The biggest stories in plant- and cell-based business, week of 13 January 2025
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??Chipotle’s $100M food tech bet
Chipotle has doubled its Cultivate Next venture fund to $100M to invest in early-stage startups focused on agriculture, supply chains, automation, and restaurant technology. Current investments include Meati Foods, Plantible, and Zero Acre Farms.
??2 million Brits go plant-based
A survey by The Vegan Society finds that 3% of Brits—around two million people—identify as vegan or plant-based, with younger generations and women leading the trend. Key motivators include animal welfare, health, and the environment.
??Rebellyous lands on Great State’s menu
Rebellyous Foods' plant-based chicken patty debuts at Great State Burger as the company secures $2.4M in funding to scale its innovative production technology.
??Vow cuts workforce by one-third
Cultivated meat startup Vow has laid off 25 employees, or nearly a third of its workforce, to extend its financial runway as it faces regulatory delays and funding challenges.
??LIVEKINDLY Appoints New Operations Leader
LIVEKINDLY Collective has named Bart Wolfert as Global Head of Operations to oversee its facilities in the Netherlands, Sweden, and South Africa. Wolfert brings extensive experience from Danone and FrieslandCampina to support LKC’s global growth and operational efficiency.
??Bon Vivant’s whey protein gets GRAS status
Bon Vivant’s precision-fermented whey protein has achieved self-affirmed GRAS status in the US, paving the way for market expansion.
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??Waitrose grows PlantLiving range
Waitrose adds nine new products to its PlantLiving range and introduces “plant varieties” labels to help shoppers meet dietary goals. Searches for vegan ready meals have surged 31% in 90 days, reflecting strong demand for plant-based options.
??Griffith Foods unveils alt protein portfolio
Griffith Foods has launched its first alternative proteins portfolio, featuring seasonings, sauces, and coatings, as part of its goal to make the category 10% of its business, aligning with the company’s environmental and ethical ambitions.
??Vegans linked to healthier gut microbiomes
A ZOE study finds vegans have gut microbiomes rich in fiber-fermenting bacteria and anti-inflammatory properties, while omnivores show higher levels of inflammation-linked bacteria.
??Lidl earns Plant-Based Trademark with Vemondo
Lidl becomes the first major retailer certified by The Vegetarian Society’s Plant-Based Trademark, with its Vemondo Plant! range now carrying the accreditation. The trademark ensures products are fully plant-based and meet rigorous standards.
??Formo secures €35M for animal-free dairy
German food tech company Formo has secured a €35M loan from the European Investment Bank to scale its fermentation-based animal-free cheese and egg products. The funding boosts Formo's total financing to €135M, supporting its expansion in Europe and the US.
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor at Park Avenue Securities
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