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Plant-based short ribs

© NEXT MEATS

Products & Launches

NEXT MEATS to Debut Marinated BBQ Product “Next Short Rib 2.1” at All Costco Japan Locations

March 10, 2023

Japanese food tech company NEXT MEATS (OTC: NXMH) announces it will launch its latest alt-protein innovation, Next Short Rib 2.1, at all 31 Costco Wholesale locations in Japan beginning in March. Described as marinated Japanese BBQ, Next Short Rib 2.1 is made from non-GMO soybeans, and will be sold in two 200g sets in a larger package designed exclusively for Costco Japan. The 100% plant-based product is made without any additives, preservatives and artificial flavors, NEXT MEATS says, and has a refrigerator shelf life of up to 90 days. The company will also offer live cooking demonstrations and tastings at select Costco Japan locations. New markets Based in Tokyo, NEXT MEATS is a subsidiary of NEXT MEATS Holdings, which is devoted to the research, development …

Organisations and Brands:Costco Japan Next Meats

Barvecue Plant-Based Pulled Pork

©Barvecue

Investments & Finance

Barvecue Completes Seed Equity Round to Support World’s Largest Plant-Based Smokehouse

March 8, 2023

Plant-based BBQ brand Barvecue announces it has completed the opening capital raise for its Series Seed equity funding round. The company will use the funds to support continued growth of its retail and food service business, as well as sustaining operations of its Carolina Smokehouse production facility. Based in North Carolina, Barbecue produces a range of authentic, wood-smoked Pulled BVQ and Carnitas that replicate the taste and texture of pulled pork. In the last two years, its distribution has expanded to over 1,000 US grocery stores including Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Giant, Gelson’s and The Fresh Market. Barvecue has also partnered with WebstaurantStore, the largest online restaurant supply store, to expand its food service business. In 2021, the company broke ground on The Carolina Smokehouse …

Organisations and Brands:Barvecue Carnitas

UNLIMEAT Vegan Pulled Pork

© UNLIMEAT

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

UNLIMEAT Launches Plant-Based Korean BBQ and Pulled Pork at Albertsons Across USA

December 22, 2022

Korea’s UNLIMEAT is preparing to launch two products — plant-based Korean BBQ and pulled pork — at 1,500 Albertsons stores in the US. The Korean BBQ is a plant-based alternative to barbecued beef brisket, and according to UNLIMEAT can be grilled or stir-fried and used in both Eastern and Western cuisines. The pulled pork, which has already proven popular in pre-launch events, comes in two flavours — original (traditional barbecue flavour) and sweet & smoky (charcoal grilled rib flavour). The three products are UNLIMEAT’s most popular meat alternatives and are made with upcycled ingredients such as defatted soybean powder and rice bran. This prevents waste and makes use of highly nutritious byproducts; 90% of the nutrients in rice are found in the bran. “Tastier and …

Organisations and Brands:Albertsons Unlimeat

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Barvecue Vegan BBQ

©Barvecue

Retail & E-Commerce

Barvecue Expands Wood-Smoked Plant-Based Meats for Food Service on Webstaurant

December 14, 2022December 14, 2022

Plant-based BBQ brand Barvecue announces it is expanding its food service presence by launching on WebstaurantStore. Known as the largest online restaurant supply store servicing both professionals and individuals, Webstaurant customers will now be able to order Barvecue’s Naked BVQ, Pulled BVQ and Carnitas in 4lb frozen food service packs. According to Barvecue, its food service products are authentically wood-smoked and seasoned for various applications. Naked BVQ is a lightly seasoned, versatile plant-based meat that allows chefs to customize any dish that typically uses pulled pork or chicken. Pulled BVQ and Barvecue Carnitas offer two convenient heat-and-serve options for busy food service operations. Pulled BVQ features original BVQ seasoning that just needs a restaurant’s signature sauce for a classic BBQ sandwich, while Barvecue Carnitas are …

Organisations and Brands:Barvecue

Squeaky-Bean-Cooking-Chorizo-Style-Sausage

© Squeaky Bean

Products & Launches

Squeaky Bean Launches Chorizo-Style Sausage Made From Fava Beans

December 14, 2022

British brand Squeaky Bean, best known for its plant-based deli meat slices, has launched a new chorizo-style sausage. Made from fava bean and pea protein, the sausage is cured in the same way as conventional Spanish chorizo for an authentic flavour and texture. Seasoned with chilli, smoked paprika, and garlic, it can be eaten hot or cold and takes just three minutes to cook. Global vegan chorizo launches Worldwide, various other companies have launched alternatives to chorizo. In March, US brand RollinGreens debuted shelf-stable vegan chorizo, and Spain’s Heura launched the world’s first plant-based chorizo burger. Two months earlier, Texas-based burrito chain Freebirds began offering vegan chorizo made by Abbott’s Butcher, while Upton’s Naturals launched its chorizo alternative in South Africa. Chipotle also now offers …

Organisations and Brands:Squeaky Bean

Barvecue Juice Press Vegan Wrap

©Barvecue

Gastronomy & Food Service

Barvecue Partners with Juice Press to Launch BBQ & Roasted Veggies Wrap Across NYC Locations

October 20, 2022

Plant-based BBQ brand Barvecue and juice bar chain Juice Press are partnering to debut the new BBQ with Roasted Veggies Wrap. Available at Juice Press locations across New York City, the wrap features Barvecue’s signature wood-smoked Naked BVQ protein. The new wrap can be ordered hot as a grab-and-go option, and features Naked BVQ, roasted veggies, apple cider vinegar, onion, sesame oil, and spices on a whole wheat wrap. Each wrap also contains 22 grams of non-GMO, gluten-free plant protein. “JP is proud to partner with Barvecue to elevate plant-based offerings with a unique variety and authentic flavor profile,” said Juice Press’ Ariana Korman, RD, CDN. In 2021, the North Carolina-based Barvecue opened the world’s largest plant-based smokehouse to expand into national retail and foodservice. …

Organisations and Brands:Barvecue

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Boneless Butcher Vegan Ribs

Food & Beverage

The Boneless Butcher is Expanding Its Plant-Based BBQ Meats Across Texas and Beyond

October 14, 2022

While countless plant-based meat brands have filled store shelves with plenty of burger, meatball and sausage alternatives, there remains an enormous white space for animal-free “whole-cut” products, such as ribs, steaks and chops. The Boneless Butcher, a plant-based brand located in Dallas, TX, is helping to fill this gap with a handcrafted line of Texas-style vegan BBQ meats. Founded in 2021 by self-taught chef and entrepreneur Crystal Gomez, The Boneless Butcher sells its packaged products at retail stores in several states, including select Whole Foods Markets in Texas. Using seitan, a wheat-based protein, Gomez tells VegNews she learned how to create a dense, satisfying texture that replicates the experience of eating real BBQ, which, she notes, is largely driven by the texture. “Good barbecue is mostly …

UNLIMEAT-upcycled-food-low

© UNLIMEAT

Products & Launches

UNLIMEAT Plant-Based Meat Gyudon Now Available at 450 Sukiya Restaurants in China

September 30, 2022September 30, 2022

Sukiya, a global chain restaurant specializing in Japanese gyudon, is now serving UNLIMEAT’s Plant Energy Don Series at all of its restaurants in China. UNLIMEAT is a South Korean brand focused on developing alternative plant-based meat using a percentage of upcycled products in its production process, thus contributing to food waste reduction. Nine months ago, UNLIMEAT partnered with the restaurant chain to introduce its plant-based meat gyudon at 15 locations. Following the success of the menu items, both parties decided to expand the offer to all the restaurant chain locations in China, with the expansion coming into effect on September 15th. The Energy Don Series The Plant Energy Don is a plant-based version of gyudon, made with UNLIMEAT’s plant-based Korean BBQ meat. Gyudon is a …

Organisations and Brands:Unlimeat

© Barvecue

Barvecue and Arbiom Partner to ‘Dramatically Increase’ Consumer Acceptance of Plant-Based Meats

September 30, 2022

Plant BBQ brand Barvecue and protein innovator Arbiom announce a strategic partnership to improve the taste, texture and nutritional profile of clean-label plant-based meats. The partnership seeks to “dramatically increase” public acceptance of plant-based meats by conducting product innovation, focus group research, and commercial trials. Based in North Carolina, Barvecue produces an acclaimed line of wood-smoked pulled pork alternatives and carnitas. In 2021, the brand opened the world’s largest vegan smokehouse and has expanded its products to over 1,200 US stores, including Sprouts, Safeway and Harris Teeter. Since 2020, Barvecue has raised nearly $3M in investment funding. “The world’s demand for protein is expected to double by 2050, and as a result, the need for high-quality alternative protein sources is going to increase dramatically,” said …

Organisations and Brands:Arbiom Barvecue

Memphis Vegan BBQ

©Imagine Vegan Cafe

Gastronomy & Food Service

How Memphis, the “Pork BBQ Capital of the World”, is Reinventing Itself Through Vegan Southern Cuisine

September 7, 2022September 7, 2022

The city of Memphis, TN, famous for its status as a BBQ capital and haven of hot wings, is undergoing an unexpected transformation into a new destination for plant-based US Southern cuisine, reports National Geographic. Among new noteworthy restaurants, Plant Based Heat opened in June 2021 to offer a fully meatless take on the city’s beloved tradition of spicy wings. Founded by Ralph ‘RJ Groove’ Johnson, Plant Based Heat offers diners vegan wings (“vings”) made from soy and pea protein smothered in a variety of signature sauces. According to Johnson, a former branch owner of popular local chain Crumpy’s Wings, he created his concept to offer Memphis residents both excellent food and a healtful departure from the city’s meat-heavy cuisine. “I wanted to bring healthier food …

Barvecue Pulled Plant-Based Pork

© Barvecue

Retail & E-Commerce

Barvecue Expands Wood-Smoked Plant-Based Meats into 190+ Harris Teeter Stores

August 24, 2022

Plant-based barbecue brand Barvecue announces a major retail expansion into Harris Teeter supermarkets. The brand’s Pulled BVQ and Carnitas are now available in the frozen aisle of 191 Harris Teeter stores throughout the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida, and the District of Columbia. According to Barvecue, its wood-smoked plant-based meats offer great taste and texture while being gluten-free and non-GMO. The Pulled BVQ features traditional BBQ seasoning, while the Latin-inspired Carnitas are ideal for tacos, nachos and burritos. Barvecue’s retail footprint also includes Sprouts Farmers Markets, Safeway, Lowes Food, Earth Fare and Texas-based Central Markets. Largest smokehouse In 2021, the company opened The Carolina Smokehouse, a 10,000 sq. ft. facility it calls the world’s largest plant-based smokehouse, with the capacity to produce 800,000 pounds …

Organisations and Brands:Barvecue Harris Teeter

UNLIMEAT Grilled Meats

©UNLIMEAT

Gastronomy & Food Service

UNLIMEAT Launches Grilled Plant-Based Meats Menu at LA Restaurant Jeong Yuk Jeom

June 2, 2022June 2, 2022

South Korea’s UNLIMEAT is launching a grilled plant-based meat menu at Jeong Yuk Jeom, a popular Korean BBQ restaurant in Los Angeles. Through the partnership, UNLIMEAT says customers now have the opportunity to enjoy plant-based versions of Jeong Yuk Jeom’s premium BBQ meats. The new menu will feature UNLIMEAT’s protein in several dishes, beginning with UNLIMEAT Gui, pre-seasoned plant-based meat grilled over charcoal at the customers’ tables, just like real K-BBQ. Other dishes include plant-based fried dumplings, tteok-galbi (sweet minced grilled rib), and japchae (sweet potato starch noodles stir-fried with vegetables and plant-based meat). Designed for grilling Made with proprietary technology, UNLIMEAT says its products offer a flavor and texture very similar to beef. Unlike other plant proteins, which often come in sausage and patty …

Organisations and Brands:Unlimeat Zikooin

PAOW! Philly Steak

©PAOW!

PAOW! Premium Proteins Launching to Consumers in Fall 2022

May 20, 2022May 19, 2022

Future Food Enterprises LLC announces it is launching PAOW!, a new line of plant-based proteins, to consumers in fall 2022. Previously only available through foodservice, PAOW! (an acronym for “People And Our World”) will offer a range of seasoned proteins in flavors like Korean BBQ, Madras Curry and Not Just Philly for purchase online at www.getpaow.com. PAOW!’s protein is made with just three ingredients – non-GMO soy, water and salt – and provides the same texture and flavors as traditional meat. Sold in 8 oz. bags, PAOW! pieces are versatile and can be adapted to any recipe – whether grilling, sauteing, baking, frying or sous vide cooking. The new line includes: Rotisserie Seasoned – Classic, slow-roasted and savory flavor. Madras Curry-Flavored – A traditional blend …

Central Market Meatless Butcher

©Central Market

H-E-B’s Central Market Opens First Meatless Butcher Counter in Austin, TX

May 25, 2022May 19, 2022

Central Market, a fine foods retailer owned by Texas grocery chain H-E-B, has opened a dedicated Meatless Butcher counter in its Austin, TX store. Located in the produce department, the traditionally-designed counter features a large variety of plant-based meats, including chicken and beef fajitas, kabobs, chicken wings, pepperoni and brisket. “Great value as a differentiator” The new installation makes Central Market one of the first US grocery chains to offer such a meatless counter. Phil Myers, Central Market’s Director of Food Service, says the chain wanted to meet demand for plant-based meat options while upholding its reputation as “a destination for things that you can’t find elsewhere, and especially things that we make”, Myers told San Antonio Express-News. Among the many proteins offered, Meatless Butcher …

Organisations and Brands:central market H-E-B

Asda Korean Style Chicken Wings

© Asda

Products & Launches

Asda Launches Vegan BBQ Range Including Korean Wings

May 12, 2022

UK retailer Asda – the 8th most popular supermarket in the UK – has launched a vegan BBQ range with prices starting from £2, rolling out into brick and mortar stores and online retail from this week. Asda’s vegan firsts Asda first launched its first own-brand vegan range — Plant Based — in January of 2020. And in the September of the same year, the retailer went on to launch over a hundred new vegan products, placing them together with the existing plant-based range to create the first dedicated vegan aisle in a UK supermarket. In Veganuary 2021 Asda even trialled the first vegan butcher counter in a UK supermarket, adding vegan bacon, bean burgers and meat-free meatballs added to its product range. The new …

Organisations and Brands:ASDA