The biggest stories in plant- and cell-based business, week of 24 February 2025

??Beyond Meat restructures

Beyond Meat reported a 4% increase in Q4 2024 revenue but remains unprofitable, with full-year sales declining nearly 5%. The company is cutting 17% of its non-production workforce, exiting China, and focusing on cost reductions to achieve profitability by the end of 2026.

??Meatable hosts summit on future of food

Cultivated meat company Meatable hosted a cross-industry summit to discuss technological innovation and collaboration in sustainable food production. Attendees, including policymakers and investors, explored strategies to scale alternative proteins.

??Tom Brady launches vegan GOAT gummies

Former NFL star Tom Brady has introduced GOAT Gummies, a vegan and organic gummy snack made with real fruit, developed in partnership with Gopuff.

??Vivici secures €32.5M to advance animal-free dairy

Dutch startup Vivici has secured €32.5 million in Series A funding to expand internationally, launch a second dairy protein ingredient, and build long-term manufacturing capabilities.

??Aloe Vera boosts cultivated meat production

A new study explores the use of Aloe vera cellulose as a natural, edible scaffold for growing bovine fat tissue, offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative to synthetic or animal-derived materials.

??Food Brewer secures funds for cocoa alternatives

Food Brewer has raised CHF 5 million ($5.6 million) in a seed extension round with backing from Lindt & Sprüngli and Sparkalis. The company, which develops cocoa and coffee alternatives using plant cell culture, plans to enter the US market and scale production by 2026.

??$5M Boost for Konscious Foods' plant-based seafood

The Canadian government is providing $5 million to Konscious Foods to expand production, boost exports, and create over 40 jobs in British Columbia. The funding will also support the company's development of new plant-based seafood alternatives.

??New tech advances DST's plant-based meat production

Dutch Structuring Technologies (DST) is refining its Sheartex technology for plant-based meat production using Rockwell Automation's Kinetix servo solution, offering a potential alternative to traditional extrusion methods.

??$7M boost for Actual Veggies' whole-food burgers

Actual Veggies has secured $7 million in Series A funding to expand retail distribution and launch new products. The company has also secured a foodservice contract with Compass Group and will introduce its Black Bean Burger at Costco locations next month.

??Lidl Netherlands upgrades meat substitutes

Lidl Netherlands has improved its range of meat substitutes by enhancing taste, texture, and nutritional value, with over two-thirds now meeting the Dutch "Schijf van Vijf" health criteria. The retailer aims for 60% plant-based protein sales by 2030 as part of its sustainability and health strategy.

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