England

German investment management firm Comitis Capital ("Comitis") has acquired The Tofoo Co., the UK's No. 2 meat-free brand, which commands over 60% of the market share in tofu.

© The Tofoo Co.
Investments & Acquisitions

The Tofoo Co., the UK’s No. 2 Meat-Free Brand, is Acquired by Comitis Capital

German investment management firm Comitis Capital (“Comitis”) has acquired The Tofoo Co., the UK’s No. 2 meat-free brand, which commands over 60% of the tofu market share. Comitis Capital, which sees The Tofoo Co. ready for its next growth phase, aims to leverage its investment, expertise, and network to expand the brand. Founders David Knibbs and Lydia Smith will remain invested and continue to oversee the company’s growth in the UK and international markets. Nikolaus Bethlen, Managing Partner at Comitis, shares: “The Tofoo Co has firmly established itself as a leader in the plant-based meat alternatives market with a strong brand image offering high-quality products. David Knibbs and Lydia Smith have built a remarkable enterprise that is ready for the next phase of growth. The Tofoo …

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Cardholders made with the biomaterial new grain.

Image courtesy of Arda Biomaterials
Materials

Arda Biomaterials & Beavertown Brewery Introduce “First-of-its-Kind” Spent Barley Grain Cardholders

UK upcycled materials startup Arda Biomaterials continues to work on introducing its animal- and plastic-free material New Grain — developed from spent grain from breweries — to the public. Following a partnership with the sustainable brand BEEN London, Arda announces today a collection of sustainable fashion accessories crafted with New Grain, developed using spent brewery barley grain from London’s iconic craft beer producer Beavertown Brewery. TJ Mitchell, CTO of Arda Biomaterials, shares: “This partnership is a perfect example of how we can be fast-movers in supporting local supply chains and contributing to a circular economy, all while offering consumers unique products directly linked to their favourite breweries and distilleries, such as Beavertown.” Cardholders from your favorite beer The collection’s first product is a limited edition …

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© Boundless

Sweets & Snacks

Bristol’s Boundless Raises £1.5M, Becoming UK’s No.1 Gut Health Snack

Following an investment round of £1.5 million from notable industry investors including Graze co-founder Ben Jones (announced as the company’s director and investor in 2022), and the ex-head of M&S Food, Boundless of Bristol says it has secured its position as the UK’s number one gut health bagged snack. With the value of sales up by 110.2% year-on-year and volume up by 171%, the company’s value share in the Better For You category is leading at 1.6 times faster than its closest competitor according to Boundless, marking 58% year-on-year growth and putting founder & CEO Cathy Moseley in the top 10% of FMCG female founders. Boundless’ vegan-friendly portfolio includes chips in Sour Cream & Onion, Smoky Bacon, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, and Chipotle & …

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Image courtesy of Arda Biomaterials
Leather Alternatives

Animal-Free Snakeskin Handbag Marks Debut from Upcycled Arda Biomaterials & BEEN London in a Benchmark for Fashion

UK upcycled materials startup Arda Biomaterials and sustainable brand BEEN London announce the launch of their first product: a snakeskin-type handbag crafted with an animal- and plastic-free leather-like material called New Grain. Arda’s New Grain, described as an extraordinary next-generation material, is developed from spent grain from breweries, sourced locally from London’s Bermondsey Beer Mile — once a leather tanning district. This launch marks New Grain’s first use of an external product, paving the way for its commercial scalability. The handbag, a version of BEEN’s bestselling MILLAIS bag, will be part of a future collection that includes wallets, laptop cases, and more bag styles. Genia Mineeva, the founder of BEEN London, emphasised the partnership’s role in pioneering sustainable fashion. She added, “As a brand making premium …

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Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein established at Imperial College London

© Imperial College London
Science

Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein Opens at Imperial College London, Will Receive $30M in Funding

The Bezos Earth Fund has announced the launch of a new Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at Imperial College London. The Center will span seven academic departments, focusing on the development and commercialization of sustainable, affordable, nutritious, and tasty alternative food products. This will include research into cultivated meat, precision fermentation, AI, machine learning, nutrition, bioprocessing, and automation. Engineering biology and biofoundries (where cells effectively become mini factories) will be used to develop and scale up new bio-based processes. The Center will also encompass several institutes and facilities, including the Center for Synthetic Biology, the Center for Translational Nutrition & Food Research, and SynbiCITE (the UK’s industrial translation center for synthetic biology). These institutes will help with education, translating discoveries into real-world applications, and commercialization. …

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Kelli raised funds to bring to the market its seaweed coating that can replace plastic

© Kelpi
Packaging

Kelpi Secures £4.3M in Oversubscribed Round to Replace Plastic with Seaweed Coating in Food & Cosmetics Packaging

Bristol-based sustainable packaging innovator Kelpi has secured £4.3 million in investment to scale and commercialize its seaweed-based packaging, which can replace single-use fossil fuel plastics in packaging for food, drinks, and personal care products. The round was led by Blackfinch Ventures, with participation from Green Angel Ventures, Kadmos Partners, QantX, Evenlode Foundation, and the South West Investment Fund. Follow-on investors, including Bristol Private Equity Club (BPEC), One Planet Capital, and private angel investors, backed the material innovator in this round. The company initially sought £3 million and surpassed that target by raising £4.3 million, marking a significant milestone for Kelpi. The funds will be used to advance manufacturing and gain regulatory approval for the bio-based coatings. Additionally, the company will continue its commercial rollout, having …

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La Vie plant-based ham campaign

© La Vie
Marketing & Media

La Vie “Turns London Pink” With New OOH Campaign Celebrating Its Plant-Based Ham

French brand La Vie is celebrating the success of its plant-based ham with a new OOH advertising campaign in “one of the UK’s most ham-centric cities”, London. La Vie’s ham alternative arrived at Tesco and Ocado earlier this year, and is now one of the top three plant-based ham brands sold at Tesco. The product also recently launched at Waitrose stores UK-wide. To mark this success, some of London’s famous black cabs have been turned pink with the message “Take me to BuckingPlant-Basedham Palace”. Additionally, billboards have appeared around the UK with messages such as “For those who love animals, the planet and kids having a future but can’t give up ham sandwiches”. The aim is to ignite conversations about the significance of plant-based meat …

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Michael and Nadina with their mugs and Milky Plant

© Milky Plant

Company News

Milky Plant Reports 400% YOY Growth, Expects £10M Turnover in 3rd Year of Business

London-based Milky Plant, creator of what the company describes as “the only true appliance that can make plant-based milk in the UK”, was founded during lockdown by Nadina Grigoras, originally from Moldova, and Michael Kalu, originally from Nigeria, with a budget of just £500. While other appliances “claim” to make plant-based milk at home, according to Milky Plant, other machines available on the market do not provide the same functionality, operating more like extra fine blenders, not separating the leftover pulp from the milk. With Milky Plant, users can easily create their choice of plant milks, from buckwheat, oat, rice, macadamia, or more adventurous blends like blueberry quinoa, in the luxury of their home. An impressive list of achievements In the space of just a …

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Vegandale touring vegan experience

© Vegandale
Fairs & Events

“World’s Largest Touring Vegan Experience” Vegandale Expands to the UK

Vegandale, the North American festival described as the world’s largest touring vegan experience, is expanding to the UK in 2024. The festival has announced a London event at Clapham Common from July 13-14, and a Manchester event on July 6 (location to be announced). Additionally, there will be an event in Philadelphia this year, adding to the six existing North American locations — New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Dallas. Vegandale features a range of musical performances, with last year’s headlining acts including Rick Ross, Coi Leray, and DJ Khaled. London artists are expected to be announced next month. A diverse range of food, beverage, and lifestyle options will also be available, with the London and Manchester events featuring both local food and …

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Keith Lesser, Vegan Accountants

Keith Lesser Vegan Accountants
Interviews

Vegan Accountants: “Building a Vegan Team is a Great Way to Ensure Retention and Compatibility with Values”

Vegan Accountants, based in East London, serves the unique needs of ethical and plant-based businesses in the UK, having pivoted around five years ago to a purely vegan business model when partner Keith Lesser became increasingly focused on the vegan lifestyle, wanting to work with mission-aligned founders in the space. Recognising the distinct financial and ethical considerations of vegan businesses, Vegan Accountants offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to support businesses in navigating the complex landscape of sustainability-focused finance. With a commitment to promoting ethical business practices, the firm offers expertise in tax, accounting, and financial planning to empower clients ranging from startups to established enterprises. What advice can you give to businesses looking to incorporate ethical practices into their financial management? To be …

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Spacegoods products

© Spacegoods

Investments & Finance

Functional Mushroom Brand Spacegoods Raises £2.5M to Solidify Leadership Position in UK & Europe

Spacegoods, a London-based wellness brand specialising in functional mushrooms and nootropics, announces it has secured £2.5M in a seed round led by FoodTech specialist venture capital firm Five Seasons Ventures, with participation from Redrice Ventures, Slingshot Ventures, and G-FUND. Combining adaptogen mushrooms with nootropics such as ashwagandha and lion’s mane, the products are available in a chocolate flavour and are all vegan, cruelty-free, and can be enjoyed with water or milk or added to teas or protein shakes. The company states It has gained significant momentum since its foundation in 2021, gaining impressive growth primarily through DTC sales, and says it has achieved a strong position in the UK as well as in the Netherlands and Germany. The capital will enable Spacegoods to solidify its …

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© Neat
Fast Food

Neat Burger Announces Rebrand to “Neat” with New Look and Focus on Fresh, Healthy Ingredients

Plant-based fast food concept Neat Burger has announced that it will rebrand to Neat, rolling out a new menu featuring “brighter, healthier and fresher” ingredients. The rebrand is a response to customer feedback and will feature a new look and feel at physical locations, along with the removal of self-service tablets in favor of more interactive customer service. In terms of menu offerings, the change will cater to growing consumer preferences for natural, whole food plant-based meals. The new concept was soft-launched at Neat Victoria and Neat Soho yesterday, February 12, and will officially open at these locations, along with Neat Camden, on February 19. Neat Wembley, along with the chain’s international locations in New York City and Milan, will follow later in the year. …

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© Future Food Systems

Fairs & Events

London’s Spitalfields to Host Future Food Systems 2024: Igniting Innovation

Independent Forums brings Future Food Systems 2024: Igniting Innovation to London for a third year on Thursday 1st February. Taking place at Fora Spitalfields, the event will feature speakers from Nestlé, PepsiCo, Mars, Kellanova, Diageo, Kraft Heinz Company, and Nomad Foods. Future Food System states that the event, which is sponsored by V-Label, will gather stakeholders from the food and beverage sector to discuss how the industry can harness innovation, technology, and financial models to improve the current food system. The 2024 event theme is Igniting Innovation, and sessions include: Unlocking Innovation in the Value Chain: A Systems Approach Realising the Full Potential of Regenerative Agriculture Solving the Protein Puzzle Changing Consumer Habits: Health, Nutrition & Innovation “I’m excited to announce the latest developments for …

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MYCO new CEO David Wood in front of facility

MYCO new CEO David Wood, image supplied
People

MYCO, Producer of Mushroom Protein Hooba, Appoints David Wood of VBites as New CEO Ahead of Expansion

Yorkshire, England-based MYCO, producer of a mushroom protein called Hooba, has appointed David Wood — most recently MD of VBites which sadly called in administrators last week — as new CEO as it enters its next stage of growth predicted to create 70 jobs in the region over the next three years. In his new role, Wood will oversee the launch of MYCO’s new sustainable food strategy at a new 20,000sq foot purpose-built site in North Yorkshire as the company ramps up production. “I’m thrilled to be joining MYCO, especially at such an exciting time in the company’s expansion,” comments Woods. Hooba indistinguishable from meat in taste tests Founded in 2016, the company was originally Hooba in its early iteration and now MYCO Holdings, specialising …

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Le Cordon Bleu Plant-Based Culinary Arts Diplomas

© Le Cordon Bleu
Society

Le Cordon Bleu London Introduces Two Plant-Based Culinary Arts Diplomas

Le Cordon Bleu, the international network of hospitality and culinary institutes teaching French haute cuisine, will begin offering two new plant-based culinary arts diplomas in London. The institute introduced its first Plant-Based Culinary Arts qualification in 2019, but has now added two new plant-based courses — Cuisine and Patisserie — in response to the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian food. The three-month diplomas are open to students of all levels, with no prior culinary experience required. The Cuisine course will explore the flavours and textures of minimally processed whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, looking at how they can be used in global cuisines. Students will learn fundamental skills such as how to prepare stocks and sauces, along with techniques …

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Vegan fine dining restaurant Land

© Land
Food Service

Birmingham-Based Vegan Fine Dining Restaurant ‘Land’ Announces Expansion

Land, a vegan fine dining restaurant in Birmingham, UK, is expanding its premises to accommodate more customers. As reported by Secret Birmingham, the kitchen will double in size to improve efficiency, while the seating area will be able to accommodate six more covers. There will also be a new welcome area, bar seating, lounge chairs, and a wine table. “Land revolves around seasonality and showcasing the best produce from the land. We’re so pleased to be growing and extending with additional areas so more guests can enjoy what we do,” Adrian Luck and Tony Cridland, co-head chefs of Land, told Secret Birmingham. Michelin Guide approved The news comes after Land was featured in this year’s Michelin Guide, which highlighted it as one of the UK’s …

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© Uncommon
Politics & Law

UK Food Standards Agency Unveils New Guidance on Authorisation Process for Cell-Cultivated Products in Great Britain

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has recently released guidance for businesses on cell-cultivated products and the authorisation process to market these products in Great Britain.  The FSA is responsible for food safety and food hygiene in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, this guide is specific to England and Wales.  The FSA’s new guidance combines general food law regulations with novel food and GMO regulations and offers business advice to streamline the authorisation process. It includes definitions, status, application details, and recommendations on product safety, labelling, and tasting trials. The UK government has been looking to streamline the approval for cultivated meat to boost food security and sustainability. Meanwhile, the first cultivated meat product on the market is still pending in the UK. To …

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Neat Burger to close four London locations

© Neat Burger
Fast Food

Neat Burger to Close Four London Locations Following Decrease in Footfall

UK-based vegan restaurant chain Neat Burger has announced it will be closing four of its London locations due to “macro pressures reflected across the industry”. The company said the shift towards remote and hybrid working patterns had reduced footfall, while rising food, energy, and property costs were also negatively impacting sales. Neat Burger’s losses increased by 140% last year, reaching £7.9 million. Consequently, the chain’s restaurants in Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, Oxford Street, and Westfield Stratford will close before Christmas, leaving four remaining locations. Neat Burger says any future expansion will focus on compact, high-footfall locations, and has dropped plans for new sites in Kings Road, Waterloo, Queensway, and the O2 Arena. The chain will also work to expand its delivery radius in partnership with …

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Plant Based World Expo Europe

© Plant Based World Expo Europe
Fairs & Events

Plant Based World Expo Europe Welcomes Over 3,700 Attendees From 25 Countries

Plant Based World Expo Europe — the continent’s largest fully plant-based trade event — took place in London for the third time from November 15-16. This year’s event saw over 3,700 attendees from more than 25 countries, including representatives from food service, retail, and the wider food and beverage sector. Notable attendees included senior decision makers from major companies such as Sodexo and Nestle, as well as university academics, government advisors, and research leads from ProVeg and Plant Futures. Exhibitors such as Upfield highlighted the environmentally friendly credentials of their foods, while others demonstrated products made from vegetables and whole foods — a growing trend as consumers look for less processed and more nutritious options. Meanwhile, plant-based pizzeria Purezza announced its merger with artisan vegan …

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Koocha Mezze Bar Sunday roast

© Koocha Mezze Bar
Food Service

Bristol’s Koocha Mezze Bar Partners With Juicy Marbles for Vegan Roast Dinner

Koocha Mezze Bar, a popular Persian-inspired plant-based restaurant in Bristol, UK, has added a vegan roast dinner to its menu. The centrepiece of the dish is a wellington, featuring Juicy Marbles‘ plant-based steak along with mushroom and chestnut duxelles. The wellington is served on a bed of parsnip hummus, and is accompanied by saffron and rosemary roast potatoes, maple and zaatar glazed carrots, broccoli, parmesan smashed sprouts, Yorkshire pudding, sausage stuffing, and red wine gravy. An optional side of cauliflower cheese is also available. “Today marks the first day of serving you our incredible Koocha Sunday roast dinner, and wow has it gone down a treat!” said Koocha on Instagram. “The feedback so far from you all has been incredible!” The roast will be available …

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