Tempeh

Founders Alexandra and Ross Longton. © Tiba Tempeh

Investments & Acquisitions

Tiba Tempeh Secures Over £1.1M in Funding Following 736% Surge in Retail Sales Value

March 11, 2025

UK tempeh brand Tiba Tempeh has raised over £1.1 million in funding. The round was led by Maven Capital Partners through its Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, supported by the British Business Bank. Perfect Redd, the venture capital arm of Samworth Brothers, also made a follow-on investment. The funding will be used to enhance Tiba Tempeh’s marketing, sales, and product development, with new product launches planned for 2025. The news comes after Tiba Tempeh saw its retail sales value increase by a huge 736% in the past year, reportedly becoming the fastest growing brand in the UK chilled meat-free category*. The company has contributed £1.2 million in retail sales value over the past year, as demand for less processed meat alternatives continues to rise. Tiba …

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

©GekkoGallery - stock.adobe.com

R&D

Researchers Develop New Type of Tempeh Made From Chickpeas & Dry Peas

January 23, 2025

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are working to develop a new type of tempeh made by fermenting chickpeas and dry peas instead of soybeans. The research is funded by a four-year, $387,000 grant from the USDA’s Pulse Crop Health Initiative. It is led by food scientist Hang Xiao, with support from sensory scientist Alissa Nolden and associate professor of food science John Gibbons. After developing the tempeh, the researchers will conduct a chemical analysis to determine which compounds are produced during fermentation, including amino acids and flavonoids. The tempeh is expected to be nutritious, high in fiber, and low in fat. Preliminary research suggests that consuming it could offset health conditions associated with Western diets, such as obesity, fatty liver, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. …

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Mycoprotein- chicken breast © M FOOD GROUP®

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M FOOD GROUP® Relies on Next Gen Food Innovation: Mycoprotein

©Tiba Tempeh

Retail & E-Commerce

Tiba Tempeh Rolls Out into Morrisons as Tempeh Continues to Enter the UK Mainstream

October 10, 2024

It’s been a good news week for plant-based at UK supermarket chain Morrisons, which operates around 500 stores across England, Wales, Scotland, and Gibraltar. HAPPIEE! this week rolled out its frozen plant-based seafood into 327 Morrisons locations, and One Planet Pizza landed its second major UK supermarket launch through the same chain, with its frozen category first vegan Tex Mex pizza. Now, Tiba Tempeh announces its launch into 327 Morrisons stores with its Original Tempeh Block and Plant-Based Mince. Tiba Tempeh’s new Plant-Based Mince is described by the company — founded in 2019 by Alex and Ross Longton, with experience at Kraft Heinz and other food industry leaders — as the only 100% natural and organic plant-based mince on the market. The mince rolled out …

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Image credit Samantha Couzens

Retail & E-Commerce

Better Nature Brings its Tempeh to German Chiller Cabinets Through REWE Deal

August 8, 2024

Tempeh products in Organic and Smoked varieties from UK startup Better Nature are now available throughout Germany at REWE, furthering the company’s German retail footprint in addition to its availability at Edeka in the Rhine-Ruhr region. REWE thus continues its support for plant-based producers and innovations in the field, such as the innovative and sustainable 2d printed Mililk discs made by Veganz, which are supplied to the retail group, whose subsidiaries include the REWE, Penny, and Billa chains. This April, REWE inaugurated its first purely plant-based supermarket in Berlin, offering over 2,700 vegan products. Good for the gut and full of nutrients Tempeh consists of protein-rich soybeans that are fermented with mould to form a firm block. It has a slightly nutty flavour and can be …

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REWE

Products & Launches

Tiba Tempeh Announces Sainsbury’s Listing, Launches “Only” Plant-Based Mince With 100% Natural Organic Ingredients

June 13, 2024June 12, 2024

UK-based Tiba Tempeh, on a mission to grow the meat-free category by making tempeh more accessible to mainstream consumers, announces a fresh pack design and new plant-based mince as well as a listing at over 400 Sainsbury’s stores across the country. The brand claims its newly launched Tempeh Mince, first available in Ocado from May 2024, is the only plant-based mince to contain 100% natural and organic ingredients. Along with a “vibrant, fresher and foodie packaging design” that rolls out across the full range, featuring easy recipe suggestions, the brand has launched its Original Tempeh Block and Sweet Chilli Marinated Tempeh Pieces into more than 400 Sainsbury’s stores. The launch is to be supported by a strong activation plan including digital posters, e-commerce, and promotions. …

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vegavo pulled pork burger on black plate

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Better Nature Tempeh Becomes the UK’s Fastest-Growing Wholefood Protein Brand

May 15, 2024

Better Nature Tempeh announces the achievement of some major milestones. This week the brand expands its retail distribution in Tesco and Asda, as such it has become the UK’s fastest-growing wholefood protein brand; the B-corp now represents 51% of tempeh sales growth in the country, as shoppers increasingly look towards healthy protein options. “Despite the consolidation and shrinkage of the meat-free category, tempeh is coming out on top, growing 30% year-on-year. As a brand, we’re responsible for more than half (51%) of that growth*, with two of the top three Tempeh SKUs in the UK (by volume) being Better Nature Tempeh,” says co-founder and CEO Christopher Kong. The business has grown by 250% YOY and increased distribution to over 1,000 supermarkets across the UK, say …

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Schouten Europe and Agrifirm announce collaboration

Schouten Europe and Agrifirm Investigate Potential of Tempeh Made From Dutch Soy & Fava Beans

February 6, 2024

Dutch companies Schouten Europe and Agrifirm have announced a collaboration that will investigate the possibility of making tempeh from Dutch soybeans and fava beans. Schouten Europe produces meat alternatives and other plant-based products, while Agrifirm provides products and services to farmers to improve productivity and sustainability. The new collaboration stems from the Bean Deal, which is part of the Netherlands’ National Protein Strategy — an initiative launched in 2020 that aims to enhance the cultivation of protein-rich crops. With support from Agrifirm, Schouten launched a soybean cultivation pilot last year. The companies plans to expand this in 2024, with more growers and different soybean varieties. Schouten then hopes to turn these soybeans — along with other locally-grown pulses such as fava beans — into tempeh. …

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Agrifirm

Schouten Europe

Better Nature becomes UK's highest rated meat-free B Corp

Dr. Driando Ahnan-Winarno. © Better Nature

Better Nature Becomes the UK’s Top-Scoring Meat-Free B Corp

October 9, 2023

UK tempeh brand Better Nature is now the UK’s top-scoring B Corp in the meat-free category, with an impact score of 99.7 — over 20% higher than the industry average. B Corp certification recognises companies that meet high social and environmental standards, along with being transparent and accountable. Specifically, Better Nature: Has a low carbon footprint. Certifies its products as Non-GMO, Zero Deforestation, Soil Protection, and Indigenous People & Ecosystem Protection, with an organic option also available. Donates 1% of sales to charity. Produces sustainable, clean-label food. Claims to promote a diverse workplace and prioritise team wellbeing. Works with mission-aligned partners. “This is just the start of our B Corp journey,” said Dr. Driando Ahnan-Winarno, co-founder at Better Nature Tempeh. “From here, we will be …

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Mycoprotein- chicken breast © M FOOD GROUP®

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M FOOD GROUP® Relies on Next Gen Food Innovation: Mycoprotein

Fundraising

Better Nature Launches £1M+ Crowdfund, Appoints New Non-Executive Director

October 3, 2023

UK tempeh brand Better Nature has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs with the aim of raising over £1 million. The campaign opened to the public yesterday (October 2). The funding will be used to drive mainstream retail growth for Better Nature, consolidating its position as a leading European tempeh brand. The company aims to “transform the meat-free aisle”, as consumers increasingly seek less processed plant-based options. The news follows a hugely successful year for Better Nature, with the company launching in Germany and securing its first UK supermarket listing at Tesco. Better Nature also launched a £3 million Series A round in May, and rolled out at all 966 UK Lidl stores in July as part of the retailer’s Vegan Week. “There’s a growing …

Tempeh Today and Marel India Partner to Install Small-Scale Tempeh Fermentation Units

September 13, 2023

Henk Schouten, the CEO of plant-based protein company Schouten Europe, launched Tempeh Today in India in 2021, aiming to establish 100 small-scale fermentation units (SFUs) for tempeh production within five years. To reach these goals, CFSS B.V., the company behind Tempeh Today in India, and Marel India Pvt. Ltd. have announced a strategic partnership to boost tempeh production and continue to offer a sustainable solution for proteins in India. Marel India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marel, an international company that provides high-quality equipment, solutions, services, and software for the food processing industry. Small and micro units for tempeh “The collaboration with Marel is a crucial next step in rolling out the concept. I am thrilled that Marel is supporting this initiative, and I look forward to our future …

Organisations and brands:

Schouten Europe

Tempeh Today

Products & Launches

Franklin Farms Launches Soy-Free Chickpea Tempeh Across Northeastern USA

August 9, 2023

Franklin Farms, a division of Keystone Natural Holdings, has introduced the latest in its plant-based portfolio — a chickpea tempeh — following its range of chickpea-based tofu products launched in 2021. Targeting those who are unable to consume soy for allergy reasons, veggie, vegan, and omnivores alike, the new tempeh recently launched at Price Chopper and Market 32 stores in the Northeast, as consumer interest in health issues combined with an increased appetite for novelty and variety continues to increase globally. The company states that, of the natural plant-based protein foods, legumes such as chickpeas, beans, and lentils are reported to be consumers’ preferred ingredients, indicating a desire for familiar natural protein sources. Healthy plant protein options Starting its life two decades ago as a …

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Franklin Farms

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Mycoprotein- chicken breast © M FOOD GROUP®

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M FOOD GROUP® Relies on Next Gen Food Innovation: Mycoprotein

Interviews

Better Nature: “In 5 Years, Tempeh Will Be a Mainstream Food Across the UK, Europe, and the US”

May 31, 2023May 31, 2023

We’ve been following the journey of Better Nature over the past three years and it’s wonderful to see the tempeh pioneers achieve mainstream retail success in the UK, with a rollout into more than 400 Tesco stores taking place tomorrow. We had a quick catch-up with CEO and Co-founder Christopher Kong to find out what this milestone represents for the brand, and why tempeh truly deserves a place on the supermarket shelf. Tell us about your business mission. Our mission is to help people live healthier lives with tempeh, the all-natural plant-based food from Indonesia that’s packed with protein and gut-friendly. Congratulations on your new listing with Tesco – what does it signify for Better Nature? Our launch into over 400 Tesco stores on 1st …

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Investments & Acquisitions

Better Nature Launches £3M Funding Round, Secures First UK Supermarket Listing at Tesco

May 18, 2023

UK tempeh producer Better Nature has launched a £3 million Series A round to help it expand into retailers and food service providers throughout the UK and Europe. The news comes as the brand prepares to launch at over 400 Tesco stores on June 1, marking its first UK supermarket listing. The tempeh will then roll out at another major supermarket in July. The Series A round will be led by institutional investors, angels, and value-add strategic investors. It follows a £1.6 million seed round in 2021 and a £700,000 seed plus round late last year. Better Nature currently has listings at Selfridges, Mindful Chef, Planet Organic and allplants, along with REWE in Germany. The brand plans to expand into more European countries and the …

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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 …

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Samworth Brothers

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After Smashing the UK Market, Better Nature Brings its Tempeh to Germany

January 24, 2023

Twice as much protein as tofu, twice as much fibre as an apple and as much iron as beef: Better Nature wants to conquer the German meat alternative market with its tempeh products. Tempeh consists only of fermented soybeans, water and a mycelium starter culture. It is also extremely versatile: unlike tofu, tempeh takes on flavours quickly and requires little marinade. This makes it particularly suitable for meat-free dishes, from curries and stir-fries to sandwiches and salads. In the UK, tempeh is already experiencing strong market growth, and the startup also recently launched in Swiss retail. Now Better Nature is bringing its tempeh products to Germany: at REWE Nord, the Tempeh Pieces are available as bite-sized, ready-marinated bites in Mediterranean, Curry and BBQ varieties. Tempeh …

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Investments & Finance

Better Nature Raises £700K to Fuel Tempeh Awareness and Growth

November 23, 2022

UK brand Better Nature, specialising in tempeh-based meat alternatives, recently announced a £700K Seed Plus round to fuel retail presence in the UK and Europe ahead of a bigger series A round next year. The funds will support the brand’s new listing with Holland & Barrett and will also build on existing listings with Selfridges, Gopuff, and allplants. The investment round was led by 67 investors, including previous backers from a private crowdfunding campaign launched on Seedrs in March 2021, alongside two new investors in innovative and sustainable businesses, including the Global Entrepreneurship Centre. Expansion plans for 2023 Besides retail growth in the UK, Better Nature will focus on expansion in mainland Europe through the launch of its tempeh products in Germany’s second-largest supermarket Rewe in early 2023. …

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Products & Launches

Better Nature Launches at Switzerland’s Largest Supermarket Chain Migros

October 17, 2022

UK tempeh brand Better Nature has launched three products — Mince, Rashers, and Roast Bites — at Switzerland’s largest supermarket chain, Migros. The products will be available across the country at over 300 stores, in what Better Nature describes as “potentially the single largest rollout of tempeh in all of Europe”. The range launched in the UK last year, but only at online retailers. Continued innovation The news comes just two months after Better Nature appointed a new non-executive director, former Planet Organic CEO Peter Marsh. The brand also received a £350,000 grant from a UK government agency earlier this year to develop a fish alternative made via precision fermentation of industry byproducts. Migros and alt protein Migros is increasingly supporting alt protein innovation, partnering …

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Migros

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Maple Leaf Foods Reduces Plant-Based Greenleaf Division by 25% Following Decrease in Demand

August 11, 2022

Maple Leaf Foods, one of Canada’s largest meat producers, says it is downsizing its plant-based foods division, Greenleaf Foods, by 25% following consecutive quarters of disappointing sales. The company, which owns vegan food brands Field Roast and Lightlife, reports its Plant Protein sales fell by over 18% year-over-year to CAD $40.8 million due to lower retail volumes, reports Food Dive. Nonprofitable investments into expanding growth infrastructure also reduced gross margins by 24.7%. Large investments Known primarily for its processed meat business, Maple Leaf strategically invested in alternative proteins by acquiring plant-based foods brands Lightlife, Field Roast and Chao in 2017. The following year, it launched Greenleaf Foods SPC as a subdivision to accelerate the growth of the plant-based category. In 2019, it unveiled plans to …

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Field Roast

Lightlife

Maple Leaf Foods

People

Better Nature Appoints Ex CEO of Planet Organic & World’s Most Cited Food Scientist to Fuel Growth

August 2, 2022

UK-based tempeh startup Better Nature announces the appointments of ex-Planet Organic CEO Peter Marsh as Non-Executive Director, and Prof. Julian McClements, the world’s most cited food scientist, as Innovation Advisor. Peter Marsh, who established Planet Organic as one of the UK’s largest organic and health retailers until his retirement in 2021, will be supporting Better Nature with its entrance into UK supermarkets and with plans for international expansion. Marsh states: “Making high-quality, healthy foods more widely accessible is really important to me. Working with Better Nature to get more people across the UK and further afield eating nutritious, delicious and versatile tempeh is a challenge I’m very excited to take on.” Newly appointed Innovation Advisor Prof. Julian McClements, who has published over 1300 scientific articles …

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