Tofu News - vegconomist: the vegan business magazine

©VFG / TOFUTOWN

VFG Sells German TOFUTOWN Facility to The New Originals Company

October 16, 2024

The Vegan Food Group (VFG), formed this January from the previous VFC Foods as a holding company comprising VFC, Meatless Farm, and Clives Purely Plants, and with plans to carry out further acquisitions such as that of TOFUTOWN in February, announces it is selling its manufacturing plant in Wiesbaum to The New Originals Company. Described on its website as the “first truly European tofu company” and positioning itself as a “Europe-wide leader in tofu innovations”, The New Originals Company was founded in February 2024 by the Lunter family, of NLT Management Holding and Raiffeisenbank Landesbank Oberösterreich, which apparently employs 600 people across five countries. Matthias Krön, CEO of The New Originals Company, comments: “Bernd Drohsin and Tofutown’s team in Wiesbaum have been pioneers in organic …

Organisations and brands:

The New Originals Company

TOFUTOWN

Vegan Food Group (VFG)

Products & Launches

The Tofoo Co Launches Tofoo Katsu Fillets, Achieves 20.7% YOY Growth

September 24, 2024

UK brand The Tofoo Co has announced the launch of Tofoo Katsu, a new product consisting of two tofu fillets coated in a katsu-style breadcrumb. The launch aims to cater to the growing demand for natural alternatives to meat, while also providing a convenient option for midweek meals. It follows a period of significant expansion for The Tofoo Co, which now holds a 62% share of the tofu category and has experienced 20.7% YOY growth1. This makes it the UK’s second-biggest meat-free brand. The news comes just a month after The Tofoo Co was acquired by German investment management firm Comitis Capital, securing further investment for its next growth phase. “Incredibly strong year” Tofoo Katsu is not the only new product launched by The Tofoo …

Organisations and brands:

The Tofoo Co

Investments & Acquisitions

The Tofoo Co., the UK’s No. 2 Meat-Free Brand, is Acquired by Comitis Capital

August 20, 2024

German investment management firm Comitis Capital (“Comitis”) has acquired The Tofoo Co., the UK’s No. 2 meat-free brand, which commands over 60% of the tofu market share. Comitis Capital, which sees The Tofoo Co. ready for its next growth phase, aims to leverage its investment, expertise, and network to expand the brand. Founders David Knibbs and Lydia Smith will remain invested and continue to oversee the company’s growth in the UK and international markets. Nikolaus Bethlen, Managing Partner at Comitis, shares: “The Tofoo Co has firmly established itself as a leader in the plant-based meat alternatives market with a strong brand image offering high-quality products. David Knibbs and Lydia Smith have built a remarkable enterprise that is ready for the next phase of growth. The Tofoo …

Pulmuone to showcase products at SIAL Paris

Fairs & Events

Pulmuone to Showcase Plant-Based & K-Food Innovations at SIAL Paris 2024

August 12, 2024August 6, 2024

Major Korean tofu manufacturer Pulmuone has announced it will be present at the food industry trade show SIAL Paris from October 19-23. Pulmuone will showcase a range of plant-based and K-food innovations at the event, which will take place at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre. The company is known for offering various plant-based protein foods containing meat alternatives and tofu, along with traditional Korean street foods in the noodle and rice cake categories. 40-year history Pulmuone was founded in 1984, and entered the US market in 1991 with the establishment of a new subsidiary in the country. The company subsequently expanded into China, Japan, and Vietnam. In 2020, Pulmuone launched a new plant-based brand called Plantspired for the global market, featuring a range of …

Organisations and brands:

Pulmuone

SIAL

Manufacturing & Technology

Yamami Co. is Revolutionizing Traditional Tofu Making with Automation Technologies

December 20, 2023

Yamami Co., a Japanese soybean specialist, has set new industry benchmarks with its capability to produce 15,000 units of tofu per hour, reports Bloomberg. Yamami manufactures all kinds of tofu, including deep-fried, baked, silk, and okara (a bean curd). Tofu, an everyday food staple in Japanese gastronomy, is appreciated for its accessible prices. It is so popular that it frequently is on promotional sales at grocery stores. This trend makes it challenging for manufacturers to increase prices, even as there’s a general trend of rising costs in the food sector. Due to the rising costs of imported soybeans, artisan tofu producers in the country are struggling to stay in business. As highlighted by Bloomberg, the Teikoku Databank reports that around 40% of tofu makers were operating …

Organisations and brands:

Yamami Co.

Products & Launches

The Tofoo Co Aims to “Make Tofu Mainstream” With New Marinated Range

December 14, 2023

Top-selling UK tofu brand The Tofoo Co is set to launch a new marinated range with the aim of showing that tofu is “not just for vegans”. The range consists of two products — Smoky BBQ Strips with a barbecue-flavoured marinade and Lightly Spiced Pieces with onion, garlic, paprika, pepper, and parsley. The Tofoo Co hopes the products will attract consumers who have not tried tofu before, helping to “make tofu mainstream”. The marinated tofu is high in protein and can be pan-fried in eight minutes. It adds to The Tofoo Co’s existing product range, which includes scrambled tofu, silken tofu, tempeh, and tofu blocks in flavours such as teriyaki and sriracha. “Perfect for tofu-phobics” With many consumers searching for less processed meat alternatives, The …

Organisations and brands:

The Tofoo Co

Food Service

The Tofoo Co Brings Tofu to Slug & Lettuce Menus Across the UK

June 7, 2023

Slug & Lettuce Cocktail Bars (Stonegate Group), operating around 80 locations, announces the launch of two plant-based dishes to its menu, in collaboration with The Tofoo Co., the UK’s leading tofu brand. The new menu additions are Crispy Teriyaki Tofu sharing plate, and a main dish called the Crunchy Noodle Salad, featuring summer vegetables, rice noodles, and crispy smoked tofu. The dishes have been created in response to the 65% of UK customers who report that they are more likely to try a meat-free menu item if it does not replicate the taste of animal meat*. Launched by husband-and-wife team Lydia and David in 2015, The Tofoo Co. has since built a substantial UK grocery business, going on to supply all the major grocery retailers …

Organisations and brands:

Slug & Lettuce

The Tofoo Co

Photo by Ingrid Barrentine/Alaska Airlines

Tourism & Travel

Alaska Airlines Expands Vegan Meal Options with JUST Egg Frittata, Chili and More

June 28, 2023May 11, 2023

Alaska Airlines, America’s fifth-largest air carrier, announces it is adding a larger variety of plant-based meal options to its First Class menus, including a JUST Egg Frittata, Tofu Wrap, and White Bean Chili, along with a new salad. Available through pre-order, the new menu selections are available on all First Class meal service flights and include: A Harissa and Chorizo Frittata made with JUST Egg Spicy Tofu Wrap White Bean Chili with Grilled Polenta Stand Bahn Mi Salad w/ Tofu In addition to the latest offerings, Alaska also introduced several other fully plant-based options last year: The “Soy Meets World” Salad and Healthy Resolutions Vegan Salad, both developed in partnership with Evergreen. Beyond salad Across the world, more airlines are increasingly expanding vegan meal options …

Organisations and brands:

Alaska Airlines

JUST Egg

©Pulmuone USA

Gastronomy & Food Service

Pulmuone and Culinary Institute of America Award $10,000 for Tofu Innovation Challenge

April 14, 2023

Pulmuone USA, maker of Nasoya tofu products, reveals it has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to three student winners of The Tofu Innovation Challenge, which it created in partnership with CIA Consulting, a division of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Hosted at CIA’s New York campus, the contest was designed to showcase the versatility of tofu and plant-based dishes, and offered CIA students an opportunity to win scholarship funding toward their tuition. Pulmuone says eight students out of 60 applicants were selected for the challenge, who subsequently spent two months experimenting with tofu and other plant-based ingredients while perfecting recipes. The panel of judges included CIA Chef Instructor Aaron Foglietta and Nasoya representatives, who evaluated the final dishes based on creativity, presentation, taste and accessibility …

Organisations and brands:

Culinary Institute of America (CIA)

Nasoya

Pulmuone USA

©Tofurky

Investments & Acquisitions

Tofurky and Sister Brand Moocho Acquired by Morinaga Nutritional Foods

February 11, 2023

Plant-based meat producer Tofurky announces US-based Morinaga Nutritional Foods has acquired the company and its sister brand, Moocho. With the purchase of Tofurky, Morinaga will reportedly now own the #3 retail plant-based meat brand in the US. According to Tofurky, Morinaga – which manufactures Mori-Nu Silken Tofu- has a longstanding relationship as the former’s tofu supplier for 17 years. The acquisition will help strengthen Tofurky and Moocho’s integrated supply chain and future category growth for both brands. Tofurky states it will continue manufacturing products at its sustainably-focused facility in Hood River, Oregon, while Morinaga plans to increase the facility’s “operational excellence” by providing technical staff to maximize capacity. Morinaga will also uphold the core values, original recipes, and product availability of both Tofurky and Moocho …

Organisations and brands:

Morinaga Nutritional Foods

Tofurky

©Country Life Foods

Products & Launches

Country Life Foods Unveils New Scrambled Tofu Seasonings and Instant Cheeze Mix for Convenient Cooking

October 17, 2022October 7, 2022

Country Life Natural Foods, a natural and organic online retailer, has introduced several new products to make plant-based cooking simpler and more convenient. Tastier tofu Country Life’s new Tofu Scramble Seasoning Pack features Classic, Lemon Herb, and Smoked BBQ Seasonings designed to help people prepare the classic protein because, as the brand says, “a lot of people don’t know how to season tofu.” To make, home cooks need only to crumble a block of tofu into a pan and add the seasoning of choice. The seasoning mixes can be used to make a wide variety of tofu scrambles as well as provide flavoring for rice and vegetables. “One of the healthiest egg or meat substitutes is tofu, but only when seasoned to perfection,” says Country …

Products & Launches

Fillipo Berio’s Tofu-Based Vegan Pestos Arrive in the USA

September 22, 2022

Filippo Berio, a 155-year-old Italian producer of olive oil and pesto, introduces two vegan pestos to the US market, following a successful UK launch which took place this July. The pestos, which are both plant-based and gluten-free, debut in Basil and Sundried Tomato flavors and feature tofu as a cheese replacement. Additionally, the products are certified by The Vegan Society, allowing for greater consumer confidence. The brand’s product portfolio is available in over 75 countries. In the United States, Filippo Berio is marketed by Filippo Berio USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Salov Group, based in Lucca, Italy. Vegan pestos in USA Filippo Berio states that the expansion into the vegan market takes place in response to consumer demand. “Filippo Berio recognized this …

©The Tofoo Co

Products & Launches

The Tofoo Co Continues Product Innovation With Garlic & Herb and Sweet Chilli Nuggets

November 9, 2022September 7, 2022

The Tofoo Co, the UK’s number one tofu brand, is to launch Garlic & Herb and Sweet Chilli Tofoo Nugget products into Tesco this month. In response to the increased demand for convenient plant protein products, the launch is a repositioning of previous product Tofoo Bites, which have taken a new shape, recipe, and packaging design, to become Tofoo nuggets. Varied portfolio The Tofoo Co also launched a block in sriracha flavour as a recent addition to its portfolio which offers flavoured tofu blocks, scrambled egg style Scrambled Tofoo, straight-to-wok frozen cubes in a range of flavours, fish finger style chunkies in a range of flavours, as well as tempeh products. Exponential success The UK producer has enjoyed continuous success over recent years, evidently owing …

Organisations and brands:

The Tofoo Co

©Big Mountain Foods

Investments & Finance

Big Mountain Foods Receives $1.4M From Canadian Gov’t to Expand, Launch New Chickpea Tofu

July 13, 2022

Big Mountain Foods, a plant-based foods manufacturer, has received over $1.4M in Canadian federal funding to increase production capacity of its locally-sourced, whole-food alternative proteins. The company says the funds will also help commercialize a new soy-free, chickpea-based tofu. The investment is part of the AgriInnovate Program, an initiative to support increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian agri-business. With the new funding, Big Mountain plans to add custom, automated robotic equipment to improve production volume and efficiency. The brand will also begin to commercialize a new tofu product made from 100% Canada-grown and milled chickpeas. Towards that end, the company reveals it is commissioning a Vancouver plant capable of producing up to 2 million pounds of tofu every year. Using whole foods Based in …

Organisations and brands:

Big Mountain Foods

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Big Mountain Foods Launches “Category-Disrupting” Tofu Made With Fava Beans

May 4, 2022

Canada’s Big Mountain Foods has launched tofu made with fava beans instead of soy. The new product is the result of six years of development and is said to function and taste just like medium-firm soy tofu. According to Big Mountain, the tofu is a market first and has a huge 95% more protein than leading soy-based brands. It contains only Canadian fava beans and is available in two varieties — regular and smoked. Many consumers avoid soy due to allergies or concerns about GMOs, so Big Mountain’s product will provide a much-needed solution to a gap in the market. The company describes the soy-free tofu as “a real category disruptor”. Innovation by Big Mountain Foods The fava bean tofu is not Big Mountain’s only …

Organisations and brands:

Big Mountain Foods

Fungi, Mushrooms & Mycelium

Hodo Launches Ready-Made, High-Protein “All Day Vegan Egg Scramble”

April 18, 2022April 14, 2022

Plant-based protein company Hodo announces it is launching the All Day Egg Scramble, a prepared egg alternative, in 1,500 retail stores across the US. The new plant-based egg will be available at Whole Food and Natural Grocers nationwide, with Sprouts and other retailers adding the product in coming months. The scramble will also be sold through foodservice. Made from minimally processed ingredients, the All Day Scramble was created to offer consumers a convenient, clean-label alternative to chicken eggs, Hodo says. The product features an authentic egg-y flavor, a fluffy texture and comes ready to heat for toast, stir fries, burritos or any scrambled egg recipes. A higher-protein vegan egg Nutritionally, the new scramble contains as much protein as chicken eggs and 30% more protein than …

Organisations and brands:

Chipotle

Hodo

Products & Launches

Cauldron Foods Adds Two New Flavoured Tofu Products to Popular Range

April 8, 2022April 4, 2022

UK’s Cauldron Foods has extended its bestselling range with the launch of two new tofu products: Quick & Tasty Smoky BBQ Block and Hoisin Tofu. The new SKUs, developed by Senior Development Chef Stu Henshall, are reportedly made with sustainable soy and come with 100% recyclable packaging. In March 2021 the company, a subsidiary of Monde Nissin Corp which also owns UK heritage brand Quorn, entered the dairy-free category with the debut of dairy-free Greek Style Cubes. Most recently, in January of this year, the company announced it had become fully carbon neutral as part of a £3 million investment and packaging / branding relaunch, stating at the time that this made Cauldron the first UK meat-free brand to achieve carbon neutrality for its entire …

Organisations and brands:

Cauldron Foods

Products & Launches

Franklin Farms Launches New Line of Low-Fat Products With Tofu Created From Chickpeas

September 1, 2021

Franklin Farms, a division of Keystone Natural Holdings, has introduced a new line of chickpea products to its portfolio of plant-based offerings. The new line of tofu made from chickpeas is low in fat and allergen-free. Franklin Farms began over 20 years ago as a mushroom farm in Franklin, Connecticut, and since then the company has been creating good-for-you meatless meals from field to table. “Our team is excited to introduce Chickpea Tofu to our portfolio of plant-based offerings,” said Kenny Sung, CEO of Keystone Natural Holdings. “With the rising number of consumers looking to increase their plant-based protein intake paired with the on-trend growth of the chickpea, these innovative products align well with market trends. Chickpeas are a nutrition-packed powerhouse and are set to …

Organisations and brands:

Keystone Natural Holdings

Interviews

Cauldron: “One of the Founders Of the Meat-Free Market as We Know it Today”

May 25, 2021

Cauldron is truly a heritage brand in the UK, producing meat-free products for around four decades, beginning with a focus on tofu and its much-loved Lincolnshire and Cumberland sausages, then recently moving into the snacking category and more recently into the plant-based dairy market with the addition of dairy-free Greek Style Cubes. “Now more than ever, we all need to think about how we can help the planet through its current climate crisis” We were pleased to speak with Tom Lindley, Head of Cauldron, about what sets them apart from the competition and stay ahead of the game for generations of vegans and vegetarians. Could you tell us about Cauldron’s roots as a plant-based producer? Cauldron is the UK’s No.1 plant-based brand in chilled meat-free1 …

Organisations and brands:

Cauldron Foods

The vegconomist-newsletterinformation for decision-makers

The vegconomist-newsletter
information for decision-makers