USA

Blackbird Foods

© Blackbird Foods
Retail & E-Commerce

Midwest US Retail Chain Hy-Vee Adds Blackbird’s Plant-Based Pizzas Across 88 Stores

Plant-based food manufacturer Blackbird Foods has expanded its retail distribution with the rollout of its frozen New York-style pizzas in 88 Hy-Vee supermarket locations across the US Midwest. The pizzas, made in New York City, are available in three varieties: Margherita, Supreme, and Pepperoni featuring Beyond Meat® Beyond Pepperoni. Vegan pizza, NYC style Co-founder Emanuel Storch commented on the latest expansion, stating, “We’re excited to bring our NY-style pizzas to Hy-Vee shoppers. Our mission has always been to make restaurant-quality plant-based food more accessible, and this launch is a big step in that direction.” The Hy-Vee rollout follows a series of developments for the New York-based company. Earlier in 2025, Blackbird was acquired by Ahimsa Companies, a plant-based investment firm that also recently purchased alternative …

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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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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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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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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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© 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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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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Vivici

© Vivici
Protein

Vivici Secures US Production for Precision-Fermented Dairy Protein via Liberation Labs Deal

Vivici, a Dutch precision fermentation company, has secured a manufacturing partnership with US-based Liberation Labs for the production of its beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) protein ingredient, Vivitein™. The agreement will see Vivici’s product manufactured at Liberation Labs’ new facility in Richmond, Indiana, with commercial-scale output expected to begin in 2026. The Richmond site is Liberation Labs’ first commercial-scale biomanufacturing facility, currently under construction. It will feature 600,000 liters of fermentation capacity and a fully integrated downstream process. The company plans to use this infrastructure to produce a variety of bio-based materials, including proteins, chemicals, and ingredients for consumer and industrial applications. Expansion into the US market Vivici’s CEO, Stephan van Sint Fiet, stated that the partnership would expand the company’s manufacturing footprint beyond Europe and help meet …

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VitroLabs Cell Cultivated Leather

© VitroLabs
Leather Alternatives

France’s Faircraft Secures VitroLabs’ Patent Portfolio Through US Asset Acquisition

French biotechnology company Faircraft has acquired key assets from VitroLabs, a California-based firm specializing in the development of lab-grown leather. The acquisition includes a portfolio of 30 patents and expands Faircraft’s intellectual property and technological capabilities in preparation for industrial-scale production. Founded in 2016 in Silicon Valley, VitroLabs was among the first companies to produce viable samples of lab-grown leather targeting the luxury market. Its early research centered on engineering multilayered skin structures and refining cellular cultivation techniques suitable for scalable leather production. Investors in VitroLabs included French luxury conglomerate Kering and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio. Strengthening market position The deal strengthens Faircraft’s position within the in vitro leather sector, consolidating nearly a decade of combined R&D between both companies. Faircraft, founded in 2021, has …

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Meati Foods whole foods

© Meati Foods
Company News

Meati Hands Over Assets to Attorney as Startup Seeks $4 Million Sale

Boulder-based alternative protein startup Meati is preparing to sell its business for $4 million, despite having raised nearly $450 million in funding, according to court documents reported by BusinessDen. The company disclosed the planned sale in filings submitted to the Adams County District Court last Friday. Meati CEO Phil Graves assigned the company’s assets to attorney Aaron Garber, who filed a request seeking permission for the buyer—identified only as Meati Holdings Inc.—to take over operations prior to the deal’s closure. Further details about the buyer have not been made public. Garber stated in the filings that selling the company as a whole, rather than liquidating its assets, would provide the best outcome for creditors and reduce broader financial fallout. As of last week, a judge …

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© Chinnapong - stock.adobe.com
Health

Half of US Adults Acknowledge the Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diets

A new survey conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and Morning Consult has found that half of US adults are aware that eating a plant-based diet could improve their health and help prevent chronic diseases. Furthermore, 65% of respondents said they would be willing to try a plant-based diet if shown evidence of its benefits. Young, non-white, college-educated adults from urban areas who earn a higher annual income were among the most open to making the change. However, only 1 in 5 people recalled their doctors discussing the benefits of a plant-based diet. Those most likely to remember these conversations were young, male, Black or Hispanic, and from urban areas. Just 1% of respondents described themselves as vegan, and another 1% as …

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stock doctor

Photo by Beyza Yılmaz on Unsplash
Health

Physician-Led Online Program Shows Promise for Type 2 Diabetes Management Through Plant-Based Diet

A recent study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, has demonstrated that an online, physician-led nutrition intervention program can improve health outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes. The research shows that the program, which focuses on a plant-based diet, can effectively lower medication usage, body weight, blood sugar levels (A1C), and cholesterol. Dr. Vanita Rahman, the study’s lead author, explained that while numerous studies have shown that a plant-based diet is beneficial for managing and improving type 2 diabetes, clinical adoption has been limited. This is largely due to challenges such as insufficient nutrition education for healthcare providers, brief office visits, and inadequate insurance coverage for nutrition interventions. “Our study demonstrated that an online intervention, …

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Daiya cream cheese

© Daiya
Cheese Alternatives

Daiya Reformulates Classic Dairy-Free Cream Cheese and Mac & Cheese for Enhanced Flavor

Daiya has introduced updated versions of its Dairy-Free Cream Cheese and Deluxe Mac & Cheese lines, featuring improved formulations with enhanced taste and texture. The newly reformulated Dairy-Free Cream Cheese now includes Daiya’s proprietary Daiya Oat Cream™ blend, which contributes to a smoother and creamier consistency. The updated line features four flavors, including the introduction of a new Cinnamon Twist variety. This new option combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for a sweet, spiced spread that caters to a growing demand for indulgent flavors. Daiya’s Deluxe Mac & Cheese has also undergone reformulation, with changes made to both the sauce and pasta for improved texture and flavor. The updated product line includes three varieties: Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Alfredo. The reformulated versions are said to offer …

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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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