UK-based company Vegan Food Group (VFG) has collaborated with San Francisco food tech brand Eat Just to secure exclusive European rights to its flagship product, Just Egg. The product, which is currently seeing skyrocketing sales in the US, will be manufactured at VFG’s site in Lüneburg, Germany, later this year. VFG, which also owns Meatless Farm, VFC, Tofutown, and Clive’s Purely Plants, will be investing £11.5M (USD $15.2M) into manufacturing and distributing Just Egg.

VFG chairman Matthew Glover said he was “thrilled” to be bringing this “game-changing” product to the UK and EU for the first time. “This partnership is a huge leap forward in transforming plant-based food across Europe,” he added. “Welcome to the future of eggs. No chickens required.”

Read more: Tiba Tempeh Launches New Smoky Block As Distribution Expands

What is Just Egg?

Just Egg is a realistic egg alternative product made from mung beans. It’s free from cholesterol and is typically sold in liquid form, allowing it to be poured directly into a pan and cooked like traditional eggs. It’s designed to replicate the texture and function of scrambled eggs, and is commonly used in breakfast dishes, baking, and other recipes that call for eggs.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Just Egg is becoming increasingly mainstream in the US due to rising prices of traditional eggs. The bird flu outbreak has caused egg shortages and record prices in recent months. This led Just Egg sales to soar at five times the rate of the year before. 

Europe has a large plant-based market, so it’s likely that Just Egg’s arrival on the continent will see sales rise even further. “European consumers clearly desire innovative, sustainable food options, and collaborating with VFG is key to meeting that demand effectively,” Eat Just co-founder Josh Tetrick told The Grocer. “This investment in the Lüneburg facility represents a crucial step towards making high-quality plant-based egg alternatives widely accessible to our global audience.”

Read more: Pinky Cole Hayes Announces Buy-Back Of Slutty Vegan

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

The block is infused with a smoky marinade and can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, sandwiches, and pastas. It will be available on Ocado from April 18 and in Waitrose and Sainsbury’s at the end of the month. The 220g product, which retails at £3.00, is a new addition to Tiba Tempeh’s growing plant-based range, which also includes an Original Block and Sweet Chilli Pieces.

“We’re so excited to launch our new Smoky Tempeh as a natural extension to our best-selling Original Block,” said Alexandra Longton, cofounder of Tiba Tempeh, in a statement. “We’ve crafted the tastiest protein-packed tempeh,
which we know consumers will love. We think this is the tastiest tempeh on the market, and we can’t wait for people to try it.”

Read more: Pinky Cole Hayes Announces Buy-Back Of Slutty Vegan

Tiba Tempeh expands

The product launch coincides with increased retail distribution for the brand. From April 30, Waitrose will carry three of Tiba Tempeh’s products – Original Block, Sweet Chilli Pieces, and Smoky Block – in over 200 stores for the first time. The brand will appear under Waitrose’s “BrandsNew” platform, which highlights emerging brands in the food space. “We are delighted to be working with Waitrose to bring more naturally delicious and nutritious plant-based options to even more consumers,” Longton said.

Tiba Tempeh is currently the UK’s largest tempeh-only brand and has seen rapid growth despite a downturn in the overall meat-free category. The brand reports a 736 percent year-on-year increase in retail sales value, representing a £1.2 million (USD $1.5 million) rise over the past year. Longton attributes the growth to increasing consumer demand for minimally processed alternatives to conventional meat substitutes.

Read more: Vegan Restaurant Unity Diner To Return

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Cole Hayes, who founded Atlanta-based Slutty Vegan in 2018, said that “cash-flow issues” over the past year and a half led to her losing the business, leading to what she called the “toughest experience” of her life. 

“In 2023, my corporate overhead was $10 million. I was profitable at the unit level. I did double-digit millions last year in revenue. But when you look at my balance sheet, there’s a lot of debt there,” she told Forbes. “And because the market is so volatile, people really don’t want to just expend their money in situations like this.”

Cole Hayes added that she fought for her company for a year and bankrolled it herself before surrendering. She lost the company for just over a month before eventually managing to buy it back again. “I’m happy that I have it again,” she said. “Because it’s rightfully mine. And I know that it deserves to be a billion-dollar brand.”

Read more: Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole Hayes Opens New Bar Vegan Branch

‘I went through every emotion imaginable’

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Opening up about the experience in a recent Instagram video, Cole Hayes said that the company went through a global restructure in February. She added that she went through “every emotion imaginable” when trying to save the business. Addressing her followers on camera, Cole Hayes teased that they should “show up for the new owner” and encouraged them to swipe to the next video to find out who it was. The follow-up clip revealed Cole Hayes herself walking into her restaurant.

Since opening seven years ago, Slutty Vegan has expanded to a dozen locations in the South and Southeast of the USA. It specializes in plant-based burgers, with each being given a tongue in cheek name like “Fussy Hussy” and “One Night Stand.”

Read more: The Surprising Strategy Behind Slutty Vegan’s $100 Million Success

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

The complaint, made by animal welfare non-profit A Bit Weird, was lodged on April 7 – the same day the CMA was granted new consumer protection powers. Under the new powers, the CMA has authority determine if key consumer protection laws have been breached without going through courts. This means that it’s able to “act more swiftly and directly to protect UK consumers.” According to A Bit Weird, this marks the complaint as a “landmark.”

The Happy Egg Co and marketing

The Happy Egg Co, which is owned by British food supplier Noble Foods, is one of the UK’s largest “free-range” egg producers. It’s known for its depictions of seemingly well-cared-for chickens living in green fields with lots of space. According to the complaint, The Happy Egg Co’s marketing and imagery of its farms is at odds with the reality for many hens that provide its eggs.

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Examples cited in the complaint include The Happy Egg Co’s claim that it provides “calming and enriching environments” for hens. This is despite previous investigations documenting overcrowded conditions on farms with limited enrichment items. 

Marketing materials for The Happy Egg Co tend to show healthy and fully-feathered hens. Investigations, however, have uncovered “injuries, feather loss, and beak trimming” affecting some Happy Egg hens, according to A Bit Weird. Beak trimming is standard practice in the UK egg industry.

Other allegations include misleading use of the slogan “Happiness First” to refer to hens, and claims that hens have “lots of room to roam, relax and play.”

In response to the complaint, a spokesperson for Noble Foods told Plant Based News: “We strongly refute these allegations which do not reflect the conditions on our farms or the values of our brand. We are committed to ensuring transparency with our consumers, and work closely with our farmers to ensure they meet our stringent welfare standards, with each farm independently audited by third parties including the RSPCA Assured.

“The welfare of our hens is our highest priority, and each hen has daily access to ranges, for eight hours or more, and our ranges provide a minimum of 20 percent tree cover, which is significantly above free-range standards. We also provide enriching indoor environments with perches and toys, and all housing meets or exceeds RSPCA Assured standards.”

Read more: ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ Features Segment On Egg Alternatives

Is The Happy Egg Co ‘duping British consumers?’

This isn’t the first time The Happy Egg Co has come under fire for its marketing. In May 2024, animal rights charity Animal Justice Project filed a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over the company’s allegedly “misleading” TV, radio, and internet adverts. 

In October, Veganuary founder Matthew Glover accused the company of “welfarewashing” after an advert featuring actor and farmer Kelvin Fletcher stated that hens in a lush green field “certainly do look very happy.” 

A 2021 investigation by PETA documented conditions on three farms supplying The Happy Egg Co. Birds were kept in large, overcrowded sheds, which investigators said could prevent them from engaging in natural behaviors like foraging, flapping their wings, and roosting comfortably. Birds were also subjected to mutilations like debeaking. 

Many people believe that “free-range” farms house birds in green fields, but the reality is often very different. At one of the farms investigated, the outdoor space was a “bare, muddy ground with only a few dilapidated wooden shelters,” according to PETA. 

Speaking about the new CMA complaint, A Bit Weird founder Andy Shovel said: “74 percent of UK adults consider animal welfare when they decide which groceries to buy, so it’s unsurprising that brands try to tap into this huge driver of purchase intent. But we believe that The Happy Egg Co is duping British consumers with cartoons of lush green meadows and smiling hens that are jumping for joy, when the reality is quite grisly. That’s just a bit weird.”

To coincide with the complaint, A Bit Weird has launched a petition calling for The Happy Egg Co to change its name. You can sign the petition here. 

Read more: Brits Being ‘Systematically Misled’ About Meat, Dairy, And Eggs, Study Finds

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

The vegan restaurant, which is situated in east London, will start welcoming customers again from this Friday (April 5).

“In December last year we just couldn’t see a way in which we could possibly continue,” the diner wrote on Instagram. “However, we are beyond thrilled to say that after on-going negotiations with our landlords throughout the past couple of months, alongside investment from one of our co-founders, we’re relaunching with a fresh energy, and a new menu.”

As well as “UD classics” like Tofish and Chips and Mac and Cheese, the menu will also feature new options including a vegan carvery on Sundays.  

Unity Diner was founded by activist and author Earthling Ed (real name Ed Winters) in 2018. In a statement to Plant Based News, Winters confirmed that he will be stepping back from the restaurant to focus on other projects.

“The support of the community throughout January was absolutely incredible and completely blew all of us away,” Winters said. “We’re so grateful for the support and kindness that we received and I am delighted that we have been able to work with the landlords. I am thrilled to say that this means that Unity Diner is going to be reopening and will be beginning a new and exciting chapter.”

Read more: Vivera Buys The Vegetarian Butcher From Unilever

Unity Diner returns

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Unity Diner closed its doors at the start of February, citing rising costs. Following the closure announcement, the restaurant received huge support from the vegan community, alongside donations to Surge Sanctuary, which it supports. 

“Our ethos remains the same – we’re here to provide great vegan food, spread awareness for animals and raise funds for @thesurgesanctuary,” the restaurant said. “But we can’t do it without you! Only with your continued support can we make this work and keep this space thriving for the vegan community and the sanctuary.”

Read more: UK’s ‘Fastest-Growing’ Meat-Free Brand Tiba Tempeh Secures £1.1 Million In Funding

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

The companies, which are both based in the Netherlands, specialize in vegan meat alternatives. According to Vivera, the brands “complement each other in many ways.” The Vegetarian Butcher has a strong presence in foodservice and quick-service restaurant channels, while Vivera’s branded and private-label products are widely available in retail.

“By combining these two companies, we create a purpose-driven business with highly motivated people,” said Vivera CEO Willem van Weede. “Accelerating the protein transition is more important than ever.”

Read more: Lidl and ProVeg Partner For Plant-Based Cheese Competition

A plant-based powerhouse

Despite market fluctuations, plant-based foods continue to show strong long-term growth. Vivera has been making plant-based meat since 1990, and has played a key role in developing the market in the Netherlands. Alongside alternatives to salmon, mince, and kebab meat, Vivera also launched whole foods-based protein bites last year, catering to growing demand for minimally processed “clean label” products. Its products can be found in 32,000 supermarkets across 25 European countries. Vivera was acquired by JBS in 2021. 

The Vegetarian Butcher, which was founded in 2010 in Utrecht, was bought by Unilever in 2018. It was first reported that Unilever was considering selling the brand in September 2024. The British consumer goods giant worked with investment bank Piper Sandler to auction off The Vegetarian Butcher, after reportedly making the decision to focus on its major international brands like Hellmann’s and Ben & Jerry’s.

“I believe that The Vegetarian Butcher is poised for even greater success in the next phase of its journey under new ownership that is dedicated to plant-based meat replacements,” said Heiko Schipper, president of Unilever foods, in a statement. “This focused expertise will support the brand in its ambitious goal to become the ‘Biggest Butcher of the World’.”

The sale of The Vegetarian Butcher is expected to be completed by Q3 2025.

Read more: UK’s ‘Fastest-Growing’ Meat-Free Brand Tiba Tempeh Secures £1.1 Million In Funding

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Between March and April, the Swedish brand will hand out more than 20,000 free flat white coffees made with its signature oat milk in Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Oatly will bring its coffee-ready tour bus to Sainsbury’s car parks and town squares in each city, as well as partnering with local cafes who will be giving away additional drinks.

In addition to the upcoming giveaway, Oatly has also announced a multimedia advertising campaign centered on an Oatly taste test carried out by Cambridge MR. The test found that up to four times as many consumers prefer oat milk than are currently purchasing it.

The new ads include slogans like “I love Oatly in coffee if I don’t know it’s Oatly,” and feature images of people with their eyes covered. The campaign includes large billboards, as well as video adverts on social media, Spotify, Netflix, ITVX, and Channel 4.

Read more: Potato Milk Brand DUG Announces Further European Expansion

‘People love Oatly in their coffee, they just don’t know it yet’

Research published by The Vegan Society in January found that the UK is shifting away from animal products and towards plant-based options nationwide. Meanwhile, the Good Food Institute (GFI) found that plant-based milk, in particular, has become mainstream.

However, studies also indicate that the vegan label and its connotations still puts some people off. If Cambridge MR’s taste test is representative, it could mean that millions more Britons would enjoy the taste of Oatly’s plant-based milk – if they were willing to try it.

“People love Oatly in their coffee, they just don’t know it yet,” said Oatly’s executive creative director Filip Nilsson. “Our blind taste tests showed there are potentially millions of people missing out on a first-class taste experience, so we’re going on a journey to sample delicious Oatly coffees to people across the UK who may never have had the chance to try it before – proving what we know to be true. Our oat drinks taste delicious.”

In February, Oatly announced its full 2024 financial results. The statement details “significantly improved” profitability and stronger margins, and Oatly expects 2025 to be its first year of profitable growth as a public company.

Read more: Brits Being ‘Systematically Misled’ About Meat, Dairy, And Eggs, Study Finds

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

The German supermarket chain has partnered with ProVeg Incubator, the business incubation arm of plant-based NGO ProVeg International, to facilitate the competition.

Applicants can submit finished products, but they can also submit any ingredients and technologies that will facilitate future plant-based cheese production. The Lidl x ProVeg Cheese Alternative Innovation Competition aims to reach the “most innovative” startups.

ProVeg Incubator’s alumni have had products stocked in more than 15,000 stores worldwide, and raised more than USD $450 million. ProVeg provides its startups with mentoring and industry contacts, as well as €300,000 ($328,000) in funding and in-kind services.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Lidl on this exciting innovation competition,” said Antje Räuscher, the head of ProVeg Incubator. “Plant-based cheese remains one of the most dynamic areas for growth and development in the food sector, and this initiative provides an important platform to showcase groundbreaking solutions.”

Read more: ‘World First’ Vegan Mozzarella Pearls Launch In The UK

Competition winner will join growing Vemondo Plant! range

In January, Lidl became the first major retailer to use the Vegetarian Society’s new “gold standard” Plant-Based Trademark, to reflect changing customer demands. In October, Lidl announced plans to triple its plant-based range and added 28 new Vemondo Plant! products.

The Lidl x ProVeg competition winner will pitch their product to Lidl’s “top decision makers,” before collaborating with Lidl to list the new plant-based cheese under the supermarket’s private Vemondo label, available on shelves in selected stores throughout Germany.

“We’re looking to hear from applicants who bring something extraordinary to the table,” said Lidl Germany’s head of purchasing Christoph Graf, in a statement. He added that they are looking for “true innovation” in categories with the “greatest potential for improvement.”

Applicants can register here until the final deadline, which is April 27, 2025. All applicants must have a business registered in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). Completed product entries must be approved for sale in Germany and be market-ready.

Read more: Plant-Based Milk And Meat Are Now Mainstream In Europe, Report Finds

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

According to the report by Changing Markets Foundation and Mighty Earth, no major food retailer reports the methane emissions in their supply chain. Nor do they have methane emissions reduction targets. This is despite meat and dairy accounting for an estimated third of their total emissions, the report says.

The 20 top-grossing retailers in the US and Europe assessed in the report include Tesco, Lidl, Walmart, and Costco. They received scores across 18 indicators, such as their recognition of the link between methane and animal products, their emissions reporting, and whether they set targets for increasing sales of plant-based proteins. Tesco scored the highest, but still has a lot of room for improvement with 51 out of 100 possible points.

Read more: Brits Urged To Cut ‘Two Fry Ups’ Worth Of Meat A Week To Reduce Emissions

‘Empty words’

Nine of the supermarkets assessed have made commitments to reach net zero emissions by 2050. But these are mostly “just empty words,” the report says, as meat and dairy remain a “blind spot” in their plans.

Out of the 20 retailers, 11 publicly recognize agriculture’s climate impact. Eight refer directly to methane from farming animals, but none are monitoring and reporting on their methane emissions, even for their own brand products over which they have more control. A small number publicly reference feed additives for dairy herds to reduce methane emissions. Tesco, for example, mentions its trial with dairy brand Arla to feed cows Bovaer, which has proved controversial with customers.

Emissions from meat and dairy and the rest of the supply chain fall under scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. But only six of the supermarkets have scope 3 emissions reduction targets. Instead, they mostly focus on scope 1 and 2, which covers direct emissions such as energy used in stores.

Promoting plant-based options

One area where many retailers are doing better is on offering and promoting plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy. However, the report found US supermarket chains far lagging behind European ones in this regard.

Most of the European retailers offer a wide range of own brand alternatives and invest in developing and promoting these products. Most US retailers by contrast have no own brand options or only offer a limited selection. According to the report, demand for alternative proteins is similarly strong in the US as it is in Europe, with a growing number of people aiming to cut down on their meat consumption.

Read more: Denmark Agrees Deal On Agriculture Emissions Tax

Several supermarkets including Tesco, Lidl, and Carrefour have set sales targets for their plant-based alternatives. Lidl, for example, is aiming for a quarter of its protein sales to be plant-based by 2030.

Retailers must step up their climate action by “setting targets to reduce their methane emissions and reporting transparently on these,” the report says. It recommends that they set methane reduction targets of at least 30 percent by 2030 from a 2020 baseline. It also recommends that they work towards 60 percent of the protein they sell being plant-based by 2030.

This article was written by Claire Hamlett on the PBN Website.

The funding will support Tiba Tempeh’s marketing, sales, and product development, with new products expected to launch in 2025. The investment round was led by Maven Capital Partners through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, supported by the British Business Bank. Venture capital firm Perfect Redd, the investment arm of food manufacturer Samworth Brothers, also contributed follow-on funding.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the fastest-growing brand in the UK’s chilled meat-free category,” said co-founder Ross Longton in a statement. “The investment will help us accelerate our growth and support our mission to create a healthier world by inspiring people to enjoy more delicious, naturally healthy, and sustainable plant-based food.”

Read more: M&S Launches 1-Ingredient Corn Flakes

Demand for less processed meat alternatives drives growth

Tiba Timpeh was founded in 2019 by Alexandra and Ross Longton. It offers a range of tempeh products in UK supermarkets, including Original Block and marinated tempeh pieces. The company has expanded its retail presence in the UK, securing listings at Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Ocado. It has also entered the European market, launching in France and Spain with listings in Carrefour and other major retailers.

According to data from NIQ, Tiba Tempeh has seen a 736 percent increase in retail sales value over the past year, contributing £1.2 million in sales value despite a general decline in the overall meat-free category.

Read more: Vegan Pasty Wins ‘Pasty Of The Year’ At British Pie Awards

In recent years, consumers have been moving away from meat alternatives regarded as “ultra-processed,” a label often associated with vegan sausages, mince,burgers, and other meat analogues. While experts have pointed out that such products don’t necessarily deserve the negative reputation they have, consumers are increasingly seeking less processed animal-free proteins in their place. 

Tempeh, a fermented soy product, is generally regarded as a minimally processed food. It has its roots in Indonesia, but has recently surged in popularity in the UK and Europe. Tiba Tempeh is somewhat unique in offering accessible tempeh products to consumers who have previously been unfamiliar with the food. 

“Tiba Tempeh is an exciting brand, in a market where there is increasing demand for more natural and healthier meat-free alternatives, with a focus on higher nutritional and protein content, which Tiba Tempeh products provide,” said Rebecca MacDermid, investment manager at Maven, in a statement.

Read more: Demolish Foods Unveils ‘Unprecedented’ Plant-Based Whole Cuts Production Platform

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

In 2024, the industry’s value was US$9.57 billion, according to Global News Wire. By 2030, it will be worth $21.81 billion, a compound annual growth rate of 14.72 percent. This growth will be driven by more investment in the sector, product innovation, demand for clean label foods, and environmental concerns.

The research notes that consumer interest in clean labeling is a “significant trend” in the plant-based meat market. Transparency in food labeling helps to build trust with customers, “a critical factor” for the long-term growth of the industry. Increasingly, plant-based meat producers are embracing this shift with a focus on fewer, simpler ingredients. The continuous innovation of plant-based meat producers means they are able to adapt to changing consumer preferences, according to the research.

Read more: Alternative Proteins Bring Huge Economic Potential For Germany, Study Finds

The market is dominated by a few large companies, including Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Quorn, Tofurky, and Tyson. Some major food corporations are focusing on acquisitions and collaborations with emerging companies to gain entry to the market and access to commercially launched products.

Europe leading the way

Strong consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable foods has helped turn Europe into a leader in the plant-based meat space. A recent separate analysis revealed that applications for alternative protein patents have risen 960 percent in the last decade in Europe, indicating growing plant-based innovation in the region.

Some European countries have also seen plant-based alternatives become more mainstream. Around a third of households in Germany, the UK, and Spain now buy plant-based meat and milk products.

According to Global News Wire, the growth of the sector in Europe has been boosted by more availability of plant-based products. Partnerships between producers and food service providers have also helped. Meanwhile, a rise in ethical and environmental concerns around food has seen a growth in flexitarians who want to try more plant-based alternatives.

Read more: A 50% Market Share For Alt Proteins Could Reduce GHGs More Than EVs, Says Report

Cost still a barrier

Despite the positive forecast, the higher cost of plant-based meat compared to conventional meat remains a barrier to growth for the industry, according to the research.

Plant-based meat producers invest a lot of money into research and development to try and replicate the sensory experience of eating meat. This adds costs to production. Meanwhile, the conventional meat industry is long-established and benefits from economies of scale — as well as massive government subsidies — which help to keep the cost of meat down.

Currently, the plant-based meat sector does not enjoy the same amount of infrastructure and degree of scalability. Global News Wire notes that many consumers are unable or unwilling to pay a premium for plant-based meat. Indeed, other research has shown that, for US consumers, if plant-based meat costs the same or less than conventional meat, it boosts the sales of the former over the latter.

This article was written by Claire Hamlett on the PBN Website.

Allplants, a plant-based meal delivery service, entered administration in November 2024. Following this, the company’s assets were divided between buyers. Ella Mills – the founder of Deliciously Ella – purchased the brand assets and customer data for her business Plants, but the recipes themselves were not included in the deal. GRUBBY has now stepped in to secure them. 

“We see this as a fantastic opportunity to bring these much-loved products back to life for customers across both D2C and retail, while honouring the incredible work Jonathan Petrides and his team did in developing them,” Martin Holden-White, founder of GRUBBY, said in a statement. “The allplants team spent years perfecting this range, and there is real consumer love for the products – we simply could not let that all go to waste.”

Read more: Beyond Meat Suspends Operations In China To Cut Costs

The future of allplants recipes

GRUBBY’s acquisition is part of its wider expansion strategy, which includes a 21 percent year-on-year revenue growth and the recent launch of its cookbook. 

The brand is now actively seeking manufacturing partners to assist in reintroducing the range to market. GRUBBY said that it would welcome potential partners who align with its “B Corp values.”

Natasha Harbinson, director at Interpath, the firm that managed the administration of allplants, said: “allplants had a loyal following, so we’re sure their customers will be thrilled at the prospect of this range being brought back into production.”

Read more: New York-based Blackbird Foods Acquired By Ahimsa Companies

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Following a review of its global operations, the plant-based meat company has said that it will also cut around six percent of its total workforce in the hope of turning a profit by 2026.

Beyond Meat will cut 44 jobs in North America and the EU and make unspecified “executive leadership changes.” With the suspension of Chinese operations at the end of June, the company will cut an additional 20 jobs – 95 percent of its total China workforce.

The decisions to cut Beyond Meat’s operations in China and reduce its overall workforce size were made “based on cost-reduction initiatives intended to reduce operating expenses,” said the company in a statement on its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results.

Read more: Beyond Meat Unveils New Beyond Steak Range

Beyond Meat: boosted sales and falling shares

Beyond Meat expects its annual net revenue to land between $320 million and 335 million for 2025, below analyst estimates of $337.6 million, according to Reuters. Following these predictions, the company’s share price fell five percent. This share price has fallen more than 50 percent in the last year.

Beyond Meat reported a four percent increase in sales in the three months leading up to December 31. However, the company posted a net loss of 65 cents per share compared to analysts’ previous estimates of 43 cents.

“The plant-based meat industry is still struggling to figure out how best to appeal to customers, many of whom are more concerned with price – and taste and texture – than with the potential environmental or health benefits of buying meat alternatives,” eMarketer analyst Rachel Wolff told Reuters earlier this week.

Last year, Beyond Meat reported a “strong Q2,” despite growing “misinformation” about the plant-based category and processed foods. In response, the plant-based meat company has now “healthier” whole-cut mycelium steak and vegetable-based sausages to its lineup.

Read more: Alternative Proteins Bring Huge Economic Potential For Germany, Study Finds

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

The plant-based private equity firm acquired Blackbird Foods for an undisclosed sum on February 17. Following the acquisition, Blackbird Foods aims to collaborate and expand the brand in the coming months to reinforce its position as a key market player.

Blackbird Foods was founded by chefs Emanuel Storch and Mike Pease in 2020 with a limited range of seitan and frozen pizzas. Today, the brand’s products are available in over 3,000 stores across the US, including Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Target.

Blackbird Foods makes four varieties of its proprietary seitan, four types of seitan-based “Blackbird Wings,” and seven kinds of hand-tossed, NYC-style frozen pizza, including a new pepperoni flavor pie made in collaboration with alternative protein powerhouse Beyond Meat.

Read more: Meatless Farm Launches Two New ‘Meaty’ Sourdough Pizzas

Consolidating the plant-based food sector

The news follows Ahimsa’s acquisition of Simulate, the company behind Nuggs, in October of 2024. Earlier in the year, Ahimsa acquired Wicked Kitchen along with Good Catch and Current Foods as part of what it called an “industry-wide consolidation effort.”

“We were able to work with these other like-minded brands to really gain more traction and gain more distribution in this space and piggyback off of each other’s followings and fans and customer base as well, and so this acquisition will only allow us to further that collaboration,” Storch told FoodNavigator.

Ahimsa operates with a “shared-services model,” which enables the sharing of manufacturing, retail, and logistics expertise between its acquired brands. Storch told FoodNavigator that combining operations will help Blackbird Foods grow and sustain itself.

Plant-based meat sales fell in 2024, but frozen plant-based meat sales continued to do well, and Blackbird Foods grew its revenues by 20 percent over the year. According to Just Food, Blackbird Foods also raised USD $125,000 in a crowdfunding round on StartEngine in 2024, where the brand claimed to have recorded lifetime sales totaling more than $11 million.

Read more: Food Companies Team Up To Make Plant-Based Foods With Fermented Fats

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

The popular UK-based brewery pub chain has used the chicken alternative in cheeseburgers, loaded fries, and tacos. Like other Impossible products, the fillet has been designed to closely resemble real meat in both taste and texture. 

“We make food for people who love meat, and our new ‘Chicken’ Fillet is no exception,” said Noel Clarke, SVP of International at Impossible Foods, in a statement. “It’s juicy and tender like the animal chicken you know and love, but better for the planet.”

Read more: Impossible Foods Lite Plant-Based Beef Gains New Health Certification

BrewDog embraces plant-based food

The Impossible Foods menu is the latest in a long line of plant-based partnerships for BrewDog. It has previously worked with the likes of Tindle, THIS, and Quorn to expand its vegan menu. 

“We know lots of our beer-loving customers opt for plant-based meals, so we wanted to make it even easier to make the switch through this hookup with Impossible,” said Lauren Carroll, chief marketing officer at BrewDog, in a statement. “What could be better than plant-based ‘Chicken’ Fillets, paired with a great pint?”

The BrewDog X Impossible Foods menu is available at all BrewDog locations until March 31. If you’d like to try the products, BrewDog is running a £1 meal deal with the promotion “NEW MENU: IMPOSSIBLE (V) BUY ONE GET ONE £1,” which you can prebook now. 

Read more: Impossible Wants To ‘Solve The Meat Problem With More Meat’

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.