London

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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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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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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vegan business conference organisers Lisa and David

© Vegan Business Tribe
Fairs & Events

Vegan Business Tribe Live Returns to VegFestUK London with “Rockstar” Speaker Lineup

After a hugely successful premiere in 2022, Vegan Business Tribe Live returns to VegFestUK London 2023 with a speaker lineup of vegan business owners, including the founders of THIS, One Planet Pizza, and Better Nature. Organised by the online vegan business support community Vegan Business Tribe and sponsored by Vegan Accountants, the programme features live events, panels, workshops, and networking to “showcase the best of the vegan scene and help those looking to grow a vegan business.” “I attended the first Vegan Business Tribe Live last year with some ideas about setting up my own business. A year on, I’m now running an award-winning food business in Bristol and am already expanding. The information I learned at the event was crucial for getting me off …

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Lambeth borough endorses the Plant Based Treaty

© Plant Based Treaty
Charity & Campaigns

Lambeth Becomes First London Borough to Endorse Global Plant Based Treaty

Lambeth has become the first borough of London, UK, to endorse the global Plant Based Treaty in an attempt to cut food-related emissions. As part of the endorsement, Lambeth Council has pledged to improve access to plant-based foods among residents, with the aim of promoting food security and better health as well as lower emissions. Vulnerable households will receive vouchers to buy fresh local produce, while fruit and vegetable intake will be promoted to children through school activities. The council will also measure its food-related emissions and work to reduce them; this will include lowering the consumption of animal products at council-run events. Businesses that prioritise sustainable agriculture practices and food procurement will be supported, while council communications channels will be used to promote sustainable …

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PBWE Europe

© PBWE Europe
Fairs & Events

PBWE Europe Reveals Plant-Based 2.0 Trends, Highlights The UK’s Long-Term Growth

Ahead of the upcoming event and its return to London next month, Plant Based World Expo Europe (PBWE Europe), the largest 100% plant-based trade event in the region, provides insights on the present and future of the sector and unveils its predictions on food trends for what it calls the plant-based 2.0 industry. PBWE Europe says it projects long-term growth for the UK’s plant-based food industry, with the market growing by 9.58% and London being “officially” the most vegan-friendly city in the world, according to the organisers. The UK’s growth is framed under the global plant-based food market, expected to reach $115.3 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 16.5%. Mirroring the market, PPBWE Europe says it is also experiencing growth and preparing …

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Mike Hill of veg-net

Mike Hill. Image supplied.
Fairs & Events

New Plant-Based Brand Event veg-net Sees “Unprecedented Demand”

veg-net, a new in-person event that will connect plant-based brands with buyers and experts, says it is seeing huge demand and support from the industry. Several leading plant-based organisations — including Veg Capital, Kale United, The Vegan Society, ProVeg International, and Vegan Business Tribe — have already come on board as strategic partners of the event, which will take place for the first time on June 5 next year. “As ProVeg, we are thrilled to support and attend the inaugural veg-net networking event set for June 2024,” said Mathilde Alexandre of ProVeg International. “In these dynamic and transformative times, it is paramount to foster events that unite the entire plant-based sector, bringing together brands, buyers, and industry organizations. This event presents a unique opportunity for …

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Colourful plant-based signage at PBWE 2022

© Plant Based World Expo Europe
Fairs & Events

PBWE Europe Reveals Lineup for November Including Veganuary Film Premiere

Plant Based World Expo Europe reveals the conference lineup for the Plant Based World Pulse Theatre, taking place at ExCeL London on 15th and 16th November 2023. Excitingly, PBWE, the largest 100% plant-based trade event in Europe, is set to feature the UK film premiere of “It’ll Never Catch On: The Veganuary Story 10 Years On” (Nov 16, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm), a short film marking a decade of the world-famous vegan movement. The viewing will be followed by a Q&A session with the charity’s founders Jane Land and Matthew Glover. Leadership addresses and panels The theatre will bring together academics, regulatory advisors, thought leaders, and industry organisations, discussing the collective challenges affecting the UK’s vegan food industry and strategies to plan and implement …

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© En Root/The Railway Tavern
Food Service

South London’s The Railway Tavern Becomes Latest Pub to Go Permanently Vegan

Following the sad closure of many vegan restaurants due to rising costs, there has been some good news this month as London’s The Railway Tavern confirms it is becoming permanently plant-based. For the past three months, the Tulse Hill pub has been hosting a popup by En Root, a London restaurant group offering Indian-inspired vegan cuisine. The collaboration has proven such a success that En Root has permanently taken over The Railway Tavern’s kitchen, making it South London’s first fully plant-based pub. The menu features dishes such as crispy oyster mushroom burgers, Tandoori wings with chickpea batter, and a poppadom-based nacho-style dish. Desserts include mango lassi cheesecake and beetroot blueberry cacao brownies, while on Sundays a plant-based wellington is available. All drinks are also plant-based. …

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Mango jerky for dogs by Lily's Kitchen

Image courtesy of Lily's Kitchen
Pet Food

Lily’s Kitchen Finds Success in Plant Power Meals and Treats for Dogs

As demand for vegan pet food soars, natural pet food brand Lily’s Kitchen, acquired by Nestlé Purina PetCare, has been expanding its vegan range for dogs into independent pet shops and retailers such as Sainsbury’s and Pets at Home. Lily’s Kitchen was founded in 2008 by Henrietta Morrison in London to offer dogs and cats natural and healthy wet and dry foods. The brand became popular among younger pet owners and millennials, and by 2019, its products retailed in 6,000 stores in 30 countries worldwide. In 2020, Nestlé Purina PetCare acquired the premium pet food company valued at an estimated £85 million. In 2021, after the rise in dog options during the pandemic lockdown and the new consumer awareness of the benefits of plant-based food, …

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Plant Based World Expo

© Plant Based World Expo
Fairs & Events

V-Label Invites Licensees to Feature in Pavilion at PBW Europe

V-Label, an internationally recognised symbol for labelling vegan and vegetarian products, has announced that there are a limited number of booths remaining in its pavilion at Plant Based World Expo Europe (PBW) later this year. The pavilion is exclusively for V-Label licensees, though those who are in the process of becoming licensed are also eligible. As part of the collaboration between V-Label and PBW, this year’s V-Label Awards will also be taking place at the event, and those with booths in the pavilion will receive free entry to the Awards for three of their products. According to V-Label, the pavilion will be a high-traffic area, so licensees will be able to gain significant exposure. V-Label’s participation in the show program should also bring increased attention. …

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Camilla Barnard, co founder Rude Health

Camilla Barnard © Rude Health

Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Rude Health: “Since 2005 We Have Continued to Challenge the Assumption That Healthy Food is Bland and Boring”

B Corp-certified Rude Health was born in 2005 when Nick and Camilla Barnard created the Ultimate Muesli around their kitchen table. Now 18 years later, the London brand sells a wide range of clean-label dairy-free m*lks, mueslis and cereals, crackers, and snack bars that have earned an impressive 23 Great Taste awards. There’s even a Rude Health cafe, located at the New King’s Road in Fulham. The Rude Health plant milks include the consumer favourites like coconut, soy, oat, and almond but also encompass more unusual offerings such as brown rice and cashew milks (vegconomist has sampled and can confirm they are delicious) and the products are all created with natural ingredients as well as being free of palm oil. We were pleased to chat …

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PBWE 2022 show floor

© PBWE Europe
Fairs & Events

PBWE Europe: Registration Now Open as the Biggest Plant-Based Industry Event Prepares to Return to London

Announcing the commencement of attendee registration this month, the Plant Based World Expo Europe enters its third year with great anticipation. Taking place on the 15th and 16th of November 2023, the event relocates to the expansive ExCeL London; a growing space for an evolving industry. Over the course of two days, professionals from the food and beverage industry will get the chance to surround themselves with the latest groundbreaking plant-based products, gain insights from industry leaders, and forge connections to advance their businesses. This truly global trade show unites manufacturers from across international markets, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity a glimpse of products yet to reach UK shores. Household names will join startups and growing brands from all categories, including meat alternatives, non-dairy, snacks, …

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WNWN founders

© WNWN Food Labs
Sweets & Snacks

Alt Choc Pioneer WNWN Reveals Milk Chocolate Without Either Milk or Cocoa

London-based WNWN Food Labs, the first to bring cocoa-free chocolate to market, today announces that its first “milk” chocolate products are in the pipeline. WNWN’s milk chocolate is free from cocoa and dairy and features oats as well tiger nuts, sustainably sourced from Spain where they are known as chufas, traditionally used in the traditional Spanish drink Horchata. WNWN describes its milk chocolate as “sweeter and creamier than its dark counterpart, with notes of mocha, malt, and hazelnut, and a buttery finish”.  Having raised $5.6 million (£4.5m) to bring its cocoa-free chocolate range to UK retail this February and then going on to create the “world’s first” cocoa-free chocolate Easter egg, WNWN now reports that it has successfully completed the recipe and process for a …

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© Manna
Fundraising

56-Year-Old Vegan Restaurant Frequented by Paul McCartney Seeks Funding for Expansion

Manna, a vegan restaurant that first opened in London in 1967, is seeking funding to expand its brand and potentially open locations in other UK cities. After starting life as a vegetarian restaurant, Manna is now fully plant-based, serving wholesome, seasonal, freshly made dishes. It aims to cater to all allergies and dietary requirements, which includes providing kosher options. Historically, the restaurant has been frequented by celebrities such as Paul McCartney. Manna is a huge supporter of animal welfare and protection, hosting a variety of charity and fundraising events. In September, a fundraising dinner for All Dogs Matter was held at the restaurant, featuring actor Peter Egan (the charity’s patron). The animal rights groups North London Fox Sabs, Animal Equality, and Animal Rising have also …

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