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Category: Alt Protein

  • BVeg Foods Partners With Bühler to Bring ‘Indistinguishable’ Vegan Meat to India

    4 Mins Read India’s BVeg Foods is set to become one of the country’s first large plant to offer high moisture extrusion (HME) technology. The move comes thanks to a strategic partnership with Swiss machinery leader Bühler. Acquisition of the HME equipment will allow BVeg to create a state-of-the-art production plant for continued development of its plant-based proteins. […]

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  • ADM To Increase Alt-Protein Production Capacity With Through Expansion And New Facility Construction

    4 Mins Read Chicago’s nutrition giant, ADM, has announced plans to invest $300 million in itself in order to increase production capacity at its Illinois plant. Alongside, its new state-of-the-art ‘Protein Innovation Center’ will be opened, also in Decatur, Illinois.  ADM reports that it has been steadily increasing its capabilities, in line with consumer demand for alternative proteins. […]

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  • Israel’s Cultivated Meat Consortium Gets Green Light and $18 Million From Government

    4 Mins Read The Israeli Innovation Authority has granted final approval for the world’s largest cultivated meat consortium. The three-year project has been awarded $18 million in government funding to progress developments as the global cultivated meat race heats up. The consortium initiation was led by Gaya Savion and the Tnuva Group, Israel’s largest food manufacturer, heads the […]

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  • 13 Things You Need To Know About The Global Alt Protein Industry

    4 Mins Read

    The global alt protein industry is changing every day. Here’s what you need to know.

    In its annual ‘State of the Industry 2021’ report, The Good Food Institute (GFI) dived deep into the alternative protein landscape.

    Across the board, 2021 proved to be another year of strong growth, with cultivated and fermentation startups significantly increasing their cap table participation, alternative seafood proving to be a major growth category and sustainable crops becoming a hot topic. What does the future look like?

    Cultivated steak. Photo by Aleph Farms.

    1. Cultivated meat investment reached an all-time high

    $1.38 billion was raised by cultivated meat interests globally, in 2021. This represents 71 percent of the total ever raised. More than 36 percent ($507 million) was scooped by Israel, which saw the formation of six new cultivated companies in the same year.

    2. Cultivated meat and seafood startups increased by almost a quarter

    By the end of 2021, 110 startups looking to innovate with cultivated meat and seafood were announced throughout the world. This is 24 percent more than at the end of 2020.

    3. Cultivated meat is a global trend now

    While the U.S. and Israel are the indisputable leaders of the cultivated sector, by virtue of the number of companies and investment amounts they have secured, other nations are getting involved. 25 countries now play home to at least one cultivated protein operation.

    General Mills Brand Bold Cultr Debuts As First Major U.S. Precision Fermentation Cheese Launch
    Precision fermented cheese. Photo by Bold Cultr.

    4. A bigger fermentation sector is brewing

    Globally, there are now 88 fermentation companies that are wholly or predominantly focused on developing alternative proteins. This includes meat and dairy alternatives.

    5. Fermentation investment increased exponentially

    $1.69 billion was raised by fermentation-based alternative protein companies in 2021. This represents a 285 percent increase on 2020’s figure and accounts for 60 percent of the vertical’s cumulative funding total.

    6. Multiple countries are investing in fermentation opportunities

    There are now 25 countries that are home to at least one fermentation-based alternative protein startup. 

    Plant-based salmon. Photo by Plantish.

    7. Plant-based companies are too numerous to accurately count

    780+ companies worldwide are engaged in the development of plant-based meat, seafood, egg, and dairy products. Note: this count is for companies that are primarily dedicated to plant-based innovations, and does not account for large companies with plant-based protein ranges.

    8. The U.S. has a growing appetite for plant-based products

    The U.S. plant-based retail market hit a valuation of $7.4 billion in 2021. It was valued at between $5 and $7 billion (due to conflicting reports) in 2020. This is likely to grow, according to Kearney, if the sector can reach price parity with animal meat.

    9. Plant-based investments hit a new high

    $1.93 billion was raised by plant-based meat, seafood, egg, and dairy companies in 2021, or 30 percent of total all-time funding for the sector.

    Plant-based seafood. Photo by Omni.

    10. U.S. plant-based seafood appetites are growing

    The U.S. plant-based seafood sector is a key area of future growth: it was valued at $13.9 million in 2021, up 14 percent from 2020.

    11. Alternative seafood companies are reeling in investors left and right

    In 2021, $175 million was raised globally by alternative seafood companies, a 92 percent increase on 2020 numbers. The sector is anticipated to remain on an upward trajectory, to alleviate demand for conventional and unsustainable seafood.

    12. Alternative seafood companies are increasing in number

    By the end of 2021, 120 companies were known to be focused on developing alternative seafood products. This includes cultivated and plant-based options. 

    13. ‘Cropportunities’ are ripe for investigation

    Companies are increasingly looking at the potential of aquatic crops. Seaweed, microalgae and duckweed are proving popular due to their sustainability credentials, high protein values, functionality and nutritional values.

    Lead photo by Meati.

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  • Beyond Meat Makes Chicken Tenders Available Through 8,000+ New Outlets

    3 Mins Read Beyond Meat has announced a significant increase in the number of outlets stocking its chicken tenders in U.S. grocery chains, pharmacies, and club stores. Selected Albertsons, Sprouts, CVS, and Whole Market locations nationwide will stock the vegan chicken. All Kroger locations will roll out the product this month, totaling more than 8,000 new locations offering […]

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  • Cultivated Meat And Cow-Free Dairy Deliver On Protein But Don’t Ravage The Planet

    4 Mins Read By: Evan Fraser, University of Guelph, Katherine Alexandra Newman, University of Victoria, Lenore Newman, University of The Fraser Valley, Michael von Massow, University of Guelph, Robert Newell, University of The Fraser Valley The protein sector is at a crossroads. On the one hand, global demand for animal protein has never been higher. On the other, meat and dairy already have an outsized hoofprint on the world’s farmlands. And […]

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  • The 7 Best IKEA Vegan Food Options To Eat In-Store And At Home

    5 Mins Read

    IKEA has made notable commitments to increasing its vegan food ranges. It is upping the plant-based stakes in its restaurants, at its takeaway counters, and in the food halls. But which items are worth trying?

    Pledging to make its menus all 50 percent plant-based by 2025, IKEA is offering consumers access to more sustainable choices. Next time you’re shopping for furniture, consider trying the following vegan items:

    ikea vegan food
    Vegetable and meat substitute varieties are both available.

    1. Huvudroll

    What is it?: ‘Plant balls’ that don’t try to imitate meat and a newer pea protein version that replaces beef with ease. This is a timely reminder that IKEA likes to use one product name for a large number of variations, so always check your selection. Conventional animal protein meatballs are called Huvudroll as well. #confusing

    Made from: Plant balls are made using chickpeas, carrots, peppers and kale, amongst other vegetables. The meat substitutes use pea protein, apple, potato and oats to get a realistic bite.

    Ideal for: The plant balls are an alternative to falafel. Fry them up, add to a pitta and enjoy. The alt-meat versions works as a direct substitute in any dish you would traditionally have beef or pork meatballs in. The more you can season them, the better.

    IKEA vegan food hot dogs
    Great as a junk food item or part of a healthy meal.

    2. Korvmoj 

    What is it?: Vegetable hot dogs that don’t try to hide the veggies.

    Made from: Kale, lentils, quinoa, onion, and carrot.

    Ideal for: A healthy alternative to the ultimate Friday-night treat meal. Also works in bangers and mash! Kids seem very fond of these.

    All but impossible to tell apart from regular softserve.

    3. Softserve

    What is it?: Self-dispensed soft ice cream. Different countries release special flavours, according to local preferences. Strawberry and vanilla have proven popular in Europe.

    Made from: Soy, so not allergen-friendly but still a good option.

    Ideal for: A post Market hall treat and great motivation for getting through the checkout hell (you can normally see the machines from the till point). An easy treat for youngsters too.

    IKEA vegan food
    A versatile freezer addition.

    4. Världsklok

    What is it?: Plant-based mince.

    Made from: Pea protein.

    Ideal for: Meat-free dishes that traditionally have you reaching for minced beef. It can be used to make burgers, meatballs and sausages too, which feels like a step up from a lot of mince recipes. It also leans into the IKEA trope of having to build things yourself, so you decide if that’s a good thing or not.

    An easy meal idea while shopping.

    5. Ch*cken nuggets

    What is it?: As the name suggests, chicken nugget-like items.

    Made from: Unknown and no details about the food manufacturing partner have been released as of yet.

    Ideal for: Hungry little shoppers who need a mid-point break. The nuggets are offered as part of a kids’ meal deal. Larger plant-based chicken strips are available for adults, but let’s be honest…you’ll want the nugs too.

    Once the packet is open, be prepared to eat them all.

    6. Lördagsgodi 

    What is it?: Gummy sweets in a variety of incarnations.

    Made from: Sugar, spice and all things nice. But no gelatin. Double-check the version you select as some of the foam items have beeswax in them. And only buy the salted liquorice if you’re sure! We have warned you. 

    Ideal for: The car journey home. Yes, you’ll already be full of hot dogs and ice cream but there’s always room for something sweet as you navigate whichever industrial estate you have driven into.

    IKEA vegan food
    Perfect for adding a little pantry pizazz.

    7. Sjörapport

    What is it?: Vegan caviar. Yes, you read that right.

    Made from: Kelp seaweed. The pearls are entirely vegan and offer a comparable ‘pop’ to real caviar.

    Ideal for: Feeling really fancy. Whip up some blinis and get out the plant-based sour cream to create some extra special snacks. Be warned, these are very salty and taste of the sea.

    Outside of regular company-wide food releases, regional specialities crop up from time to time. Seasonal releases of note have included Japan’s Plant-Based Gyudon Beef Curry, released as part of a sustainability drive last year. Indonesia has previously unveiled Green Rebel dishes, in a show of local support and most recently, 3D printed vegan meatballs were created as part of a recruitment marketing campaign. 

    There are vastly more vegan food items to enjoy from IKEA but these tend to fall into the crispbread/cracker/dry goods realm. These aren’t considered unusual or innovative enough to include as individual items, though they are delicious. IKEA was also an early adopter of Oatly, with multiple flavours, including an orange and mango oat drink, all stocked in stores throughout the world.

    All photos by IKEA.

    The post The 7 Best IKEA Vegan Food Options To Eat In-Store And At Home first appeared on Green Queen.

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  • Heura Obliterates Crowdfunding Target During Early Access Investment Round From Consumer-Fans

    3 Mins Read Spanish alt-protein startup Heura has overtaken its latest crowdfunding target four times over, in a mere 12 hours, attracting €4 million and counting. Initially looking to secure a total of €1 million for expansion, the company has confirmed it met that goal in just 30 minutes, during its early access phase on Crowdcube. The round […]

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  • Dutch Government Awards €60 Million To Domestic Cellular Agriculture Ecosystem

    4 Mins Read The Netherlands has announced that it has awarded €60 million to support the creation of a domestic cellular agriculture ecosystem as part of the country’s National Growth Fund, which is deploying € 20 billion over the next five years towards innovative, high-potential industries with strong growth credentials. The amount represents the largest ever single investment […]

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  • South African Startup Unveils Continent’s First Cultivated Beef Burger

    3 Mins Read Mzansi Meat has debuted Africa’s first-ever cultivated beef burger. It comes one month after the startup announced it would be showcasing the dish at a special event in Cape Town. Both of Mzani’s co-founders attended, alongside the company’s head of taste. The latter served the dish to Alderman James Vos, a mayoral committee member for […]

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  • Beyond Meat Settles Investor Lawsuit Ahead Of Battle With Former Co-Manufacturer

    3 Mins Read Beyond Meat has cut its losses and agreed to settle an investor lawsuit. The plant-based meat producer will be liable for $515,000 in attorney’s fees and must make significant adaptations to its corporate governance structure. The lawsuit was initially launched by investors in light of legal trouble with former co-manufacturer Don Lee Farms. That case […]

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  • The Sustainable Superfood: Big Players Say Microalgae Is The Future Game Changer

    4 Mins Read In just three decades time, we could be looking at a planet of 10 billion people, and we’re going to have to drastically change our current food system if we are to feed the entire world healthily, safely and sustainably alongside the challenges we will face due to climate change. While there is no single […]

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  • This 3D Printed Plant-Based Wagyu Beef Startup Is Planning APAC Success In 2023

    4 Mins Read Hong Kong’s Alt Farm revealed it has identified China and Australia as key initial markets. The 3D food printing company is looking to produce a plant-based A5 wagyu beef analogue suitable for launch within the next 18 months. An offshoot of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Alt Farm has created proprietary technology […]

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  • ‘Meat Techno-Fixes’ Are Not The Solution to Unsustainable Food Systems, New IPES-Food Report Claims

    5 Mins Read A report from IPES-Food has laid bare what it considers an oversimplification of sustainable food issues. It focuses on the conventional trope of comparing intensive animal agriculture and its resulting products, to plant-based alternatives. Revealing that the move to a viable system is not as simple as adopting alternative proteins, the report claims that zoning […]

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  • 10 A-List Celebrity Investors That Have a Stake In Vegan Protein

    5 Mins Read

    From Natalie Portman to Drake, celebrities are investing in vegan brands, products, and services out to change the world.

    Property and Rolexes have been superseded as savvy investments for the rich and famous. Now, it’s all about who can invest in the most innovative future food company. From plant-based protein to cultivated meat, the alt-protein sector has experienced a slew of celebrity support in recent years.

    The following 10 celebrities have set themselves apart through their discerning investment portfolio:

    ​​1. Natalie Portman 

    Famous for: Being a Hollywood actor, from the age of 12.

    Invested in: Boston-based Tender Food and French startup La Vie. The former specialises in whole-cuts and the latter in bacon.

    Vegan or not?: Yes. Portman has been vegan since 2011, after first turning vegetarian. She is considered to be an activist and regularly speaks about her desire to see the world moving away from animal protein.

    Bonus extra fact: Portman was born in Israel, a burgeoning hub for alt-protein.

    2. Robert Downey Jr

    Famous for: Being Iron Man. And Sherlock Holmes.

    Invested in: New York’s MyForest Foods and San Francisco’s Nobell Foods. MyForest recently rebranded from Atlast Foods and looks to make bacon from mycelium. Nobell specialises in soy-based vegan cheese that properly melts.

    Vegan or not?: Yes. Downey Jr. confirmed he had gone fully plant-based at a film premiere in 2020. He cited a love for legumes as a driving force.

    Bonus extra fact: Downey Jr. announced in April that he is co-authoring a book about eliminating carbon emissions from diets.

    3. Snoop Dogg

    Famous for: Being Snoop Dogg and a rapper from the original old school influx.

    Invested in: California’s Outstanding Foods, a manufacturer of pig-free pork rinds snacks. He is also an ambassador for Beyond Meat, seeking to educate BIPOC communities in particular about the benefits of plant-based living.

    Vegan or not?: Confusingly, no. He is a huge advocate for the movement but is yet to make the move to veganism himself.

    Bonus extra fact: Snoop officially converted to Rastafarianism in 2012. This lends extra insight into his appreciation for plant-based foods. 

    4. Lewis Hamilton

    Famous for: Being a Formula 1 world champion.

    Invested in: Chilean unicorn NotCo and his own burger chain, Neat Burger.

    Vegan or not?: Staunchly vegan, yes. He takes it one step further as his beloved bulldog Roscoe is also plant-based.

    Bonus extra fact: Hamilton claims he went vegan to be as healthy as possible while avoiding damaging the planet. He has faced his fair share of criticism due to the perceived hypocrisy of his career and environmental leanings. 

    5. Leonardo DiCaprio

    Famous for: Finally getting an Oscar in 2016. And being one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

    Invested in: LA-based Beyond Meat, fellow LA brand Hippeas, San Francisco’s Wildtype, Dutch food tech Mosa Meat, and Isreal’s Aleph Farms.

    Vegan or not?: Unconfirmed but largely questioned. His investment portfolio would suggest a plant-based leaning, though he has never formally declared himself meat-free.

    Bonus extra fact: DiCaprio is a member of San Francisco-based Perfect Day’s sustainability council. He joined as an advisor.

    6. Jay-Z

    Famous for: Being Mr Beyoncé. And a mogul.

    Invested in: California’s Impossible Foods, Australia’s plant-based chicken brand Simulate, Oatly and Cali-based vegan cheesemaker Misha’s Kind Foods.

    Vegan or not?: Not vegan but has dabbled, see below.

    Bonus extra fact: Jay Z joined his wife in a 44-day vegan ‘diet’ plan that was designed to help her get ‘stage-ready’ ahead of a Coachella performance. Though it has been reported that he only completed 22 days.

    7. Katy Perry

    Famous for: Being a singer and judge on American Idol.

    Invested in: California’s Impossible Foods (see Jay Z above).

    Vegan or not?: Presumably, yes. Back in 2021, Perry announced that she was ready to go fully vegan, after transitioning toward the lifestyle over a period of four months. Perry’s dog, Nugget, joined her in becoming vegan. She revealed to fans that he had been lessening his meat intake alongside her and that he would be eating vegan food in the future.

    Bonus extra fact: Perry dressed as an Impossible burger for the 2019 Met Gala and praised the product for getting her through her pregnancy with daughter Daisy, red meat-free.

    8. Serena Williams 

    Famous for: Being one of the most spectacular athletes to grace tennis courts the world over.

    Invested in: California’s Impossible Foods (see Jay Z and Katy Perry above) and U.S. vegan delivery service Daily Harvest.

    Vegan or not?: When in training, Williams is strictly plant-based. She has cited this as helping with recovery and injury prevention. During off-seasons, she has admitted to relaxing her strict diet to include favourite ‘cheat’ meals.

    Bonus extra fact: Like Katy Perry, Williams found herself turned off by red meat while pregnant and ate Impossible burgers instead of beef.

    9. Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli 

    Famous for: Being a Bollywood sensation (Sharma) and an international cricket player (Kohli).

    Invested in: Mumbai startup Blue Tribe Foods. The two have also become brand ambassadors, as they believe in the products so much.

    Vegan or not?: Yes. The two had been vegetarians for years and decided to go fully vegan together. They have talked about it extensively on their social media channels. The two have  240 million followers on Instagram alone. 

    Bonus extra fact: In 2021, Kohli was the victim of trolling after netizens decided he had deceived them about his vegan status. The cricket player reiterated that he was a vegetarian and the time and had never claimed to be vegan. Both he and Sharma now say they are vegan.

    10. Drake

    Famous for: Knowing about that Hotline Bling. And being a rapper.

    Invested in: LA-based Daring, a plant-based chicken startup.

    Vegan or not?: It’s never been entirely confirmed, though he did spark a wave of excitement when he announced he no longer eats animals, during a Twitch stream in 2018. Vegetarian most likely. Vegan? Possibly. He definitely referred to himself as such in one Instagram post, so fans are drawing their own conclusions.

    Bonus extra fact: In light of a potential vegan conversion, PETA sent the rapper a gift basket, to initiate a truce. The activist-led organisation had previously called the rapper out for wearing Canada Goose jackets.

    Lead photo created by Green Queen.

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  • Haofood Scoops $3.5 Million For Plant-Based Chicken Made From Peanuts

    3 Mins Read Shanghai’s Haofood has announced a $3.5 million seed funding round for its vegan chicken made from peanut protein. Monde Nissan CEO Henry Soesanto, Rich Products Ventures, and Big Idea Ventures all participated in the latest funding round. The new investment will be leveraged to improve and diversify numerous operational elements including increased R&D infrastructure, alongside […]

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  • 2021 Methane Emissions Levels Moved In the ‘Wrong Direction at a Rapid Pace,’ Study Finds

    Methane emissions

    3 Mins Read Global methane emissions rose to their highest levels last year, according to new findings from NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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  • Paul McCartney Urged Outgoing Starbucks CEO To Stop Charging More for Dairy-Free Milk

    3 Mins Read Sir Paul McCartney has made a personal request to outgoing Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson. In a letter published by Billboard, the Beatles co-founder and activist asked Johnson to drop the U.S.  dairy-free milk surcharge before he left his position. McCartney expressed his surprise that the measure had yet to be taken, given that the U.K. […]

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  • Selfridges Becomes First Department Store To Serve Redefine Meat

    4 Mins Read Isreal’s Redefine Meat has confirmed it will be served in two of Selfridges restaurants. The upmarket London department store will be the first venue of its kind to offer the brand’s New-Meat. Harry Gordon’s Bar & Kitchen and The Brass Rail are both now preparing dishes using the animal meat alternative. Redefine was selected by […]

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  • MyForest Foods Confirms $15 Million Venture Loan To Press Ahead With Mushroom Bacon Scaling

    3 Mins Read New York’s MyForest Foods, the Ecovative Design spinoff formerly known as Atlast Food Co, has secured a venture loan to support its production scaling ambitions. The mycelium bacon developer confirmed it has sourced financing from Connecticut’s Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and a private investment vehicle connected to Horizon. Debt financing was cited as a motivation […]

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  • Leaft Foods Nets $15 Million To Create Global Value Chain For Leaf-Sourced Protein

    4 Mins Read New Zealand-based Leaft Foods is taking a new approach to plant-based protein development. The company, led by Maury Leyland Penno and Dr John Penno, is engaged in extracting protein from a plant’s most abundant element: its leaves. Proof of concept success led to a now-closed $15 million Series A funding round. The investment was headed […]

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  • 5 Reasons Besides Its Delicious Vegan Chicken That Will Make You Fall In Love With Atlas Monroe

    4 Mins Read

    Atlas Monroe is a California-based startup that focuses on delivering succulent plant-based meats with comfort food flavours.

    Known for its vegan fried chicken, Atlas Monroe was propelled to fame, following founder Deborah Torres’ appearance on Shark Tank.

    From founder Torres’ iron-clad will to what many call the best friend chicken, animal or plant-based, that they’ve ever eaten, Atlas Monroe is a company to know, love and support. Here are our top five reasons why you need to get on board:

    Photo by Atlas Monroe.

    1. Atlas Monroe is a Black female-owned business

    Black female-owned businesses in the food industry are making waves. Focused on recreating dishes that speak of community, heritage and love, these women are determined to add an extra nuance to their recipes in the form of health and democratisation. 

    Dietary racism is a scourge, particularly in the U.S, where many low-income communities struggle to access cost-effective healthy food. The result is a natural leaning towards cheap convenience meals that exacerbate prevalent conditions, particularly in BIPOC communities. Heart disease, obesity and diabetes are cited. Add in a higher likelihood of lactose intolerance and the need for accessible vegan and vegetarian options becomes clear. Atlas Monroe is one Black female-owned startup that never lost sight of who could benefit most from the products, similarly to Slutty Vegan, headed up by Pinky Cole, and Souley Vegan, founded by Tamearra Dyson.

    2. Founder Deborah Torres knows her worth 

    When offered $1 million to hand over her entire company to Mark Cuban, on Shark Tank, Torres said no. She recognised the unusually high offer as a sign that there was scope for the company and a growing market for the products. She also knew that she had the power and skills to take the company to its full potential, alone. “The fact you guys are even offering a million dollars lets me know you do understand what we are worth,” she said in the episode. Even when faced with aggressive bullying tactics including being told, at volume, that “everybody in America wants to be here you are right now”, Torres did not back down.

    3. Atlas Monroe is the world’s largest manufacturer of plant-based fried chicken

    What happened after Torres turned down $1 million for her company? She turned Atlas Monroe into the biggest manufacturer of vegan fried chicken in the world. By the end of last year, the company was producing one million pounds of chicken, from its new multimillion-dollar plant in San Diego.

    The need for new premises was highlighted by a surge in sales following the Shark Tank appearance. The company reported one year ago that it had topped $2 million in direct-to-consumer sales. Torres has remained humble and wry, telling VegNews, “I think God works in mysterious ways because what was meant to harm me propelled me to where I am today—the proud and sole owner of the world’s largest vegan fried chick’n manufacturing company and 100-percent owner of a multi-million dollar manufacturing facility,” in an interview in 2021.

    4. Vegan fried chicken was just the start of a groundbreaking menu

    Plant-based crispy chicken might be where Atlas Monroe started but it has expanded significantly since. Today, patrons can find crispy chicken sat alongside lasagne, applewood-smoked ribs, bacon, stuffed turkey rolls and Caribbean rice. The company has sought to build on its legacy and offer more comfort and soul food options that many vegans and vegetarians think they have to miss out on.

    The company makes its vision clear: to serve food that proves an alternative, healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be bland or sacrificial.

    Photo by Atlas Monroe.

    5. The Shark Tank appearance exposed systemic racism and misogyny

    Setting food aside for one moment, Atlas Monroe being pitched on Shark Tank exposed the prevailing racism and misogyny that Black and female entrepreneurs face. Torres graduated high school at 15 before completing her first degree at 17. Despite this, the show, she claims, was edited to make her look incompetent. She has been explicit in her damnation of the edit that undermines her intelligence and business acumen. 

    “I was completely blindsided when it aired and had no idea the effect it would have on my life,” Torres told VegNews. “I mean, if we are going to talk about it honestly, just imagine being a Black woman in America graduating high school at age 15 and receiving your first degree at 17 all to be made to look like an idiot on national television for the sake of views, when you were just trying to pursue your dreams—it was crushing, to say the least.”

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  • Bluu Seafood Releases Its First 2 Cultivated Fish Products

    Bluu fish sticks
    3 Mins Read

    German food tech company Bluu Seafood, is showing off its first cell-based fish as it readies for regulatory approval processes across Europe, Asia, and North America.

    Bluu is the first European-based cultivated fish producer to reveal market-ready products: fish sticks and fish balls. Both are made from a “one-time” fish biopsy that didn’t take the life of the animal. Cell lines were developed from the single extraction and cultivated in bioreactors.

    This technology—what’s called “immortalized cells”—reduces the need for additional animal samples, proving an independent supply chain is possible without repeated cell samples needed.

    “That is the amazing thing about ‘immortalized’ cells—while ‘normal’ cells double for, let’s say, 20 times and then stop, the immortalized cells keep on doubling—theoretically forever,” Bluu co-founder Simon Fabich told TechCrunch.

    Photo by Bluu Seafood.

    Blluu, which launched in 2020, is working on Atlantic Salmon, rainbow trout, and carp. For now, it’s also sidestepping the more complicated whole muscle meat products like Wildtype’s whole cut Pacific salmon fillets, for fish sticks and fish balls. “From a product perspective, the structure of fish meat is easier to achieve than the more complex mammalian meat structure — think salmon fillet versus steak,” Fabich explained.

    “We are working in parallel on more complex products such as fish fillet and sashimi, of which prototypes already exist,” Fabich said. “But those are without a doubt harder to scale, and it will take more time to achieve price parity with the conventional product.”

    Bluu Seafood and CellX

    In April, Bluu announced a strategic partnership with China’s CellX to address food security concerns.

    CellX is the leading cultivated meat enterprise in China. TheShanghai-based operation debuted a number of products in 2021, most notably its cell-based pork.

    CellX and Bluu are both proactive in moving the cultivated meat sector toward global regulatory approval. Chris Dammann, COO of Bluu Seafood, is a vice president and board member of Cellular Agriculture Europe. Representing for CellX is Ziliang Yang, founder and CEO, who has taken on the role of secretary of the APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture.

    CellX cultivated meat. Photo by CellX.

    “China has the world’s largest consumption of seafood and is, therefore, a particularly important market for Bluu Seafood,” Fabich said in a statement in April. “Together with CellX, we are working to overcome the challenges in sourcing, scaling, and obtaining regulatory approval concerning cultivated fish and meat to bring affordable and tasty products to market.”

    The strategic partnership includes collaborative support along the value chains of both brands including aw material sourcing, construction of regional production facilities, and potential sales partnerships. Together, the two aim to raise consumer acceptance levels for cultivated products and share supply partnerships.

    “We are pleased to form this strategic partnership with Bluu Seafood as an industry leader in cultivated seafood and board member of Cellular Agriculture Europe,” Ziliang Tang, CEO at CellX said in a statement. “CellX and Bluu Seafood have a complementary focus regarding species and market geographies. This partnership will serve as a starting point for deeper collaboration between the two companies and will encourage more collaboration across the industry. We are solving a global issue, and this requires a global solution.”

    Lead photo by Bluu Seafood.

    The post Bluu Seafood Releases Its First 2 Cultivated Fish Products appeared first on Green Queen.

    This post was originally published on Green Queen.

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