lactoferrin

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Fermentation

Earth First Food Ventures Launches US’s First Precision Fermentation Facility for Lactoferrin

Earth First Food Ventures Ltd (EFFV), a venture capital firm focused on ESG and impact investments in food technology, has announced the opening of PFerrinX26, the first US-based facility dedicated exclusively to the precision fermentation of Lactoferrin (LF). This facility aims to address the growing global shortage of Lactoferrin, a protein with significant health benefits and applications in various sectors, including immune support and gut health. The facility’s establishment in the United States is also a strategic decision, given the country’s favorable regulatory environment for innovative food technologies. This decision underscores EFFV’s goal of scaling precision fermentation dairy in a market where the infrastructure and regulatory framework are better aligned to support such innovations. Ricardo Radwanski, CFO and co-founder of EFFV, stated, “We’re thrilled to …

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Beyond Meat

© Beyond Meat

Marketing & Media

Beyond Meat and NBPA Launch Plant-Based Cookbook Ahead of NBA All-Star Weekend

Beyond Meat has partnered with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to introduce Go Beyond the Buzzer: A Plant-Based Cookbook Inspired by NBPA Members. The digital cookbook, set for release on February 12, features plant-based recipes contributed by NBA players, which showcase their preferred meals before and after games. Players such as Cade Cunningham, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan have contributed recipes that incorporate Beyond Meat products, aiming to showcase plant-based eating within professional sports. Examples include Josh Hart’s “Beyond Hart Burrito” made with Beyond Steak, Damian Lillard’s vegan sloppy joe, and Jalen Brunson’s spicy rigatoni. The cookbook will be available for free online, with a limited number of hard copies distributed at select All-Star Weekend events. Beyond Meat at NBA All-Star Weekend Beyond Meat …

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Products & Launches

Juicy Marbles Launches First Plant-Based Lamb Whole Cut in North America

Slovenian plant-based meat company Juicy Marbles has announced the launch of Meaty Meat, a whole-cut plant-based lamb alternative. The product, which became available in the US and Canada last week, is the company’s first lamb-style alternative and is positioned as a more affordable entry point into its product lineup. Priced at $10 per 6.4-ounce pack, Meaty Meat is 26% less expensive per ounce than Juicy Marbles’ previous lowest-cost whole-cut product. The company states that the price reduction is part of an effort to make plant-based whole cuts more accessible for everyday use, moving beyond special occasions and restaurant-style meals. Meaty Meat is designed to be a flexible protein option, intended for a variety of dishes. The company states that it can be cooked whole or …

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A cultivated chicken sandwich

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Politics & Law

South Dakota Becomes Latest US State to Propose a Cultivated Meat Ban

A legislative committee in South Dakota has put forward a bill that would ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cultivated meat in the state. As reported by South Dakota Searchlight, the bill has already gained the approval of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee with an 8-5 vote. Furthermore, another bill that would restrict state spending on cultivated meat has gained unanimous approval. However, more steps are required for the bills to become law, and both will need to pass the state House of Representatives. The news comes just weeks after a bill to ensure the clear labeling of cultivated meat products passed both chambers in the state. It is currently awaiting a decision by the governor. Alabama and Florida have already banned …

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MMarin Headshot

Meredith Marin, Co-founder of Vegan Hospitality © Vegan Hospitality

Interviews

Vegan Hospitality: “Our Mission Is To Create Scalable Solutions That Make Vegan Dining Accessible and Desirable For All”

We sat down with Meredith Marin, Co-founder of Vegan Hospitality, to discuss the organization’s journey, impact, and future plans. In this insightful conversation, she shares how Vegan Hospitality has evolved over the past five years, why it recently transitioned into a non-profit, and how it is working with businesses worldwide to create a more vegan-friendly hospitality industry. Can you introduce Vegan Hospitality and share its core mission and values? Vegan Hospitality is a U.S. based nonprofit with global food systems impact. We represent the world’s largest network of professional vegan hospitality consultants. Our leadership team, along with our network of independent consultants, empowers businesses in the hospitality industry to implement strategies that reduce food-related emissions and increase inclusivity for vegan and plant-forward guests. Our mission is to create scalable solutions …

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new beyond meat steak

© Beyond Meat

Products & Launches

Beyond Meat Introduces Pre-Seasoned Beyond Steak in Chimichurri and Korean BBQ

Beyond Meat has announced an expansion of its Beyond Steak product line with two new pre-seasoned varieties: Beyond Steak Chimichurri and Beyond Steak Korean BBQ-Style. The new offerings are now available in the freezer aisle at Sprouts Farmers Market stores across the United States. According to Beyond Meat, the expanded line aims to provide consumers with a convenient, plant-based alternative to traditional steak. The pre-seasoned steak tips are designed to replicate the texture and flavor of seared steak while meeting specific nutritional criteria. Each serving contains 20 grams of plant-based protein, 1 gram of saturated fat, and no cholesterol. The products have received certifications from the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check program and the American Diabetes Association’s Better Choices for Life program. “The original Beyond Steak …

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US department of defense

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Guest Posts

Department of Defense Invests Heavily in Food Innovation: Why?

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an advisor to a food innovation ET, and a consultant to C-Suite of multinational companies. She speaks internationally on the intersection of investing, sustainability, and food systems transformation and is also the host of the podcast, Upside & Impact: Investing for Change. In this article, which originally ran on Advisorpedia.com, Elysabeth Alfano explores the US Department of Defense’s significant investment in food innovation through the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP). She examines how food security, supply chain resilience, environmental impact, and public health concerns drive this initiative, positioning food system transformation as both a national security priority and a major investment opportunity. Department of Defense Invests Heavily in Food Innovation: Why? The US Department of Defense is investing heavily …

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Both Burger by 50/50 Foods

50/50 Foods

Studies & Numbers

Could “Balanced Proteins” Help Reach Consumers Who Are Reluctant to Try Meat Alternatives?

A new report by Food System Innovations (FSI) has outlined the challenges involved in convincing consumers to adopt meat alternatives, and whether “Balanced Proteins” — a combination of meat and plant-based ingredients — could provide the solution. In partnership with YouGov, FSI surveyed over 2,000 US consumers to gain insights into consumer behavior in the meat alternatives category. The results indicate that the majority of consumers believe conventional meat products meet their needs; when asked about ground beef, 80% of consumers were either indifferent or believed it was already a healthy option. This illustrates why it may be difficult to persuade consumers to switch to plant-based meat. Furthermore, 55% of consumers prioritize familiar foods when shopping, meaning they may see meat alternatives as disconnected from …

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Cosun Beet

© Cosun Beet Falafel burger

Studies & Numbers

Study: American Consumers Prefer Falafel Burgers Over More Processed Meat Alternatives

A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has examined the attitudes of US consumers towards different types of meat alternatives. As part of the study, researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Humboldt University Berlin, and Georg August University Göttingen surveyed 2,100 US consumers. Participants were asked to choose one of four burgers — a conventional beef burger, a realistic plant-based meat burger (analog), a vegetarian burger imitating the appearance but not the taste or texture of meat (semi-analog), and a falafel burger (non-analog). As expected, the meat burger proved the most popular and was chosen by three-quarters of respondents. However, researchers were surprised to find that the non-analog burger was the most popular meat-free choice, while the …

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Scooter's Coffee

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Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Scooter’s Coffee Drops Plant-Based Milk Upcharge at All Locations US-Wide

The US’s fourth-largest coffee chain, Scooter’s Coffee, has removed the upcharge for plant-based milk alternatives at its 800+ locations across 29 states. The change follows discussions with the corporate engagement team from animal protection organization Mercy for Animals, which urged Scooter’s Coffee to promote inclusivity by making plant-based options more accessible. Mercy for Animals notes that almost 90% of people from some areas of East Asia are lactose intolerant, along with 80% of Native Americans, 65% of Africans and African Americans, and 50% of Latin Americans. Milk alternatives also have a much lower environmental impact than cow’s milk, meaning that removing the upcharge has benefits for both human health and the environment. “We are thrilled that Scooter’s Coffee has listened to their customers and taken …

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Liberation labs

© Liberation Labs

Fermentation

Precision Fermentation Firm Liberation Labs Secures $50.5M to Scale Production

Liberation Labs has closed a $50.5 million convertible note round, bringing its total raised capital for this financing effort to $75 million. This latest investment includes $31.5 million in new funding and $19 million from insider bridge notes raised earlier in 2024. Key investors in the round include NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), Galloway Limited, and Meach Cove Capital, alongside existing backers Agronomics, New Agrarian Capital, and Siddhi Capital. The funding will support the completion of Liberation Labs’ first commercial-scale precision fermentation biomanufacturing facility in Richmond, Indiana. Expected to be operational this year, the plant will have a 600,000-liter fermentation capacity and a fully dedicated downstream process (DSP). It is designed to produce bio-based materials for food, chemicals, and industrial applications, aiming to address a supply …

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online grocery shopping

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Studies & Numbers

Digital “Nudges” in Online Grocery Shopping Promote Plant-Based Choices, Research Finds

New research from Purdue University and the University of Kentucky suggests that online grocery shopping platforms could effectively encourage consumers to choose plant-based foods by implementing strategies such as carbon footprint labeling and product categorization. The study, led by Bhagyashree Katare, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Purdue, and co-author Shuoli Zhao, assistant professor of agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). It explores the effectiveness of digital “nudges” in promoting sustainable food choices, particularly in the growing sector of online grocery shopping, which accounts for more than 45% of US grocery purchases, according to 2021 data. Online grocery simulation The researchers utilized the Open Science Online Grocery platform, which simulates a …

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Daiya crustbuster pop up

© Daiya

Fairs & Events

Daiya Hosts 90s-Themed Pop-Up to Promote Dairy-Free Pizza in NYC

Dairy-free cheese leader Daiya organized a 90s-themed pop-up event last Friday in New York City to promote its dairy-free pizza offerings. Dubbed “Crustbuster,” the event took place at SoHo’s Upside Pizza and attracted more than 500 attendees, including food influencers and local comedians. The event was designed to address what the company has termed “FOMOO” — the “fear of missing out on dairy.” According to Daiya, skepticism about taste remains a primary obstacle for consumers considering dairy-free options. To counter this, the company showcased its revamped pizza line made with the Daiya Oat Cream™ Blend, which it claims replicates the taste and texture of traditional dairy-based pizzas. John Kelly, chief marketing officer at Daiya, explained the purpose of the event, stating, “We’ve worked tirelessly to …

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Stockeld Dreamery PLNT burger

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Food Service

Stockeld Dreamery Partners with PLNT Burger to Introduce Cultured Cheddar Across 13 Locations

Stockholm-based Stockeld Dreamery has announced a partnership with PLNT Burger, a plant-based burger chain with 13 locations across New York City, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. The collaboration introduces Stockeld’s Cultured Cheddar as the flagship cheese for PLNT Burger’s menu, a deal that has been in development for 18 months. The partnership has been facilitated through Stockeld’s distribution arrangement with Sysco. The move is part of Stockeld Dreamery’s ongoing efforts to establish a stronger presence in the US foodservice sector, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. In a LinkedIn post, Sorosh Tavakoli, CEO of Stockeld Dreamery, outlined three key reasons for the collaboration. These include the alignment of both companies’ regional focus, shared emphasis on high-quality food, and PLNT Burger’s recent profitability and …

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Uncommon bacon

© Uncommon

Politics & Law

South Dakota and South Carolina Advance Bills Mandating Clear Labeling of Cultivated Meat

Lawmakers in South Dakota and South Carolina have advanced bills requiring cultivated meat products to be clearly labeled, reflecting the growing interest in transparency for consumers navigating alternative proteins. South Dakota on defining “cell-cultured protein” Last week, South Dakota’s House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved House Bill 1022, which would mandate labeling for lab-grown meat products, defined as “cell-cultured protein.” The bill, proposed by the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), now moves to the full House of Representatives. The legislation specifies that cell-cultured protein refers to products “made wholly or in part from any cell culture or the DNA of a host animal, grown or cultivated outside a live animal.” Any such product not labeled as “cell-cultured” or “lab-grown” would …

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Organic Valley oat creamers

© Organic Valley

Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Organic Valley Enters Plant-Based Market with Organic Oat Creamers

Organic Valley, the cooperative recognized for its organic dairy products, has announced the nationwide release of its first plant-based product line: Organic Valley Oat Creamers. These oat-based creamers, crafted with oats sourced directly from the cooperative’s US organic family farms, are part of a strategic expansion into the plant-based market. The new creamers, available in four flavors—vanilla, caramel, cinnamon spice, and oatmeal cookie—will hit grocery store shelves across the US this month. Each serving contains 30 calories and is designed to provide a smooth, creamy texture for coffee and tea drinkers. The products are free of dairy, nuts, and lactose, offering an option for consumers with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Laurie Drake, Organic Valley’s vice president of marketing, explained the cooperative’s commitment to diversifying …

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Else Nutrition adult nutritional shakes

© Else Nutrition

Products & Launches

Else Nutrition Enters Adult Food Market With New Plant-Based Nutritional Shakes

Else Nutrition, a company best known for its plant-based infant nutrition products, has entered the adult food market with the launch of new ready-to-drink nutritional shakes. Claimed to be the first whole-food and plant-powered complete nutrition drink for adults, the products are made with ingredients such as almond butter, sunflower protein flour, and buckwheat flour. Each serving provides 280 calories, 14 grams of high-quality plant protein, and 26 essential vitamins and minerals tailored to meet adults’ health needs. Additionally, the drinks are Clean Label Project Certified and reportedly contain 50% less sugar than leading competitors. With the new shakes, Else Nutrition is working to meet the growing demand for sustainable, plant-based, and dairy-free products. The drinks are designed to provide an easy-to-digest alternative to traditional …

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R&D

Researchers Develop New Type of Tempeh Made From Chickpeas & Dry Peas

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are working to develop a new type of tempeh made by fermenting chickpeas and dry peas instead of soybeans. The research is funded by a four-year, $387,000 grant from the USDA’s Pulse Crop Health Initiative. It is led by food scientist Hang Xiao, with support from sensory scientist Alissa Nolden and associate professor of food science John Gibbons. After developing the tempeh, the researchers will conduct a chemical analysis to determine which compounds are produced during fermentation, including amino acids and flavonoids. The tempeh is expected to be nutritious, high in fiber, and low in fat. Preliminary research suggests that consuming it could offset health conditions associated with Western diets, such as obesity, fatty liver, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. …

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US food system
Plantbased Business Hour

How the New US Administration Will Impact Food Systems Transformation

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an advisor to a food innovation ET, and a consultant to C-Suite of multinational companies. She speaks internationally on the intersection of investing, sustainability, and food systems transformation and is also the host of the podcast, Upside & Impact: Investing for Change. This article, co-written by the fractional associate director of coms & research at VegTech™ Invest, Gwendolyn Brown, explores how the new US administration may influence food systems transformation, addressing bipartisan issues like food insecurity, climate change, and the role of food innovation in national security and global competition. How the New US Administration Will Impact Food Systems Transformation Of late, I have been getting this question a lot: “How will the Trump Administration impact US …

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Miyoko's x DoubleDave's

© Miyoko’s Creamery

Food Service

Pourable Plant Milk Mozzarella from Miyoko’s Now Available at DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks

Miyoko’s Creamery, a producer of plant-based dairy alternatives, has announced a partnership with DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, a regional pizza chain in the US with locations in Texas and Oklahoma. The collaboration introduces Miyoko’s Pourable Plant Milk Mozzarella as a dairy-free option for customers to add or substitute on any menu item. DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, known for its menu items such as Peproni Rolls® and Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli, views the partnership as an opportunity to expand its offerings to include more inclusive options. Marc Asmussen, director of sales, food service at Miyoko’s Creamery, commented on the partnership: “This collaboration marks a significant step in making delicious, sustainable, and accessible dairy-free options available to even more pizza fans. Because we believe that great food should not only taste amazing …

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