Awards

FABI Awards

© National Restaurant Association
Fairs & Events

Plant-Based Innovations Secure Top Honors in 2024 Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards

The 2024 National Restaurant Association Show is spotlighting the future of the foodservice industry, showcasing 35 innovative products honored with the Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards. Over one-third of the awards were given to plant-based products, reflecting a growing consumer trend towards more sustainable and eco-friendly dietary choices. Among the top accolades, 10 products were distinguished as FABI Favorites, chosen for their standout innovation and potential to inspire culinary trends.  Products are assessed for their novelty, market uniqueness, appeal to operators, and their innovative solutions to industry challenges, including sustainability and consumer demand for healthier options. Tom Cindric, the show’s president, noted, “These 35 exceptional products, including the 10 FABI Favorites, have truly captured the essence of innovation at the Show, pushing the boundaries of …

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Hungry Planet crab cakes

© Hungry Planet
Sustainability / Environment

Hungry Planet Among 65 Global Plant-Based Organizations Nominated for Earthshot Prize

Hungry Planet Foods announces that it has officially been nominated for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, a global initiative that seeks to discover, celebrate, and scale innovative solutions that address the planet’s biggest environmental challenges by 2030.  The company creates plant-based meat alternatives, such as beef, chicken, pork, and crab, using ingredients like textured wheat protein, soy protein, and other plant ingredients. Hungry Planet states that its products are now served at thousands of food service venues across the US, including fine dining, fast casual, universities, and hospitals, along with various retail outlets and online via PlantX. Through its philanthropic arm, the company has also helped provide over 1 million meals to school children K-12. The Earthshot Prize, established in 2020 by Prince William and The …

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Vegan streetwear brand FUTUREFEAR

© FUTUREFEAR
Fashion, Design & Beauty

South Korea’s FUTUREFEAR Wins Best Vegan Jacket at PETA Vegan Fashion Awards

The FUTUREPUFFER SIGNATURE, a puffer jacket created by South Korean fashion brand FUTUREFEAR, has been named Best Vegan Jacket at PETA Germany’s Vegan Fashion Awards. The waist-length, super-puffy jacket is made with Mipan Regen recycled nylon. It has a vegan down filling made from 3M’s 100% Recycled Featherless Thinsulate, which is produced using post-consumer recycled plastic. The jacket is available in three colors — forest green, lunar grey, and anthracite. The PETA Vegan Fashion Award judges said they were impressed by the material, quality, and fit of the jacket, along with the “100% VEGAN” logo on its left sleeve. “With its FUTUREPUFFER SIGNATURE jacket, FUTUREFEAR shows in an exemplary way that sustainable and vegan fashion creations are possible at any time,” said PETA Germany co-founder …

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British plant-based meat brand Squeaky Bean launches its first-ever fish alternatives

Image courtesy of Squeaky Bean

Food & Beverage

PETA UK Names Winners of Vegan Food Awards 2023

Animal rights organisation PETA UK has revealed the winners of its Vegan Food Awards for 2023. This year’s awards feature 21 categories, recognising the following products and companies. Best Vegan Milk: Marks & Spencer Chilled British Oat Drink. This new product by M&S is one of the first plant-based milks to be sold in the same bottles as conventional cow’s milk. Best Vegan Chicken: VFC Chick*n Stompers. VFC previously won this award for its original plant-based chicken range in 2021, and has taken the top spot again with a new option for kids. Best Vegan Burger: THIS Isn’t Beef Burgers. Newly reformulated, these burgers contain 30% less saturated fat than beef and have a much lower carbon footprint. Best Vegan Meat: Redefine Meat Beef Flank. …

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International V-Label Awards announce shortlisted finalists

© V-Label
Fairs & Events

International V-Label Awards Reveals Shortlisted Finalists for 2023

The International V-Label Awards has unveiled its shortlisted finalists for 2023, with 15 companies or products chosen in each of three categories (Sustainability, Innovation, and Marketing & Branding) by a panel of experts. Sustainability In the Sustainability category, companies are recognized for products that replace traditionally animal-based products, have a low carbon footprint, conserve water, are sustainably sourced, and have a positive social impact. The judges are Catherine Coward, co-founder of The Good Crowd; Enric Urrutia, director of Bueno y Vegano; Réka Szöllősi, freelance food sustainability consultant; and Sonalie Figueiras, founder of Green Queen. The shortlist features cactus leather by DESSERTO, VEGDOG‘s complete vegan dog food, and meatless bacon by Plenty Reasons, among others. Innovation The Innovation category recognizes several forms of innovation, such as …

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Beyond Steak wins innovation award

© Beyond Meat
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Beyond Steak Arrives in the UK, Wins Gold Innovation Award at Casual Dining 2023

Beyond Meat‘s plant-based steak alternative, Beyond Steak, has made its UK debut at the annual Casual Dining Show. At the event, the product won gold in the esteemed Casual Dining Innovation Challenge 2023. Judges described the plant-based steak pieces as a “sustainable gamechanger”, praising their high protein content and low levels of saturated fat. It comes after the steak alternative became the first plant-based meat to be certified by the American Heart Association in May, following its US launch in October 2022. Beyond Steak was also named one of the best inventions of 2022 by TIME magazine, with the publication praising it as having the “fibrous texture” of steak while being “definitely healthier”. Additionally, the product received a prestigious FABI Award from the US National …

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A chair upholstered with vegan leather Piñatex

© Tamasine Osher

Materials

PETA UK 2023 Vegan Homeware Awards Winners Revealed

PETA UK has announced the winners of its 2023 Vegan Homeware Awards. This annual initiative recognizes brands and designers making cruelty-free products to meet the growing demand for sustainable, compassionate home decor.  Avoiding leather, feathers, wool, and silk, the winners of the seventh edition of the awards propose chairs upholstered with pineapple leather, coconut wax candles, luxurious silk-free sheets, and even a plant milk maker to avoid dairy and artificial ingredients.  BEST STATEMENT PIECE Tamasine Osher — Purton chair in Piñatex Designer Tamasine Osher has created a chair with a steel, brass, or bronze frame with upholstery available in Piñatex or other materials called the Purton. This planet-friendly chair proves that furniture can be sleek and sophisticated without harming animals, says PETA. BEST WOOL-FREE THROW Piglet in Bed —  Blue Café au Lait …

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Cathedral City

© Cathedral City
Fairs & Events

Over 75 Products Registered as Vegan Trademarks Honoured at the UK Free-From Awards

Launched in 2008, the Free From Awards are the only awards in the UK that focus exclusively on ‘free-from’ foods and drinks. Products are blind-tested by a panel of judges made up of chefs, developers, manufacturers, and nutritionists to award the best products in the ‘Free From’ category. Vegan Trademark-winning products won in numerous categories this year, including dairy and cheese alternatives, confectionery, and food. Launched by the Vegan Society in 1990, the Vegan Trademark‘s strict standards ensure that a product contains no animal ingredients and that its ingredients have not been tested on animals. Today, over 65,000 products are registered worldwide, including food, drink, and cosmetics, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices. ASDA scoops 55 awards ASDA, one of the company’s …

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el origen latin american snacks

el origen founder Gordon Prox © Sarah Buth
Sweets & Snacks

Plantain Chips Developed by YouTuber Gordon Prox Win PETA Vegan Food Award

El origen, a German snack brand inspired by Latin American ingredients, has received a PETA Vegan Food Award for its organic salted plantain chips. The brand was founded in 2019 by Gordon Prox, the vlogger behind the popular YouTube channel Vegan ist Ungesund (Vegan is Unhealthy). The channel discusses vegan nutrition and showcases the latest plant-based products. “We are super proud that our delicious chips beat the competition!” said Prox. El origen’s award-winning snacks are made with just three ingredients — plantain, sunflower oil, and sea salt. Their taste and sustainable production impressed judges enough to take first place in the Best Vegan Chips category. Creating jobs in Ecuador Gordon Prox was introduced to Latin American culture by his Mexican fiancee, and became inspired to …

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© NOMO
Sweets & Snacks

NOMO Wins Multiple Free From Food Awards for Vegan Easter Chocolates

NOMO, which claims to be the UK’s top vegan and free-from chocolate brand, has received multiple accolades at the Easter Free From Food Awards. The following three products won gold awards: Chocolate Orange Bunny — A brand-new option, described by the judges as, “A lovely plump bunny, visually very appealing. There is a good bite to the chocolate, and the filling has a lovely crunchy texture and orange flavour.”  Kids Egg & Lolly — Recently reimagined, this egg was said to be, “A great looking product that will appeal to children, and the chocolate egg doesn’t disappoint. A great and safe option for so many, with the welcome addition of a choc lolly and fun packaging.” Cookie Dough Egg & Bunny — This popular choice …

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Antagonist

©Antagonist
Fairs & Events

Antagonist Announces Shortlist for Vegan Brand of the Year Design Award

Vegan media platform Antagonist has announced the shortlist for its Vegan Brand of the Year Design Award, which will take place for the first time ever in 2022. The award recognises “brand design efforts that change the perception of vegan products, break new territory and positively influence consumer behavior”. To qualify, companies were required to have demonstrated outstanding brand work in 2022, such as an inspiring new launch or rebrand. Impactful campaigns and packaging updates were also considered. Six companies have made the shortlist: Nucao, Germany — an organic vegan chocolate producer. Naveia, Brazil — an oat milk brand. Cravers, Germany — hazelnut butter with no additives. Surreal, UK — high protein, sugar-free, and vegan breakfast cereals. Dilectio, Australia — premium plant-based cheeses. La Vie, …

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Company News

Givaudan Wins Two Best Ingredients Awards for PrimeLock+ Vegan Fat Solution

Givaudan‘s PrimeLock+, a vegan-friendly solution that mimics animal fat cells, enabling food companies to develop more taste-realistic plant-based meat, has received two Best Ingredients Innovation awards this year. The Gulfood 2022 Manufacturing Industry Excellence Awards, which recognizes innovative products and technologies that make sustainable contributions to the food manufacturing industry, selected the vegan-friendly fat solution as this year’s Best Ingredients Innovation. The International V-Label Award, the first award scheme to promote and celebrate innovation in the plant-based industry, recognized Primelock’s positive impact, quality, and innovation, bridging the gap between animal and plant protein and making healthier products. According to Givaudan, PrimeLock+ encapsulates, protects, and locks flavour and fat in plant-based meat substitutes, providing a “first juicy, beefy bite.” The innovative ingredient food enables manufacturers to …

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Greg Steltenpohl CEO Califia Farms

Greg Steltenpohl ©CEO Califia Farms
Charity & Campaigns

Greg Steltenpohl Visionary Award Now Accepting Entries for $100,000 Early-Stage Venture Grant

The Greg Steltenpohl Pragmatic Visionary Award, which honors the late plant-based business pioneer Greg Steltenpohl, is officially accepting entries for its first annual $100,000 grant for early-stage food ventures. Each year, the grant will be awarded to plant-centric entrepreneurs to enable or expand the accomplishments, reach and impact of their work. Any innovations related to the food system from “soil to soul” are eligible for the grant. Early-stage food initiatives will be judged according to the merit of its team and strategy, as well as the embodiment of the four core principles Greg championed: systems entrepreneurship, pragmatic vision, ethical leadership, and creative transformation. Final collaboration The Visionary Award will be presented annually in March at Natural Products Expo West, and is hosted in collaboration with …

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MyBacon Skillet

© MyForest Foods
Fairs & Events

Finalists of World Plant-Based Awards 2022 Revealed

FoodBev Media has revealed the finalists of the World Plant-Based Awards 2022, with major names joined by up-and-coming brands. This year, there were 148 entries from 20 different countries. The finalists for the 17 categories are as follows. Best dairy product alternative Culcherd – Culcherd Everything Bagel Cheese Daiya – Feta Style Block Honestly Tasty – Shamembert Naturli Foods – VEGAN SPREADABLE New Roots AG: Plant-Based Alternative to Hard Cheese New Roots AG – La Fraîche Saputo Dairy USA – Vitalite Plant-Based Cheese. Best meat alternative Beyond Meat – Chicken Tenders Eatplanted – Chicken Lemon + Herb Fable – Meaty Mushroom MyForest Foods – MyBacon NotCo – NotBurger™ Plantcraft – Plant-based Bologna The Mushroom Meat Co. – Mushroom Pulled Best milk alternative NotCo – NotMilk™ …

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Squeaky Bean

©Squeaky Bean
Company News

Squeaky Bean Named Plant-Based Manufacturing Company of the Year

The Compleat Group, owner of UK-based alt meat brand Squeaky Bean, has received the Plant-Based Manufacturing Company of the Year award. Judges were impressed by the company’s sales growth, environmental management strategies, and innovation. It is the second year in a row The Compleat Food Group has received the accolade, which is part of the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards — widely considered a gold standard for the manufacturing industry. This year’s ceremony took place at London Hilton Bankside Hotel on Thursday March 17. Increased production Last year, Squeaky Bean announced a £5 million investment into a new plant-based facility. It is the brand’s second manufacturing site, and has allowed it to significantly boost its production and distribution capabilities. This has made it possible for Squeaky …

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Greg Steltenpohl CEO Califia Farms

Greg Steltenpohl ©CEO Califia Farms
Charity & Campaigns

New Greg Steltenpohl Pragmatic Visionary Award to Provide Scholarships to Change-Making Startups

The Greg Steltenpohl Pragmatic Visionary Award has been set up to honour plant-based visionary Greg Steltenpohl of Califia Farms and his lifelong mission. Friends and family of natural products pioneer and plant-based visionary Greg Steltenpohl announce the launch of a $100,000 annual scholarship for food startups. The founder of Odwalla and Califia Farms, who passed away in March 2021, dedicated his life to transforming the food system through entrepreneurship. The Greg Steltenpohl Pragmatic Visionary Award was announced by Eli Steltenpohl when his father was honoured at the Community Purpose and Impact Awards presented by New Hope Media at the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, California. Award co-founders and advisors include: Mike Burbank – Managing Director, Morgan Stanley John Foraker – CEO, Once Upon a Farm; former CEO, …

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Plantcraft pate

©Plantcraft
Fairs & Events

Winners of World Plant-Based Awards 2021 Revealed

The winners of the World Plant-Based Awards 2021, held by FoodBev Media in collaboration with Plant Based World Conference & Expo, have been announced. This year, there were 110 entries across 25 countries and 15 categories. The category winners were as follows. Best Dairy Product Alternative: Vegan baby food brand Else Nutrition for its Plant-Based Nutrition toddler drink. Best Meat Alternative: Vegan deli meat company Plantcraft for its Plant-Based Pâté. Best Milk Alternative: Hope and Sesame’s sesame milk. Best Plant-Based Beverage: Kabochamilk by the Kabocha Milk Co. This shelf-stable milk alternative is made from kabocha squash. Best Plant-Based Business: LIVEKINDLY Collective, a group of plant-based food industry executives attempting to make the food system more sustainable. Best Plant-Based Condiment: Thai Taste’s Vegan Fish Sauce. Best …

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©Fi Europe Startup Innovation Challenge

Fairs & Events

Plant-Based Innovators Shine in Finals of the Fi Europe 2021 Innovation Awards & Startup Innovation Challenge 

Giving recognition for innovative solutions in the food and beverage ingredients industry, the Fi Europe Innovation Awards and Startup Innovation Challenge has announced its list of nominees for this year’s event. Plant-based and sustainability are the two sectors dominating the shortlist, mirroring current market trends and developments. The finalists will present their submissions in a final pitch to the jury behind closed doors, and winners will be announced live during Fi Europe 2021 on 30 November and 1 December.   The top plant-based innovations on the shortlist are: Most Innovative Plant-Based or Alternative Ingredient Moolec Science (UK) for producing real animal proteins in plants to develop affordable, animal-free ingredients SACCHA (Germany) for extracting proteins from microorganisms such as brewer’s yeast that are similar to egg protein, …

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Beefy Puff and Ale Clive's

© Clive's Purely Plants
Market & Trends

UK: Vegan Category Receives Most Entries at British Pie Awards 

After a vegan pie won the top prize at the British Pie Awards two years ago, almost 70 of the pies entered into this year’s competition are 100% plant-based. Hosted in Melton Mowbray – famous for its conventional pork pies – the British Pie Awards has a group of 150 judges who test 800 pies over several categories, with the vegan category this year being the largest. The vegan pie category this year boasted some of the best food innovations, including spicy jackfruit, mushroom and ale, and bombay potato pies.   A survey conducted by alt-meat company Gold&Green Foods this year found that plant-based pies and pastries were the most in-demand for consumers, with 35 percent of respondents wanting more vegan options. UK plant-based pie makers …

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Bruce Friedrich - Image Courtesy of The Good Food Institute

Society

The GFI’s Bruce Friedrich is Named an “American Food Hero” For His Work in Alt Protein

The Good Food Institute (GFI) Founder and President Bruce Friedrich has been named as a “2021 American Food Hero” in recognition of his work to fundamentally change the food system with alt proteins. EatingWell Magazine has praised Friedrich and the GFI’s work on fighting climate change and reforming food systems in its “American Food Heroes” awards. “Behind the scenes of this surge – everywhere you turn, from advising new companies and funding scientific research to sparking our cultural obsession with meat alternatives – is Bruce Friedrich” – EatingWell Magazine Friedrich founded the international nonprofit over five years ago with the mission of making the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals, with the GFI defining itself with its vision of reimagining meat …

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