South America

GALY, a plant-cell culture startup based in Brazil and Boston, USA, has raised $33 million in an oversubscribed Series B financing round to advance its proprietary platform for cultivated cotton from lab to pre-industrial scale.

© GALY
Investments & Finance

GALY Raises $33M From Bill Gates’ BEV, H&M, and Inditex to Advance Climate-Resilient Cultivated Cotton

GALY, a plant-cell culture startup based in Brazil and Boston, USA, has raised $33 million in an oversubscribed Series B financing round to advance its proprietary platform for cultivated cotton from lab to pre-industrial scale. Additionally, the funds will support expanding R&D efforts to improve the quality of “GALY Cotton” and develop other sustainable alternatives to traditional crop-derived commodities. The funding round was led by Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), with participation from two fashion giants, H&M Group and Inditex. Other participants included Indorama Ventures, Endeavor Scale-up Ventures, and Unreasonable. Previous investors Material Impact, John Doerr’s family office (Eighty Eighty Group), Artesian, BRINC, and Reaction Global also backed the sustainable cotton, bringing GALY’s raised capital to $65 million. Luciano Bueno, founder and CEO of GALY, shared, …

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Concepta factory Brazil

© Concepta

Ingredients

Concepta Ingredients Presents the Arboreto Premium Protein Range

Concepta Ingredients – a business unit of the Sabará Group that specializes in providing natural solutions for the food and beverage industry – has recently launched the Arboreto Premium Protein range. The highlight is the plant-based protein active PRO 1000G, which is derived from the extraction process of sesame oil, a plant native to tropical Africa and Asia, introduced to Brazil by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The product has characteristics that make it an excellent nutritional profile, as it is rich in protein, fiber, calcium and a source of essential amino acids. The company is also introducing Arboreto Premium Protein PRO 1000GB, which combines the benefits of sesame, derived from the upcycling process of oil extraction, and babaçu, an ingredient of Amazonian origin …

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Fundación Veg (previously Vegetarianos Hoy) has launched a campaign in the Santiago Metro to encourage a vegan diet during the Fiestas Patrias celebrations.

© Fab Ciraolo
Charity & Campaigns

“Be Like Joaquin Phoenix” Urges Fundación Veg in Campaign Promoting Vegan Diet in Chile

Fundación Veg (previously Vegetarianos Hoy) has launched a campaign in the Santiago Metro to encourage a vegan diet during Chile’s Fiestas Patrias, when traditional dishes made with meat and other animal products are widely consumed. The campaign features an image designed by national artist Fab Ciraolo, showing vegan actor Joaquin Phoenix surrounded by happy, alive farm animals and holding a vegan burger certified by V-Label. According to the non-profit the phrase is a nod to Phoenix’s 2020 Oscar speech promoting veganism. The phrase, “Be like Joaquin and discover the great variety of vegan products that exist today,” leads the campaign to encourage citizens to explore vegan options. A QR code on the panels directs users to the website www.sellovegano.com, offering a comprehensive resource of V-Label-certified …

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André Sabará of Concepta Ingredients

André Sabará ©Concepta Ingredients

Interviews

Concepta Ingredients: “Our Proposal Aims to Mitigate Waste by Reusing the Entire Production Chain and Ensuring Zero Waste Production”

Brazil’s Concepta Ingredients is part of the Sabará Group and specialises in natural and technological solutions developed in accordance with the Bio Abundance Program. Based on innovation and research, the company offers organic and conventional ingredients, with a portfolio of technological inputs from international partners and ingredients from biodiversity to meet the most specific demands of the industries in which it operates. Concepta Ingredients’ new factory, located in Valinhos, in the interior of São Paulo, is strategically located in a region with a strong logistics structure (motorways and airports) and occupies an area of 7,800m², combining the latest in industrial technology, from production to quality control. André Tomazelli Sabará has worked at holding Sabará Group for 16 years and currently holds the position of ESG, …

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NotCo Plant-based Chicken Nuggets

© NotCo
Politics & Law

Chile: New Bill to Define and Label Plant-Based Alternatives as “Simulated Food”

In Chile, a new bill to regulate the food tech industry and establish a statute for fair competition between traditional and plant-based food industries is being considered. The proposed legislation, authored by Representative Harry Jürgensen, aims to protect consumer rights and prevent misleading practices in the food industry. “The proposal establishes a statute for fair competition between animal-origin foods and plant-origin foods when the latter imitates the properties of the former. To this end, it distinguishes between natural and synthetic origin so that all people are clearly aware of the types of foods they are consuming,” says the press release from the Chamber of Deputies. “Simulated food” The bill, which has recently passed through the Agriculture Committee and is now being debated at the Chamber …

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A photo of a pizza slice

© Ergo Bioscience
Ingredients

Ergo Bioscience Creates “Animal Proteins, Without Animals” for the Next Generation of Plant-Based

Ergo Bioscience, recognized in 2022 by FoodBytes! from Rabobank as one of the 15 most disruptive food tech startups worldwide, specializes in developing complex animal proteins such as bovine myoglobin and casein through plant cell culture. Founded in May 2020 with pre-seed investment from CITES, the startup boasts a team of 12 scientists dedicated to innovation and biotechnology to create animal-free ingredients. With biotech research in Wilmington, Delaware, laboratories in Sunchales and Santa Fe, Argentina, and a new subsidiary in Canada, Ergo believes in the potential of plant cells to bring sustainability to the food industry and beyond. Plant cells instead of microbes Ergo has developed a platform called EUKARYA that “programs” plant cells with multiple simultaneous genetic modifications to make them express complete structures …

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Brazil’s Typcal, a startup based Paraná pionering mycoprotein in Latin America, has been selected by the Paraná Anjo Inovador to receive a R$250,000 in funding.

Eduardo Sydney and team © SEI-PR
Fermentation

LATAM’s Mycoprotein Innovator ‘Typcal’ Secures R$250K From Brazilian Government

Brazil’s Typcal, a startup pioneering mycoprotein in Latin America, has been selected by the Paraná Anjo Inovador to receive R$250,000 in funding. A spinoff of Fungi Biotechnology, the startup was founded in 2021 by bioprocess engineer Eduardo Sydney (CTO) and food industry entrepreneur Paulo Ibri (CEO) to leverage biomass fermentation to develop a mycoprotein ingredient for food applications. Typcal was one of the 68 selected in the program’s first call for proposals, which was developed by the regional government through the Secretariat for Innovation, Modernization, and Digital Transformation. According to the announcement, state funding has been crucial in helping the startup navigate the challenging investment landscape and focus on technological development. “The investor is focused on selling and generating revenue and not on developing technology, …

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Vegy sandwich

© Vegy
Gastronomy & Food Service

Chile’s Vegy Seeks Co-Founding Partners to Fuel Growth

Vegan start-up Vegy, founded in 2019 in Pucón, Chile, is seeking investors and co-founding partners to take its business to a new level of accelerated growth. The company, known for its gourmet and healthy dishes, has incorporated recent innovations including fortifying its products with vitamins and minerals. Cristóbal Esparza, the founder behind Vegy, started his entrepreneurial venture with a small vegan restaurant in Pucón. With limited resources and the support of a Sercotec fund, as well as some loans and reused equipment, Esparza formed Vegy’s first team, composed mainly of nutritionists committed to his vision. Despite initial success, the pandemic forced the closure of the Pucón location, leading the company to adapt by creating a website and implementing an online sales and delivery model from …

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NotCo Shakes Up Sports Nutrition with New AI-Powered Less Sweet Protein Drinks

©NotCo Brazil
Products & Launches

NotCo Shakes Up Sports Nutrition with New Zero Sugar Protein Drinks in Funky Flavors

NotCo, Latin America’s fastest-growing plant-based food tech company, known for its NotMilk and NotBurger, continues its portfolio expansion by tapping into the growing market for protein foods and drinks aimed at athletes. Following the launch of NotSnack Protein Bars, a fortified cereal bar that contains caffeine and the sugar substitute palatinose launched less than a year ago, the company has presented “Not Shake Protein,” a range of protein-enriched sports drinks. The new product range offers exclusive flavors such as Banana Pancakes with Cinnamon and Strawberry with Dates, as well as regular options such as chocolate, coffee caramel, and vanilla with coconut. All flavors contain 16g of protein per unit, 3.5g of carbohydrates, vitamins D and B12, and no added sugars. They are also lactose, cholesterol, …

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Future Cow's co-founder Leonardo Vieira.

© Future Cow
Fermentation

Brazil’s First Precision Fermentation Startup Future Cow Prepares to Scale Up Production of Animal-Free Milk

Future Cow, a Brazilian food tech startup founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Leonardo Vieira and food scientist Rosana Goldbeck, aims to revolutionize dairy production with precision fermentation, creating real milk without cows. Considered Brazil’s first cellular agriculture startup using precision fermentation, Future Cow gained momentum through São Paulo’s Antler residency program, securing a $150,000 initial investment. Soon after, in a funding round led by Antler and Big Idea Ventures as part of the first cohort of the New Protein Fund II, it secured R$2 million (around $410,000) to accelerate its fermentation technology. Recently, the startup was selected for the FoodTech World Cup semi-finals, hosted by FoodHack and Givaudan. It has also been selected to participate in CNPEM’s Deeptech Acceleration Program (PACE), a local initiative that aims to boost …

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CEO's Linda Obregon and Karina Zegarra of Peruvian Veef

Linda Obregon and Karina Zegarra © Peruvian Veef
Fundraising

Peruvian Veef Secures $320K in First Funding Round, Aims for Latin American Expansion

Peruvian Veef, a plant-based food startup in South America, has raised $320,000 in its first funding round, led by US-based venture capital investors. This round included contributions from Ahimsa Foundation and Sustainable Food Ventures, along with a non-dilutive government grant from ProInnovate Peru. Founded by Karina Zegarra, with a focus on affordable, locally-made plant-based meat alternatives, the company has developed a range of 11 products inspired by Latin American cuisine, including beef, chicken, cold-cuts, and traditional Peruvian dishes like anticucho and grilled chicken. According to the company, these products are competitively priced at less than half of some imported alternatives. The company has established a significant presence in the local market, with its products available in over 70 stores and leading sales at Peru’s specialty …

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Andre Weinmann NotCo

© Andre Weinmann
People

Andre Weinmann Appointed as President of NotCo Brazil

Article amended to reflect the appointment is Brazil-based and not for Global operations. Chilean food technology company NotCo has announced the appointment of Andre Weinmann as new president of its Brazilian operations. Weinmann brings over 30 years of experience in the retail and consumer goods industry, most recently serving in leadership and strategic roles at major corporations, including Mondelez, one of the world’s largest snack companies, Unilever, Nestle, Purina, and BRF. Weinmann’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for NotCo. The company aims to achieve break-even in the coming years, and Weinmann is tasked with propelling the company towards this strategic goal. Prior to joining NotCo, Weinmann co-founded KotaKi, a platform connecting manufacturers and wholesalers with smaller retailers. During his tenure, he is …

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NotCo LATAM

© NotCo
Tourism & Travel

NotCo Partners with LATAM Airlines to Offer NotBurger & NotChicken Aboard Domestic Flights

Chilean foodtech company NotCo and LATAM Airlines Group have announced the introduction of NotCo’s plant-based products in the Premium Economy cabin of LATAM’s domestic flights in Chile as part of a menu update. This partnership will see the integration of six unique sandwich options into LATAM’s in-flight service, crafted through a joint effort between the airline’s chefs and NotCo. The menu options, which will vary weekly, feature NotCo’s plant-based products, including NotMila, NotChicken, and NotBurger, in combination with a variety of other ingredients. Max Silva, the country manager of NotCo in Chile, stated, “Getting on board LATAM planes is simply a dream for the company. Bringing the revolution and innovation that so distinguishes us to a company of such magnitude as LATAM makes us feel …

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The Live Green Co. unveils two new functional ingredients from its precision fermentation division: GreenTAGs Human Milk Lipids for infant nutrition and GutRevyv Postbiotics for gut health.

Image courtesy of The Live Green Co.
Fermentation

The Live Green Co. Unveils Yeast-Derived Breast Milk Fat and Gut Health Postbiotic

The Live Green Co. (TLGC), a US food tech company headquartered in Boston since 2022, unveils two active functional ingredients developed with precision fermentation: GreenTAGs —  an analog of human breast milk fat known as OPO — and GutRevyv, a postbiotic for gut health. Human milk fat, mainly containing Triacylglycerols or OPO, plays a crucial role in infant development and health: It benefits nutrient absorption, supports neurodevelopment, boosts immunity, favors gut health, and promotes infant well-being. Yeast-derived, GreenTAGs is said to closely mimic the nutritional profile of this human milk fat providing essential nutrients for infants. The functional ingredient is described as a game-changing alternative to the commonly used vegetable oils in infant formulas, capable of bridging the nutritional gap between breast milk and formula feeding. CEO …

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Fazenda Futuro 4.0

© Fazenda Futuro
Market & Trends

Key Factors Transforming Brazil’s Alternative Protein Market in 2024

Experts at The Good Food Institute Brasil (GFI Brasil) argue that the country’s alternative protein market will experience a significant transformation in 2024 driven by technological innovations, changes in consumption patterns, and a growing awareness of health and the environment.  After analyzing the sector’s current trends, they forecast the driving forces that could make alternative options more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Product variety and strategic partnerships The experts say one of the most notable predictions for the future of the alternative protein market is the increase in product variety. Consumers can expect a broader range of plant-based options that cater to various meal times and preferences, from healthier choices to more indulgent alternatives. This diversification aims to make plant-based foods more accessible and appealing …

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©Future Farm
Company News

Fazenda Futuro Announces Product Range Reformulation With Improved Taste and Texture

Brazil’s Fazenda Futuro, known internationally as Future Farm, has announced a strategic product reformulation across its entire range. This initiative aims to elevate the sensory experience of its offerings to more closely mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat in a market where cultural resistance to plant-based diets poses hurdles for brands. Mariana Tunis, the marketing director at Fazenda Futuro, spoke about the critical role of technology in overcoming the challenges faced in the development of the Future Burger 4.0, which the company launched last year. The brand has invested heavily in True Texture Technology, an approach designed to replicate the taste and texture of meat more accurately than in previous formulations. “To bring a richness of flavor, we use True Texture Technology, which works …

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Cellva ingredients secures R$6.5 million to cultivated pork fat

© Cellva Ingredients
Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Brazil’s Cellva Raises R$6.5 Million to Develop Cultivated Pork Fat

Cellva Ingredients, the first startup in Brazil to develop and produce cultivated animal ingredients, starting with pork fat, has raised R$6.5 million in its first financial round.  Seed4SCience from Fundepar led the round with the participation of ProVeg Incubator, the Spanish fund Rumbo Ventures, and the Rio Grande do Sul angel investor network EA Angels. Cellva expects to close the round by March 2024, aiming to raise R$10 million. The startup was part of the 11th cohort of the ProVeg Incubator, joining a cluster of aspiring entrepreneurs determined to address some of the biggest challenges in alternative proteins. Cultivated pork fat in 21 days Sérgio Pinto (CEO), a former BRF executive, and Bibiana Matte (CSO), a cell culture and tissue engineering researcher, founded Cellva in Porto Alegre, Rio …

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NotCo wins appeal in Chile as court rules in favour of using the word 'milk'

© NotCo
Politics & Law

“NotCo is Officially NotGuilty” – Chilean Unicorn Defeats Dairy Union as Court Allows ‘Milk’ on NotMilk Labels

After filing an appeal against a court ruling prohibiting using the NotMilk trademark in Chile, NotCo has received positive news. As reported by local media, the Court of Appeals of Valdivia revoked the first instance’s sentence and rejected the lawsuit filed by the Association of Milk Producers of the Los Ríos Region, which accused NotCo of unfair competition for using the name milk on its plant-based beverages.  “We’re officially NotGuilty,” Matias Muchnick, founder and CEO, shared on social media.  The legal action against NotCo started in 2020, and last May, the court ruled in favor of the dairy union, mandating the cessation of any branding or imagery related to the dairy industry.  However, NotCo fought back and, during the appeal, presented a study by Cadem, the country’s …

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A man holding multiple NotMilk products

© NotCo

Politics & Law

NotCo Challenges Dairy Allegations in Court: 99% of Consumers Know it’s NOT MILK

In a recent appeal against a court ruling prohibiting the use of the NotMilk trademark in Chile, NotCo presented a study by Cadem, showing that most consumers understand that NotMilk is a plant-based beverage despite its branding and packaging displaying the word “milk,” reports La Tercera. Cadem, the country’s leading market research and public opinion company, demonstrates in its Analysis of the reception of the NotMilk product by consumers in Chile that only 0.1% of participants believe that NotMilk comes from a cow. The legal battle began in late 2020 when the dairy farmers union Aproval (Los Ríos Region Milk Producers’ Association) filed a lawsuit alleging “unfair competition” and accusing the food tech company of capitalizing on the reputation of milk and confusing consumers. Last May, the court’s …

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Peruvian Veef anticuchos

© Peruvian Veef
Company News

Peruvian Veef Targets $400K in Pre-Seed Funding to Lead Peru’s Alt-Protein Market

Lima-based Peruvian Veef was founded during the pandemic in 2020 with a mission to develop plant-based meat with Peruvian flavors, meat-like textures, and high nutritional value. The company has successfully launched 12 products so far, including vegan nuggets, plant-based anticuchos (grilled skewers), and four different burger options: the Chicken Vurger, Crispy Chicken Vurger, Meat Vurger, and Real Vurger. While the majority of the company’s products are made using soy and/or wheat, the Real Vurger is pea-based, providing an option to celiacs and those allergic to soy. Peruvian Veef has a strong retail presence in Peru with more than 60 points of sale, including Acari Foods, The Plant Based Factory, Naturlandia, Chimbote, and more. Linda Obregon, the CSO of Peruvian Veef, also cited recently secured contacts …

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