Global/International

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Sustainability / Environment

Over 100 Stakeholders Endorse Plant-Based Diets for Climate Action at Pre-COP30 Conference

A global initiative calling for a transition to plant-based diets was introduced today at the UN’s pre-COP30 climate change conference in Bonn, Germany. The Belém Declaration on Plant-Rich Diets, which has garnered support from over 100 signatories, including prominent organizations such as the City of West Hollywood, GFI Brazil, Plant Based Treaty and ProVeg International, outlines the environmental, health, and economic benefits of adopting plant-based eating patterns. 100+ voices unite The Declaration advocates for a two-fold approach: preserving the plant-rich culinary heritage of the Global South while addressing the overconsumption of meat in the Global North. The initiative showcases how plant-based diets can help mitigate climate change, improve public health, and enhance food security worldwide, and will be presented to COP30 summit organizers in Belém, …

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get focus cultivated meat

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Studies & Numbers

Cultivated Meat Technologies on Track to Outpace Traditional Farming, Study Finds

A new report from technology forecasting firm GetFocus reveals that lab-grown meat technologies are advancing at a faster rate than traditional livestock farming, signaling potential for earlier-than-expected cost-competitive production. The analysis, based on GetFocus’s proprietary Technology Improvement Rate (TIR) methodology, shows that bioreactors – the core technology for cultivated meat production – are doubling in capability every 3.6 years, a pace significantly ahead of conventional farming’s improvements. Since 2013, these bioreactors have demonstrated a consistent 20% improvement rate year-over-year, outpacing traditional agricultural methods, which require 4-5 years for equivalent progress. From $330K to $12 According to GetFocus CEO Jard van Ingen, the data illustrates substantial technological advancement. “While many still view lab-grown meat as science fiction, the data paints a picture of rapid technological development,” …

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Food Brewer cocoa

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Investments & Finance

Foodtech VC Investment Fell Sharply in Q1 2025, But Alt Proteins Remained Active

According to a new report by PitchBook, foodtech VC investment fell sharply in the first quarter of 2025, with deal value down 49.6% QoQ. $1.4 billion of venture capital was invested over 202 deals in Q1, representing an annual run rate of $5.6 billion over 808 deals. In comparison, $10.3 billion was invested over 1,127 deals last year, while a huge $49.8 billion was invested over 2,721 deals in 2021. According to PitchBook, dealmaking has been slowed by high investor selectivity. However, alternative proteins have done relatively well — they were the second-largest foodtech investment category over the past 12 months, with $1.7 billion invested over 199 deals despite headwinds facing the industry. Within the category, fermentation was particularly successful. Notably, Food Brewer — the …

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Thijs Bosch and Sue Garfitt The Protein Brewery

Thijs Bosch and Sue Garfitt © The Protein Brewery

Company News

Former Cosun Executive Thijs Bosch Succeeds Sue Garfitt as CEO of The Protein Brewery

The Protein Brewery announced a leadership change with the appointment of Thijs Bosch as its new CEO, succeeding Sue Garfitt, who will transition into a non-executive role. This shift follows the company’s recent Series A fundraising and marks a strategic transition as the company advances its operations and market presence. Thijs Bosch brings over 15 years of experience in the food ingredients sector, particularly in plant-based protein markets. Prior to joining The Protein Brewery, he held senior leadership positions at Cosun, where he spearheaded the development and scaling of plant protein initiatives, and at Fonterra, a dairy ingredients company, serving most recently as Managing Director Europe. Building on a strong foundation Bosch stated, “I am honored to join The Protein Brewery at this pivotal stage. …

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Planet stock

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Software / AI

Bezos Earth Fund Awards 24 Grants Totaling $1.2M for AI-Driven Climate Solutions

The Bezos Earth Fund has awarded 24 Phase I grants under its AI Grand Challenge for Climate and Nature, an initiative that aims to use artificial intelligence to accelerate solutions to the world’s biggest environmental challenges. Each chosen project will receive $50,000, taking the total amount of funding granted to $1.2 million. Later this year, up to 15 of the most promising will be selected for Phase II, receiving implementation grants of $2 million each to further develop and scale their solutions over a two-year period. The AI Grand Challenge has been launched with a commitment of up to $100 million, and will explore the potential of AI to address issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss. It focuses on sustainable proteins, power grid …

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Society

Social Media “Super-Spreaders” of Nutrition Misinformation Risk Public Health for Millions

A joint investigation by Rooted Research Collective and the Freedom Food Alliance has identified 53 social media influencers spreading nutrition advice that conflicts with global public health guidelines. The study estimates that up to 24 million social media users could be exposed to potentially harmful dietary recommendations promoted by these individuals. The report, Nutrition Misinformation in the Digital Age, categorizes these influencers as “super-spreaders,” noting that 87% have no medical or health-related qualifications. Despite this, approximately one in five present themselves as credentialed experts without verifiable evidence. Their content predominantly promotes extreme diets such as carnivore, ketogenic, and raw milk consumption, while often dismissing plant-based diets as harmful or deficient. This runs counter to international recommendations encouraging dietary diversity, moderation, and plant-forward eating patterns with …

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Tourism & Travel

Novotel Advances Plant-Forward Strategy Across 600 Hotels, Targets 25% Plant-Based Menus by 2026

Novotel has announced a global expansion of its plant-forward food strategy, setting a target for at least 25% of menu offerings across its 600 hotels to be plant-based by 2026. Currently, 39% of its locations already meet this threshold. The initiative is part of the strategic focus on integrating sustainability into the brand’s culinary operations, in alignment with its ongoing partnership with WWF France. The plant-forward ambition seeks to provide scalable, sustainable menu options that balance consumer demand for taste, health, and environmental impact. Novotel is collaborating with culinary institutes to develop recipes that meet these criteria, positioning the brand within a competitive market where plant-based dining is increasingly a business imperative. Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President, stated, “At Novotel, we are committed to …

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Ingredion

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Business Wire

Protein Alternative Market Focused Insights 2025-2030 | Alternative Proteins Poised for Growth as Global Market to Hit USD 36.17 Billion by 2030 – ResearchAndMarkets.com

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “Protein Alternative Market – Focused Insights 2025-2030” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. The Protein Alternative Market was valued at USD 21.76 Billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 36.17 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 8.84%. The anticipated global population surge to 8.5 billion by 2030, as projected by the United Nations, underscores an urgent need for innovative food production solutions. To meet the escalating demand, the plant-based and alternative protein market is poised for substantial growth. These alternatives, which offer sustainable and efficient methods of food production, can significantly alleviate pressure on traditional agriculture. By leveraging advancements in biotechnology and sustainable farming practices, plant-based proteins and lab-grown meats can provide nutritious, eco-friendly food options. This shift …

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Vevolution acquired by Big Idea Ventures

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Investments & Acquisitions

Big Idea Ventures Acquires Investment Platform Vevolution

Vevolution, the platform connecting startups and innovators in the bioeconomy with impact investors and corporate partners, has been acquired by Big Idea Ventures. Claiming to be the world’s most active investor in food technology, Big Idea Ventures is a global venture capital firm that has backed numerous breakthrough teams in alternative proteins, sustainable agriculture, and food innovation. Following the acquisition, the firm aims to make Vevolution a leading investment platform, supporting companies with new investment opportunities, enhanced matchmaking tools, and deeper collaboration across the food, agriculture, and bioeconomy ecosystem. Since launching, Big Idea Ventures has invested in more than 150 startups and built a broad network across the corporate and institutional investment landscape. The firm not only backs innovative teams, but also manages a fund …

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Solyve

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Investments & Acquisitions

Lallemand to Expand Production Capacity via Proposed Acquisition of French Baking Ingredient Firms

Lallemand Inc., a Canadian-based producer of yeast, bacteria, fungi, and enzyme solutions, is in exclusive talks to acquire AIT Ingredients and Solyve, two subsidiaries of the French milling group Moulins Soufflet, itself part of the larger agricultural cooperative Groupe InVivo. Founded in Canada, Lallemand operates over 50 manufacturing facilities worldwide and employs approximately 5,500 people. Its portfolio serves a broad set of industries including baking, human and animal nutrition, biofuels, distilled spirits, crop protection, oenology, and brewing. Lallemand’s CEO Antoine Chagnon noted the geographical and sectoral expansion the acquisition would bring: “With the presence of AIT Ingredients in France, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, APAC and Africa, and Solyve in France, these proposed acquisitions will reinforce our presence and increase our global footprint and production capacity and …

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Dairy giants failing to address methane emissions, stock

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Sustainability / Environment

Analysis Finds Dairy & Coffee Giants Are Turning a Blind Eye to Methane Emissions

A new analysis by the Changing Markets Foundation has found that some of the world’s biggest makers and users of dairy products are failing to address their methane emissions. 20 major dairy producers and coffee house chains were scored on their methane reduction goals, action plans, accounting, and reporting. Of these, 17 acknowledged that methane or livestock is a climate problem; the exceptions were Dunkin’, Starbucks, and the UK dairy company Froneri. However, only two firms — Nestlé and Danone — claim to have reduced their methane emissions. Most do not have clear methane-related targets, action plans, or even transparency on emissions. Furthermore, none have pledged to reduce their dairy product sales. 18 out of the 20 companies scored less than half the available points, …

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Puppy in pet aisle

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Pet Food

Study: Transitioning Pets to Vegan Diets is a “Significant Climate Change Mitigation Strategy”

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems has concluded that feeding pets a nutritionally sound vegan diet is a “significant extant climate change mitigation strategy which warrants immediate implementation”. The study cites research showing that 25-30% of the environmental impacts of livestock production in the US have been attributed to companion animal diets. It also claims that in Japan, the environmental impacts of a medium dog’s diet are greater than those of the average person’s diet. In wealthy countries with high rates of pet ownership, the benefits of shifting dogs away from meat-based diets are said to be equivalent to between a quarter and a third of the environmental benefits achievable through human dietary change. The role of animal byproducts …

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Oatly publishes new sustainability plan

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Sustainability / Environment

Oatly Publishes Updated Sustainability Plan, Becomes First Food Brand to Qualify as Climate Solutions Company

Oat milk brand Oatly has published an updated sustainability plan featuring goals to reduce climate emissions and contribute to societal net zero. The plan also outlines new commitments to protecting nature, promoting nutritious diets, and empowering people to help futureproof the food system. With the publication of the plan, Oatly has become the first food and drink brand to qualify as a Climate Solutions Company, according to the Exponential Roadmap Initiative (ERI) framework. The ERI acknowledges that Oatly has reduced consumers’ climate impact by encouraging them to shift away from dairy. Along with updating its targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, Oatly says it has become the first company to trial a new model called “Spheres of Influence” in …

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Planteneers UPF

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Interviews

Planteneers on UPFs: All Ultra-Processed, All Unhealthy?

“Precision Wellness” is one of the current top trends, according to Innova Market Insights. The focus is on healthy nutrition, including gut health, ideally personalized to the individual needs of consumers. But what is “healthy nutrition”? By what criteria are foods classified as healthy? Health organizations like the German Nutrition Society, the World Health Organization, and America’s FDA derive their nutrition recommendations first and foremost from the content of macro- and micronutrients, sugar, and salt in foods. Another classification scheme currently being widely discussed is the NOVA system, which categorizes foods exclusively based on their degree of processing. This four-stage system differentiates between unprocessed or minimally processed foods, foods with processed ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods or UPFs. According to nutrition experts this last …

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Prodotti Rubicone

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Ingredients

Prodotti Rubicone Launches Vegan Açai-Based Ingredients for Gelato and Beverage Markets

Prodotti Rubicone, an Italian company specializing in gelato and pastry ingredients since 1959, has launched two açai-based products aimed at the growing demand for natural, functional ingredients in food and beverage applications. The new offerings, Top Fruit Açai concentrated paste and Soft Açai powder, are designed for use in both artisanal gelato and soft-serve production, as well as in beverages like smoothies and milkshakes. Açai’s superfood power Açai, a berry native to Brazil, is known for its health benefits, including anti-aging and detoxifying properties, and has gained popularity worldwide for its “superfood” status. Prodotti Rubicone’s new ingredients incorporate these benefits while providing convenient solutions for product makers. The Top Fruit Açai paste is a ready-to-use concentrated product with a high percentage of fruit purée, requiring …

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Oatly WPMD

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Facts & Figures

Oatly Publishes Q1 Financial Results, Says It Remains on Track for First Full Year of Profitable Growth

Swedish oat milk brand Oatly has published its financial results for the first quarter of 2025. Q1 revenue was $197.5 million, a 0.8% decrease compared to the prior year period; however, if a foreign currency exchange headwind of $3.0 million is excluded, revenue increased by 0.7%. Gross margin was 31.6%, which is a 4.5% increase. First quarter net loss attributable to shareholders of the parent was $12.4 million, an improvement of $33.4 million compared to the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA loss was $3.7 million, an improvement of $9.5 million. Based on these results, Oatly continues to expect that it will achieve its first full year of profitable growth in 2025. It predicts constant currency revenue growth in the range of 2% to 4%, positive …

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Galactic launches oregano flavor

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Ingredients

Galactic Develops Natural Solution to Bring Freshness & Oregano Flavor to Plant-Based Proteins

Galactic, a producer of antimicrobials, lactic acid, and its derivatives, has unveiled a natural solution that can bring real oregano flavor to plant-based products while also preserving their freshness. The company is showcasing the ingredient, called Galimax Flavor O-50, at the meat industry trade fair IFFA 2025 (currently taking place in Frankfurt). At the event, Galactic is hosting live cooking demonstrations to show how the clean-label product can help manufacturers develop additive- and preservative-free recipes. Galimax Flavor O-50 is produced using an extraction process that combines traditional infusion and fermentation techniques with Galactic’s proprietarytechnology. This helps to harness the flavor and preservation qualities inherent in natural herbs. The new ingredient is described as having a well-rounded sensory profile that makes it ideal for a range …

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B Corp certification

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Sustainability / Environment

B Corp Certification Gets a Major Update with New Standards to Tackle Urgent Global Issues

B Lab has introduced a new set of standards for B Corp Certification, marking a major update in the certification process. The updated standards, which represent the seventh iteration, establish clearer and more rigorous performance criteria for businesses seeking certification. The changes aim to drive more effective action on urgent social and environmental issues, including the climate crisis and rising social inequality. A more demanding certification The new framework shifts away from cumulative point scoring, requiring B Corps to meet specific standards across seven key “Impact Topics,” ensuring a more holistic approach to business performance. These topics include climate action, human rights, fair work, environmental stewardship, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Businesses must also develop governance structures that align with these priorities and demonstrate …

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Green peas

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Science

New Scientific Breakthrough Could Unlock Development of Sustainable, Resilient and Nutritious Pea Crops

An international research collaboration has used genomics, bioinformatics, and genetics to map the diversity of an important pea collection, uncovering agriculturally useful genetic diversity on an unprecedented scale. The research will make a new gene bank and a set of genomic resources available to researchers and breeders worldwide, with the potential to revolutionise pea breeding. Published in the journal Nature, the study is the result of a collaboration between the John Innes Centre (JIC) and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), together with other research groups in China, the UK, and France. The research builds on the work of Gregor Mendel, who famously developed theories about genetic inheritance by studying pea plants. The tools created by the new collaboration are being used to revisit …

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Phytolon

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Fermentation

Phytolon and Ginkgo Bioworks Reach Key Milestone in Natural Food Colors as FDA Moves to Ban Synthetic Dyes

Phytolon, a biotech startup specializing in natural food colors, and Ginkgo Bioworks, a leader in cell programming, have successfully completed the second milestone in their collaboration to improve the production of natural food colors. This achievement marks a nearly threefold increase in the efficiency of yeast strains used to produce two natural pigments: Beetroot Red and Prickly Pear Yellow. Improved strains enhance efficiency The improved strains, developed through Ginkgo’s AI-driven modeling and high-throughput screening, are designed to meet food-grade quality and performance standards across a variety of applications, including baked goods, dairy and dairy alternatives, confectioneries, and snacks. The enhanced production process not only boosts efficiency but also reduces costs and the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process. Unlike conventional natural color production methods that …

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