Expansion News - vegconomist: the vegan business magazine

Hooked plant-based seafood range launches in Germany

Hooked Launches Plant-Based Seafood Range at Hundreds of German Stores

November 28, 2023

Swedish plant-based seafood brand Hooked has expanded beyond the Nordic countries for the first time, announcing a launch at hundreds of REWE West stores in Germany. The expansion has been made possible by a partnership with leading sales agent Ooha, which will allow Hooked to launch at anywhere between 250 and 500 REWE stores. The product range will include plant-based salmon, tuna, and seafood spreads, all made using high-moisture extrusion technology. The launch comes as Germany increasingly gains a reputation as Europe’s biggest plant-based market; data published earlier this year revealed that the country’s meat consumption is at a record low, while consumption of plant-based foods is at a record high. “A growing demand” Hooked raised the capital to fuel the expansion in June, through …

Organisations and brands:

Hooked

From L to R: Andrew Gray, Director at Co-Labs; Paul Bevan, founder and CEO of Magic Valley; and Samuel Wines, co-founder at Co-Labs © Magic Valley

Cultivated Meat

Magic Valley Partners with Co-Labs to Increase Production Capacity for Cultivated Meat

November 13, 2023November 13, 2023

Australian cultivated meat company Magic Valley has announced that it will amplify its production by expanding its operations to an advanced pilot facility at Co-Labs, an innovation hub and co-working laboratory based in Melbourne. With this strategic decision, the company aims to increase its production capacity to 3,000-litre bioreactors, aiming to reach 150,000 kg of product annually. Additionally, according to the company, the new pilot facility will reinforce its dedication to sustainability by enhancing product innovation and efficiency. The news follows a collaboration with Biocellion SPC, a US software developer and computer modeling company, to drive advancements in bioreactor technology and scale the production of cultivated meat at lower costs. At the forefront of sustainability Magic Valley claims it has developed a scalable platform to grow any type of meat, including cultivated …

Organisations and brands:

Co-Labs

Magic Valley

Foi Green, Aberyne's plant-based foie gras made with cashews.

Company News

Aberyne Announces Expansion in Europe and USA to Offer the “Best Plant-Based Foie Gras” Before Christmas

November 14, 2023November 9, 2023

Foi Green, Aberyne‘s plant-based foie gras made with cashews, acclaimed by the three Michelin star chef Albert Adrià, will arrive at vegan and gourmet shops in Spain, the UK, and Switzerland, just in time for Christmas, Mikel Abeberry, the founder of Aberyne tells vegconomist. Additionally, he shared that Aberyne will launch Foi Green in gourmet shops in the USA before the holidays; the company signed an agreement with a nationwide US distributor, marking the company’s first overseas expansion. Moreover, Aberyne has launched a Kickstarter campaign to establish a commercial office and get a foothold in the US, one of the most dynamic plant-based food markets, Abeberry said. Foie gras, a staple of haute cuisine traditionally eaten at Christmas, is no longer a seasonal delicacy, with more consumers using …

Organisations and brands:

Aberyne

Neat Burger Continues its Epic Expansion with First-Ever Italian Location

November 8, 2023November 7, 2023

The UK vegan fast food chain Neat Burger, backed by the famous animal and environmental activists Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, has gained media attention in Italy. As revealed by local newspapers, the first-ever Neat Burger in Italy will open its doors in Milan on November 15, 2023. The new restaurant will be inside Merlata Bloom, a newly opened mega mall in Cascina Merlata, a district of the Northern city. The chain will offer its popular menu of plant-based versions of all-American classics, including burgers, shakes, wraps, and sandwiches. However, to make it more local, the chain will introduce Italian products, such as pesto and mozzarella, said Italy24. Moreover, according to Green Me, the Milanese eatery will feature table service, taking inspiration …

Organisations and brands:

Neat Burger

Image courtesy of Nourish Ingredients

Company News

Nourish Ingredients Establishes Strategic Hub for Animal-Free Fat in Singapore

November 2, 2023

Australian precision fermentation company Nourish Ingredients has revealed plans to establish its operations in Singapore to accelerate the production of animal-free fats. Just a few weeks ago, the company debuted its new fat Tastilux in a plant-based chicken wing to showcase its capabilities in improving the taste and smell of alternative meats. Nourish Ingredients will produce its flagship ingredient at Nurasa’s Food Tech Innovation Centre (FTIC), which features labs and a shared pilot facility. Nurasa is part of the Singapore government-owned investment accelerator firm Temasek. The Australian food tech has also partnered with ScaleUp Bio, a local CDMO launched by Nurasa and ADM, to support and accelerate its fermentation capacity and to work with the regulatory body, the Singapore Food Authority. Singapore’s regulatory and legal support, its production capabilities, …

Organisations and brands:

Nourish Ingredients

Retail & E-Commerce

Wicked Kitchen Expands to Asda Stores UK-Wide in “Major Milestone”

October 11, 2023

Plant-based brand Wicked Kitchen has announced a major UK retail expansion, with a selection of its meat alternatives now available at national supermarket chain Asda. The products on offer include Jalapeño Griller Patties, Italian-Inspired Amazeballs, and Chorizo-Style Bangers. Asda says the launch aligns with its Creating Change for the Better strategy, which aims to promote a more sustainable future. Wicked Kitchen first launched in the UK in 2018, originally available exclusively at Tesco stores. Sales were so high that the range was quickly doubled, and continued to expand over the following years. Over 150 Wicked Kitchen products are now available; these include meat alternatives, ready meals, bakery products, ice creams, and more. “Extending our products to Asda is a major milestone for Wicked Kitchen and …

Organisations and brands:

ASDA

Wicked Kitchen

VFC Foods has agreed to acquire Clive's Purely Plants, a UK plant-based manufacturer of pies, quiches, rolls, and nut roasts.

Image courtesy of VFC

Investments & Acquisitions

VFC Foods Acquires Clive’s Purely Plants, Set to Increase Annual Sales by 30%

October 10, 2023October 10, 2023

Vegan fried chicken company VFC Foods acquires Clive’s Purely Plants, a UK plant-based manufacturer of pies, quiches, rolls, and nut roasts. Clive’s Purely Plants is the second brand to join the VFC Foods family this year, less than four months after the successful acquisition of Meatless Farm in June. VFC states that this strategic move marks a substantial expansion that promises to increase the group’s annual sales by an “impressive” 30%. In 2021, Veg Capital, the UK vegan investment fund launched by Veganuary and VFC founder Matthew Glover, acquired a majority share in the plant-based pies producer that aimed to reach £10 million in sales. “Clive’s perfectly complements our portfolio and enhances our ability to meet this growing demand,” says Dave Sparrow, CEO of VFC Foods. Expansion into the UK …

Organisations and brands:

Clive's Purely Plants

VFC

Company News

3D Bio-Tissues Opens Office in Hong Kong to Commercialise its Flagship Cell Media in China

September 11, 2023

UK-based clinical and cell ag company 3D Bio-Tissues (3DBT) has recently expanded internationally with a new office in Hong Kong to introduce its flagship cell-boosting media supplement, City-Mix, to the Chinese cultivated meat market. 3DBT will also target the Chinese biotech industry, especially gene therapy, stem cells, regenerative medicine, Life Sciences companies, and academia. The company already started hiring R&D experts and sales and marketing specialists to develop a go-to-market strategy, build distribution networks, and establish manufacturing partners in China. The announcement was made by the biotech investor BSF Enterprise (LSE: BSFA), which owns 3DBT. Recently, BSF raised £2.9 million to provide working capital for its subsidiary to accelerate its progress and develop systems to expedite the production and supply of its media growth and target manufacturers. Commercial presence 3DBT, a Newcastle University …

Organisations and brands:

3D Bio-Tissues (3DBT)

BSF Enterprise

Image courtesy of THIS

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

THIS Secures First International Listings with the Netherlands’ Largest Supermarket Chain

September 4, 2023

UK alt meat brand THIS announces its first international launch through an exclusive partnership with Albert Heijn, the Netherlands’ largest supermarket chain. Four of the brand’s best-selling plant-based meats, THIS Isn’t Beef Burgers, THIS Isn’t Chicken Pieces, THIS Isn’t Pork Sausages, and THIS Isn’t Streaky Bacon, will be available across 430 Albert Heijn stores from the 11th of September. The debut of THIS products in the Netherlands marks a significant milestone for the brand as it continues to succeed in the plant-based food industry with its realistic alternatives. At the beginning of the year, the food tech company secured £15 million to increase its R&D capabilities, consolidate supply chains, and expand overseas. Its recent launches in the UK include THIS Isn’t Beef Burgers and three on-the-go products featuring the brand’s famous bacon …

Organisations and brands:

Albert Heijn

THIS

Planteneers' North America team - Image courtesy of Plantenners

Company News

Planteneers Expands into US Market with New Office and Customer Center in Aurora, lllinois

August 25, 2023

German food tech company Planteneers announces it has opened a new office in Aurora, Illinois, USA, in response to the increasing demand for plant-based products in the region. Additionally, the company announces that it has begun construction on a new Customer Excellence Center, also located in Aurora, set to open next summer. The center will be a dedicated space for addressing customer-specific requirements in the US market. Strategic sales leader Gretchen Moon will join the company as VP of commercial operations for North America and will lead the new team focusing on sales, distribution, marketing, and product development, says Planteneers. “At our new location with production, R&D, and the upcoming Customer Center, we can address customer-specific requirements for the US market even better,” comments Moon. Innovations with …

Organisations and brands:

Planteneers

Mr. Charlie's third location in Venice, California

Image credit: Mr. Charlie's IG

Fast Food

Mr. Charlie’s Opens Third Location in California: “Venice Beach Just Got Weirder”

August 10, 2023

The vegan, sustainability-driven, and community-support fast food brand Mr. Charlie’s, has opened its third restaurant at 1827 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. “Venice Beach just got weirder,” announced the company on Instagram, using sarcasm, which is part of its marketing strategy. Mr. Charlie’s has two other locations, its first store in Los Angeles and its subsequent expansion in San Francisco. After its debut in Los Angeles last year, Mr. Charlie’s became a viral sensation, with people celebrating its vegan options, including Frowny Meal, Not a Hamburger, and Not Chicken Nuggets. Within months of opening, Mr. Charlie’s reported receiving a positive response from social media, especially from the singer Lizzo who promoted the joint to her fans on social media. At the beginning of this year, the brand …

Organisations and brands:

Mr. Charlie's

Oatly expands in Amazon marketplace to meet the growing demand for oat milk in Europe

Company News

Oatly Expands with Amazon to Meet Rising Demand for Plant-Based Milk in Europe

August 3, 2023

Swedish oat milk manufacturer Oatly and marketplace Amazon are joining forces to make plant-based milk more accessible to European customers. Oatly (Nasdaq: OTLY) today announced an expansion of its direct relationship with Amazon through a new pan-European arrangement: Oatly oat drinks will be on Amazon’s markets, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and Belgium. Under the arrangement, Oatly will list its most popular oat drinks on the platform, including Oatly Barista Edition, Oatly Light, Oatly Semi, Oatly Whole, Oatly “No” Sugars, and Mini Barista. Additionally, Amazon Prime members will receive the products at Prime speed, alongside subscribe and saving money options. Bryan Carroll, General Manager of UK & Ireland, will lead a new pan-European business group to manage the Amazon relationship. Making plant-based milk accessible …

Organisations and brands:

Oatly

Konscious Foods raises millions to expand into retail and food service

Investments & Finance

Konscious Foods’ $26 Million Raise Highlights Growing Demand for Plant-Based Seafood

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023

Canadian alt seafood brand Konscious Foods announces it has raised $26 million in a seed financing round to make its plant-based seafood food widely accessible. Participant investors include Protein Industries Canada, Zynik Capital, and Walter Group. The raised funds will propel the company’s retail and food service expansion, support its manufacturing operations, and the necessary marketing initiatives for its next nationwide retail launches. Konscious Foods says it expects to launch in over 4,500 stores across North America by the end of the year. “Konscious Foods has created true alternatives to some of the world’s most important seafood products and without sacrificing quality, which is a feat unmatched by others in the plant-based food space,” said Iqbal Kassam, Chairman of Zynik Capital. Transforming the seafood industry Yves Potvin, who previously …

Organisations and brands:

Konscious Foods

LIVEKINDLY Collective acquires Alpha Foods to expand its presence in the US.

Image courtesy of Alpha Foods

Company News

LIVEKINDLY Collective Significantly Expands US Presence with Alpha Foods Acquisition

August 1, 2023

The LIVEKINDLY Collective (LKC) has announced the acquisition of California-based Alpha Foods, a popular plant-based brand known for its frozen burritos, wraps, tamales, breakfast sandwiches, and meat alternatives. Alpha Foods enjoys a strong brand presence in the US; its products are available at 11,000 retail locations, including Costco, Kroger, Whole Foods, Safeway, H-E-B, Albertson’s, Sprouts, Sam’s Club, and other stores nationwide. Additionally, Alpha Foods products are served through various food service channels, including the military, colleges, and universities. “In the US, Alpha is one of the fastest-growing brands in the plant-based frozen food category. The strategic acquisition of Alpha’s assets will allow us to significantly increase our US presence and bring innovative, delicious products to consumers in the US under the Alpha brand. We are …

Organisations and brands:

Alpha Foods

LIVEKINDLY Collective

Investments & Acquisitions

THIS Raises £15M in Series B Funding, Plans International Expansion

March 7, 2023

UK alt meat brand THIS has secured £15 million in a Series B round, as it reveals that an international expansion may be on the cards. The raise includes over £10 million from institutional investors such as Lever VC, BGF, and Five Seasons Ventures. The £4.7 million raised in last year’s crowdfunding campaign — whose target was exceeded in under two hours — is also included. THIS says it plans to use the funding to expand overseas this year, along with increasing R&D capabilities, consolidating supply chains, and conducting outdoor advertising campaigns. The company’s annual revenue has now reached £24 million, and it was recently named the UK’s fastest-growing food and drink brand by financial services firm Alantra. Best-selling meat alternatives The news follows a …

Organisations and brands:

THIS

Investments & Finance

Tiba Tempeh Receives New Investment to Expand its Sustainable Food Mission

February 9, 2023

UK plant-based brand Tiba Tempeh announces it has received investment from Samworth Brothers to support growth in the UK and other European markets. The partnership, which involves an undisclosed equity investment in the brand, will support Tiba Tempeh’s product innovation and marketing strategies, such as brand and consumer awareness. According to The Grocer, the brand expanded into Europe for the first time last month, launching nationwide in Spain’s famous department store El Corte Inglés and plans to launch new products for the food service sector soon. Inspiring people to eat more naturally Inspired by tempeh’s Indonesian roots, Kraft Heinz veterans Alex and Ross founded Tiba Tempeh in London in 2019. In January 2022, the brand closed a £500K seed funding round led by Lever VC, which …

Organisations and brands:

Samworth Brothers

Tiba Tempeh

The vegconomist-newsletterinformation for decision-makers

The vegconomist-newsletter
information for decision-makers