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California Cultured cell cultivated chocolate

© California Cultured
Investments & Finance

Chocolate Giant Puratos Makes Strategic Investment in California Cultured’s Cell-Based Cacao

California Cultured, a startup pioneering plant cell culture to produce cacao, has received an undisclosed investment from Sparkalis, the food tech venture arm of the Belgian international group Puratos. The new capital will fund the startup’s scaling operations at an upcoming new facility (currently under construction) to bring a cell-based cocoa powder product to the market. Filip Arnaut, managing director of Sparkalis, commented: “At Sparkalis, we seek out visionary startups like California Cultured that are creating transformative solutions for the food industry. Their innovative approach to cocoa production aligns perfectly with our mission to foster a healthier and more sustainable future for the global food ecosystem. We are thrilled to support their journey in the world of chocolate.” Uniting forces to address commodity challenges The …

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Blackbird Foods wings

© Blackbird Foods
Retail & E-Commerce

Blackbird Foods’ Seitan-Based Wings Land at 100+ Wegmans Stores Nationwide

Blackbird Foods, a New York City-based plant-based food company, has announced the launch of its plant-based wings in Wegmans stores. The brand’s Buffalo and Korean BBQ-flavored wings are now available at over 100 Wegmans locations nationwide. The expansion into Wegmans represents a key step in Blackbird Foods’ growth. Emanuel Storch, CEO of Blackbird Foods, highlighted the alignment between the two companies, stating, “Partnering with Wegmans is especially exciting, as it highlights our shared dedication to providing high-quality, plant-based food options.” The plant-based wings, made from seitan, a wheat-based protein, are designed to mimic the texture and taste of traditional chicken wings. Each 12 oz package includes a separate sauce packet to enhance flavor. The Buffalo wings offer a spicy and tangy profile, while the Korean …

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Bene Meat Technologies' banner

© Bene Meat Technologies
Company News

Bene Meat Technologies Unveils “Cutting-Edge” Cell Bank, Seeks FDA Approval for Cultivated Pet Food

Czech cultivated meat startup Bene Meat Technologies (BMT) has unveiled what it describes as a cutting-edge cell bank, for the long-term supply of cells for cultivating different meat products. Developed over extensive research, the cell bank grants access to a sufficient quantity and variety of cells for research and production. It holds over 5,000 samples of high-quality primary cells from various species taken from small tissue samples, minimizing animal impact. The company explains that due to standardized processes, it delivers optimal preservation, ensuring purity and stability. Additionally, the facility has secure systems to safeguard sample continuity and safety, even in emergencies. Ing. Zuzana Šaturová, manager of the cell bank, shared, “The cell bank is a crucial element in our effort to produce meat in an …

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Plantbased Business Hour

What is the State of Plant-based Chicken in the US? With CEO of Daring Chicken, Jeff Gendelman

2021 was supposed to be the year of plant-based chicken: nuggets, strips, patties were all the rage. CEO and Founder of Daring Chicken, Jeff Gendelman, joins CEO of VegTech Invest and host Elysabeth Alfano on The Plantbased Business Hour to take us through the highs and lows of the plant-based chicken trajectory and the chances for success of the category. Specifically, they discussed: Europe is having much more success with this category than the US. Let’s take a trip around the world to discuss how plant-based, specifically chicken, is doing in Europe, Asia and then the US. Are you seeing any signs of things changing in the US? If so, where? Nuggets? Patties? Strips? Meals? Breaded? How much of the change is driven by the …

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The Jackfruit Company

© The Jackfruit Company
Investments & Finance

The Jackfruit Company Raises $5M to Fuel US Expansion and Innovate Jackfruit Products

The Jackfruit Company (TJC), based in Boulder, Colorado, has secured a $5 million Series B extension funding round led by existing investors InvestEco, Creadev, and Grosvenor Food & AgTech. This latest round of capital will support the company’s efforts to enhance its plant-based meat offerings made from whole jackfruit, as well as fuel continued market expansion.  This Series B extension follows a previous $23 million Series B round closed in 2021, which enabled the company to expand its distribution across retail and foodservice channels in the United States. The Jackfruit Company operates under two brands: TJC, which focuses on jackfruit ingredients for industrial and foodservice markets, and jack & annie’s, a consumer-facing brand offering products like burgers, breakfast sausage patties, and nuggets. Together, their products …

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Impossible Foods lion king nuggets

© Impossible Foods

Products & Launches

Impossible Foods Expands Retail Line with 3 New Products, Including Disney-Themed Nuggets

Impossible Foods has announced the launch of three new plant-based retail products aimed at providing families with convenient meal options. The new offerings include Impossible™ Disney The Lion King Chicken Nuggets, Impossible™ Meal Makers, and Impossible™ Corn Dogs. The company continues to grow its presence in the plant-based meat sector, where it claims to currently hold the second-largest market share in the US. The new Impossible Disney The Lion King Chicken Nuggets feature plant-based nuggets shaped like characters from Disney’s “The Lion King.” The release coincides with the upcoming premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King. According to Impossible Foods, the nuggets offer 10 grams of protein per serving and contain 60% less saturated fat than traditional chicken nuggets. They are also free of cholesterol. Peter …

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Plates with meat and fish

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Market & Trends

While Meat and Fish Remain a Staple for Most US Consumers, 14% of Gen Z Embrace Plant-Based

Despite growing interest in plant-based diets, meat and fish continue to dominate the plates of US consumers, according to recent data. A new Statista Consumer Insights survey found that 14% of US adults born between 1995 and 2012 identify as either vegan or vegetarian. The proportion of people following a plant-based diet declines with age. Among those born between 1965 and 1979, 3% report being vegetarian and 2% vegan, while only 2% of Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) say they are vegetarian, and just 1% identify as vegan. Flexitarian / reducetarian diet gaining traction Although the number of strict vegans and vegetarians is relatively low, a growing number of Americans are opting for a more flexible approach to reducing meat consumption, with 7% to 15% of …

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Simulate Nuggs

© Simulate
Investments & Acquisitions

Simulate Announces Acquisition by Ahimsa Companies

Simulate, the company best known for producing plant-based nugget brand NUGGS, has announced an acquisition by plant-based investor Ahimsa Companies. As reported by Axios, Simulate required significant capital and opted to find a buyer rather than attempting to raise the funding. The deal was a combination of cash and equity, though the valuation of the company has not been disclosed. “Ahimsa is very values-aligned, and they’ve been committed to this space and mission for a long time,” Sam Terris, co-founder and CEO at Simulate, tells vegconomist. “We were looking for a partner that balances pragmatism and optimism — a group that could help get alt protein economics to work on a large scale, while also willing to invest in higher upside technology. Ahimsa fit the …

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San Francisco-based The EVERY Co. has been granted a new patent (US 12/096,784 ) covering the scope and use of its precision fermentation-derived ovalbumin.

© The Every Company
Company News

The EVERY Company Secures Patent for Fermented Ovalbumin — the Key Protein Behind its Animal-Free Ingredients

San Francisco-based The Every Company has been granted a new patent (US 12/096,784 ) covering the scope and use of its precision fermentation-derived ovalbumin. The scope of the patent includes wild-type ovalbumin variants with performance enhancements and extends to ovalbumin sourced from various avian species, produced using yeast and fungal strains like Pichia, Trichoderma, Saccharomyces, and Aspergillus. The patent covers the use of the novel protein in a wide range of food formulations if combined with at least one additional consumable ingredient (flour, sugar, fats). It spans diverse product formats, such as baked goods, meat, meat analogs, ready-to-eat egg products, whipped cream, ice cream, meringues, and more. It also addresses functional applications, including hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness, and foam stability in both liquid and powder forms. Co-founder …

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Barilla vegan pesto

© Barilla
Products & Launches

Barilla’s First-Ever Vegan Pesto to Hit Kroger Shelves This Fall

Barilla, the “world’s largest pasta manufacturer”, is launching its first-ever vegan pesto, expanding its lineup of sauces. This new plant-based option will be available exclusively at Kroger stores beginning this month, with broader distribution expected at major retailers in 2025. The new pesto variety has been designed to cater to both vegan consumers and those with lactose intolerance, offering an alternative without the inclusion of dairy ingredients. The recipe includes 35.6% basil, along with olive oil and cashews.  According to Barilla’s Pesto Brand Manager, Matt Michaels, “This Barilla expansion meets consumers’ growing appetite for genuine Italian flavor with a range that offers creamy, spicy, and sweet notes to satisfy diverse preferences.” Part of broader product expansion This launch is part of Barilla’s product line expansion …

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PETA

© PETA
Society

PETA Warns US Meat Companies to Learn from Mistakes of Tobacco Farmers and “Get Out Now!”

PETA is urging five major US meat companies—Hormel Foods, Cargill, Smithfield Foods, Tyson Foods, and Oscar Mayer—to shift their focus from animal-based products to vegan alternatives, following the example set by one of Italy’s oldest meat producers, Gruppo Tonazzo. Gruppo Tonazzo recently announced that it will stop selling meat entirely and concentrate solely on plant-based products. Albino Tonazzo, CEO of the company’s plant-based brand Kioene, explained that the shift is motivated by a “deep responsibility to future generations” and a commitment to environmental preservation. In letters sent to the CEOs of the US companies, PETA noted the growing consumer demand for plant-based foods and the environmental and ethical concerns associated with animal agriculture. The group explained that all five companies have already introduced vegan products …

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Israel's Believer Meats has announced a strategic partnership with GEA Group to make cultivated meat more affordable, accessible, and sustainable

© Believer Meats
Manufacturing & Technology

Believer Meats & GEA Partner to “Produce Cultivated Meat Products at the Right Cost”

Israel’s Believer Meats and GEA Group, one of the world’s technology and equipment suppliers for food manufacturers, have announced a strategic partnership to make cultivated meat more affordable, accessible, and sustainable. The collaboration will focus on co-developing technologies and processes to improve the unit economics and sustainability of cultivated meat production, starting with chicken and potentially expanding to other products. The collaboration follows Believer Meats’ recent MOU with AGWA, Abu Dhabi’s new food and water cluster, and a notable collaboration with the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State. Gustavo Burger, CEO of Believer Meats, shared, “Believer is on track to overcome the biggest obstacles to scalability. By partnering with GEA—one of the world’s foremost engineering and biotech equipment manufacturers—we are taking the next step in innovating …

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Helaina is ready to commercialise its animal-free lactoferrin for functional foods

Image courtesy of Helaina
Fermentation

Helaina Raises $45M to Commercialize First Precision-Fermented Human Lactoferrin

US precision fermentation company Helaina has raised $45 million in Series B funding to scale and commercialize its first product, effera Human Lactoferrin. Effera, claimed to be the first and only human lactoferrin available, is a bioactive ingredient that supports women’s health, active nutrition, and healthy aging. According to the startup, clinical and pre-clinical research indicates it is even more effective than bovine lactoferrin. The round, led by Avidity Partners, brought Helaina’s total equity funding to $83 million. Spark Capital, Ingeborg Investments, Tom Williams of Heron Rock, Barrel Ventures, Siam Capital, Relish Works, CF Private Equity, and Primary Venture Partners, among others, also backed the first company to put human proteins into food. Founder and CEO Laura Katz shared, “This infusion of new capital marks …

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Christophe Chantre Tender Food

Christophe Chantre © Tender Food
Interviews

Tender Food: “We Need Technology Breakthroughs to Rekindle Growth of the Alternative Meat Industry”

Tender Food is a Boston-based company specializing in plant-based meats, aiming to replicate the texture and taste of whole cuts like chicken breast, pulled pork, and steak. The company’s proprietary technology uses plant proteins to mimic the muscle fibers found in animal meats, providing a more realistic texture and satisfying eating experience compare to other plant-based options. Founded by a team of scientists and entrepreneurs, Tender Food seeks to differentiate itself in the alternative protein market by targeting whole cuts rather than processed products. Christophe Chantre is the co-founder and CEO of Tender Food. In this interview, he discusses the company’s mission to create whole-cut plant-based meats using fiber-spinning technology developed at Harvard. He also explains the company’s focus on scaling production, the role of …

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Seaweed-based packaging startup Notpla announces it has completed a Series A+ round, securing £20 million (over $25 million) in equity fundraising, exceeding the company's initial target.

© Notpla
Packaging

Seaweed Packaging Pioneer Notpla Secures £20 Million to Replace Single-Use Plastics in USA

Seaweed-based packaging startup Notpla announces it has completed a Series A+ round, securing £20 million (over $25 million) in equity fundraising, exceeding the company’s initial target. The new funds will be used to scale up manufacturing capabilities, broaden its plastic-free product range, and firmly establish a foothold in North American markets by driving a US expansion. The UB Forest Industry Green Growth Fund (UB FIGG) led the funding round. Key investors included Catalytic Capital for Climate & Health (C3H), Horizons Ventures and Astanor Ventures. New participants, including the Schmidt Family Foundation, Radicle Impact, EIT Food’s AgriFoodInvest, Broadwater Cap, Kibo Invest, Rosebrook, Trousdale Ventures, and Ocean Born Foundation, also backed Notpla’s expansion. David Walker, UB FIGG’s senior partner, said, “Notpla’s innovative approach to sustainable packaging, particularly …

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Fable Foods blended meat

© Fable Foods
Studies & Numbers

Report: 74% of American Consumers Are Interested in Blended Meat

A new report by NECTAR, a philanthropic initiative working to accelerate the protein transition with taste, has found that 74% of US consumers surveyed are interested or extremely interested in blended meat products. Blended meat (also referred to as “plant-rich meat”) consists of a combination of conventional animal meat and plant-based protein. 51% of omnivorous consumers said sustainability was their biggest interest driver in blended meat, while 47% cited health. Products with a 50/50 mix of plant-based and animal-based ingredients were perceived to be the most appealing. Interestingly, plant-based nuggets outperformed conventional chicken nuggets in blind taste tests conducted as part of the report, while animal-based products remained in the lead in most categories. However, when consumers were given blended meat burgers, they rated them …

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Rebellyous Foods plant-based meat manufacturing technology

Christie Lagally with Mock 2 production technology. © Rebellyous Foods
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Rebellyous Foods Partners With RMS Foods to Revolutionize Plant-Based Meat Manufacturing

Plant-based meat manufacturing technology company Rebellyous Foods has announced a partnership with RMS Foods to launch a new production system that it believes will revolutionize the industry. Called Mock 2©, the fully continuous, automated, and chilled dough substrate processing system can produce a variety of plant-based meat products at volumes of 2,500-5,000  lb/hr on a single processing line. This will enable Rebellyous to manufacture meat alternatives at a lower cost, competing with traditional meat production on both price and quality. The technology also minimizes waste, improves energy efficiency, and provides a safer environment for workers. The development has been made possible through a collaboration with RMS Foods, which specializes in the production of high-quality plant-based meat products. Mock 2 was unveiled today at RMS’s state-of-the-art …

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plantbased business hour
Plantbased Business Hour

What is the State of the American Farmer? Deputy Under Secretary of the USDA, Sanah Baig, Explains

What is the state of the American Farmer? Is food insecurity in the U.S. on the rise? What initiatives are upcoming to address feeding more people with fewer resources? What does the USDA science data tell us? Deputy Under Secretary of the USDA, Sanah Baig, joins CEO of VegTech Invest and host Elysabeth Alfano on The Plantbased Business Hour for the big knowledge drop just months before the Farm Bill drop. Specifically, they discuss: As we turn the corner into 2025, what is the USDA working on, given the need to feed a growing global population with fewer resources? How is the USDA prioritizing food systems transformation and the plight of the American farmer? What level of money is being spent on the future of agriculture, and what kind of …

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Poultry at a factory farm

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Agriculture / Agribusiness

Global Organizations Push to End Factory Farming and Present Roadmap for “Just Transition” at Climate Week NYC

The Center for Biological Diversity and World Animal Protection unveiled a white paper yesterday, co-produced with more than 50 contributors, urging the phase-out of industrial animal agriculture to address its impact on climate change, humans, and animals at a panel during Food Day at Climate Week NYC. According to the white paper, the industrial animal production system, including industrial fishing and aquaculture, is fundamentally inequitable, inefficient, and financially flawed. It is a leading driver of climate change, with experts agreeing that global emissions from animal production must decline by 50% by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement targets. In addition, industrial animal farming is a significant source of animal suffering and one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, contributing to habitat loss, water pollution, and …

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New York City Health and Hospitals

© New York City Health + Hospitals
Health

Default Plant-Based Meals at New York City Health + Hospitals See Over 90% Patient Satisfaction

Since 2021, plant-based meals have been the default option for patients at New York City Health + Hospitals. Now, a new paper published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine has found that the policy has high patient satisfaction, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers costs. Patient acceptance of the plant-based meals, which are the primary lunch and dinner option at 11 hospitals, is extremely high at more than 95%. Patient satisfaction is not far behind, reaching over 90%. Calculations indicate that the hospital system’s emissions have reduced by 36% as a result of the plant-based menu, while the cost of the plant-based entrees is $0.59 less than for meals containing animal products. This saved a total of $318,000 in 2023. The program has been …

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