Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson Just Backed This Premium Vegan Meat Brand

Abbot’s Butcher, the US-based startup making premium plant-based meat, has caught the eye of celebrity investors Owen Wilson and Woody and Laura Harrelson in a new funding round. The Series A will go towards the Californian brand’s expansion across foodservice and retail channels, as well as further R&D to grow its range. 

Abbot’s Butcher has announced the closing of a star-studded Series A round, with Hollywood names like Owen Wilson and Woody and Laura Harrelson among those who invested. The round was led by Melitas Ventures, which has backed a number of healthy and sustainable food brands such as probiotic drink label Olipop and Supplant, the firm making sugar substitutes from upcycled plant fibre. 

Other participating investors included Unovis Capital and SOSV. The total amount raised in the Series A was undisclosed. 

Abbot’s Butcher premium vegan meats

Since its inception in 2017, Abbot’s range has been added to more than 800 locations across the country. Most recently, the startup launched at more than 360 Sprouts Farmers Market locations.

Abbot’s line of products, which include 100% plant-based ground beef, chorizo, and chopped chicken, are made with pea protein, vegetables, herbs, spices, extra virgin olive oil, and vinegar. It stands out as a clean label product among its other vegan meat competitors, with its ingredient list entirely free from soy, canola, gums, and synthetic flavourings. 

Expansion on the horizon

The California-based premium vegan meat brand says that the new capital will help it expand its retail and foodservice footprint to become a “nationwide staple” in the years ahead. Abbot’s also says that the funding will help it double down on R&D as it looks to grow its range and launch new products on the market to keep up with consumer demand. 

Last year, US retail sales of vegan products doubled to reach $7 billion for the first time. With over 90% of first-time buyers of plant-based meat during the pandemic saying they plan on making their purchases a long-time habit, it is likely that demand won’t be slowing down anytime soon. 

Kerry Song, founder and CEO of the brand, says Abbot’s range of products will cater to the growing number of health-conscious consumers who aren’t just looking for sustainable protein, but products that deliver on nutrition too.

“We are reframing the conversation around plant-based proteins. Where it’s not just about taste and mouthfeel. It’s about quality, and celebrating the power of exceptional ingredients, showing that food can be both healing and satisfying,” she shares. “We’re fortunate to have such outstanding investors that share this mission.”

All images courtesy of Abbot’s Butcher.