Future Food Quick Bites: Mufasa’s Impossible Nuggets, Wow Burger India & Vegan Sneakers

In our weekly column, we round up the latest news and developments in the alternative protein and sustainable food industry. This week, Future Food Quick Bites covers Impossible Foods’s Mufasa Lion King appearance, new Veganuary products, and Wow Burger’s deal to enter India.

New products and launches

At the world premiere of Mufasa Lion King in Los Angeles, celebrities and guests were served the new Lion King nuggets by Impossible Foods.

Plant-based milk leader Califia Farms has launched single-serve matcha latte and chai lattes (made from a base of almonds), which contain 40% less sugar than average coffee and tea blends on the market.

Vegan sneaker and apparel brand LØCI has opened a physical pop-up in Future Stores, a retail theatre for immersive shopping experiences in London’s Oxford Circus.

UK vegan food producer Moving Mountains has rolled out a new superfood range to complement its meat analogues. It includes burgers, sausages, crispy dippers, crispy burgers, and falafel, which will be available at wholesale supplier Brakes from January.

The Tofoo Co, meanwhile, is bringing out Tofu Dippers, Sweet Chilli Cubes, Italian-Style Veggie Balls, and a Stir-Fry Block ahead of Veganuary 2025.

Also in the UK, discount retailer Aldi has released its biggest-ever vegan Veganuary lineup under its Plant Menu brand, ranging from vegan liquid eggs and ‘gut health’ chicken smash burgers to kimchi koftas and pizza slices. They’re available from December 30, and – true to form – the prices start at £1.49.

French vegan chain Green Farmer’s has teamed up with influencer Mélanie en Véganie to create a limited-edition Frosty menu (featuring a burger, fries, brownie and winter sauce) for its Paris and Amsterdam locations and delivery menu until March 6.

Israeli alt-dairy startup Better Pulse has introduced an allergen-free yoghurt made from black-eyed peas.

As part of its Blue Green Project, Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart has launched four new products under its plant-based product range, a Mont Blanc, a soy latte financier, a keema curry, and a bibimbap-style rice ball.

Company and finance updates

Hong Kong-based vegetarian fast-casual chain Wow Burger is entering India through a partnership with FranGlobal, the international business arm of Franchise India. They aim to open 100 outlets in the next five years, starting with metropolises like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

Also in India, Sterling Biotech, the precision fermentation company co-owned by Perfect Day and Zydus Lifesciences, has broken ground on a 27-acre facility for recombinant dairy proteins in Bharuch, Gujarat. It’s set to be operational by early 2026.

In Europe, New Wave Biotech has secured €1.5M ($1.6M) in a funding round that included EIT Food and Innovate UK. Having launched an AI bioprocess simulation software to scale up alternative proteins last month, it will use the funds to expand its team and customer base.

Swiss meat analogue maker Planted has received a media-for-equity investment in the “mid-single-digit millions” from SevenVentures, the VC arm of ProSiebenSat.1 Media.

Danish startup Unibio, a fellow fermentation player, has unveiled a fresh brand identity to focus on its mission of full-scale commercialisation.

Californian cultivated meat from Orbillion Bio has successfully called the production of its beef muscle cells in North America, Europe and Asia, added former Nestlé and DSM executive Dr Thomas Beck to its board of directors.

Policy, research and awards

Californian startup The Every Company, which produces precision-fermented egg proteins, has received a patent from the European Union for its recombinant ovalbumin ingredient, extending its IP portfolio in a major market.

University of Adelaide PhD candidate Mel Nguyen has been awarded the institute’s Trending on VYT (Visualise Your Thesis) honour for her research into turning food waste into durable bioplastics.

Finally, in Europe, vegan pork maker La Vie has won the Top Launch of the Year award from The Grocer.

Check out last week’s Future Food Quick Bites.