Brazil

W-Cycle

© W-Cycle

Packaging

W-Cycle and Melhoramentos Develop Freezer-to-Oven Compostable Packaging that Breaks Down in 100 Days

W-Cycle Ltd., an Israeli clean-tech company specializing in sustainable packaging, has entered into a strategic partnership with Brazil’s Melhoramentos to produce compostable food containers using high-performance cellulose fibers and agricultural waste materials. Under the terms of the agreement, valued at a minimum of USD 3.45 million over an initial three-year period, W-Cycle will provide Melhoramentos with its proprietary food-grade packaging formula and consulting services. These resources will enable Melhoramentos to produce high-performance biodegradable packaging using renewable materials. The company will also integrate its own cellulose fibers, sourced from its extensive forestry operations covering more than 80 million square meters. The new packaging will be designed to offer key features like grease resistance, moisture-proofing, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. This makes it a viable …

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Fazenda Futuro's plant-based meat

© Fazenda Futuro
Market & Trends

Brazil’s Plant-Based Market on Trajectory to Exceed 2026 Growth Expectations

Plant-based sales are seeing an uptick in Brazil, driven by the need to replace meat and dairy for health and ethical reasons and the push for greater sustainability in the food industry. Figures from Euromonitor‘s database, shared with vegconomist by the Good Food Institute Brasil (GFI Brasil), show that the plant-based market in the country has seen significant growth. In 2023 alone, retail sales of plant-based meat and seafood reached R$1.1 billion, a 38% increase compared to the previous year. Not only did sales increase, but the total volume (in tons) of products sold also grew significantly, with a 22% rise compared to the previous period. Meanwhile, plant-based milk, which is the most successful category in the global market with a 66.8% plant-based market share, showed …

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Concepta Ingredients

© Concepta Ingredients
Fairs & Events

Concepta Ingredients to Present Premium Proteins Derived From Sesame at PBWE Europe

Brazil’s Concepta Ingredients, a division of Grupo Sabará specializing in natural food and beverage solutions, has announced its attendance at this year’s Plant Based World Expo Europe. Taking place in London today (November 13) and tomorrow, PBWE Europe brings together numerous important players in the plant-based industry, including retailers, service professionals, and investors. At this year’s event, Concepta Ingredients will showcase its Arboreto Premium Protein range. One of the highlights of the range is PRO 1000G, a protein asset derived from the extraction process of sesame oil. The product is said to be rich in protein, fiber, and calcium, and a source of essential amino acids. The range also includes PRO 1000GB, which combines sesame with the Amazonian ingredient babaçu. According to Concepta Ingredients, the …

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Amazon Rainforest in Anavilhanas National Park, Amazonas - Brazil

© Marcio-Isensee-e-Sa. - stock.adobe.com
Startups, Accelerators & Incubators

ProVeg International Expands to Brazil With First-Ever Office in South America

  ProVeg International, a food awareness organization aiming to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040, has expanded its global presence by opening its first office in South America: ProVeg Brazil. Led by journalist Aline Baroni, the Brazilian team will promote plant-forward public policies and work with the Brazilian government to highlight “food systems” as a central theme during the 2025 UN Climate Summit, COP30, which will take place in the Amazonian city of Belém. With this addition, the organization now operates in 14 countries, broadening its reach and influence in promoting the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets. The Brazil office follows the establishment of ProVeg Portugal earlier this year and offices in Nigeria and Malaysia in 2023. …

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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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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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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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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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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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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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AGN Consultoria Plant Based Day

© AGN Consultoria
Fairs & Events

Brazil’s AGN Consultoria to Host Plant Based Day for Food Service

Brazilian consulting firm AGN Consultoria has joined forces with V-Label, Vida Veg, and Meta Foods to host a Plant Based Day focused on the food service industry. The event will see participation from notable companies such as Cia Tradicional do Comércio, Sodexo, Hilton, Abrasel (Associação Brasileira de Bares e Restaurantes – Seccional São Paulo), Gouvêa Food Service, and Boali. Panels and lectures will focus on various themes within the plant-based food service category. Spotlight on startups There will also be a spotlight on plant-based food and beverage startups, such as Vida Veg, Meta Foods, Plant Choice, Galpão Cucina, and Solo Snacks. This will include presentations and discussions on the current market landscape, along with product tastings. AGN Consultoria says it aims for the event to …

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OZO_ChickenCutlets

©Planterra Foods
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

From Beef to Beans: When Big Meat Enters Plant-Based in the Americas, Part One

The entrance of Big Meat into the plant-based category was nothing short of inevitable when the food industry began to realize both the huge potential of alternative foods as well as the future limitations on the planet’s capacity to “grow” animals for human consumption. Back in 2019, the New York Times highlighted the fact that Big Meat (with this particular article focusing on Tyson, Smithfield, Perdue, and Hormel) was beginning to gain a foothold in the plant-based category. And last year, Yahoo Finance declared: “The meat industry is going through major upheavals. For example, a dramatic rise in the number of consumers preferring vegetarian food has forced companies to develop plant-based meat products.” Whether the animal meat industry indeed had its hand “forced” by the …

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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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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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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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