California

Natural Products Expo West

© Natural Products Expo West
Guest Posts

Guest Post: The Future of Plant-Based Innovation at Expo West 2025

With nearly two decades of experience in marketing and brand-building, Nils Knoop has worked with global brands like Nike, Ben & Jerry’s, and Seventh Generation, specializing in impact storytelling and sustainability-driven campaigns. As co-founder of Apollonia and an advisor for HEYHO, he brings deep expertise in ethical branding and social impact. In this guest feature for vegconomist, Nils shares key insights from Natural Products Expo West 2025, where the focus extended beyond plant-based to purpose-driven innovation. From regenerative organic pioneers like SIMPLi to the rise of mycelium-based proteins and functional snacking, this year’s expo highlighted a shift toward sustainability, transparency, and health-conscious food solutions. Natural Products Expo West 2025: A Glimpse into the Future of Plant-Based Innovation Every year, Natural Products Expo West sets the …

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Vegan Fashion Week

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Fairs & Events

Sustainable Fashion Leaders Gather in LA at Ethical Luxury Summit and Fashion Show

The Ethical Luxury Summit and the 6th Annual Vegan Fashion Week Golden Hour Fashion Show will take place this week in Los Angeles, bringing together industry leaders to discuss sustainability, ethics, and innovation in high-end fashion. The events will feature panel discussions, designer showcases, and a fundraising gala, with a focus on sustainable materials, ethical production, and alternative textiles. Addressing ethics and sustainability in fashion According to Emmanuelle Rienda, founder & president of Vegan Fashion Week, the organisation’s mission is to address both ethical and environmental concerns within the fashion industry. “Vegan fashion is the idea of producing and consuming fashion without harming or using animals. Sadly, animals are still left out of the conversation when it comes to sustainability or the climate emergency,” Rienda …

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Mission Barns

© Mission Barns
Approvals

Mission Barns Receives FDA Approval for Cultivated Pork Fat, Announces Restaurant & Retail Launches

Cultivated meat company Mission Barns has received a “No Questions” letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is said to make the company the first in the world to receive regulatory clearance for cultivated pork fat. The letter indicates that the FDA has completed a rigorous evaluation of Mission Barns’ safety assessment for its cultivated fat, and is satisfied that the product is “as safe as comparable foods”. Following the regulatory approval, Mission Barns has announced that Fiorella, a leading Italian restaurant group in the San Francisco area, will begin using the company’s cultivated bacon and meatballs. Sprouts Farmers Market will also stock Mission Barns’ products, becoming the first US grocery store to sell cultivated meat. The two chains will reportedly be …

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Elmhurst 1925 oat barista

© Elmhurst 1925
Gastronomy & Food Service

Los Angeles Coffee Chain Go Get Em Tiger Switches to Elmhurst’s Seed Oil-Free Oat Milk

Los Angeles-based coffee chain Go Get Em Tiger has announced a partnership with plant-based dairy producer Elmhurst 1925, making Elmhurst’s Oat Barista Edition the exclusive oat milk at all eight of its locations. With this shift, Go Get Em Tiger has completed its transition to offering only seed oil-free milk options. Elmhurst’s Oat Barista Edition is formulated without seed oils, gums, or emulsifiers, aligning with Go Get Em Tiger’s focus on simple and high-quality ingredients. The partnership reflects an increasing demand for plant-based alternatives in the coffee sector, particularly those without additives commonly found in conventional non-dairy milks. Yuri Polyachenko, senior director of food service at Elmhurst 1925, stated, “Today’s coffee lovers are paying closer attention to what’s in their cup, seeking high-quality plant milks …

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© Future Food-Tech
Fairs & Events

Future Food-Tech San Francisco 2025: 61 Startups to Showcase the Future of Food

The upcoming Future Food-Tech Summit, set to take place in San Francisco on March 13-14, 2025, will feature 61 startups and scale-ups presenting innovations in food technology. The event, recognized as a hub for investment and collaboration, will address industry challenges such as sustainability, nutrition, and global food security. As part of the summit, Puratos has named three finalists—Future Biome, Postbiotics, and Solarea Bio—for its Gut Health Innovation Challenge. These companies will pitch their solutions on the main stage, with the winner announced at the event. According to Sara de Pelsmaeker, group health & well-being director at Puratos, “The selection was not easy, due to the high quality of all the submissions from across the globe!” Start-Up Arena: New talent in food tech The Start-Up …

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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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Chunk Foods

© Chunk Foods
Charity & Campaigns

Chunk Foods Donates Thousands of Plant-Based Steaks to Support Fire-Affected Communities in Los Angeles

Chunk Foods, a producer specializing in plant-based whole-cut products, has donated thousands of plant-based steaks to nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles. The donation is intended to support first responders and residents affected by the recent Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in the Los Angeles and Pasadena areas. The contribution enables local nonprofit organizations to provide high-protein, ketogenic-certified, and clean-label meals to those impacted by the fires. The meals are aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of both emergency responders and displaced community members. “This donation is more than just food. It’s about nourishing the body and soul during a time of crisis. We’re deeply moved by the bravery of first responders and the resilience of those impacted by these fires. This includes many restaurants and …

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Whole pizza in close up with New Culture cheese melt

© New Culture
Cheese Alternatives

New Culture Submits Animal-Free Mozzarella Product Label to California Department of Food and Agriculture

Animal-free dairy producer New Culture has submitted the product label and registration for its mozzarella to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). It is believed to be the first time a label for a product made with animal-free casein has been submitted to the department for review. Produced using precision fermentation, New Culture’s casein enables animal-free cheeses to melt, stretch, bubble, and brown. Traditional cheesemaking techniques are used to turn the casein into mozzarella, with the addition of ingredients such as water, sunflower oil, coconut oil, salt, sugar, starch, and fortifying minerals. The resulting product is claimed to provide the same taste and texture as mozzarella with a much lower environmental impact. Its nutritional profile is said to be similar to conventional mozzarella, …

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los angeles skyline

© Chris - stock.adobe.com
Society

LA County Expands Plant-Based Food Procurement to Cut Emissions

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has just approved a motion to increase the procurement of plant-based foods across county departments, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote public health. The unanimous decision builds on legislation enacted in 2023 and introduces specific targets and measures for food programs at county facilities. Under the updated guidelines, county food services are encouraged to adopt a 2-to-1 ratio of plant-based to animal-based entrees. Additionally, all county food programs are required to provide a daily vegan meal option and plant-based dairy alternatives. Local sourcing will also be prioritized to support regional growers and reduce supply chain emissions. “As our region’s largest employer, we have a responsibility to ensure county facilities have a positive environmental impact,” said Supervisor …

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© Oobli
Fermentation

Oobli Gains FDA Nod for Sweet Protein Monellin, Expands Portfolio of Zero Glycemic Impact Sweeteners

US sweet protein developer Oobli (formerly Joywell Foods) announces that it has received the FDA’s first “no questions” letter for its monellin sweet protein, produced via precision fermentation. With the letter, the FDA confirmed that Oobli’s monellin is safe to use as a sweetener in food and beverages. The acknowledgment follows a previous FDA approval of brazzein, another sweet-tasting protein. Monellin is originally found in the serendipity berry of the Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii plant, and brazzein is in the fruit of the Oubli plant. Both scarce sweet proteins are said to be significantly sweeter than sugar. Founder and CTO Jason Ryder shared, “Having additional sweet proteins on the Oobli platform will enable companies across the globe to focus on ways to reduce sugar without compromising taste. …

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© Plantible
Investments & Finance

Duckweed Protein Developer Plantible Raises $30M to Scale Operations Amid ‘Insatiable’ Demand for Functional Ingredients

San Diego-based Plantible Foods, a vertically integrated startup extracting the protein RuBisCo from the leafy green aquatic plant called lemna (duckweed), has raised $30 million in a Series B funding round co-led by Piva Capital and Siddhi Capital. New investors, including Betagro Ventures, Cultivate Next (Chipotle Mexican Grill’s venture arm), and Nourish Ventures (from Griffith Foods), backed the startup and existing investor Astanor Ventures. With the new capital, Plantible will expand its manufacturing operations to meet the “insatiable” demand for its sustainable and highly functional proteins for use in plant-based alternatives, baked goods, gluten-free products, pasta, and other applications. Founder and CEO Tony Martens Fekini commented, “This funding will enable us to significantly expand our manufacturing capabilities and meet the rapidly growing demand for our …

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California-based Shiru, a company driving AI-powered protein discovery and partnerships, announces the launch of ProteinDiscovery.ai, the world's first protein marketplace and discovery platform. 

© Shiru

Investments & Acquisitions

Shiru Expands AI-Powered Ingredient Discovery with $16M Boost to Revolutionize Products, Categories, and Industries

AI-enabled protein discovery company Shiru has raised $16 million in a Series B funding round led by S2G Ventures, with participation from CPT Capital, Lux Capital, Nourish Ventures, and Meach Cove Capital. The round brings Shiru’s total funding to $36 million. The funding will support the Californian startup’s expansion into areas such as flavor innovation, skincare ingredients, advanced materials, and agriculture as “more partners realize the benefits of AI-driven ingredient innovation.” Additionally, it will advance Shiru’s recently launched platform, ProteinDiscovery.ai. Founder and CEO Dr. Jasmin Hume shared, “AI-powered discovery isn’t only the future of ingredient innovation — it’s here today, and we’re eager to expand our capabilities across flavor, skincare, and agriculture.” Revolutionizing products and industries The startup’s ProteinDiscovery.ai platform allows users to search, identify, …

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Axiom Foods expands pea protein production

© Axiom Foods
Ingredients

Axiom Foods Expands Production of “Better-Tasting” Pea Protein to Address Supply Gaps and High Prices in the US

California’s Axiom Foods, one of the biggest plant-based ingredient companies in the US,  has expanded the production of its better-tasting and versatile pea protein —Vegotein N — to offer a cost-effective solution for plant-based and allergy-free foods. The pea protein is now produced at Axiom Foods’ facilities in North America using local ingredients and the company’s patented process. By January 2025, over 2,000 metric tons will be processed annually, and capacity will be doubled within 12 months, the company said. A supply chain shift Axiom Foods says the new development signifies a supply chain shift, breaking China’s dominance, which supplied 96% of pea protein. In 2023, steep tariffs (270% anti-dumping and 340% countervailing duties) were imposed on Chinese pea protein imports, significantly disrupting the US market. …

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City of West Hollywood endorses the Plant Based Treaty

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Sustainability / Environment

City of West Hollywood Unanimously Endorses the Plant Based Treaty

The City Council for West Hollywood, California, has unanimously voted to endorse the Plant Based Treaty. The council will now urge the US government, along with other national governments, to negotiate a Global Plant Based Treaty. In a resolution initiated by Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers, the council acknowledged the threat posed by the global climate crisis and the need for “bold and immediate action”. The document notes that plant-based meals have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based meals, adding that the City of West Hollywood has a history of prioritizing climate action and sustainable food policies. It also mentions the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), which is targeting carbon neutrality by 2035. The resolution was successfully passed last week. Plant-based procurement Earlier …

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Chunk Foods steak retail

© Chunk Foods
Retail & E-Commerce

Chunk Foods Arrives in US Retail for 1st Time, Sets Prices Similar to Animal-Based Counterparts

Chunk Foods, a producer of plant-based whole cuts, has officially announced its entry into retail with four new products, marking its first direct-to-consumer availability. Until now, Chunk Foods products were available only through foodservice partnerships, including venues such as Jajaja Mexicana and Pastrami Queen in New York City, and a recent co-branded partnership with Better Balance in Latin America and Spain. The new retail products will be introduced in independent natural and organic retailers across Los Angeles and New York City in the coming weeks. The company has also hinted at further growth in 2025, with plans to partner with larger retailers to reach a wider US audience. Chunk Foods’ CEO and founder, Amos Golan, stated, “Our retail strategy is focused on a phased approach. …

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Dog puppy food

© Gorilla - stock.adobe.com
Pet Food

Friends & Family & Novel Farms to Launch Cultivated Meat Products for Pets by 2025

California’s Friends & Family Pet Food Co., a startup developing feed options with sustainable proteins, is collaborating with Novel Farms, a cell ag startup also based in California, to introduce cultivated meat products for dogs and cats. Reportedly, the companies are in the testing and prototyping stages, aiming for a product line launch in 2025, targeting the San Francisco Bay Area. The resulting pet food products will combine cultivated meat with plant-based ingredients, mirroring the approach used by cultivated meat companies. Friends & Family has also partnered with Singapore’s UMAMI Bioworks to create cultivated seafood treats for cats enriched with high-value microalgae and essential nutrients for healthier diets. Moving from factory-farmed animal protein Joshua Errett (CEO, formerly of Because, Animals), Jonny Cruz, and Sarah Dodd founded Friends …

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Watermelon seed milk in a cold drink

© Força Foods
Products & Launches

Força Foods Launches the “World’s First” Watermelon Seed Milk

Força Foods, a food company based in San Francisco focused on sustainable ingredients and water conservation, has launched an innovative and exciting alternative to milk claimed as a world’s first: watermelon seed milk. Branded as MILKish and available in original and vanilla flavors, the product is free from soy, nuts, and sugar and contains only 50 calories per serving. Created with a base of watermelon seed and a touch of pea protein, the plant milk contains no carrageenan or artificial flavors or colors. According to Força Foods, its dairy-free alternative is smooth, creamy, and delicious and provides a healthy choice for consumers. Besides being healthy and appealing, MILKish promotes itself as a fun way to enjoy morning cereal, dairy-free baking, and drinks — from cold …

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Mycoprotein meatballs

Image courtesy of The Better Meat Co.
Company News

The Better Meat Co. Expands to Asia with Singapore Approval for Rhiza Mycoprotein

California’s The Better Meat Co. (BMC) announces it has received approval from the Singapore Food Authority to sell its flagship, single-ingredient Rhiza mycoprotein in the country. The approval confirms that Neurospora crassa, the fungi genus that BMC uses in its biomass fermentation process to make the mycoprotein, is safe for human consumption. Neurospora crassa has been traditionally used in Asian foods such as tempeh and oncom, but it has never been used as an ingredient itself. Most of the mycoproteins available are derived from the roots of Fusarium venenatum, the fungus strain used by Quorn for decades. This approval marks a significant milestone for the company’s overseas expansion. CEO Paul Shapiro will keynote the 3rd Annual Meat Evolution Leaders Summit in Singapore, featuring dishes made from Rhiza …

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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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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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