SuperMeat cultivated chicken

© SuperMeat

Cultivated Meat

Stämm and SuperMeat Partner to Improve Efficiency and Scalability in Cultivated Chicken

Argentine biotechnology company Stämm has partnered with Israeli cultivated meat producer SuperMeat to enhance biomanufacturing processes for cultivated chicken. The collaboration, supported by mutual investor Varana Capital, will focus on integrating Stämm’s continuous bioprocessing technology into SuperMeat’s production system. The partnership will benchmark the application of Stämm’s Bioprocessor, an automated, bubble-free bioreactor designed to improve efficiency in cell culture. Previously used in biologics manufacturing, the technology has demonstrated a 15-fold increase in volumetric productivity and cost reductions in stem cell production. The pilot will evaluate how the system can be applied to cultivated meat, with a particular focus on muscle fiber growth, elongation, and the formation of mature tissue. “In the coming months, a joint team will benchmark and evaluate how to integrate our Bioprocessor …

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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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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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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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A supermarket cart with vegan products

© Vegetarianos Hoy

Market & Trends

Ranking of Vegan Products in LATAM Supermarkets is Measured For First Time

The availability of vegan products in LATAM retail has been measured for the first time in a study carried out by the foundation Vegetarianos Hoy in collaboration with the Albert Schweitzer Foundation across five Latin American countries. Throughout 14 cities across Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru; 25 retailers were surveyed, which translates into almost 100 stores, to find out their availability of vegan products. According to Vegetarianos Hoy, Mexico stood out as the country with the most vegan products and Chile as the country with the most certified vegan products. Regarding the LATAM Ranking of certified vegan products, Chile took first place, Mexico second and Colombia third place. The ranking was based on three pillars: Availability of vegan products in the surveyed supermarkets. Number …

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joy burger & plants vegan fast food chain in argentina

© JOY Burger & Plants

Fast Food

LATAM’s First Vegan Fast Food Chain JOY to Open Two New Stores in Buenos Aires

At the end of October 2022, JOY Burgers & Plants opened in Buenos Aires, making it LATAM’s first vegan fast food chain (to the best of our knowledge). JOY offers a 360° plant-based experience, recreating familiar flavours and textures from the world’s most famous fast food chains. The fast food restaurant’s animal-free menu features beef and chicken burgers, mac&cheese, nuggets, fried chicken, fries with cheddar cheese, salads, and drinks, including beer and kombucha — everything served in compostable and recycled packaging. JOY Burgers & Plants, which opened its first store in Villa Urquiza, is planning to close Q1 with two more locations, one in Belgrano, set to open soon. Furthermore, two other openings are slated for the first semester of the year, Vicente López, Nordelta, …

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felices las vacas plant based burger product

© Felices las Vacas

Market & Trends

Plant-Based Movement Steadily Gaining Momentum in Beef-Loving Argentina

Argentina’s Association of Plant-Based Producers shared a report with the media outlet iProUP, revealing that the plant-based sector, comprised of 1,200 companies, has a market volume of more than $110,000 million per year.  The figures also revealed that the association’s 130 companies grew by at least 35% in 2021, and a 45% increase is expected in two years. Investments estimated at $2 billion are underway, rising to $7 billion by 2024. Argentina’s plant-based trend In Argentina, the plant-based trend has been gaining traction over recent years, with 12% of the population identified as vegan or vegetarian, according to the latest Kantar Worldpanel report.  Another study by the company Ingredion and the consulting firm Opinaia confirms the trend, revealing that 78% of the Argentine population would be …

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veganuary 2023

© Veganuary

Charity & Campaigns

Veganuary in Spain and LATAM: More Than 80 Promotions and Discounts Available

During the 2023 Veganuary campaign, more than 80 brands, restaurants and retailers from Spain, Mexico and South America are participating with discounts and a wide range of vegan offerings to motivate those who may be trying a vegan or plant-based lifestyle for the first time. In Spain: Subway, VeggiAnimals, Vegan Food Club and Revolu Green! are some of the brands with the biggest vegan offerings during January In Chile: NotCo, Jumbo, Papa Johns, Yoguen Fruz, Vilay and Vegusta, will be offering significant discounts In Mexico: Mr. Tofu will have discounts on its own brands as well as Daiya and Better Balance In Argentina: Hiper Changomas and Más Online Supermercado will offer more than 100 discounted products for Veganuary In Ecuador: Veggie Lover In Colombia: Cero …

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Veganuary France

© Veganuary

Charity & Campaigns

A Hundred French Companies Are Already Mobilised to Promote Veganuary 2023

At time of writing, around a hundred companies have committed to participate in Veganuary 2023 in France. An impressive increase; in 2022 there were 85 in 2022 and in 2021 there were only 30. For the third consecutive year, the French animal rights organization L214, which has been defending animals used as food resources since 2008, is supporting the French edition of Veganuary. Last week, the association organised the official launch of the 2023 edition of this challenge, in the presence of numerous participating companies such as Monoprix, Planet Sushi, Eatic, TyK Affinage, Heura, Jay&Joy and many others. The 629,000 registered participants for the 2022 edition came from 193 different countries. In terms of participation, France came in 12th place, so L214’s goal is to …

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Tomasso x NotCo
Products & Launches

Argentinian Pizza Chain Tomasso Launches ‘NotCo Suave’ Plant-Based Empanadas

Argentinian pizzeria chain Tomasso has launched NotCarne Suave, a plant-based empanada, in collaboration with Chile / New York-based unicorn NotCo. The new collaboration is a new milestone for the pizzeria, representing its first bet on plant-based gastronomy. The new NotCarne Suave is part of a development by NotCo, which with its technology and team of chefs, has managed to find the best combination of plants that together recreate the taste and texture of meat. The filling is made from plant-based ingredients such as peas, beans, bamboo fibre, chia, carrot and coconut, along with other ingredients that characterise the Argentinean empanada such as onion, green olives, pepper, and paprika The similarity to the taste of beef is said to be such that the collab promises to …

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Argentina Flag

Photo by Angelica Reyes on Unsplash

Politics & Law

Argentina Government Updates Food Code to Require Labeling of Vegan and Vegetarian Products

In a joint resolution, Argentina announces an update to the country’s Argentine Food Code (CAA) that will require inclusion of the terms “Vegan Product” or “Vegetarian Product” on plant-based food labels.  Prepared by a coalition of government agencies, the new labeling requirements seek to “promote competitiveness, the generation of added value, differentiation and quality of food, as well as to provide access to clear and truthful information for the entire population,” states a press release.  New requirements Under the new regulations, food manufacturers and importers must verify a product’s plant-based status with the relevant government health authority. Those that fail to comply will be prevented from carrying the required plant-based labeling.  The decision was promoted by several government bodies, including the National Food Commission (CONAL) …

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notmilk sugar free

© NotCo

Products & Launches

NotCo Launches New NotMilk Sugar-Free in Argentina

Unstoppable Chilean plant-based Unicorn NotCo has added another option to its range of plant-based drinks with NotMilk Sugar-Free. The product is created from a combination of plant ingredients including pea protein, pineapple, and cabbage. In 2021 the company debuted a dairy-free range entailing three products: NotMilk® Original; Low Fat; and Chocolate flavoured NotMilk. Said to be a true alternative to milk, ideal for cooking and generating the perfect foam for coffee, each litre of NotMilk® requires 92% less water and releases 74% less CO₂ than animal milk production. The company states that NotMilk Sugar-Free is unique in the market by offering true animal milk flavour, with the same texture, creaminess and foam, whilst being 100% plant-based and sugar-free. The news closely follows the launch of …

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Veggiemania sandwich

©Veggiemania

Fairs & Events

Veggiemania Takes Over Buenos Aires for Three-Day Culinary Festival

From the 12th to the 14th of July, Veggiemania is taking over the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in a three-day celebration of vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Featuring limited edition dishes and promotional prices, the event aims to promote healthy meat-free eating in the city. Each of the more than 20 participating restaurants will make a unique dish created especially for Veggiemania, to be sold in a combo format. The event is the brainchild of Nash Wigutov, an influencer and healthy eating advocate in Argentina, who has challenged the restaurants of Buenos Aires to rise to the Veggiemania challenge. Despite being famed for its beef culture and one of the highest levels of meat consumption in the world, Argentina is seeing a surge in interest …

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Image courtesy of Tomorrow Foods

Investments & Finance

Tomorrow Foods Receives Blue Horizon Funding to “Drive the Protein Transformation” in South America

Blue Horizon today announces the completion of seed financing round for Tomorrow Foods, marking its first investment into South America. The funds will allow Tomorrow Foods to accelerate business expansion across the region and additionally, the company reports its plans to open an industrial facility unique to the region this month.   Tomorrow Foods, a fast-growing brand which secured $3 million from local angel investors and biotech companies last September, is to build what the company says is the first plant-based R&D centre on the continent. The facility will include a “powerful and resourceful team with very specific expert knowledge in each area” according to the press release. Through the new centre, Tomorrow Foods states it will have access to capabilities in extraction, isolation and functionalization, …

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Frizata vegan burger

©Frizata

Market & Trends

Alt Meat Continues to Gain Traction in Argentina, The “Land of Beef” 

Argentina, a country famed for its beef culture and one of the highest levels of meat consumption in the world, is seeing plant-based meat production reach unprecedented levels.  Driven by demand from consumers concerned about environmental, nutritional, and animal welfare issues – particularly from younger generations – the country is experiencing a surge in alt meat interest. vegconomist takes a look at some of the players on the burgeoning Argentinian alt protein scene:  Kernel Mycofoods / Eternal This week saw Kernel Mycofoods rebrand as Eternal. The Buenos Aires-headquartered biotech uses AI, computer vision, and proprietary tech to create mycoprotein; sustainable proteins from fungi. Eternal has ambitious plans for 2022, recently raising over $15 million and announcing a potential public listing. “We feel Eternal reflects better …

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Image courtesy of Tomorrow Foods

Investments & Finance

Argentina: Tomorrow Foods Raises $3M to Accelerate Protein Transition in the Region

Argentine company Tomorrow Foods, which specializes in the development of plant-based protein systems and solutions for the food and beverage industry, has recently secured investments of USD 3 million, after two years of growth in the South American nation. The injection of funds will allow the continuation of its business plan, and marks the conclusion of its second round of investments, following the one made in 2019 by the biotech company builder GRIDX. “From the very beginning we were amazed by our team. Their determination and professionalism were key to us moving forward with the first investment. Their execution capacity showed how great a team they are and allowed us to renew our bet by participating in this new round. Latin America needs companies like …

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NotCo

Image courtesy of NotCo

Food & Beverage

NotCo Announces Collaboration With Mostaza, the Largest Fast Food Chain in Argentina

NotCo, the largest plant-based food company in Latin America, has reached an agreement with Mostaza, the largest fast food chain in Argentina, for the launch of its new line of Mega NotBurger. The line consists of the Not Burger, created from pea protein, chia, coconut oil, beet and spinach, in Mega Deluxe NotBurger; Mega Classic NotBurger and Mega Cuarto NotBurger varieties. This new line of products is available at the more than 150 stores that the chain has throughout the country and can be ordered through the different sales channels that the company offers, and as a launching promotion, exclusively through the Pedidos Ya app. “With the new Mega NotBurger, from Mostaza we are taking Argentine fast food to another level, we are pioneers with …

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NotCo appeals lawsuit against its trademark NotMilk

© NotCo

Company News

NotCo Receives New US Patent, Offically Has the Only AI-Harnessing Plant-Based Production Platform in all of Foodtech?

South American plant-based food company NotCo announces it will soon open a new office in New York to host its commercial operations. Just after a few months of launching its NotMilkTM at Whole Foods Market, the foodtech leader backed by key investors such as Jeff Bezos, has been granted a patent for its proprietary artificial intelligence technology in the USA. NotCo produces the NotBurgerTM, NotMayoTM, NotIceCreamTM and NotMilkTM which are distributed in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and soon to be in Mexico and Canada. The patented technology will protect the production process and help to get to the current products to market as well as provide NotCo with an edge on future innovations. NotCo states that it is the only foodtech company to have developed …

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vegan nature argentina

© Nuestra Casa Vegana

Market & Trends

Almost a Quarter of Argentinian Consumers Are Avoiding Meat

A survey conducted at the end of 2020 identifies 12% of the population of Argentina, a country with over 40 million inhabitants, as vegan and vegetarian. A further 12% were identified as flexitarian, meaning almost a quarter of Argentinians are omitting or reducing meat consumption, a 3% increase from the previous year. Although Argentina’s economy has been hit hard by the covid crisis in 2020, the gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow 4.89% in 2021 compared to 2020, according to economic data company Statista. And as income rises, as does the plant-based industry and the percentage of population purchasing vegan products. In November, vegconomist en español reported on the expansion of the Argentinian vegan company Vegan Nature, which had invested $250,000 in a …

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