by strong sales volume across all geographies, especially for clean-label solutions. The segment previously experienced …

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Bunge soy protein

© Bunge
Protein

Bunge Introduces New Soy Protein Concentrates and Expands Production Capacity

Bunge has introduced a new line of soy protein concentrates at IFFA, set to launch this fall, designed to address common challenges in the plant-based protein sector. The new concentrates are intended to offer a clean taste, neutral color, and cost-effective solution for food manufacturers. The soy protein concentrates, produced in Bunge’s new facility in Morristown, Indiana, are part of the company’s strategy to enhance its plant-protein offerings. The Morristown facility, which is nearing completion, is set to become the largest food-grade plant protein production site globally. Bunge has invested $550 million in this state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to provide significant scale to its operations. The soy protein concentrates will feature around 70% protein content and 17% fiber on a dry-basis, with both non-GMO …

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T. Hasegawa

© T. Hasegawa
Ingredients

New Technology by T. Hasegawa Gives Vegan Foods the Flavor Profile of Animal Proteins

Flavor manufacturer T. Hasegawa has announced the launch of PLANTREACT, a natural flavor technology that is said to replicate the complex taste of animal proteins in plant-based foods. PLANTREACT uses fermentation and advanced reaction flavor techniques —such as Maillard reactions and enzymolysis — to provide authentic chicken, beef, pork, and milk profiles in fully vegan applications. The technology aims to address consumer demand for better-tasting plant-based proteins. All the flavors are heat stable, ensuring a consistent taste regardless of cooking processes. They also allow manufacturers to maintain clean label guidelines, and are available in a range of delivery systems including liquid and dry paste. The proprietary technology was developed over a six-month period through T. Hasegawa’s “Bridge to Tokyo” program, which combines the R&D expertise …

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Indiana state house

Photo by Steven Van Elk on Unsplash
Cultivated Meat

Indiana Enacts Two-Year Ban on Cultivated Meat, Set to Begin in July 2025

Indiana has enacted a two-year ban on the sale, production, and labeling of cultivated meat, a decision signed into law by Governor Mike Braun on May 6, 2025. The moratorium, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, and remain in place until June 30, 2027, comes as part of House Bill 1425. The law prohibits the sale of lab-grown meat unless it adheres to strict labeling requirements, including a clear statement that the product is an “imitation meat product,” according to Indiana Ag Connection As defined by the bill, cultivated meat refers to animal protein grown from stem cells in a laboratory, designed to replicate the look, taste, and nutritional profile of conventional meat. Under the new law, any company misbranding such products could …

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First Bight Ventures

© First Bight Ventures
Manufacturing & Technology

BioWell Assumes Control of Texas BioTechnology’s Pilot Facility to Address Biomanufacturing Gaps

BioWell, a nonprofit accelerator based in Houston, has officially assumed control of the Texas BioTechnology pilot facility in Richmond, Texas. The 33,000-square-foot plant is now the largest publicly accessible industrial biomanufacturing facility in the US, offering critical resources for scaling up biotechnological processes. With 13,000 liters of fermentation capacity, the facility provides contract development and manufacturing services, along with advanced laboratory spaces and bioprocessing equipment. Veronica Breckenridge, founder of BioWell and First Bight Ventures, commented on the strategic importance of the new partnership, noting that the facility offers an operational platform to support startups, research institutions, and industry leaders in biomanufacturing. Breckenridge stated, “Our involvement in this initiative comes at a pivotal moment. The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) recently published a comprehensive …

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Kate Farms

© Kate Farms
Investments & Acquisitions

Danone Acquires Majority Stake in Plant-Based Formula Company Kate Farms

Danone has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Kate Farms, a US-based producer of plant-based, organic nutrition products. The acquisition, which is expected to enhance Danone’s specialized nutrition portfolio, will see the integration of Kate Farms’ products, including formulas for everyday consumption and those designed for tube feeding, into Danone’s existing offerings. Shane Grant, Deputy CEO of Danone Group, explained the strategic fit between the two companies. “Kate Farms is complementary to our specialized nutrition offerings, which we believe will allow us to reach more consumers and patients and bring a high-quality new standard of care to people with a wider variety of health needs,” he stated. While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the acquisition follows a strong …

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Violife

© Violife
Business Wire

The Votes Are In: Violife Elected Canada’s Favourite Dairy Free Cheese

Violife is officially the country’s #1 dairy free cheese brand,* dethroning long-standing category leader after just four years in-market TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–It’s been a busy election season for Canadians, but when it comes to taste, one clear winner swept the polls — by capturing a third of all dairy free cheese sales, Canadians have spoken: Violife is the country’s #1 dairy free cheese brand!* After just four years in the Canadian market, Violife has unseated the category-leading incumbent, proving that taste, texture, and versatility wins votes. “This landmark victory is a testament to the power of unparalleled taste and exceptional texture. In this season of heated competition, we’re honoured that Canadians have voted with their wallet and entrusted us with their tastebuds,” says Meryem Leyoussi, Commercial …

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© No Meat Factory
Fairs & Events

Daiya, No Meat Factory & Other Plant-Based Companies Recognized at FABI Awards 2025

The National Restaurant Association Show has revealed the winners of its annual Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards, which honor exceptional and innovative products shaping the future of the industry. There are several plant-based products among the awardees again this year, including: “The cutting edge of food and beverage innovation” The winners will be showcased at the National Restaurant Association Show, which takes place from May 17-20 in Chicago. FABI Judge Becky Davis will give a demonstration of the standout awardees at The Culinary Experience Stage, and tasting sessions will take place at The Tasting Zone on three occasions — Saturday from 1:00-2:30 p.m., Sunday from 1:15-2:45 p.m., and Monday from 10:45-11:45 a.m. Last year’s winners included Plant-based Meat Bites by Black Sheep Foods, the Beyond …

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Foodiq

© Foodiq
Manufacturing & Technology

Foodiq Eyes Global Growth with Funding to Scale its MLC Technology for Dairy-Free Products

Foodiq, a Finnish food technology company, has raised significant investment to support its expansion into Asia and North America. The funding will enable the company to advance its proprietary Multi-Layer Cooker (MLC) technology and hire additional talent to accelerate its global growth. The funding will allow Foodiq to further develop its technology and expand its presence in key global markets, capitalizing on the growing demand for sustainable and localized food production solutions. At the heart of Foodiq’s growth strategy is the MLC technology, a food processing platform designed to streamline the production of dairy-free products. The MLC system is versatile, capable of producing a wide array of dairy and dairy-style alternatives, such as fermented yogurts, puddings, spreadable cheeses, and ready-to-serve soups and sauces. The technology’s …

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Beyond Meat Beyond IV burger

© Beyond Meat
Investments & Finance

Beyond Meat Secures $100 Million Financing as It Navigates Q1 Losses

Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND) has closed a $100 million senior secured debt facility with Unprocessed Foods, LLC, an affiliate of the Ahimsa Foundation. This financing will help strengthen the company’s balance sheet and support its long-term strategies. The announcement follows the company’s first-quarter financial results for 2025, which reported a 9.1% decline in net revenues to $68.7 million. The drop in revenue was driven by an 11.2% reduction in the volume of products sold, particularly in the US retail and foodservice channels. The weak category demand was further compounded by broader economic conditions. In the same period, Beyond Meat reported a gross profit loss of $1.1 million, down from a $3.7 million gross profit in the prior year. The loss reflects the company’s strategic …

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