Netherlands

Popular Organisations & Brands
Boermarke vegan cheese

© Boermarke
Company News

Leading Dutch Dairy Company Boermarke Announces it Will Become 100% Plant-Based

Boermarke, a leading Dutch dairy company, announces that after three decades in the dairy industry, it will now focus entirely on the production and development of plant-based dairy products, with the goal of making these products available in all European supermarkets within three years. Following a reported 800 percent growth in its vegan dairy production over the past three years, the company announces it will transfer its animal dairy operations to another Dutch dairy firm, De Zuivelhoeve, and gradually transition the Boermarke range to 100 percent vegan products under its own brand Vairy or via private label. Boermarke’s plant-based cheese is offered at a competitive price and according to the company it is listed at 80 percent of Dutch supermarkets and a large part of …

more

Organisations and brands:

Tempeh Today, Schouten Food

© Schouten Food
Company News

Tempeh Today and Marel India Partner to Install Small-Scale Tempeh Fermentation Units

Henk Schouten, the CEO of plant-based protein company Schouten Europe, launched Tempeh Today in India in 2021, aiming to establish 100 small-scale fermentation units (SFUs) for tempeh production within five years. To reach these goals, CFSS B.V., the company behind Tempeh Today in India, and Marel India Pvt. Ltd. have announced a strategic partnership to boost tempeh production and continue to offer a sustainable solution for proteins in India. Marel India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marel, an international company that provides high-quality equipment, solutions, services, and software for the food processing industry.  Small and micro units for tempeh “The collaboration with Marel is a crucial next step in rolling out the concept. I am thrilled that Marel is supporting this initiative, and I look forward to our future …

more

Organisations and brands:

McDonald's Netherlands new meatless options

© McDonald's Netherlands
Fast Food

McDonald’s Netherlands Launches More Meatless Options, Places Them Before Beef on Menus

McDonald’s Netherlands has added four new options to its meatless range, as the chain works to encourage customers to choose more sustainable alternatives. The new menu items are: McPlant Steakhouse: A beef-style burger with chargrill sauce, temporarily available alongside the original McPlant. The burger is fully plant-based if ordered without cheese. Meatless McKroket: A breaded jackfruit burger that will temporarily replace the conventional meat-based McKroket. The burger is plant-based if ordered without sauce. In blind taste tests, many testers reportedly did not notice that the patty was meatless and described it as having a “signature McDonald’s taste”. Veggie Nuggets: A vegetarian option that will be permanently available. The nuggets contain dairy and eggs, making them unsuitable for vegans. Veggie Chicken Honey Mustard Salad: A salad …

more

Organisations and brands:

Albert Heijn launches AH Terra, an own-label plant-based line with 200 products

© Albert Heijn
Products & Launches

Albert Heijn Launches AH Terra: The Largest Selection of Plant-Based Options in the Netherlands

Albert Heijn (AH), the leading supermarket chain in the Netherlands, has launched AH Terra, an own-label plant-based line comprising 200 products, including 58 NPDs — the largest and most diverse selection of plant-based options available, claims AH. The new AH Terra line encompasses various plant-based categories: milk, cheese, margarine, alt meat, seafood, vegetable spreads, snacks, and appetizers. The first AH Terra products, including margarine, milk, cheese slices, and vegetable spreads, are already available nationwide. Marit van Egmond, CEO of Albert Heijn, comments: “By leading the protein transition and expanding our range with plant-based proteins, we offer our customers the opportunity to make more conscious and sustainable choices. The introduction of own-brand line AH Terra makes plant-based food and drink even easier.” The protein transition The new launch aims to …

more

Organisations and brands:

Mosa CAMPUS

Image courtesy of Mosa Meat
Company News

Mosa Meat Achieves ‘First’ B Corp Certification for a Cultivated Meat Company

Pioneer-cultivated beef company Mosa Meat announces it has become the ‘first’ cultivated meat company to receive B Corp certification. With this certification, Mosa Meat joins a community of more than 5,500 B Corp companies across 85 countries and 158 industries to transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. According to Maarten Bosch, CEO of Mosa Meat, the B Corp Certification confirms the company’s dedication to sustainable practices and it reinforces its leadership in the cellular agriculture industry. Mosa Meat is a privately held company established in the Netherlands, backed by Blue Horizon, Bell Food Group, Nutreco, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Leonardo DiCaprio. To date, the company has raised about $100 million to cultivate meat and mitigate the climate impact of industrial beef production. Creating real meat “We believe …

more

Organisations and brands:

Plant-based skyr by Abbot Kinney’s

© Abbot Kinney’s -Wessanen Benelux
Products & Launches

Abbot Kinney’s Launches Vegan Alternative to Skyr

Dutch company Abbot Kinney’s, a market leader in organic almond and coconut yogurts, milk, and ice creams, has launched an NPD within its yogurt category: the Skyr Protein Coconut, a vegan and ethical version of skyr.  Traditional skyr is consumed similarly to yogurt, although it is considered a whipped cheese due to its composition. The brand explains that its original version is made from skimmed animal milk and active bacteria that ferment it until it achieves its characteristic  thick and creamy texture. Abbot Kinney’s skyr provides seven grams of protein per 150g serving to compete with the traditional product. It also contains active ferments that are said to contribute to the microbiota balance. All its ingredients are 100% organic, and the product is free of …

more

Organisations and brands:

Phycom facility

© Phycom
Investments & Acquisitions

Phycom Secures €9 Million to Scale Microalgae Production for Sustainable Proteins and Nutritious Food

Dutch microalgae specialist Phycom has announced a €9 million investment from key partners, including bioingredient-based foods Corbion, Phase2.earth, Invest-NL, and Invest International. Existing shareholders also backed the company in this round. With the new funds, Phycom will grow its high-quality microalgae at an industrial scale, improve its technology, and expand its marketing activities. Additionally, the investment will allow the Phycom team to expand and appoint new complementary board members. President of Corbion Algae Ingredients, Ruud Peerbooms, said: “Phycom’s shown capabilities offer great potential, and we believe combining complementary strengths through this collaborative partnership will help us continue to redefine what’s possible through algae-based technologies.”  Sustainable proteins  Phycom is a B2B company based in Veenendaal, Gelderland, founded in 2018 to offer algae cultivation optimization services and high-quality …

more

Organisations and brands:

Vivera salmon

©Vivera

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Vivera: Fall in Alt Meat Sales Caused by Cost of Living, Not Declining Consumer Interest

Dutch brand Vivera has commented that economic conditions such as inflation and the rising cost of living are to blame for the dip in alt meat sales, countering media claims that consumers are losing interest in the sector. Speaking to Dutch publication Tubantia, Vivera points out that while alt meat sales have fallen by 1.9% in the Netherlands this year, conventional meat sales are down even more at 5.5%. Meanwhile, fish sales have fallen by a huge 13%. Consequently, the decline can be attributed to consumers reducing their spending on more costly items. “Everything has become more expensive, including in supermarkets. You see people cutting back on their groceries and buying less food,” said Vivera Marketing Director Karin Lowik. Furthermore, Vivera is still seeing double-digit …

more

Organisations and brands:

Netherlands THIS Bacon Packshot

Image courtesy of THIS
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

THIS Secures First International Listings with the Netherlands’ Largest Supermarket Chain

UK alt meat brand THIS announces its first international launch through an exclusive partnership with Albert Heijn, the Netherlands’ largest supermarket chain. Four of the brand’s best-selling plant-based meats, THIS Isn’t Beef Burgers, THIS Isn’t Chicken Pieces, THIS Isn’t Pork Sausages, and THIS Isn’t Streaky Bacon, will be available across 430 Albert Heijn stores from the 11th of September. The debut of THIS products in the Netherlands marks a significant milestone for the brand as it continues to succeed in the plant-based food industry with its realistic alternatives. At the beginning of the year, the food tech company secured £15 million to increase its R&D capabilities, consolidate supply chains, and expand overseas. Its recent launches in the UK include THIS Isn’t Beef Burgers and three on-the-go products featuring the brand’s famous bacon …

more

Organisations and brands:

Netherlands flag

© Sokarys - stock.adobe.com
Food Service

Ten Dutch Caterers Commit to Selling 60% Plant-Based Proteins by 2030

Ten Dutch corporate caterers have joined forces with animal welfare organisation Wakker Dier to increase the proportion of plant-based proteins they sell. The companies — Appèl, Cater Concept, Hospitalents, Hutten, Markies Catering, Rootz Kitchen, SAB, Van Leeuwen Catering, Vitam, and Zo-vital — have committed to the objective of making 50% of the proteins they sell plant-based by 2025. By 2030, this figure will rise to 60%. The ratio of animal to plant-based proteins sold each year will be monitored and publicly reported. Currently, just 40% of the protein consumed in the Netherlands is estimated to come from plant sources. The country’s government has pledged to increase this to 50% by 2030, lower than the target set by Wakker Dier. Majority plant-based Support for plant-based diets …

more

Organisations and brands:

Vegan Zeastar King No Crab Skewer

© Vegan Zeastar
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Vegan Zeastar Introduces “World’s First” Plant-Based King Crab at Lower Cost to Real Thing

In response to the rapid decline of king crab populations due to overfishing and climate change, Netherlands-based Vegan Zeastar has launched a plant-based alternative that it claims is a world first. Said to provide the same taste and texture as conventional king crab, the product is suitable for use in a range of dishes, including sushi, poke bowls, crab cakes, salads, and on toast. It also provides a more affordable alternative, as king crab prices have skyrocketed following a ban on harvesting in Alaska. Due to its lack of shell, the plant-based king crab can be handled easily. It is sold frozen for a long shelf life, and is free of palm oil and GMOs. “Vegan Zeastar is all about unique and revolutionary plant-based seafood, …

more

Organisations and brands:

FPP Live

© FPP Live
Fairs & Events

FPP Live to Take Place in Amsterdam With 500 Attendees & 65+ Speakers

FPP Live (The Future of Protein Production) is set to take place in Amsterdam in October, with over 500 delegates expected to attend. 30 companies will exhibit at the event, and there will be over 14 hours of content across two days. The conference and exhibition build on the success of the annual Future of Protein Production Summit, which is described as “the industry’s preeminent virtual platform for showcasing the latest innovative breakthroughs to help accelerate the commercialization and scaling of alt proteins”. At the conference, attendees can meet entrepreneurs, investors, technology suppliers, experts, and thought leaders from major companies. Topics discussed will include scaling, regulations, manufacturing strategy, sourcing, consumer acceptance, and funding. Eugene Wang of Sophie’s Bionutrients, Mark Post of Mosa Meat, and Lorena …

more

Organisations and brands:

Esther van Voorden, general board member, NVV

Esther van Voorden, Image credit Wim Roefs
Interviews

Nederlandse Vereniging voor Veganisme (NVV): “Our Goal is to Veganize the Entire Country!”

The Dutch Association for Veganism (NVV), founded in 1978, is the largest member association for veganism in the Netherlands and also acts as the Netherlands’ knowledge center on veganism. NVV says, “We stand up for all animals and for the interests of vegans,” and is working to promote a vegan lifestyle and end the exploitation of animals. The organization monitors the use of the term veganism and regularly intervenes in the public debate to promote the interests of vegans, and works to raise awareness of the use of animals and the consequences it has towards humans, animals, and the environment. We spoke with Esther van Voorden, general board member, to find out more about the organization. Please introduce Nederlandse Vereniging voor Veganisme (NVV) and tell …

more

Jim Laird (CEO) and Elaine Ferguson (CFO).

Jim Laird (CEO) and Elaine Ferguson (CFO) - Image courtesy of ENOUGH
Investments & Finance

ENOUGH Secures €40M to Scale Production of Mycoprotein to Meet Demand for Sustainable Proteins

Food tech company ENOUGH announces it has raised €40 million in funding to increase the production of its mycoprotein ingredient ABUNDA to meet the growing demand for sustainable proteins. This new funding brings the total capital raised by ENOUGH to over €95 million.  Based in The Netherlands and the UK, ENOUGH currently has a team of 56 employees. With the new injection of capital, the company also aims to double its workforce in Glasgow, London, and Sas van Gent.  The round was co-led by World Fund, a European climate tech VC, and previous investor CPT Capital. Axa Impact Fund (AXA IM Alts), 280ppm (HAL Investments), Olympic Investments Inc. (Onassis Group), Tailored Solutions, and Scottish Enterprise also backed ENOUGH in this round. “The alternative protein market is a …

more

Organisations and brands:

Vivici cow logo

© Vivici
Fermentation

Netherlands-Based Vivici Closes Seed Round to Bring Animal-Free Dairy Proteins to Market

Newcomer Vivici B.V., a Dutch B2B ingredients company, announces it has successfully closed its seed funding round to bring to market animal-free animal-free dairy proteins made with precision fermentation, with strategic support from founding investors dsm-firmenich Venturing and Fonterra.   Headquartered at the Biotech Campus Delft and a dairy protein application lab in the Food Valley at NIZO food research, leveraging the Netherlands’ network and access to scale-up facilities and talent, the company draws on the founders’ experience in developing and scaling bioprocesses. Fonterra Chief Innovation & Brand Officer Komal Mistry-Mehta, says: “Vivici is an exciting opportunity to combine dsm-firmenich’s world-leading precision fermentation expertise with Fonterra’s world-leading dairy science and technology.”     Vivici was incorporated in December 2022 to bring animal-free dairy proteins to …

more

Organisations and brands:

Meatable's co-founders

Meatable's co-founders Daan Luining (R) and Krijn de Noo - Image courtesy of Meatable
Investments & Finance

Meatable Raises $35M for Cultivated Pork, Bringing Total Raised to $95M

Dutch cultivated meat company Meatable announces it has raised $35 million in a new funding round to accelerate the launch of its pork products, sausages, and dumplings, poised for launch in Singapore in next year. This new funding will also help the company optimize its production process to become cost-competitive and scale to commercial volumes successfully. Meatable claims it can grow cultivated pork sausage in only eight days — 30 times faster than rearing a pig for pork. This world’s breakthrough and its efforts to receive regulatory approval in Singapore have put the company in the spotlight. Led by Agronomics, the round saw a new investor, the Dutch fund Invest NL, which backed Meatable with $17 million. Previous investors, including BlueYard, Bridford, MilkyWay, DSM Venturing, …

more

Organisations and brands:

V-Label FF event banner

© V-Label
Fairs & Events

V-Label Announces Partnership with Free From Trade Fairs

V-Label, the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, announces a new partnership with Expo Business Communications, the organiser of the Free From Functional Food & Ingredients Expo. Companies whose vegan and vegetarian products are licenced by V-Label may now benefit from an attractive participation package for the upcoming fair in Amsterdam. The 11th edition of the Free From Food Expo will take place on 21-22 November 2023 in RAI Amsterdam. The event promises to be the most focused, dynamic, and exciting Free From Food edition yet providing insight into the most important food lifestyle trends as well as what will be on the shelves five years from now. “Because of the partnership we can offer V-Label licensees a very attractive participation package for the upcoming …

more

Organisations and brands:

Max&Bien plant-based gouda range

© Max&Bien
Cheese Alternatives

Max&Bien Relaunches Plant-Based Gouda Range With New Flavour

Amsterdam-based vegan cheese producer Max&Bien has launched a new and improved version of its plant-based gouda range. The range features a new flavour — Tomato & Olive — alongside previous flavours Truffle and Herbs & Garlic. The structure is said to have been improved to make it smoother and finer, and the company has also switched to local ingredients to make the cheeses more sustainable. “This new taste with sun-ripened tomatoes and mild olives creates a true Mediterranean taste explosion,” says co-founder and culinary chef Maxine Agyeman. World-first Max&Bien is said to have been the first company worldwide to develop plant-based gouda wheels. The brand launched at major Dutch supermarket Jumbo in November, stocked alongside conventional cheese; the price is also comparable to dairy-based gouda. …

more

Organisations and brands:

Mycorena's clean-label fungi-based fat is commercially available

© Mycorena
Fairs & Events

Hanson Wade Announces Alternative Protein Summits in Amsterdam & San Francisco

Life science research and events provider Hanson Wade is hosting two upcoming alternative protein summits focused on fermentation and cellular agriculture. The Fermentation-Enabled Alternative Protein Summit Europe is taking place for the second time from tomorrow (July 11) to July 13. There is still time to register for the event, which will be held at the Steigenberger Airport Hotel in Amsterdam. The summit will explore the potential of biomass and precision fermentation, discussing how fermented proteins can be brought to market. Companies such as Quorn Foods, Maya Milk, and Mycorena will be in attendance. “Fresh ideas” Hanson Wade is also preparing to host the Downstream Processing (DSP) for Alternative Proteins & Cellular Agriculture Summit, which will take place in San Francisco from September 26-28. The …

more

Organisations and brands:

The Netherlands has become the first European country to allow cultivated meat and seafood tastings

Image courtesy of Meatable
Politics & Law

The Netherlands Makes History as First European Country to Allow Cultivated Meat and Seafood Tastings

The Netherlands has become the first European country to allow cultivated meat and seafood tastings, even before an EU novel food approval. Today the Dutch government announced that the much-awaited tastings will soon take place under limited conditions. Although the first piece of cultivated meat was developed in the Netherlands, until now, it was illegal for anyone — even scientists — to taste it. But after this historic agreement, investors, partners, consumers, and scientists will soon taste Mosa Meat’s beef burgers, Meatable‘s cultivated pork, and future developments. Krijn de Nood, CEO at Meatable, comments: “This is great news for the Netherlands. We know cultivated meat can significantly help reduce climate impact. By enabling the tasting of cultivated meat, The Netherlands maintains its pioneering role in Europe and …

more

Organisations and brands:

load more