Lever VC

A new report from the Plant Based Foods Institute, Kroger, and data insights firm 84.51˚.51° reveals a sustained shift in U.S. consumer spending from animal-based to plant-based foods, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. The “Plant-Based Migration Analysis,” covering data from seven million households, shows a rising preference for plant-based options across key food categories, underscoring important trends for retailers. The report also found that health is the main driver for consumers switching to plant-based foods. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/dqZeN9T2 #plantbasedsales #pbfi #healthyfoods #datainsights

Lever VC portfolio company GROUNDED® has launched its ‘pure’ protein m*lkshakes in Whole Foods Market, marking a major U.S. expansion. Originally planned for a limited rollout, the product quickly gained attention, leading Whole Foods to expand its availability to over 150 stores across the West and East Coasts. This strong support reflects Whole Foods’ confidence in GROUNDED’s clean-label, plant-based protein shakes for health-conscious consumers. Check out more about the company here: https://lnkd.in/eZB9SHpJ

Lever VC portfolio company, The Better Meat Co., has received regulatory approval from the Singapore Food Authority to sell its mycelium-based Rhiza mycoprotein for plant-based and meat-enhancing applications. This approval follows a ‘no questions’ letter from the US FDA three months ago, affirming Rhiza's status as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). These milestones mark significant progress in expanding Rhiza’s global presence. Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eENisKS2

We are excited to share that our portfolio company, Blackbird Foods, just launched its plant-based wings in Wegmans and GIANT stores. https://lnkd.in/eizQK66z

Lever VC portfolio companies are continuing to expand their reach in the plant-based market. Tiba Tempeh | B-Corp™ has launched its Original Tempeh Block and Plant-Based Mince in 327 Morrisons stores across the UK. In the US, Blackbird Foods has rolled out its seitan-based plant-based wings in over 100 Wegmans stores nationwide. Read more about these product launches here: https://lnkd.in/eiHZW4_v https://lnkd.in/eaqtC58t

In a major win for the plant-based sector, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled against France's attempt to ban terms like "veggie burger" and "plant-based sausage" on food labels. The ECJ ruling affirms that no member state can prohibit the use of these terms. Read more about the ruling here: https://lnkd.in/eUW4dSJe

Lever VC portfolio companies are making exciting strides in plant-based innovation. UK brand THIS™ has partnered with premium fresh pasta maker, DELLUGO LIMITED, to launch two new plant-based ravioli products. Meanwhile, Heura Foods is launching a pop-up "p-ham-acy" in Paris, promoting its new additive-free plant-based white ham while raising awareness about the health risks linked to processed meat. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e3UzHS3f https://lnkd.in/ePr8htND

The Bezos Earth Fund has invested $90 million in alternative proteins as part of its $1 billion Future of Food program, driving sustainable food transformation. This funding supports research and scaling of sustainable protein solutions globally, contributing to the Fund’s broader commitment to reducing land use and greenhouse gas emissions in the food system. To date, the Fund has donated $194.8 million toward sustainable food and agriculture projects. Read more about this investment here: https://lnkd.in/e42zjdKP

The UK’s Food Safety Agency (FSA) has announced regulatory changes to streamline the approval process for novel foods, including cultivated meat and precision-fermented products. Set to roll out in early 2025, the reforms will replace the current system with a new public register, reducing approval time by up to six months. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/emzxkSYK. #novelfoods #regulatory #change

Gruppo Tonazzo, one of Italy’s oldest meat producers, is transitioning fully to plant-based products under its Kioene brand by the end of 2024. After 136 years in business, the company is ceasing meat operations, driven by environmental concerns and growing consumer demand for healthier options. Read more about the revolution of the Tonazzo Group: https://lnkd.in/epZpkYaw.