Plant Based Food Week Canada

© Plant-Based Foods of Canada

Canada’s Third Annual Plant Based Food Week to Showcase Innovation in Plant-Based Sector

Canada is gearing up for its third annual Plant Based Food Week, slated for April 15-29, 2024, a joint initiative by Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC) and Protein Industries Canada. The event is designed to draw attention to the growth, variety, and ecological benefits of plant-based food products. Studies highlight a growing interest in plant-based products in Canada, with Dalhousie University reporting that one in five Canadians buy plant-based alternatives. Although a large proportion of Canadians may be unwilling to give up meat entirely, as revealed in a recent survey from Sodexo, nearly half of consumers are interested in reducing their intake. The upcoming Plant Based Food Week seeks to support this trend by motivating Canadians to try more plant-based foods, encouraging the incorporation of …

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Lidl protein transition event

© Lidl

Lidl Hosts Protein Transition Event, Reports Vegan Sales Increase of Over 30%

Lidl Germany has hosted a protein transition event in Berlin, bringing together 110 representatives from politics, business, science, and society. Participants discussed topics such as what the protein supply of the future will look like, how animal welfare could be improved, and what society expects from food chain actors. Lidl described its strategy of creating price parity between plant-based products and their animal counterparts, noting that sales of vegan products had increased by over 30% since it made the pricing changes. The retailer has also begun placing plant-based products next to animal-based ones to make them easier for consumers to find. Additionally, Lidl is actively working to expand its vegan range, and is transparently disclosing the ratio of plant to animal proteins it sells. The …

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Alternative Proteins Global event map

© Alternative Proteins Global

The World’s First Alternative Protein Event Map by Alternative Proteins Global

Alternative Proteins Global (APG) has announced the launch of the world’s inaugural map dedicated to alternative protein events. This comprehensive tool details 161 events scheduled across the globe from April to December 2024, spanning various formats, including 100 expos, 39 conferences, 21 festivals/markets, and one more. Crafted by APG, a market research firm within the alternative protein sector, and its founder, Nicholas Dahl, the map represents a significant resource for industry professionals. The tool enables startups, established entities, investors, and various stakeholders to navigate the substantial volume of industry events worldwide, facilitating deeper engagement and understanding of the alternative protein landscape. Global reach and event diversity The map’s geographical coverage is extensive, with events listed in regions across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, …

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Battle of the Brands competition

Image: Veg-net/Vegan Business Tribe

Veg-net and Vegan Business Tribe Launch Dragon’s Den-Style Battle of the Brands Competition

Veg-net, a new event connecting plant-based brands with buyers and industry experts, has partnered with business support community Vegan Business Tribe to launch a “Battle of the Brands” competition. The pitching contest is in the style of TV show Dragon’s Den, and is open to vegan-owned food brands that sell a product suitable for general retail. The winner will receive a free place at Veg-net, worth almost £2,500; this will grant them ten pre-arranged meetings to pitch their product to key retail buyers and industry experts. Brands can apply by registering on the Vegan Business Tribe website and submitting a one-minute video introducing their product. Three applicants will be chosen to attend a live Zoom final, where the judging panel will include THIS co-founder Andy …

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FOPC logo

© Future of Protein Production

Join Us at The Future of Protein Production Chicago, April 24th & 25th

Join us at The Future of Protein Production Chicago, which takes place at McCormick Place on April 24th & 25th. Hear from over 85 speakers about the latest developments in alternative proteins. With more than 400 delegates expected and more than 40 exhibiting companies, this conference and exhibition boasts an industry-leading agenda that showcases the latest innovative breakthroughs to help accelerate the commercialization and scaling of alternative proteins. The conference was established to connect companies that are developing technologies to take alternative proteins to new levels in terms of taste and texture, cost of production, scale and efficiency, nutritional profile, and sustainability. Take part to discover the latest industry trends, learn from industry experts, and grow your business. The senior executive-level conference presents an unbiased opportunity …

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CellAg Germany lecture course

© CellAg Deutschland e.V.

CellAg Germany Invites You to a Series of Online Lectures on Cellular Agriculture

The online lecture series on cellular agriculture with scientific contributions and insights from the industry is aimed at all interested parties, especially students. The recurring online lectures are held by experts from industry and science to provide an introduction to theory and practice in equal measure – from the technical functionality and consumer acceptance to the challenges and potentials of the industry. The lecture series takes place weekly online, every Monday from 18:30-20:00 from 22.04. to 17.06.2024. Participation is free of charge and requires no prior knowledge of cellular agriculture. CellAg Germany is a platform and contact point for cellular agriculture in German-speaking countries. The independent and non-profit organisation informs and connects people and interest groups from science, politics, business, and NGOs. By providing independent …

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New Food Forum czech

Image courtesy of ProVeg International

Network, Learn, and Enhance Your Business Strategy at the New Food Forum

Experience the power of the alternative protein industry as the New Food Forum returns to Czechia on 18 April. If you’re a local food producer looking to expand your business or a national player seeking new opportunities, this event is tailor-made for you. Connect with industry leaders, attend presentations, and sample delicious plant-based catering (as well as products that are yet to enter the market) — all against the backdrop of Prague’s cosmopolitan district of Andel. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event! In its latest New Food Hub article, ProVeg International shares key event information, confirmed expert speakers, and why this event is unmissable. Why should you attend the New Food Forum? Reserve your spot to gain actionable insights on …

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Plant-based startups pitch at Plant FWD

© Plant FWD

Meet the Ten Plant-Based Startups Pitching at Plant FWD 2024

Ten plant-based startups from around the world have been invited to pitch their products and innovations at the second edition of Plant FWD, which will take place from April 23-24 in Amsterdam. This year, Plant FWD received over 75 submissions for its startup program, spanning 19 countries and a range of categories. The team partnered with Brave New Food and Impact Hub to choose the top ten, which features: Time Travelling Milkman (Netherlands) — Using sunflower seeds to produce sustainable, healthy fats for use in plant-based dairy alternatives. Esencia Foods (Germany) — Developing whole-cut fish and seafood alternatives using natural fungi fermentation. Onego Bio (Finland) — Harnessing fermentation to create animal-free real egg white protein with superior functionality, nutrition, and sustainability. Adamo Foods (UK) — …

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AVA Summit

Julia Reinelt © AVA Summit

Global Leaders in Vegan Advocacy Unite in DC for ‘World’s Largest’ Animal Rights Conference

The Animal & Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summit, recognized as one of the world’s largest international gatherings for animal rights and vegan advocacy, will convene this May in Washington, DC. The summit draws over 800 dedicated advocates and activists from across the globe, alongside 80+ expert speakers and 35+ industry-leading exhibitors, serving as a platform for the global vegan movement, championing collaboration and shared goals to achieve sustainable progress. Organized by the nonprofit organization AVA International, the AVA Summit has a value-packed program featuring over 60 sessions covering various critical topics essential for advancing animal rights and vegan advocacy. Leaders from Mercy For Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, ProVeg, Faunalytics, and more will offer their expertise in a variety of informative sessions and workshops, empowering attendees …

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Future Food Aotearoa at Future Food Tech

© Future Food Aotearoa

Future Food Aotearoa Spotlights New Zealand’s Plant-Based Innovations at Future Food-Tech San Francisco

Future Food Aotearoa, a founders movement working to accelerate the growth and impact of foodtech in New Zealand, was founded in 2020 by Alex Worker, the country manager for Impossible Foods Aotearoa New Zealand and co-founder of NewFish and LILO Desserts. Future Food Aotearoa is set to highlight New Zealand’s role in plant-based food innovation at the prestigious San Francisco Future Food-Tech Conference. With a focus on sustainability, quality, and cutting-edge technology, Future Food Aotearoa aims to position New Zealand as a global leader in shaping the future of food. A select delegation of startups will showcase breakthroughs in food science and technology, presenting their innovative products, including sustainable plant-based and microalgae protein alternatives and advancements in precision fermentation and cellular meat technologies. Representing the …

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Zyrcular Foods plant-based chicken gyozas

© Zyrcular Foods

Zyrcular Foods Showcases Multicultural Plant-Based Solutions for Catering at Alimentaria Barcelona 

Zyrcular Foods, a Spanish firm specializing in the development, production, and distribution of alternative protein products, is showcasing its portfolio of 100% plant-based and mycoprotein (Quorn) alternatives for food service at Spain’s leading food, beverage, and gastronomy show Alimentaria, which will take place until March 21st. Zyrcular Foods’ product line includes a multicultural and diverse range of offerings, including alt meat and fish burgers from the company’s brand Amara, nuggets, chorizo, pulled meat, bacon, and meatballs, and its latest innovation, plant-based gyozas in curry chicken flavor. The company also offers alternatives to salmon and tuna made with pea protein under the plant-based seafood brand Current Foods. Zyrcular Foods states that its participation at Alimentaria demonstrates its commitment to providing a variety of high-quality plant-based options for …

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FABI Awards

© National Restaurant Association

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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UK plant-based protein sector unites in growth commitment

Image: Indy Kaur on LinkedIn

40+ UK Plant-Based Companies Gather in United Front to Forge a Path & Propel Sector Forward

Over 40 businesses, retailers, and NGOs in the UK plant-based protein sector recently came together at the inaugural Plant-Based Proteins Workshop, hosted by Plant Futures. Participants included allplants, the Coller Foundation, Veganuary, Veg Capital, The Tofoo Co, and many more. In a move described as “unprecedented”, the organisations made a clear commitment to collaboration and growth, strategising on ways to rejuvenate the sector. They identified seven critical areas to inform the development of a growth strategy: Unity — Collaboration could unlock the sector’s growth potential, and a shared roadmap will be developed as a guide. Leadership — A coherent narrative and governance are necessary, as too much is currently open to interpretation. Positioning — Most attendees agreed that there should be a focus on highlighting …

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OmniFoods mushroom steak

© OmniFoods

OmniFoods Debuts Lion’s Mane Steak as “New Generation of Fungi Innovation”

Plant-based food producer OmniFoods is set to introduce the latest advancements in its plant-based cuisine offerings at the upcoming Expo West 2024 in California. The new lineup includes a series of sweet baos and the launch of the OMNI Garden product line, which notably includes the debut of the company’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak. At this year’s event, OMNI is unveiling the OMNI Garden series, a new collection of bowls, patties, and various plant-based delicacies focused on whole-vegetable ingredients. The Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak is the standout product of this series, showcasing the versatility and appealing taste of lion’s mane mushrooms and offering attendees of Expo West the first opportunity to sample them. In addition, the company will expand its sweet offerings, following the success …

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Vegandale touring vegan experience

© Vegandale

“World’s Largest Touring Vegan Experience” Vegandale Expands to the UK

Vegandale, the North American festival described as the world’s largest touring vegan experience, is expanding to the UK in 2024. The festival has announced a London event at Clapham Common from July 13-14, and a Manchester event on July 6 (location to be announced). Additionally, there will be an event in Philadelphia this year, adding to the six existing North American locations — New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Dallas. Vegandale features a range of musical performances, with last year’s headlining acts including Rick Ross, Coi Leray, and DJ Khaled. London artists are expected to be announced next month. A diverse range of food, beverage, and lifestyle options will also be available, with the London and Manchester events featuring both local food and …

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© Handtmann

Handtmann Showcases Molding System Suitable for Production of Vegan Products at AnugaFoodTec

Handtmann, a specialist in forming, portioning, dosing, and packaging systems for the food industry, is to present a new option for producing molded and filled products at the AnugaFoodTec show this March. The new Handtmann all-in-one molding system FS 525 offers manufacturers of snack and convenience products a new option to further expand the possibilities in the production of molded products: the co-extrusion function. The molding system offers flexibility for both free molding and for molding and separating vegetarian and vegan alternative products, among others. The additional co-extrusion function now enables the production of a wide variety of filled products. The FS 525 forming and cutting system combines two different forming principles for maximum flexibility in industrial applications (perforated plate forming technology for freely shaped …

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Vegan Women Summit

© Vegan Women Summit

The Vegan Women Summit Returns to Hollywood Showcasing Female Leadership in Vegan Business

The Vegan Women Summit (VWS) is returning for its 4th year, scheduled for May 9 and 10, 2024, at the Pacific Design Center in Hollywood. The summit is a global event that brings together women leaders in vegan business, featuring speakers, panels, and networking opportunities with potential partners, mentors, and investors. VWS has released an impressive roster of celebrity speakers for this year’s event, which includes actress Richa Moorjani, philanthropist Maggie Baird (mother of musician Billie Eilish), model and reality TV star Jayde Nicole and Heather Mills, a Paralympian and the owner of VBites. Mills is poised to share the inspiring journey of VBites, which she recently reacquired after the company entered administration at the end of last year. Joanne Molinaro, The Korean Vegan, and …

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Oddlygood Barista range

©Oddlygood

Product of the Year Awards 2024 Names Oddlygood as Best Plant Based Milk

The 2024 Product of the Year winners, chosen by 8,000 UK consumers in what is described as the UK’s largest celebration of product innovation, have been revealed. Now in its 20th year, Product of the Year aims to provide a platform for everyday household products we use regularly but often take for granted. The Product of the Year logo has 81% shopper recognition, can be seen in all major supermarkets and convenience stores across the country, and is described as a vote of confidence by consumers for consumers. Whereas last year’s event saw 17 vegan products awarded, the 2024 ceremony, for some reason (we will enquire), recognised just three: Heinz Beanz Bowlz, Oddlygood‘s Barista Vanilla Flavour Oat Drink, and Mentos Pure Fresh Gum Paperboard mints. …

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© TOPAS GmbH

WHEATY to Present New Seitan-Based Meat Alternatives at BIOFACH

In time for BIOFACH 2024, TOPAS GmbH is presenting various new vegan products without fillers and additives with its flagship brand WHEATY. The world’s leading trade fair for organic food BIOFACH starts again in Nuremberg, tomorrow February 13. And this year the pioneering company for organic vegan meat alternatives in Germany, TOPAS GmbH, founded by Klaus Gaiser in 1993, will be there once again. The company can be found in Hall 9, Stand 409. This year, managing director Klaus Gaiser and his team will present new products on-site, which will then be added to the order lists via organic wholesalers from March 2024. The specialist retail brand WHEATY has been one of the established players in the refrigeration sector for meat alternatives for over 30 …

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Handtmann's InotecWolf machinery

© Handtmann

Handtmann to Showcase Food Processing Innovations at Anuga FoodTec

German food machinery manufacturer Handtmann, which recently unveiled a manufacturing innovation to create marbled and fat-layered meat alternatives in partnership with Planteneers, is set to showcase its latest innovations at Anuga FoodTec next month. At the event, which takes place in Cologne from 19 – 22 March, Handtmann is set to unveil a suite of food processing technologies aimed at enhancing the production capabilities for a wide array of food products and pet food. The offerings encompass modular process solutions spanning from product preparation to the final transfer to packaging solutions, catering to operations of all scales, from startups to fully automated, high-capacity industrial production setups. Highlights include the debut of the Handtmann Inotec IW series grinder, capable of handling up to nine metric tons …

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