Foodtech sector sees ingredient innovation and plant-based expansion

The food technology sector is seeing significant movement in ingredient innovation and product launches. At the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein in London, industry leaders discussed the future of ingredients, noting that cocoa prices have risen 336% over a 24-month period, driving $250 million in investment toward alternative cocoa companies.

In the consumer market, several plant-based expansions are underway. The Vegetarian Butcher has launched vegan beef and chicken burgers at Tesco in the UK. In India, the startup Nutrazen has introduced ‘Simply Pure’, a line of fermented yeast protein powders.

In North America, MorningStar Farms has refreshed its packaging, while Elmhurst 1925 is expanding its plant-based milk line into Canadian retailers including Loblaws and Sobeys. Additionally, the UK brand Bosh! has introduced new nutrient-dense grain bowls at Tesco, and Minor Figures has launched regenerative oat milk nationwide in the UK.