South America

JBS has commenced construction of Brazil's first research facility focused on cultivated meat.

© JBS
Company News

Meat Giant JBS Begins Construction on $62M Innovation Centre for Cultivated Meat

JBS, the largest meat processing company in the world, announces it has commenced construction of Brazil’s first research facility focused on food biotechnology — the JBS Biotech Innovation Centre. Located at Sapiens Parque innovation hub in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, and scheduled to open at the end of 2024, the center aims to be a model facility to produce cultivated meat efficiently, scalable, and at competitive prices. “As a global leader in protein production, it is our responsibility to be at the forefront of foodtech,” says Jerson Nascimento Jr., global supply and innovation director of JBS. $ 62 million According to JBS, the Biotech Innovation Centre will require approximately $62 million in investment over three phases. In the first phase, the meat giant will invest $22 million …

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Nude. and Mae Terra launch oat milk range for children with carbon footprint labels

© Nude.
Products & Launches

Brazil: Nude. and Mãe Terra Introduce Oat-based Drinks for Kids with Carbon Footprint Labels

Brazilian oat specialist Nude. and Mãe Terra Produtos Naturais e Orgânicos have partnered to create a line of sustainable oat-based children’s drinks that display the product’s carbon footprint on the packaging. The new Nude. Zooreta oat milk range comes in three flavors: cocoa, red fruit, and vitamin (banana, apple, and papaya). The initiative marks the first time for Mãe Terra, though carbon footprint labels are already part of Nude.’s climate-transparent message. Both companies are B Corp Certified. The new vegan drink range will be part of Mãe Terra’s Zooreta portfolio, which includes snacks, granola, and cookies for children. Suitable for vegans and lactose-intolerants, the drinks are gluten-free, without added sugar or additives to offer a clean-label alternative. Lower environmental impact  Nude. was founded in 2020 by Giovanna Meneghel and Alexander Appel in …

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Nestle Maggi Veg

© Nestle
Products & Launches

Nestlé Announces New Shelf-Stable Line in Chile After Registering 333 Plant-Based Patent Applications

Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, is expanding its plant-based portfolio with the launch of a range of shelf-stable plant-based meat products for the Chilean market. These new items, launched under the brand name Maggi Veg, are certified vegan and include the company’s first shelf-stable plant-based mince meat made from soy.  The launch is part of Nestlé’s efforts to expand its plant-based offerings and give consumers more options for affordable alternatives to meat. The new product line bulks out the company’s plant-based portfolio, which features plant-based eggs, chocolate, and plant-based toddler milk. “We continue launching plant-based products in many regions of the world to offer people tasty, nutritious alternatives to meat that they can enjoy with family and friends,” said Torsten Pohl, Global …

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Fotortec

© Fotortec
Company News

Chilean Biotech Fotortec Partners with Sustainable Firms to Introduce Food Waste Upcycling Technology in Sweden

Chilean biotech Fotortec announces a partnership with Swedish consultancy firms A Better Future AB and Xylo Sweden AB to introduce its innovative food waste upcycling technology and mushroom-based ingredients into the Swedish market.  Fotortec aims to redefine waste by repurposing food waste or by-products into new and valuable items. The company has developed a scalable technology for cultivating mushrooms using food waste. These mushrooms can be transformed into beneficial ingredients, including flavor enhancers, protein isolates, fertilizer, energy-boosting methane gas, animal feed, and raw materials suitable for packaging. The company franchises its technology to third parties and this collaboration marks Fotortec’s expansion into the Nordics. Better Future AB and Xylo Sweden AB will represent Fotortec in Sweden, promoting sustainable and circular solutions for the region, aligning with their sustainable future goals. “This …

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Argentina's URV launches Dulce de Leche Plant Based

© Un Rincón Vegano (URV)
Sweets & Snacks

Argentina Responds to Growing Vegan Demand with Plant-Based Version of South America’s Iconic Dulce de Leche

Un Rincón Vegano (URV), an Argentinian company that claims to have introduced the country’s first vegan alfajor (traditional pastries) in 2015, recently launched its latest creation: Dulce de Leche Plant Based. Dulce de leche, or caramelized milk, is a sweet delicacy well-loved in Latin America, made by slowly heating sugar and milk for several hours. It is an icon of Argentina’s gastronomy, present in many desserts and pastries, including alfajores, where it’s sandwiched between two cookies. Described as golden, and creamy, at the same time delivering the flavor, the new vegan dulce de leche promises to satisfy traditional palates and consumers looking for animal-free alternatives. The new product comes in a 1 kg or 10 kg format to offer an option for individual consumers and …

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Naturinni and Mini Kalzone launch vegan calzone with provolone cheese

Image credit: Mini Kalzone FB

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Brazil: Naturinni’s Provolone Cheese Hits the Mass Market with Mini Kalzone’s First Vegan Offering

Brazilian food tech Naturinni Plant-Based has partnered with Mini Kalzone to launch the first vegan offering of the restaurant chain: a calzone filled with Naturinni Provolone and vegetables.  Mini Kalzone, a casual dining restaurant specializing in calzones, juices, and smoothies, is a franchise beloved by Brazil’s surfing community with over 125 stores across Brazil. The chain offers a wide range of calzone flavors, including whole wheat and vegetarian, but until now its menu did not include a vegan option. The market for plant-based foods is rapidly increasing in Brazil. Fazenda Futuro has been expanding its product line entering the plant-based milk category, NotCo has launched NPDs, such as its AI-powered chickpea-based cream, and Grano Alimentos (Grano Foods), a leader in the frozen vegetable sector in Brazil, has …

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drawing of a black chicken crossed in purple purple on a yellow background

© NotCo
Market & Trends

46% of Chileans Are Decreasing Consumption of Animal-Based Foods

Market research company Ipsos, together with the international organization Vegetarianos Hoy, has launched the report “Estudio de Opinión Pública: Alimentación y Productos de Origen Animal“, which regards the opinion and practices of the Chilean population regarding their dietary choices. This year there was a significant increase in those who reported having tried to reduce their consumption of animal-based foods, from 36% in 2021 to 46% in 2023. Among those who have tried to reduce their intake of animal foods, 75% (-7%) have reduced their consumption of red meat, 66% (-8%) pork, and 25% (-6%) chicken or turkey. While in derived foods, 27% (-5%) tried to reduce their intake of cheese, 24% (+4%) of milk, and 14% (-4%) of eggs. 6% of the population identify as …

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Grounded People Shoes

©Grounded People
Shoes

Canada’s Grounded People Launches Vegan Suede and Leather Shoes, Produced in “World’s Only” 100% Vegan Factory

Grounded People Apparel Inc. of Vancouver, Canada (CSE: SHOE), today announces the launch of its first-ever cruelty-free leather and suede shoes, which are produced in what the brand claims is the world’s only 100% vegan factory, located in Brazil. The Oli is a grey cruelty-free suede shoe while the Mika features vegan white leather and an outsole made from all-natural gum. Grounded People says that its iconic Lee shoe, made from 100% recycled cotton and rubber from rubber trees, is now available again due to popular demand. Also noteworthy is its collection launched in the US and Canada this March, composed of footwear crafted from recycled materials such as used car tires and volcanized natural rubber. Grounded People’s products are 100% PeTA-approved vegan and are manufactured …

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A plant-based burger by Geronimo Foods

© Gerônimo Foods
Investments & Finance

Grano Alimentos Acquires Vegan Brand Gerônimo Foods to Capitalize on Growing Flexitarian Market

Grano Alimentos (Grano Foods), a leader in the frozen vegetable sector in Brazil, has announced the acquisition of Gerônimo Foods, a vegan meat and snack brand, to continue its expansion in the plant-based category. Despite the rumors of the sector’s demise, the frozen food giant has made two investments in the sector in a short period. Last year, the company purchased Mr. Veggy, a vegan frozen food brand, to expand to other categories with a convenient and healthy food offer. InfoMoney recently reported that the company intends to capitalize on flexitarian demand to reach its revenue goals (half a billion in sales by 2025).  “The difference is that it’s a core product for us. We are a plant-based company and have no intention of being a meat analog. We also …

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OCA Low Sneakers

©Cariuma
Shoes

This World Ocean Day, Cariuma Partners with Coral Vita to Launch “Coral Saving” OCA Low Sneakers

In honor of World Ocean Day, sustainable sneaker brand Cariuma announces it is partnering with Coral Vita to launch a special collection of OCA Low shoes. Through their collaboration, Cariuma will support Coral Vita’s work to restore degraded coral reefs, and help save 10cm² of coral reef for every pair purchased. Featuring a design of churning waves, the new OCA Low sneakers are meant to evoke the energy and strength of the world’s oceans. The 100% vegan style is made with organic cotton canvas and natural rubber for comfort and fit. The show also offers a unique cap toe design and a fully-stitched lightweight outsole for a more durable shoe. Based in Brazil, Cariuma is known for its “better-for-the-earth materials” that offset carbon emissions and utilize …

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Notco Plant-Based Products

© NotCo
Market & Trends

Ipsos Survey: A Huge 73% of Chileans Would Consume Plant-Based Products

Market research company Ipsos, along with non-profit Vegetarianos Hoy, has published a report titled “Public Opinion Study: Plant-based Foods”, regarding the knowledge and consumption of meat-free foods in Chile. The survey reveals that 73% are likely or very likely to consume a plant-based product of equal or better nutritional quality than the animal-based alternative, an increase of 12 points compared to the previous survey. In addition, 72% would buy plant-based products at similar or even lower prices than animal-based products. The plant-based situation in Chile Interest in plant-based foods is growing in Chile. For example, as we reported in January, product sales in the Horeca segment grew by an impressive 41% in 2022. Sadly, however, the Chilean government recently passed a bill to redefine the …

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PlantPlus Foods' products

© PlantPlus Foods FB
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Meat Giant Spinoff Predicts Resurgence of the Plant-Based Meat Sector

After an initial period of rapid, over-hyped, VC-backed growth, plant-based meat sales have slowed in many markets, in line with the current economic environment. Still, PlantPlus Foods, a joint venture between Marfrig (the second-largest beef producer in Brazil after JBS) and US agribusiness ADM, predicts that demand for alt meat will grow as food inflation relaxes and vegan products become more affordable, tastier, and offer more variety. To reignite the trend, companies must invest in developing better and more varied products in terms of taste, nutrition, and price. Alt meats have struggled to compete with animal meat products due to their higher price and waning consumer curiosity, John Pinto, CEO of PlantPlus Foods, told Bloomberg. $30 billion in a decade PlantPlus expects global plant-based food sales to …

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NotCo appeals lawsuit against its trademark NotMilk

© NotCo
Politics & Law

NotCo Fights for NotMilk Trademark Following Dairy Lawsuit in Chile

Yesterday Chilean giant NotCo announced that in the next few days, it will appeal against a ruling prohibiting the use of the NotMilk trademark in Chile.  At the end of 2020, Aproval, the Valdivia dairy farmers union, filed an “unfair competition” lawsuit to the 1st Civil Court of Valdivia, accusing NotCo of taking advantage of “milk’s prestige.”  Aproval argued that NotMilk’s advertising strategy uses the word milk to sell its product and, at the same time, disqualifies natural milk, saying it is harmful to health and the environment. The court, which ruled in favor of the dairy union, ordered the “cessation and prohibition of the use of any mark, labeling, distinctive or image, of any nature (whether on the packaging of its product or in …

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NotCo Argentina

© NotCo
Marketing & Media

NotCo Argentina Launches NotCow Campaign to Promote Cruelty-Free Dairy

Chilean B Corp certified unicorn company NotCo has launched a marketing campaign in Argentina called NotCow, featuring the slogan “Cross out what you don’t want, Keep what you like,” encouraging consumers to switch to cruelty-free, healthier, and more sustainable alternatives.   NotCow aims to promote NotCo’s plant-based products — NotMilk, NotCream Cheese, and NotDulce de Leche — as options for traditional Argentinean favorites such as milk coffee, toast with cream cheese, and dulce de leche (a ubiquitous sweet in the country’s gastronomy). “The category of dairy replacements is a clear example of how countless recipes and occasions at home can become plant-based without effort and without leaving aside taste and enjoyment,” says Matias Latugaye, Country Manager Argentina of NotCo. In Argentina, the vegan population amounts to 4%, and …

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Burger with Seitán del Bueno alt meat

Image credit: Seitán del Bueno FB
Politics & Law

Chile Passes Bill Banning Meaty Terms to Safeguard Meat Industry

On April 17th, Chile‘s government passed a bill to redefine the concept of meat and prohibit meaty terms for non-animal origin products, including plant-based foods. The bill proposes that words such as hamburger, chorizo, sausage, or jerky, for example, cannot be used to describe, promote, or market foods that contain a higher proportion of vegetable matter than meat. Vegetarianos Hoy, an international organization working in Latin America to promote plant-based diets (check its guide on vegan products in LATAM ), called on the country’s organizations and brands operating in the plant-based industry to make a statement.  Last Friday, seven organizations, including ReVeL Foods, Vegusta, VegMonkey, Rikü, Pow! Foods, Seitan del Bueno, Carno, and Vegetarianos Hoy, signed an official document titled NO to the law against products of …

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Vegan companies in Venezuela

Okara
Market & Trends

Four Vegan Companies in Venezuela Making Alternatives to Favorite Foods

We take a look at four vegan companies in Venezuela making alternatives to dairy, meat, and chocolate while attempting to stay afloat amidst Venezuela’s economic crisis and rampant inflation.  Venezuela was among the 11 countries ahead of France in the Veganuary 2022 challenge; according to estimates from the Venezuelan Association of Nutritionists, the vegan population in Venezuela is growing.  Okara Dairy-free artisanal cheese specialist Okara began crafting chickpea-based cheese in 2019 when it was founded by Mirla Morales and Jennifer Schneider. Now it uses cashews, almonds, and legumes to make over 30 varieties, ranging from fresh mozzarella–style to camembert to matured cheeses. Okara also makes vegan desserts and is expanding to plant-based chorizo, cooked ham, and tofu filets to offer vegan ingredients for Venezuela’s loved festive dishes, hallacas and pan de jamón (bread filled with ham). Okara …

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Holy Plants' healthy vegan fast food offer

© Holy Plants
Fast Food

Peru: Holy Plants is First Vegan Fast Food Restaurant in Lima to Serve Beyond Meat

Holy Plants is a vegan fast food restaurant in the Miraflores district in Peru’s capital, Lima. The eatery’s concept is based on whole-food and health-conscious meals, offering customers an alternative to traditional fast food. Its unique menu includes recipes made with vegetables, legumes, seeds, cereals, and nuts without refined ingredients. Nicolas Pereira, the founder of Holy Plants, noticed that the fast food market didn’t have healthy vegan options and decided to create a restaurant where “speed and nutrition” converged; a place where fast food was not synonymous with low nutritional value, he told El Comercio.  Holy Plant’s vision emerged when Pereira, a vegan himself, decided to learn more about plant-based diet and its benefits, taking a course on nutrition at Cornell University. “It was there that …

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Future Farm Plant-Based Burger

©Future Farm

Products & Launches

Future Farm to Launch Oat Milk in Brazil, Reveals Plans for Plant-Based Cheese and Honey

Brazil’s Future Farm, also known as Fazendo Futuro, says it will launch its first-ever plant-based milk, Future Oat, to Brazilian consumers starting in May. The company also revealed it plans to enter several new CPG categories, including plant-based honey, cheese and Brazilian-style meat snacks, reports Food Dive.   According to CEO Alexandre Ruberti, Future Oat will be available in chocolate, vanilla, barista, oat and cooking varieties. He states the company will use lower prices and its familiar branding to help the product stand out against competition.  In addition to Brazil, Ruberti reports the company is currently focused on marketing the product in the US, UK, and Germany. Noting Future Farm as a “huge innovation pipeline” and strong manufacturing capabilities, Ruberti states the company is now looking …

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NotMilk high protein

© NotCo
Beverages

NotCo Aims to “Change the Rules of the Game” With High Protein NotMilk Launch

NotCo, the Chilean foodtech specialized in plant-based alternatives to products across multiple categories, continues its unstoppable expansion with the launch of High Protein NotMilk in Chocolate and Peanut Butter flavors. Offering 15 grams of protein per serving, the objective of the launch is to offer options to fitness and sports lovers. According to the company, this option has been created to “change the rules of the game” and contains more protein than some animal products. This drink also contains soy protein, pea protein, pineapple juice concentrate, coconut oil, sunflower oil, calcium carbonate, cabbage juice concentrate, vitamin D2 and vitamin B12. High Protein joins the NotMilk category portfolio, together with NotMilk Original, NotMilk Zero Sugar, NotMilk Low Fat, NotMilk Chocolate and NotMilk Café Caramelo, available in …

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