EU: Latest Plant-based and Cellular Agriculture Market News from EU on vegconomist

Singaporean Plant-Based Brands Expand Into Europe, Capitalizing on Growing Demand

September 25, 2023

Singaporean plant-based brands are increasingly taking advantage of rising demand elsewhere in the world to expand internationally, with a particular focus on Europe. The number of alt protein companies in Singapore has reportedly skyrocketed in recent years, as the country becomes increasingly concerned about food security and actively recruits scientists in the field. While the Singaporean alt protein market provides considerable opportunities, some companies are opting to make their success global. Among the most notable is plant-based chicken brand TiNDLE, which launched at hundreds of UK restaurants last year before rolling out at retail stores in the country this April. The brand is also available at thousands of EDEKA supermarkets in Germany. Another Singaporean brand, Growthwell Foods’ HAPPIEE! (which mostly focuses on seafood alternatives) arrived …

Fashion, Design & Beauty

Ex Adidas Designer Unveils Bag Made from Bacteria at London Design Festival

September 21, 2023September 20, 2023

Modern Synthesis, a London-based biotechnology company, has partnered with GANNI, a Danish fashion brand, to reimagine its ‘Bou’ handbag using the company’s bacterial nanocellulose material. Originally crafted from recycled animal leather, the new iteration is part of GANNI’s commitment to eliminate virgin leather from its products by the end of this year, and is being unveiled at the London Design Festival taking place until this Sunday. Founded by ex-Adidas designer Jen Keane and synthetic biologist Dr. Ben Reeve, Modern Synthesis uses a proprietary biotechnology process that transforms sugar derived from agricultural waste into nanocellulose fibers, which the company claims are eight times stronger than steel. The company joins the ranks of other biodegradable textile manufacturers like 3D-printed Simplifyber and banana-based FOReT and Rashki, who are …

Organisations and brands:

GANNI

Modern Synthesis

Company News

The Cultivated B. Enters Pre-Submission Phase for Approval of Cultivated Meat in Europe

September 18, 2023September 18, 2023

The Cultivated B — the cultivated meat subsidiary of Germany’s second-largest animal-based sausage manufacturer Infamily Foods — states it has entered the pre-submission phase of regulatory approval for the sale of hybrid cultivated meat products in Europe. The company explains that it has entered the initial stage, which is an official EFSA process requested at least six months in advance of the official submission. After the application is submitted, TCB would become the world’s first biotech company to apply for EFSA certification for cultivated meat, if there have been no further applications in this period. It should be noted here that while Aleph Farms did apply for regulatory approval in Switzerland this July, marking it the first-ever submission for cultivated meat in Europe, this application …

Organisations and brands:

The Cultivated B

Formo to Launch “New Class of Products” With Precision Fermentation Eggs

September 18, 2023

A peer-reviewed study conducted by Formo in partnership with Singapore Management University has found considerable demand for precision fermentation eggs, as the company prepares to launch what it describes as a “new class of products”. Through its existing protein production platform, which is already used to produce precision fermentation dairy proteins, Formo will use bio-designed microbes to make animal-free eggs. Since fermented proteins have a precedent of consumption in the EU, they are not considered a novel food, meaning Formo could introduce its first fermented egg products as early as this year. Curiosity The study surveyed over 3,000 consumers from Germany, the US, and Singapore, finding that a majority (51-61%) would be willing to try the products across all three countries. German consumers were predominantly …

Organisations and brands:

Formo

Paul Jennings, Head of Culinary at QuornPro. © QuornPro

Company News

Quorn Foodservice Business Unit Reveals New Brand Identity

September 18, 2023

Quorn’s Foodservice Business Unit has announced an “extensive repositioning exercise” and new brand identity. The unit will now be known as QuornPro, as the brand works to position itself as an ideal protein solution for food service customers. The change comes in response to research which suggested that the unit would benefit from having its own values and mission, complementing Quorn’s retail division. According to the brand, the unit has already gone beyond selling frozen food and is now helping chefs at food service outlets to offer sustainable alt meat solutions. Quorn says it aims to be “the best protein on the planet”, becoming more than a classic meat alternative. Starting this month, the rebrand will roll out across the UK and the EU, with …

Organisations and brands:

Quorn

©Alpro

Studies & Numbers

European Alt Milk Sales Grow 49% in Two Years, With Germany Leading the Market

August 7, 2023

A new study by the University of Hohenheim has investigated the acceptance of plant-based milks in six EU countries, as figures reveal that European alt milk sales grew by 49% between 2020 and 2022. Germany was found to have the highest turnover and market potential for milk alternatives, due to high levels of awareness about animal welfare, health, and the environment. Additionally, Germans attach less importance to social and cultural norms than study participants from other countries, making them more willing to try non-traditional foods. Tradition-based obstacles On the other hand, countries such as France, Spain, and Italy have long traditions of consuming cheeses and other dairy products, and consumers from these countries are more sceptical about plant-based products. Many find the taste and mouthfeel …

Organisations and brands:

University of Hohenheim

Courtesy of ProVeg International

Sustainability / Environment

Scientists Say Europeans Must Eat “As Little Animal Products as Possible”

July 4, 2023

Scientists have told the European Commission that people must eat “as little animal products as possible” to combat climate change. Professor Erik Mathijs, chair of the Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA) Working Group, made the comment following the publication of the group’s new report, Towards Sustainable Food Consumption. The white paper was requested by the Commission to support the revision of its Farm to Fork agri-food strategy. Describing reduced animal product consumption as “the key mitigation option” for climate change, the report calls for policy measures such as taxes or bans on some unsustainable products, and reformulations of others. It also emphasises the benefits of plant-based diets in tackling chronic diseases, obesity, and biodiversity loss. “Crucial solution” The importance of reducing animal …

Organisations and brands:

European Commission

Food Service

EAT HAPPY Trials Vegan Fish Sushi in Austria Where Vegan Diet is “Rising Steadily”

June 12, 2023May 31, 2023

EAT HAPPY, an in-store sushi concept and leading supplier of Asian convenience products in mainland Europe, launches three plant-based fish sushi products, stating that the company sees the “proportion of those people who eat a purely vegan diet rising steadily in Austria”. The products being trialed at four initial test markets in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are Vegan Salmon Nigiri, Vegan Salmon Maki, and Vegan Tuna California. The vegan sushi products are set to expand nationally throughout Austria after the test phase. EAT HAPPY’s plant-based offerings EAT HAPPY is represented in more than 3,000 locations in stationary food retailers throughout Europe and operates 50 EAT HAPPY Shops as well as in more than 1,000 chests at stores such as Billa and Spar. Last May, the …

Organisations and brands:

EAT HAPPY

Politics & Law

Plant-Based Milk in School Rejected: European Parliament Fails Children and the Planet

May 10, 2023

Members of the European Parliament have voted not to offer plant-based milks in schools, with the majority failing to include the drinks in their initiative reports on the EU School Scheme. The move has been described as a “missed opportunity” by ProVeg International, as it excludes children who cannot or do not want to drink cows’ milk. The organisation noted that some milk alternatives, such as soy and pea, are equally nutritious to dairy with a much lower environmental impact. “Very disappointed” ProVeg said the School Scheme was falling short of its potential to offer environmentally friendly products to children across Europe. Including plant milks would also be in line with the Food Systems Framework initiative, which aims to make European diets more sustainable. However, …

Organisations and brands:

European Parliament

©MaxSafaniuk-stock.adobe.com

Market & Trends

Germany: Meat Consumption Drops to Record Low, Plant-Based Sales at Record High

June 12, 2023April 5, 2023

Data published this week by Germany’s Federal Information Centre for Agriculture reveals that, in 2022, per capita meat consumption fell by around 4.2 kg to 52 kilograms per person compared with 2021, lower than at any point since calculations began in 1989. The report states that Germans consumed about 2.8 kg less pork, 900 grams less beef and veal, and 400 grams less poultry last year. Encouragingly, this translates to net production of animal meat: 9.8% less pork and 8.2% less beef and veal were produced domestically compared to 2021, while net production of poultry meat was down 2.9%. Why Germany? Germany’s meat consumption has been steadily in decline over recent years, with the country’s interest in meat-free living further bolstered by Health Minister Karl …

Organisations and brands:

The Good Food Institute (GFI)

Studies & Numbers

European Plant-Based Food Sales Grow by 22%, Reaching a Record $5.7Bn

April 3, 2023

According to a report by GFI, European plant-based food sales have increased by 22% since 2020, taking the total value of the category to a record $5.7 billion. The research analysed sales figures from 13 countries — Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. It found that while plant-based sales have increased significantly, the prices of these foods have been much less affected by inflation than conventional animal products. Plant-based meat sales grew by 21% between 2020 and 2022, while conventional meat sales decreased by 8%. Growth was significantly slower in 2022 than in 2021, but still positive; this is supported by recent market research, which found that growth is expected for the global alt meat …

Organisations and brands:

The Good Food Institute (GFI)

©Herbivore Earthfoods

Studies & Numbers

Survey: Europeans Support 0% VAT on Healthy, Sustainable Foods & Raising Meat Prices

March 29, 2023

A survey by the True Animal Protein Price (TAPP) Coalition has found that more than half of participants would support not charging VAT on foods that are better for the planet, along with slightly raising meat prices. 3,000 people from Germany, the Netherlands, and France were questioned as part of the survey. Almost 60% were in favour of the proposals, which would make healthy, sustainable foods such as vegetables, grains, and alt protein products more affordable. They would also set a “true price” for meat and dairy that considers factors like biodiversity loss, emissions, and healthcare costs. “Currently the external societal costs of the animal-based products on our daily menus are not paid for,” said Jeroom Remmers, director of the TAPP Coalition. The EU has …

Organisations and brands:

ProVeg

True Animal Protein Price (TAPP) Coalition

Image supplied.

Politics & Law

MEPs Disagree That Plant-Based Milks Should Be Offered in Schools in “Mind Boggling” Fail

March 23, 2023

Members of European Parliament have failed to support drastic changes in school meal funding, which would have included offering plant-based milks to students. In a newly published report, the Parliament’s Agriculture Committee has not acknowledged the need for change, instead suggesting that conventional dairy products should be promoted through educational campaigns. This is in spite of a petition with tens of thousands of signatures calling for plant-based milks to be offered, along with campaigning from organizations such as ProVeg, The Vegan Society, and The Green REV Institute. A compromise amendment to the report does mention a need for “alternative diversified products” for those with allergies and intolerances, but fails to specify what is meant by this; the statement could be referring to lactose-free milk. There …

Organisations and brands:

Compassion in World Farming

Company News

Meeat Food Tech Plans to Make Meat Factories Plant-Based With Fermented Fava Beans

March 13, 2023

Finland’s Meeat Food Tech was founded in 2020 by a group of former meat professionals who are working to transform the food industry through plant-based products. Meeat’s “hero ingredient” is fermented fava beans, which are highly sustainable, protein-rich, and have a neutral flavour. Due to its scalable and cost-efficient setup, the company says it can provide a partnership option to transform meat factories into plant-based operations. Last August, Meeat raised €8 million to rapidly expand throughout Europe, Asia, and the US. The company now has a range of over 50 plant-based products, featuring meat alternatives such as hot dogs, ready meals like Tikka Masala, and cooking sauces for dishes such as chilli and bolognese. Meeat also acts as a plant-based distributor, and helped to bring …

Organisations and brands:

Meeat Food Tech

Investments & Acquisitions

Fooditive Receives Investment from Sparkalis After Developing Vegan Honey, Casein, & More

April 25, 2023March 8, 2023

Food tech venture fund Sparkalis has acquired a minority stake in Netherlands-based Fooditive, a producer of sustainable plant-based ingredients. Sparkalis’ managing director, Filip Arnaut, will now join ten other food tech experts on Fooditive’s advisory board, providing the company with insights as it works to create ingredients that benefit animals, the planet, and human health. “Sparkalis has acquired a stake in Fooditive because we share the same vision for the future of the food industry. We are both committed to facilitating innovative solutions that will change the way we think about food production and create a more sustainable footprint for the industry,” said Arnaut. Animal-free innovations Fooditive has already developed numerous vegan alternatives to ingredients that are usually animal-based. Last year, the company unveiled its …

Organisations and brands:

fooditive

Sparkalis

Society

Think Tank Urges EU School Scheme to Fund Plant Milks for Schoolchildren

March 2, 2023

As the European Parliament’s AGRI Committee reviews the EU School Scheme, think tank The Green REV Institute has issued an open letter calling for plant milks to be included. Currently, the scheme provides €150 million per year for the promotion of fruits and vegetables, plus €100 million for animal milk. The objective is to encourage children to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, The Green REV Institute argues that dairy products are harmful to the environment and should not be promoted, claiming that this contradicts the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. The think tank says plant-based milks should be funded instead, with dairy milk eventually phased out altogether. “Glaring inequality” The results of a public consultation into the EU School …

Organisations and brands:

The Green REV Institute

Sustainability / Environment

Danish Climate Council Recommends Meat Tax & Replacing Two-Thirds of Meat With Plants

March 2, 2023

The Danish Climate Council, an independent adviser to Denmark’s government, has recommended a reduction in meat consumption to help the country meet its climate goals. The council said that two-thirds of the meat consumed by Danes should be replaced by plant-based foods, and suggested that the products with the highest carbon footprint should be taxed. A 33% tax is recommended for beef, which is one of the most high-emission foods. The advice was published as part of an annual review, aimed at helping Denmark achieve its legally binding target of a 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels). According to the Danish Climate Council, annual emissions could be cut by up to 3.9 million tons of CO2-equivalents if everyone reduced their …

Organisations and brands:

Danish Climate Council

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Plant-Based Canned Tuna by Dutch Brand Seasogood Launches Across Spain

March 1, 2023

Dutch brand Seasogood is launching its plant-based canned tuna alternatives on the Spanish market. The tuna will be available in four flavours: natural, tomato, olive oil, and lemon & black pepper. The launch is significant as Spain is a major consumer of seafood. On LinkedIn, Seasogood co-founder Michael Luesink said he was proud that the product could help to replace conventional fish. Seasogood initially launched in the Netherlands in 2021, and was claimed to be the country’s first plant-based canned tuna. It is now available at almost all major Dutch supermarkets, stocked next to the conventional tuna. The tuna alternative is made in the Netherlands from soy, seaweed, algae, and flavourings such as sea buckthorn berries. Said to be minimally processed and free of preservatives, …

Organisations and brands:

Seasogood

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

“Major Milestone” as Seafood Giant John West Launches Fish-Free Tuna

February 28, 2023

UK-based seafood company John West has launched a plant-based tuna alternative for the first time in its 166-year history. The company is owned by Thai Union, which has increasingly been exploring plant-based and cultivated alternatives to animal protein. The tuna alternative marks a major step forward in the Thai seafood giant’s efforts to become more sustainable. “John West Vegan Fish-Free Tuna is Thai Union’s first branded alternative protein product launch worldwide and therefore a major milestone for us,” said Jon Burton, director of the company’s European Marine Protein unit. Made from soy and wheat protein, the product comes in two flavours — Vegan Fish-Free Tuna with a Dash of Oil and Vegan Fish-Free Tuna with Tomato & Basil. The tuna has initially been launched in …

Organisations and brands:

John West

Thai Union

Cheese Alternatives

Väcka Raises €1.1M for Vegan Cheeses Made From Olive Oil & Melon Seeds

February 23, 2023

Spain’s Väcka has secured €1.1 million in funding to improve and expand its vegan cheeses made from olive oil and fermented melon seed milk. Participants in the round included Capital V, Big Idea Ventures, and Leanox Venture Capital, along with angel investors such as Rat Gasol and private investors like Birdman CEO Álvaro Martínez Gallardo. Väcka closed the past year with a turnover of €285,000 and a sales increase of almost 300%. With international expansion and a significant increase in points of sale on the cards, the company expects a huge rise in turnover to €1.5 million in 2023. “The amount raised will enable us this year to reach 3,000 points of sale, address international expansion, and grow organically,” said Luz Sanz, co-founder and CEO …

Organisations and brands:

Väcka

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information for decision-makers