Hazera Genetics is a world leader in the breeding, production and marketing of vegetable and field crop hybrid seeds. For more than Seventy years they have been utilizing responsible and conventional breeding methods to breed varieties having innovative traits and by doing so, they are constantly opening new horizons of growth and prosperity for growers and industrialists in all parts of the world.

Hazera Genetics

BASF Venture Capital is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF Group. They invest worldwide in promising young enterprises relevant to BASF’s current and future business fields and also in funds. Besides innovations in the fields of chemistry, new materials and sustainability, their areas of focus include digitization and new business models. They support their portfolio companies through selective interactions with the global research, partnership and customer networks of the BASF Group. They are headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany and have offices in San Francisco, Boston, Shanghai, Sao Paulo, and Tel Aviv.

BASF Venture Capital

Fortissimo Capital is a leading private equity fund in Israel investing primarily in maturing technology and industrial companies. Since our formation in 2004, we have raised $2.7 billion across six funds and have invested in over 60 companies. Current investors include several large international financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies and pension funds. Our unique, proactive approach to private equity investments empowers us to think out of the box to achieve the seemingly impossible, and build long-term, sustainable growth.

Fortissimo Capital

Trendlines Group invents, discovers, invests in, and incubates innovation-based medical and agrifood technologies. Trendlines invests principally through medical and agrifood incubators in Israel and in Singapore, its in-house innovation center, Trendlines Labs, and its Funds - the Trendlines Agrifood Fund and the Bayer Trendlines Ag Innovation Fund. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Misgav, Israel.

Trendlines Group

Serving a comprehensive range of industrial sectors, Roquette is one of the world's most advanced producers of starch and starch derivatives. It is also its leading expert in polyols, and the leading European producer of pyrogen free raw materials and cationic starches.  Roquette factories in Europe, America and Asia process exclusively renewable raw materials, such as maize, wheat, potatoes and peas; over 700 products in worldwide demand testify to the quality and success of the company's outstanding research, sourcing, production and delivery systems.

La Roquette

Phoenix Financial is a dynamic Leader in Israeli insurance, asset management, and financial services. Managing $130 billion in assets, Phoenix continues to access Israel's vibrant and innovative economic activity by providing a robust portfolio of products and services for private and corporate clients. The company creates value for its clients and distribution partners through service excellence and constant innovation. Group subsidiaries include Phoenix Insurance, Phoenix Investment House, Phoenix Pension & Provident Funds, Phoenix Gama, and Phoenix Agencies.

Phoenix Financial

Maverick Ventures (Israel) was founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. They provide funding for Tech Start-Up Companies by high value investors from around the world who are interested in the success of innovative Israeli companies. The word Maverick in Hebrew means brilliant. They seek brilliant ideas and entrepreneurs.

Maverick Ventures Israel

Synthesis Capital is an investment manager transforming our food system through food technology.

Synthesis Capital

BayWa is a global corporation with the core segments of agriculture, energy and construction as well as the innovation and digitalization development segment. As a global player, it develops leading solutions and value-added projects for the basic needs of nutrition, energy and construction. Seat of 1923 founded parent company is Munich. It has its origins in the cooperative agricultural trade with the task to provide the rural area with everything that agriculture needs. The cooperative idea and the regional connection are still shaping the company. Traditionally, the core markets lie in southern Germany and Austria, but within the scope of a growth strategy BayWa has expanded strongly internationally in recent years. In the meantime, the company is the largest agricultural trader in Germany and one of the leading international suppliers of agricultural raw materials. The Renewable Energies business segment has developed into a significant pillar. BayWa re, which bundles all activities in the field of renewable energies, is driving its project business around the world with great success.

BayWa

CPT Capital is an investment firm that invests in visionary founders. Their mission is to drive the food and materials technology revolution by replacing animals in the supply chain.

CPT Capital

Bunge Ventures is an investment arm of Bunge Ltd.

Bunge Ventures

Praesidium is a private equity firm that focuses on investing in venture capital, mid-market, healthcare, and agri-food technology markets.

Praesidium

Equinom

Equinom is a fully integrated food-tech company, combining agricultural know-how, culinary expertise, and deep technology to develop delicious, nutritious, affordable, and sustainable non-GMO plant-based ingredients – from the ground up. For decades, crops have been farmed primarily for animal feed – not for human consumption. To be palatable in human food, these crops require extensive and expensive processing. . With limited processing facilities equipped for this use, the industry is on track to supply only 50% of the projected demand for plant-based foods. What is Equinom doing about it?  Equinom is using science and technology to develop superior ingredients naturally, at the source – in a fraction of the time typically required to breed new crops. Equinom crops are bred naturally, without genetic editing or modification, and are optimized to make meat and dairy analogs more delicious, nutritious, cost-effective, and sustainable.  The company’s proprietary Manna™ technology platform uses AI to speed the development of superior,  high-yield, non-GMO ingredients as nature intended – featuring quality traits that satisfy consumer expectations. The technology also ensures biodiversity and climate resilience which are critical to ensure food security in light of climate change.  Working with great partners including Meatless Farm, Roquette with GoodMills Group., Equinom is recognized as a trusted developer and supplier of unrivaled ingredients. Prestigious strategic investors such as BASF and Roquette have helped position Equinom as one of the breakout Round C companies to fuel the worldwide surge in plant-based eating.

Equinom is an Israeli food tech company that combines its agricultural, culinary, and deep tech expertise to develop non-GMO plant-based ingredients. The company uses crops such as peas and soy (bred naturally and optimized through its proprietary Manna technology platform) as its main ingredient sources to develop minimally processed plant proteins.&nbsp;

A new wave of meat, fish, and poultry alternatives are driving this hyper-growth industry into the mainstream

Plant-based Meat

Equinom Raises its Largest Tranche of Funding To-Date

PepsiCo

Obela, a JV between PepsiCo and Strauss Group signed an agreement with Equinom to cooperate on a breeding program using Equinom's proprietary process and technology

Suppliers of plant ingredients such as legumes, mycelia, and other proteins for the production of plant-based meat, fish, poultry, and pork products; suppliers of technology related to the production of plant-based meat

Equinom is an Israeli food tech company that combines its agricultural, culinary, and deep tech expertise to develop non-GMO plant-based ingredients. The company uses crops such as peas and soy (bred naturally and optimized through its proprietary Manna technology platform) as its main ingredient sources to develop minimally processed plant proteins.&nbsp;The <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32773">Manna technology platform</a> uses AI to develop premium, high-yield, and non-GMO ingredients by analyzing millions of seeds in the company database and predicting ideal breeding combinations. According to the company, the platform can produce results in half the time compared to traditional crop development cycles. Further, it claims to breed yellow peas with protein concentrations up to 75%, significantly higher than conventional peas' 21%–25% protein content.Key customers and partnershipsEquinom has collaborated with food companies, allowing them to take advantage of the Manna platform to develop innovative products to suit consumer requirements. Some of the notable collaborations include Sabra, PepsiCo, Lovingly Made Ingredients, Good Mills Innovation, AGT Foods, Black Sheep Foods, and Roquette.

LIVEKINDLY Collective (formerly known as Food United) produces plant-based meat alternatives through its brands LikeMeat, Fry Family, and Oumph!. The group offers a wide range of plant-based alternatives to burgers, sausages, nuggets, pulled BBQ chicken, and kebabs, made primarily of soy protein and other plant-based ingredients. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/3657">June 2021</a>, the company launched two flagship plant-based brands in China – Giggling Pig (Ge Ji Zhu) and Happy Chicken (Ha Pi Ji); the first brands to be created in-house by LIVEKINDLY Collective, which encompasses seven plant-based products including dumplings, mushroom-based dishes and a seasoned minced dish. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19881">July 2023</a>, the company launched the Oumph! Smash Burger. The product was targeted at food service and launched at over 80 Brodernas (a Swedish restaurant group) locations, with additional locations and retail expansion to follow. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33291">September 2024</a>, Fry's Family Foods launched Shape &amp; Sizzle Mince, a new plant-based product, at Tesco stores across the UK.In June 2021, LIVEKINDLY Collective entered into an agreement to acquire The Dutch Weed Burger, a plant-based meat company based in the Netherlands. This acquisition was expected to expand LIVEKINDLY’s brand portfolio and extend the company’s international footprint into more than 40 countries including the US, Canada, Asia, Europe, and the UK.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/20574">August 2023</a>, the company acquired Alpha Foods, a California-based plant-based frozen food producer. The acquisition supported Livekindly Collective’s plans to expand its presence in the US market and venture into the ready-to-eat breakfast and burrito snacking category. Moreover, it was expected to strengthen Livekindly’s position in the global plant-based market and enable further growth and innovation within the industry.Key customers and partnershipsIn February 2021, the group formed a partnership with the Dutch plant-based food company Rival Foods to develop whole-cut plant-based chicken products. Also in February, LIVEKINDLY Collective formed two joint ventures with US plant-based food company Puris Foods (undisclosed terms) to invest in regenerative agriculture and cost-effective plant-based food production. The companies claim this joint venture’s sustainability approach will result in a long-term achievement of cost parity with conventional animal meat.

LIVEKINDLY

NotCo is a Chilean startup that develops plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. Leveraging a patented AI algorithm named Giuseppe, NotCo develops plant-based products that match the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of animal products by studying infinite combinations of plants and using internal feedback from trained chefs.NotCo’s product portfolio includes NotChicken (patties, nuggets, and tenders) and NotBurger, which are available for retail and foodservice in the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10672">Australia</a>, and Colombia.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28580">April 2024</a>, NotCo developed a plant-based turtle soup called "NotTurtle Soup" in partnership with Chef Diego Oka. NotTurtle Soup claims to mimic the flavor and texture of authentic turtle soup to reduce the consumption of endangered green sea turtles.Key customers and partnershipsIn February 2022, NotCo<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/8673"> teamed up </a>with Kraft-Heinz to form a joint venture (JV) to leverage the strengths of both companies and develop a line of plant-based food. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27345">March 2024</a>, the JV announced plans to launch NotHotDog and NotSausages in partnership with Oscar Mayer, a subsidiary of Kraft Heinz.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23368">November 2023</a>, the company partnered with Yellowbird Sauce, a hot sauce producer, to launch NotChicken Spicy Patties at select Whole Foods Market locations across the US.Funding and financialsIn its most recent funding round in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15270">December 2022</a>, the company raised USD 70 million in a Series D1 funding at a valuation of USD 1.5 billion led by Princeville Capital, with participation from existing and new investors. The funding was earmarked for developing a B2B platform that will allow other producers to access the company’s patented AI platform Giuseppe. Further, it is expected to help with expansion and preparation before the company’s planned IPO in 2025.

NotCo

<div>
 
 Improved Nature produces plant-based chicken alternatives from soy protein, replicating the flavor and texture of real chicken. The company sells its plant-based meat products under Nature's PRIME and Nature&rsquo;s Meat brands, which cover a large line of refrigerated and frozen products like slices, nuggets, filets, tenders, and more.
 
 
 Improved Nature's reliance on soy protein makes it more similar to the original wave of plant-based meat producers which relied almost exclusively on soy to produce products for vegetarians, with less interest in mimicking the texture, taste, and mouthfeel of real meat products.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 I
 n 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23085">
 October 2023
 </a>
 , the company partnered with RMS Foods, a US food manufacturer, to provide soy protein-based clean-label alternatives to private-label brands at a value price. In addition, the company launched a new line of heat-and-serve meals, including options such as plant-based sausage patties, nuggets, and beefless Korean bulgogi.&nbsp;
 
 
 
</div>

Improved Nature

Impossible Foods produces plant-based meat products using plant protein and high-moisture extrusion cooking techniques to transform soy protein into a texture similar to that of meat. Its portfolio includes plant-based beef, sausage, chicken, pork, meatballs, and ready meals.The company has added several products to its portfolio since launching, including <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12539">Impossible Chicken Patty</a>, a new range of <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12760">frozen meals</a>, new <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16551">plant-based chicken products</a> (Impossible Spicy Chicken Nuggets, Impossible Spicy Chicken Patties, and Impossible Chicken Tenders), the <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19591">Impossible Indulgent Burger</a>, and the <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24643">Impossible Beef Hot Dog</a>.In July 2019, Impossible Foods gained FDA approval to use “Heme”, allowing the company to sell uncooked plant-based burgers at retail outlets as opposed to only selling cooked burgers at foodservice outlets. Further, in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32229">July 2024</a>, the company received the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) provisional approval for the use of heme, followed by a positive safety opinion from a panel on the genetic modifications of the ingredient in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36222">November 2024</a>.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32555">August 2024</a>, the company opened its first in-person foodservice concept called "Impossible Quality Meats" in Chicago, Illinois. This pop-up store offered a fully plant-based menu featuring items from its portfolio.&nbsp;Following this, in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34557">October 2024</a>, Impossible Foods launched three new retail products: Impossible Disney The Lion King Chicken Nuggets, Impossible Meal Makers, and Impossible Corn Dogs. The company claimed that these were healthier, cholesterol-free alternatives.Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/8934">March 2022</a>, Kroger announced a co-branding partnership with Impossible Foods to develop meat alternatives for Kroger’s private label business, thereby expanding its customer base to include more price sensitive customers. Impossible Foods <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13931">partnered</a> with Dominos Pizza Australia in October 2022 to launch a new range of plant-based pizzas featuring Impossible Beef. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22210">September 2023</a>, the company partnered with the American restaurant chain International House of Pancakes (IHOP) to introduce plant-based sausage patties and burgers to IHOP's menus nationwide. Further, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26436">February 2024</a>, Impossible Foods inked a partnership with the US Army Central to serve plant-based meats at their dining facilities overseas.

Impossible Foods

Planted Foods is a plant-based spinoff of ETH Zurich- a public research university in Switzerland. Its portfolio includes Planted brand chicken, pulled, kebab, bratwurst, schnitzel, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22375">duck</a>, and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25317">ham</a>.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27493">March 2024</a>, the company launched a new fermented steak alternative developed using its proprietary whole-muscle platform. This platform uses a proprietary fermentation process to develop clean-label alternatives with improved taste and texture. Planted Foods intends to use this platform to expand its product range with more product concepts later. Further, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28147">April 2024</a>, Planted launched vegan Chicken Tikka Skewers in the UK.As of <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30584">June 2024</a>, Planted products were available at over 6,100 restaurants and 8,700 retail outlets across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the UK, Benelux, and UAE with plans to expand into the US later.Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19434">June 2023</a>, the company partnered with French agrifood company Fleury Michon to launch the Eminces Vegetaux range into retail in France. The partnership leveraged Planted's expertise in plant-based foods and Fleury Michon's artisanal marinades, reach, and reputation to offer plant-based alternatives for Fleury Michon’s established consumer base.Funding and financialsIn its latest funding round in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates">September 2022</a>, the company raised ~USD 72 million (CHF 70 million) in Series B funding led by L Catterton, with participation from Vorwerk Ventures, Movendo, and Yann Summer. The funds were earmarked for launching a new whole-cut product range, further expansion into Europe, and increasing production capacity.

Planted Foods

Producers of plant-based pork alternatives using plant proteins such as pea, soy, wheat, etc. Some startups also use unique ingredients such as mushroom mycelium (whole-cut bacon) and jack fruits (pulled pork) to produce pork alternatives. Products are manufactured mostly in sausage or pulled (pork) form

Producers of plant-based chicken, turkey, and duck alternatives using plant proteins such as peas, soy, wheat, etc. Products are manufactured mostly in nuggets or shredded form

Producers of plant-based seafood alternatives using plant proteins such as peas, soy, chickpeas, etc. Some startups use more unique ingredients such as algae, konjac (a Japanese yam root), tomatoes, and eggplants. Products are manufactured mostly in shredded form or as cuts (for sushi)

Producers of plant-based beef alternatives using plant proteins such as peas, soy, wheat, mung beans, etc. Products are manufactured mostly in a burger patty, sausage, meatball, or minced form

Utilizes 3D printing techniques to develop meat alternatives

Provides sustainable alternatives to animal meat

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 Israeli food tech company Equinom, after eight years of progress, has launched its Manna technology on a commercial scale. Manna technology, propelled by Artificial Intelligence, is designed to enhance the processing of high-protein yellow peas.
 The AI and genomic application in the Manna technology enables the cultivation of yellow peas with a protein concentration of up to 75%, notably higher than the usual 21%-25% in ordinary peas. This development alleviates the need for excessive processing and simultaneously lessens environmental impact.
 The reported potential savings from using Manna range between USD 300,000 to USD 500,000 for every 10,000 metric tons of processed grains annually. Currently offered as a service, there are future plans to switch Manna into a Service as a Software (SaaS) model.
 As of now, the field testing of Equinom's high-protein pea variants is ongoing in Germany. Equinom aspires to broaden the application of the Manna system to include other crops like wheat, to enhance the plant-based food production sector further.
</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 In <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/15268"> December 2022 </a> , the company raised USD 35 million in Series D funding to expedite its commercialization efforts in the B2B space. Before this commercialization, the company worked with companies like Sabra, PepsiCo, Good Mills Innovation, and Roquette, allowing them to utilize the Manna platform to develop custom products.

Equinom

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