Asia

Founder Selin Arslan on stage

Selin Arslan © Farmhood
veg+ Interviews

Selin Arslan: “We Transform Food By-Products Into High-Value Plant-Based Protein Ingredients”

As the global food system faces mounting challenges from climate change, resource scarcity, and food waste, innovative startups like Farmhood are stepping up to lead the way toward a more sustainable future. Founded by Selin Arslan, an industrial engineer turned sustainability advocate, Farmhood is a food-tech startup on a mission to tackle food waste through cutting-edge, sustainable innovation. With a background in supply chain consulting at firms like EY and a current MSc. focus in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems, Selin combines technical expertise with a passion for creating lasting impact in the food industry. In this interview, Selin shares Farmhood’s journey from concept to reality, including the development of a pilot production facility and the company’s early success, achieving over €30,000 in revenue. We …

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Oatly

© Oatly
Company News

Oatly Announces Closure of Singapore Facility to Further Streamline Operations

Oatly Group AB (Nasdaq: OTLY), a global leader in oat-based drinks, confirmed the closure of its manufacturing facility in Singapore as part of an ongoing initiative to refine its supply chain. The decision aligns with the company’s asset-light strategy, which aims to optimize operational efficiency, reduce capital expenditure, and streamline production processes. The Singapore facility, which operated under Oatly’s Europe & International segment, will be shut down as part of a broader effort to consolidate the company’s supply chain network in Asia. Following the closure, Oatly will rely on its existing European facilities to support the growing demand within the Asia-Pacific market. The company anticipates that this move will enhance capacity utilization at its European production sites. Oatly’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Flatin, highlighted the ongoing improvements …

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PoLoPo

© PoLoPo
Plant Cell Cultivation

PoLoPo Moves to Field Cultivation of Bioengineered Protein Potatoes, Boosting Capacity to Three Tons

Molecular farming startup PoLoPo has transitioned from greenhouse-scale production to large-scale field cultivation of genetically modified potatoes engineered to produce high levels of protein, including ovalbumin, a key component of egg protein. This move increases the company’s production capacity from tens of kilograms to an estimated three tons per harvest. PoLoPo’s protein-producing potato plants are part of the company’s proprietary approach to molecular farming. The plants are engineered through metabolic engineering techniques to produce and store proteins in their tubers. These proteins are then extracted and dried into functional protein powders for use in various applications, including food production. The potatoes, now being grown in fields located in the Eshkol region of southern Israel, are expected to yield three tons of product by spring 2025. …

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Israel's Gavan Technologies has raised $8 million in an A funding round to commercialize Fatrix, a plant protein-based fat that replaces butter.

© Nimrod Saunders
Investments & Finance

Gavan Raises $8M to Introduce Clean Label “One-to-One” Butter Alternative in Europe

Israel’s Gavan, a food tech company focused on replacing animal fat with sustainable alternatives, announces it has raised $8 million in a Series A funding round. The funds will be used to establish a new European pilot production facility for its flagship ingredient, Fatrix, a plant protein-based fat that replaces butter “one-to-one” in bakery and dairy alternatives. The site is scheduled to commence operations in April 2025, aiming to debut its “cutting-edge” fat solution in the European food market. The round was led by MoreVC, with participation from Lever VC, EIT Food, and DarkBoot Group, a private equity firm involved in Gavan’s incubation. Co-founder and CEO Itai Cohen, shares, “This funding round opens the door for Gavan to enter the European food market, where we …

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Family Mart plant-based menu

© Family Mart
Products & Launches

Major Japanese Convenience Store Chain FamilyMart Launches Plant-Based Range

FamilyMart, one of Japan’s largest convenience store chains, has introduced a new range free of animal products. Sold under the brand name Blue Green, the new options have been developed to help protect the environment and will be available at Family Mart stores across Japan. The plant-based range currently features four products: Mont Blanc — A dessert made with chestnut cream, chestnut paste, and coated crumble. Financier — A cake made with soy milk cream and coffee, topped with cacao nibs. Keema Curry — Contains a soy-based meat alternative, colorful vegetables, tomatoes, and spices. Bibimbap-Style Rice Ball — Made by stir-frying vegetables and a soy-based meat alternative with spicy gochujang, then mixing them with rice. “We strive to provide even better products” FamilyMart’s Blue Green …

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Cocoa-tech startup Celleste Bio has raised $4.5 million in a seed round to produce its cell-cultured cocoa ingredients for the food industry.

© Celleste Bio
Investments & Finance

Celleste Bio Secures $4.5M to Scale Production of Cell-Cultured Cocoa, Mondelēz VC Arm Participates

Cocoa-tech startup Celleste Bio has raised $4.5 million in a seed round to produce its cell-cultured cocoa ingredients for the food industry. The round was led by early-stage investor Supply Change Capital, with the participation of Mondelēz International’s venture capital arm SnackFutures Ventures, Consensus Business Group, Barrel Venture Partners, The Trendlines Group, and Regba Agriculture. The new funds will help Celleste Bio boost its research and development, infrastructure, and technological capabilities to achieve commercial scale. Michal Beressi Golomb, CEO of Celleste Bio, shared, “Climate change and conventional farming practices are depleting our rainforests, resulting in unprecedented environmental and financial challenges to grow enough cocoa to meet the needs of a $100B — and growing — chocolate industry. This round provides us with the financial and strategic …

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Biotech startup Biokraft Foods hosted India's first formal tasting event for a cultivated meat product in Mumbai, India, last week.

Image courtesy of Biokraft Foods
Cultivated Meat

Biokraft Foods Debuts Cultivated Chicken at India’s First-Ever Public Tasting for Cultivated Meat

Biotech startup Biokraft Foods hosted India’s first formal tasting event for a cultivated meat product in Mumbai, India, last week. Over 30 representatives from key organizations, including PETA India, GFI India, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB), YODA India, and India Animal Fund, had the opportunity to taste cultivated chicken burgers and chili chicken. According to the announcement, attendees praised the innovation and Biokraft’s sustainability mission. Kamalnayan Tibrewal (CEO) founded Biokraft Foods in 2023, focusing on cultivated chicken and 3D bioprinting technology to create products that replicate the structure, texture, flavor, and nutritional profile of chicken meat. The company uses hybrid inks featuring chicken cells and algal-based biopolymers. The startup says more tasting events are coming to gain consumer and expert feedback. CASMB …

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Cihan Baltepe of Eat Vappy

Cihan Baltepe © Eat Vappy
Interviews

EatVappy: “Based on Our Sales Data, We Can Say the Plant Meat Sector in Türkiye is Growing Steadily”

The often overlooked plant-based meat sector in Türkiye caters to around 100,000 (2022) with a vegan population of roughly 0.5%, which has largely emerged since 2000. One of the key players in the country is Istanbul’s Eat Vappy, a pioneer in Turkey’s plant meat sector, which claims to have launched the world’s first Vegan Turkish sausage in 2017. “It is our priority to produce good production and to create systems for the unit, the planet, and the creatures that can feel. This is not a marketing method for us,” says Eat Vappy. Founder Cihan Baltepe, who draws on over a decade of experience as an archeologist, entrepreneur and futurologist, states that the brand has carved out a market that was previously almost non-existent: “Over the …

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Veggy Kids burger- For the first time, the Turkish Food Codex Guide for Food Labeling and Consumer Information has introduced new regulations to provide clear guidelines on the labeling of vegan and vegetarian products

© Veggy

Politics & Law

Turkey Introduces Regulations for Vegan Product Labeling for the First Time

For the first time, the Turkish Food Codex Guide for Food Labeling and Consumer Information has introduced new regulations to provide clear guidelines on the labeling, production, and marketing of vegan and vegetarian products. Using terms such as “milk” for plant-based beverages is prohibited, while traditional or geographical names associated with animal products cannot be used to prevent deceptive food packaging and misleading claims. But the new regulations also bring good news. ‘Vegan burgers,’ ‘vegan sausage,’ or ‘vegetarian patty’ terms are allowed on plant-based meat labels, and the production, export, and import of vegan cheese is now possible “under certain labeling conditions.” In 2022, the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry banned the production and sale of vegan products that resemble dairy cheese, as they …

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Israel's Aleph Farms has submitted a regulatory approval application to sell its cultivated beef products in Thailand, marking the country's first application for cultivated meat.

© Aleph Farms
Cultivated Meat

Aleph Farms Submits Thailand’s First Cultivated Meat Application, Eyes 2026 Market Launch

Israel’s Aleph Farms has submitted a regulatory approval application to sell its cultivated beef products in Thailand, marking the country’s first application for a cultivated meat product. The safety dossier was filed to the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) under the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for novel foods. While timelines can be uncertain, a novel food regulatory process can take around 18 months, which means the regulatory green light could arrive mid-2026. Upon receiving approval, Aleph Farms plans to sell its flagship product, the Petit Steak, under the Aleph Cuts brand with partner and investor Thai Union, a global leader in animal protein. Co-founder and CEO Didier Toubia shares, “Like many of its neighboring countries, Thailand currently imports the majority …

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Dr Sun, Product Manager of Angel Yeast Europe

Dr Sun, Product Manager © Angel Yeast Europe
Interviews

Angel Yeast: “Innovation in Formulation and Functional Ingredients is Pivotal for Plant-Based Foods”

Angel Yeast a leader in the production of yeast and yeast-related products, specializes in a wide range of applications across various industries. Founded in 1986, Angel Yeast has grown to become one of the largest yeast producers worldwide, with a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. The company is particularly known for its high-quality baker’s yeast, which is used in bread and other bakery products, as well as its fermentation products, such as yeast extract and other flavor-enhancing ingredients. In addition to its core products, Angel Yeast also offers solutions for the plant-based food industry, with yeast-based ingredients being utilized in the production of vegan and plant-based meat alternatives, providing key functional properties such as texture, flavor, and nutritional enhancement. We were pleased …

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Veggy Kids

© Veggy Kids
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Veggy Kids: Turkey’s Innovative New Plant-Based Product Line for Children

Founded in 2012, Veggy is self-described as Turkey’s first plant-based meat alternatives producer, leading the market with innovative solutions in the plant-based sector. The company’s latest product line, Veggy Kids, introduces an exclusive range of vegetable-based products tailored specifically for children, including burgers, nuggets, and meatballs. A breakthrough in nutrition for kids Veggy claims that Veggy Kids is the world’s first comprehensive plant-based product portfolio designed exclusively for children. Launched in over 25,000 stores across Turkey, the brand has quickly gained attention both domestically and internationally. It is now confirmed that Veggy Kids will be available on the shelves of major retailers across the UK, China, the Balkans, and Europe in the first quarter of 2025. As part of its vision, Veggy Kids will focus …

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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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Steakholder Foods 3D bio-prints the world's first cultivated fish fillet

© Shlomi Arbiv
Cultivated Seafood

UMAMI Bioworks and Steakholder Foods Successfully Scale 3D-Printed Cultivated Fish, Poised to Expand the Seafood Market

Singapore’s UMAMI Bioworks and Israel’s Steakholder Foods have completed a two-year R&D collaboration to develop a scalable process for 3D-printed cultivated fish production, funded by the Singapore-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (SIIRD). According to the companies, the partnership has “laid the groundwork” for producing structured cultivated fish fillets at scalable volumes using 3D printing technology and customized bio-inks, marking a significant step toward bringing these products to the market. As part of the project, a grouper fillet, claimed to be the world’s first 3D bio-printed cultivated fish fillet, was unveiled in early 2023. Building on this innovation, the companies have developed a portfolio of prototypes to showcase the versatility of 3D printing and cultivated cells in making alternatives that match the characteristics of traditional seafood. Mihir …

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Simple Planet's cultivated meat

© Simple Planet
Cultivated Meat

New Tri-Party Initiative Launches to Accelerate Cultivated Meat in South Korea Ahead of 2025 Market Launch

The Good Food Institute APAC (GFI APAC), the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO), and the Bio-based Future Food Industry Committee (BFFIC) have joined forces to accelerate novel proteins in South Korea. The partnership was formalized in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) ceremony in Seoul, attended by GFI Founder and President Bruce Friedrich, KoreaBIO Vice President Seung-kyou Lee, and BFFIC President Dominic Jeong. As part of the MOU, the organizations will work to boost market research, technical knowledge exchange, and policy coordination for novel food regulatory frameworks. Additionally, they will collaborate on educational initiatives such as global webinars, workshops, and presentations on cultivated meat and other novel proteins. The MOU will also foster stronger connections between South Korean and overseas industry stakeholders and facilitate international expansion for …

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Imagindairy secures self-affirmed GRAS status for animal-free dairy proteins

© Tal Shahar
Fermentation

Imagindairy Receives Regulatory Approval From Israeli Ministry of Health for Animal-Free Milk Proteins

Imagindairy, a producer of animal-free milk proteins made using precision fermentation, has received regulatory approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health. The approval confirms that Imagindairy’s products are safe for consumer use and allows the company to market them within Israel. Imagindairy’s products are identical to cow’s milk proteins in taste and nutritional value, but are made without the use of animals. They can be used to produce a variety of animal-free dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream; these have a much lower environmental impact than conventional dairy products, and are also free of cholesterol, lactose, and hormones. The regulatory approval in Israel comes after Imagindairy’s animal-free whey protein achieved self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status in the US last year. …

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© Pureture
Company News

Pureture and Kangwon National University Launch Research Center to Innovate Non-GMO Yeast-Derived Proteins

New York startup Pureture, a developer of animal-free ingredients with a focus on alternative casein proteins and high-functionality yeast strains, has partnered with South Korea’s Kangwon National University to establish the “Alternative Protein Research Center.” The center aims to develop innovative solutions at scale for the global alternative protein market, explains the startup in an announcement this Wednesday. This new joint initiative will leverage the University’s expertise in fermentation science and Pureture’s R&D capabilities to produce highly functional proteins derived from non-GMO yeast. Pureture has already developed a plant-based casein that is said to offer a complete amino acid profile and melting and stretching functionalities of milk caseins. Rudy Yoo, CEO of Pureture, shared, “The development of high-functionality proteins derived from non-GMO yeast is at …

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Plantbased Business Hour

The Demand for Plant-based, Juicy Steak with Amos Golan of Chunk Foods

Founder and CEO of Chunk Foods, Amos Golan, joins the CEO of VegTech Invest and host Elysabeth Alfano on The Plantbased Business Hour to discuss the demand and success of thick, juicy, plant-based steaks and the global outlook for foodservice today. Specifically, they discussed: Chunk Foods seemed to pop on the scene out of nowhere. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you started Chunk in Israel? What has the reception been like in the US? Why initially foodservice only, and how big of a push is clean label? While I am sure IP is proprietary, what can you tell us of your fermentation technique and your production techniques to get whole cuts of meat? We speak endlessly of the US …

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(L) Chayadhorn Taepaisitphongse, Managing Director of Betagro Ventures and Jeff "Trip" Tripician, CEO of Meatable

(L) Chayadhorn Taepaisitphongse and Jeff Tripician © Meatable
Investments & Finance

Thailand’s Leading Meat Company Betagro Invests in Meatable to Fuel Asian Expansion

Dutch cultivated meat company Meatable announces it has received a strategic investment from Betagro Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Betagro, a major agri-industrial and food company based in Thailand, producing and distributing meat (chicken and pork) and animal feed. The news comes six months after Meatable onboarded meat industry veteran Jeff Tripitcian, with over 25 years of experience in the American meat industry with roles including president of Perdue. At the same time, Dean Banks, former president and CEO of Tyson Foods, joined the Board of Directors. The investment will help accelerate Meatable’s growth and market presence in Asia beyond Singapore, a region with a growing demand for meat that needs sustainable, scalable alternatives to animal farming. The collaboration also anticipates opportunities for …

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Songxianxian

© Songxianxian
Company News

China’s Songxianxian Achieves Sales of Over $68M With Stealthily Plant-Based Condiments

Chinese company Songxianxian has seen huge success with its plant-based condiments, reaching annual sales of almost $68.5 million in 2023. But the brand’s remarkable growth may be attributable to a surprising strategy — not marketing its products as plant-based. Songxianxian was founded by serial entrepreneur Zihan Yi, who had previously launched a plant-based restaurant and food brand. Both ventures ultimately struggled to grow, largely due to the relatively small size of China’s plant-based market. However, one product from the plant-based brand stood out — an alternative to chicken essence, an important ingredient in Chinese cuisine. The umami powder took seven years of R&D to develop and is made from mushrooms, vegetables, and fruit powders, with no MSG or other additives. Upscale condiment brand The powder …

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