New York: Latest Plant-based and Cellular Agriculture Market News from New York on vegconomist

Chunk Foods Partners with Neat Burger to Launch Chunk Steak Sandwich in Manhattan

September 19, 2023

Chunk Foods has unveiled its newest foodservice partnership, this time collaborating with Neat Burger, a vegan fast-casual restaurant headquartered in London UK. The centerpiece of this collaboration is the Chunk Steak Sandwich, now available exclusively at Neat Burger’s Nolita location in the heart of Manhattan. This partnership represents a significant step forward for Chunk Foods, as it marks the introduction of Chunk Steak to the fast-casual dining landscape. Founder and CEO of Chunk Foods, Amos Golan, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to partner with Neat Burger to introduce the Chunk Steak Sandwich. This marks a milestone as Chunk steak becomes available at a fast-casual dining establishment for the first time.” The Nolita location opened earlier this year, making it the first …

Organisations and brands:

chunk foods

Neat Burger

Gastronomy & Food Service

Shake Shack Transitions to Zero Acre Farm’s Cultured Sugarcane Frying Oil

September 18, 2023September 18, 2023

US burger chain Shake Shack announces its new partnership with Zero Acre Farms, a food company focusing on creating environmentally conscious cooking oil made from cultured sugarcane. The collaboration was announced this morning, coinciding with the kick-off of Climate Week NYC. Two Shake Shack locations in New York City, at Hudson Yards and Battery Park City, will exclusively use Zero Acre oil for frying, replacing traditional soybean oil. Last year, Zero Acre Farms received a series of investments from notable figures like Robert Downey Jr. and Richard Branson, along with further sum from fast-casual chain, Chipotle earlier this year. Cultured sugarcane oil The world currently devotes 20–30% of all agricultural land to vegetable oil crops. But Zero Acre’s mission is to end the food industry’s …

Organisations and brands:

Shake Shack

Zero Acre Farms

Supplied by Eat Differently

Fairs & Events

1000 Drones to Light Up NYC Skyline Advocating Plant-Based Diets

September 15, 2023

A light show powered by 1,000 drones is scheduled to take place against the backdrop of the New York City skyline on the evenings of September 15 and 16, 2023. The event, which is being called “Look Up NYC,” is organized by Eat Differently, and directed by Academy Award-winning director Louie Psihoyos, renowned for his work on “The Cove” and CEO of Projecting Change. Psihoyos stated, “Our creative teams have programmed a thousand drones to dance over the New York City skyline to form magical creatures that deliver messages on how to save the planet—you won’t want to miss this show.” Backed by its collaboration with an extensive list of sponsors and supporters, this artistic display seeks to educate and advocate for plant-based diets through …

Organisations and brands:

Eat Differently

Blackbird Foods: “Our Focus on Fun and Familiar Favorites Has a Strong Appeal to Everyone”

August 3, 2023

While most plant-based protein companies focus on popular formats like meat-free burgers, sausages and nuggets, one New York City startup has decided to take a completely different approach. Blackbird Foods, founded in 2020, specializes in plant protein of a different sort: artisanal seitan, a versatile wheat-based protein that can be used to make everything from Philly cheesesteaks and meaty cutlets to gyro pitas and pulled pork sandwiches. Blackbird Foods crafts its seitan using proprietary techniques to achieve flavors and textures that are unlike anything else found in most other seitan products. Having conquered seitan, Blackbird Foods then turned its talents to recreating New York’s iconic pizza with an authentic crust, dairy-free cheese and premium toppings. Their frozen pizza line became a huge hit with customers …

Organisations and brands:

Blackbird Foods

Image credit: PBWE FB

Fairs & Events

Pioneering CEOs from Wicked Foods, Hodo Foods, ZeroEgg, Tofurky, and Eat for the Planet to Keynote Day Two of PBWE

August 3, 2023August 3, 2023

This year, Plant Based World Expo will take place at the Javits Center in New York on the 7th and 8th of September. The organizers of this 100% plant-based event have announced the keynote for Day Two: “Plant-Based Foods in 2023: Lessons in Resilience and Collaboration.” This session, featuring well-known industry figures, aims to provide PBWE attendees with the tools and insights to navigate the rapidly evolving plant-based industry. Nil Zacharias, founder of Eat For The Planet, will moderate the session. Liron Nimrodi from ZeroEgg, Pete Speranza from Wicked Foods, Erin Ramsom from Tofurky, and Minh Tsai from Hodo Foods will discuss how their businesses have adapted over time and the future opportunities in a maturing industry. New Tracks Additionally, PBWE has announced two new conference tracks covering topics …

Organisations and brands:

Plant Based World Expo (PBWE)

©Willow Vegan Bistro

Gastronomy & Food Service

NYC’s Willow Bistro Debuts Cutting-Edge Dishes with Chunk Foods Steak and Yo Egg

July 20, 2023July 19, 2023

Nestled in the heart of New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood, Willow Vegan Bistro is quietly disrupting bistro fare with its adventurous, thrilling take on contemporary plant-based cuisine. Recently, the eatery debuted new dishes featuring Chunk Foods’ groundbreaking plant-based steak and Yo Egg’s chicken-free eggs. Elevated bistro dining Willow describes itself as a “cozy vegan bistro that offers an innovative twist on classic American food” and the menu overflows with vibrant recreations of popular bistro dishes, from sandwiches and burgers to soups and mac ‘n cheese. Highlights include mini lobster rolls made with hearts of palm, chick’n francese, oyster mushroom calamari, and a B.A.L.T. with vegan bacon. But what truly sets Willow apart is its use of the latest alt-protein innovations, including Chunk Foods’ steak and Yo …

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Plant-Based Cream Cheese by Stockeld Dreamery Launches at Ess-a-Bagel in NYC

June 30, 2023June 30, 2023

Swedish alt dairy startup Stockeld Dreamery has continued its US expansion through a partnership with New York City’s Ess-a-Bagel. Customers visiting Ess-a-Bagel’s 3rd Avenue store can now order a new sandwich called Fire in the Hole, containing Stockeld Dreamery’s non-dairy cream cheese. The cheese alternative can also be added to any bagel, with a choice of two different flavors — Smoked Paprika & Chili and Garlic & Herbs. This is the first time Ess-a-Bagel has ever offered a plant-based sandwich in its 47-year history. The cream cheese is already available at three other New York City establishments — Ground Support Cafe, Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys, and Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish. It will also soon be launching at another NYC store, Zaro’s Family Bakery. Pushing …

Organisations and brands:

Stockeld Dreamery

Fairs & Events

Plant Based World Expo to Return to NYC With Over 40 Sessions & 4,000 Attendees

June 29, 2023

Plant Based World Expo (PBWE) will return to New York City again this year, taking place at the Javits Center from September 7-8. The leading plant-based trade show and conference will feature over 40 sessions, along with an expo floor showcasing thousands of products from countries worldwide. Over 4,000 people are expected to attend, with opportunities to network and taste the products on show. The opening keynote will be by Matt Mueller, a best-selling author and innovation consultant. Called Creating Purposeful Growth with Mindful Innovation, the talk will outline how to innovate more quickly, describing a “secret formula” for growth. This will be the fourth time PBWE has taken place since its inauguration in 2019 (the event took a hiatus in 2020 due to the …

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Plant Based World Expo (PBW)

Forager leather jacket, Ecovative Design

Forager leather jacket, Image credit Vasil Hnatiuk

Fungi, Mushrooms & Mycelium

Ecovative Secures $30M in Series E: “It’s Amazing What Mushrooms Can Do”

June 7, 2023

New York-based Ecovative Design LLC, the global leader in mycelium technology, announces the initial closing of a Series E funding round, surpassing $30 million. The funds will enable Ecovative to realize its ambitions of expanding its Forager business into a premier provider of sustainable textile and foam products worldwide. Viking Global Investors spearheaded the round, joined by investors such as Standard Investments, Robert Downey Jr.’s FootPrint Coalition Ventures, and AiiM Partners. With the fresh capital, Ecovative has now accumulated a total of $120 million in funding to date. Half of the investment, $15 million, will be reinvested into its food subsidiary, MyForest Foods Co., which was established in 2020. The funds allocated to MyForest Foods, whose flagship product is mycelium bacon product MyBacon, will facilitate …

Organisations and brands:

Ecovative

©PLNT Burger

Fast Food

PLNT Burger Celebrates Grand Opening of 3rd NYC Venue With Burger Giveaway

June 6, 2023

PLNT Burger, a fast-casual chain co-founded by celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, announces the opening of its 3rd New York location – and 14th location overall – in Bryant Park. To celebrate the occasion, PLNT Burger will host a Grand Opening on June 8 to give away free burgers to the first one hundred guests. The chain’s latest restaurant, situated in the popular neighborhood of Bryant Park, will feature the same menu of classic American comfort foods served at PLNT’s other locations, including: PLNT Cheeseburger and Double Cheeseburger: One (or two) plant-based patty(s), caramelized onion, pickles, plant-based American cheese, green leaf lettuce, roma tomato, PLNT sauce, potato bun Spicy and Regular Chick’n Sandwich: Crispy Plant-Based Chik’n patty from Meati™ , house made hot sauce, plant-based pepperjack …

Organisations and brands:

PLNT Burger

©My Forest Foods

Fundraising

MyForest Foods Raises $15M in Series A-2 to Scale MyBacon, Appoints Greg Shewchuk as New CEO

June 6, 2023

US mycelium startup MyForest Foods announces it has secured $15M in Series A-2 funding to support scaling and expansion of its popular flagship product, MyBacon. The company has also appointed food industry veteran Greg Shewchuk as CEO, replacing co-founder and former CEO Eben Bayer, who remain on as Chairman of the Board. The round was led by MyForest Foods’ parent company, Ecovative Design. MyForest Foods states the new funding will primarily be used to accelerate its retail and food service growth across the Eastern US, including New York City, where its best-selling meatless bacon product – MyBacon – is now available at multiple markets, including Fairway Market and Gourmet Garage. Since its highly successful launch in 2020, MyBacon has expanded to over 100 retailers across …

Organisations and brands:

MyForest Foods

©Whipped Urban Dessert Lab

Sweets & Snacks

How Whipped, the World’s First Oat Milk Ice Cream Shop, is Taking New York City by Storm

May 31, 2023May 30, 2023

The world is filled with ice cream shops, but while the majority rely on dairy products, and a growing number use plant-based ice creams made from almonds, coconuts and cashews, only one shop has seized on the oat milk mega trend to bring a whole new kind of soft serve to market. Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, based in New York City, is a revolutionary ice cream shop billed as the world’s first to solely feature oat milk-based soft serve. Known for its artisan, decadently-topped “ice crème” cups and cones, Whipped has become a viral sensation, attracting legions of fans willing to wait on hour-long lines that stretch outside its Lower Manhattan shop. Founded in 2019, Whipped was created to offer a better ice cream experience …

Organisations and brands:

Whipped Urban Dessert Lab

©Spicy Moon

Gastronomy & Food Service

Spicy Moon Opens One of NYC’s Largest-Ever Vegan Restaurants

August 8, 2023May 25, 2023

One of New York City’s largest restaurant openings this year belongs to Spicy Moon – an acclaimed Chinese restaurant serving all-vegan Szechuan-style cuisine. Spicy Moon recently opened its third location at 265-267 Bowery, a massive 11,000 sq ft. space that reportedly features 41 tables with 170 seats, as well as a 16-seat bar. First launched in 2019, Spicy Moon is one of the city’s first vegan Chinese restaurants and specializes in authentic Szechuan dishes ranging from the traditional (Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan noodles, Scallion Pancakes) to innovative (Crispy Duck Pancakes, Vegan Duck Wrap, Crabless Rangoon.) Its highly-rated menu also offers a selection of Chinese beers, infused rice wine and cold-pressed juices. Spicy Moon opened two successful locations in the city’s East Village and West Village …

Organisations and brands:

Spicy Moon

Sweets & Snacks

Popadelics: How This NYC Mushroom Snack Helps Fund Psychedelic & Consciousness Research

May 25, 2023

NYC’s Popadelics® Crunchy Mushroom Chip takes whole shiitake mushrooms and gives them a special crunch using its unique vacuum frying cooking method, resulting in a superfood snack that has received multiple awards since launching just last year, including a Men’s Health Snack Award and StartupCPG’s Best Snack Award, and most recently the brand became an Expo West NEXTY finalist. Popadelics are vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project certified, and OU kosher certified, and come in three flavors: Trippin’ Truffle Parm (which the brand says contains “some of the tastiest vegan parm in the game”), Twisted Thai Chili, and Rad Rosemary + Salt. Despite the psychedelic name and branding, the snacks do not contain THC, psilocybin, or CBD. But when you purchase a bag, you get to support …

Organisations and brands:

Popadelics

©Grow-NY

Startups, Accelerators & Incubators

Grow-NY 2023: Food and AgTech Startups Invited to Compete for $1M & Mentorship

May 17, 2023

Empire State Development announces there is one month left to apply for the 2023 Grow-NY competition. Now in its fifth year, the competition invites global food and agriculture startups to submit applications for a chance to win up to $1 million in prize money. Described as a unique initiative that connects innovators and investors in the food, beverage, and agriculture sectors, Grow-NY is focused on expanding economic growth and development in Upstate New York’s agricultural regions. The Grow-NY region spans a 22-county area including Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. Through its competition, Grow-NY attracts high-growth food and agriculture startups from around the world, who will compete for a total of $3M in prize money. Following the application period, up to …

Organisations and brands:

Grow-NY

Image: nyc.gov

Charity & Campaigns

NYC Launches “Eat A Whole Lot More Plants” Campaign to Promote Healthy Eating

May 17, 2023

A new campaign called “Eat A Whole Lot More Plants” has launched in New York City to encourage citizens to adopt a healthy, balanced diet. Ads for the campaign will run on television, radio, subways, NYCLink, outdoor media, and digital channels. The ads will explain the benefits of whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts, highlighting their nutrient density and lack of sodium, added sugar, or unhealthy fats. There will also be an emphasis on the role of plant-based foods in preventing chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The campaign will explore simple swaps such as replacing meat with beans, and will suggest culturally diverse plant-based meals. Advice and support will be provided to those …

Marketing & Media

Strong Roots Launches NYC Metro Ad Campaign, Predicts Record $30M in Sales

May 15, 2023

Plant-based frozen food brand Strong Roots has launched what it describes as its largest US marketing campaign yet, featuring digital ads across the New York City metro area. The ads will be present at almost all major subway stations, and will offer a “buy one, get one free” deal to passers-by. To redeem the offer, commuters can scan a QR code to access coupons valid at Whole Foods, ShopRite, Fairway Markets, Fresh Direct, and InstaCart. The offer applies to three of Strong Roots’ most popular products — Cauliflower Hash Browns, Sweet Potato Hash Browns, and Spinach Bites. It comes as Strong Roots experiences huge growth, with US sales expected to reach a record $30 million this year. The brand also recently expanded into the category …

Organisations and brands:

Strong Roots

©Plantega

Food Service

NYC’s Plantega Announces Bigger Menu and New Plant-Based Partners, Including Karana and Prime Roots

May 12, 2023

NYC’s deli-in-store concept Plantega announces it is launching a new menu with a significant change-up of plant-based brand partners and products. Beginning the week of May 15, the organization will launch its new menu to over 40 bodega locations across New York City, as well as on food delivery platforms UberEats, DoorDash and Grubhub. The new menu changes are as follows: Zero Egg replaces JUST Egg (as exclusive plant-based egg partner) Karana replaces Beyond Meat (whole-plant meat Breakfast Sausage and Burger made with jackfruit) California-based Prime Roots will replace Be-Hive deli meats Wicked Kitchen joins the menu with a Wicked Italian Meatball WayFare replaces Miyoko’s Butter and Cream Cheese (Wayfare’s Nacho Cheddar Cheese remains on menu as a top 5 sandwich seller) Vertage Foods’ American …

Organisations and brands:

Plantega

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

Image courtesy of Helaina

Fermentation

New York’s Helaina Ready to Commercialize Animal-Free Lactoferrin

May 10, 2023

After achieving a large-scale manufacturing milestone, bioactive protein company Helaina announces that its first high-value ingredient —animal-free lactoferrin — is ready for commercialization to create consumer products focused on immune health. Founded in 2019 in New York City, Helaina has raised more than $25 million from leading investors. Helaina is a member of the Precision Fermentation Alliance, a new trade organization formed to promote precision fermentation as a solution for a more resilient and sustainable food system. A protein found in breast milk, lactoferrin is known for improved nutrient absorption, cognitive support, and antimicrobial defense. Helaina says it improves infant formula and functional foods, such as nutritional bars or supplements. “Helaina is now producing Lactoferrin at scale, but that’s just the beginning,” said Laura Katz, …

Organisations and brands:

Helaina

©Bosque Foods

Fairs & Events

VWS 2023 Will Feature Tastings of Cultivated Wagyu Beef, Mycelium Chicken and Plant-Based Oysters

April 26, 2023

The Vegan Women Summit (VWS) announces its 2023 gathering will feature exclusive tastings of food innovations from multiple women-led companies, including Ohayo Valley, Bosque Foods, Neggst, Pearlita Foods and Impact Food. Taking place May 19 in New York City, the Summit will offer limited samplings of the cultivated and plant-based products, some of which – such as Ohayo’s wagyu burger – are making their public debut. Using a lottery, investors, consumers and members of the press will receive a chance to win a “tasting ticket” to try the following: Ohayo Foods – WagyuMe cultivated wagyu burgers Bosque Foods – Mycelium chicken breast Neggst – Whole plant-based eggs w/ an egg white and yolk Pearlita Foods – Plant-based oysters on the shell Impact Food – Plant-based tuna …

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