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Tag: International

Iceland Foods Earns Vegetarian Society Accreditation for New Plant-Based Products 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Retail.

Iceland Foods has officially achieved Vegetarian Society Approved certification for a wide selection of its vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based offerings. The certification, which includes approximately 20 products, features the retailer’s newly launched TGI Melt in the Middle No Meat Burgers among its highlights.

This certification is a stamp of approval from one of the most respected bodies in the vegetarian and vegan community. The Vegetarian Society Approved trademark guarantees that products have been independently verified to contain no animal-derived ingredients, are free from GMOs, and are produced in environments where there is no cross-contamination with meat.

“We are delighted to welcome Iceland Foods Supermarket to the Vegetarian Society Approved family,” said Nina Anderson, Head of Trademark Services at the Vegetarian Society. “As more people look for trustworthy vegetarian, vegan and plant-based options, it’s fantastic to see a major retailer like Iceland providing clearly accredited products that customers can choose with confidence.”

The accreditation marks a significant milestone not just for Iceland Foods, but for the wider retail landscape in the UK. As demand continues to grow for ethical, sustainable, and accessible food options, certifications like these offer reassurance to consumers navigating the ever-expanding world of meat-free products.

The newly approved Iceland items will be available in Iceland and The Food Warehouse locations across the UK, as well as online, making it easier than ever for customers to make confident plant-based choices.

The significance of the Vegetarian Society approving entire retailers, rather than certifying brands or products one at a time, cannot be overstated. This broader approach helps build deeper consumer trust by signaling that a retailer is committed to high standards across its full vegetarian and vegan range. For shoppers, this means a more efficient and confidence-driven experience—instead of scrutinizing every ingredient list, they can look for the trusted Vegetarian Society Approved logo and know that the product meets rigorous ethical and dietary criteria. It turns the retailer into a one-stop shop for high-quality plant-based options, streamlining the shopping process and encouraging more consumers to explore meat-free choices.

To learn more about the Vegetarian Society Approved trademark or to explore Iceland’s full certified range, visit www.vegsoc.org.

Cock & Bull Brings Bold British Bites to the World Stage

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Global Marketplace, Manufacturing, Products.

From the heart of the UK food scene to a buzzworthy debut on the North American stage, Cock & Bull is quickly establishing itself as one of the most exciting emerging companies in the global plant-based space. Founded by celebrated British chef and television personality Richard Fox, the company has made a name for itself with its cheeky brand voice and serious culinary credentials. 

Cock & Bull wowed U.S. buyers during its 2024 debut at Plant Based World Expo North America in New York City, where it showcased a new take on classic British comfort foods. At a time when buyers are seeking authentic, internationally inspired, chef-crafted products that break through the clutter, Cock & Bull delivered with unmistakable flair. 

 

New Products: Bold Flavors, No Compromise 

Among the standout products drawing attention in both the UK and abroad is the Choriz-no Porky Pie—a smoky, spicy twist on the classic pork pie inspired by Spanish chorizo. It’s a bold reinvention of a traditional favorite, with rich spice blends wrapped in pastry so buttery, it’s hard to believe it’s vegan. 

Also making waves is the new Saus-ish Roll, boasting clean ingredients, big flavor, and zero artificial additives. With a texture and taste that rival its meat-based inspiration, this roll is anything but average. As the brand proudly proclaims: “This isn’t just food, it’s a revolution.” 

 

Retail Expansion and Recognition 

Cock & Bull’s playful yet premium products are making an impression on retail shelves—and racking up accolades along the way. At the 2025 Farm Shop & Deli Awards, the brand took home multiple honors: 

  • 🥇 Gold for the Spicy Choriz-no Empanada 
  • 🥇 Gold for the Chiki’ny and Mushroom Empanada 
  • 🥈 Silver for the Spiced Beefy Empanada 

Judges were astounded by the products’ taste and texture—many not realizing they were entirely plant-based. This level of sensory performance is exactly what today’s retail buyers are looking for: products that wow meat-eaters and vegans alike, made with clean, transparent ingredients. 

 

Foodservice Innovation: Nutrition Meets Simplicity 

Cock & Bull isn’t stopping at retail. The company is also turning heads in the foodservice sector thanks to its collaboration with the University of Nottingham on a groundbreaking new ingredient. 

This new innovation, designed to elevate the nutritional profile of Cock & Bull’s offerings, is a single compound ingredient that “out-wheys” animal protein—without the animals. It’s rich in amino acids, fiber, zinc, iron, and calcium, all while steering clear of ultra-processed methods, GMOs, and common allergens. 

For foodservice operators, this presents an opportunity to menu high-impact, clean-label plant-based dishes that are rich in both flavor and functionality—delivering on the evolving expectations of health-conscious diners. 

 

Leading the Next Wave of Plant-Based Products 

Cock & Bull is part of a growing trend toward culturally rooted, chef-driven plant-based brands that bring storytelling, nostalgia, and world flavors to the forefront. For retailers and foodservice buyers, the brand’s portfolio offers the kind of differentiation and depth that today’s consumers are craving. 

Its reception in the U.S. market signals something even bigger: international brands that bring culinary authenticity and modern nutrition can break through, even in an increasingly crowded plant-based landscape. 

As the plant-based category matures, it’s not just about mimicking meat—it’s about redefining indulgence, tradition, and nourishment. Cock & Bull is actively expanding distribution and partnerships in North America. For retail or foodservice inquiries, reach out via Cock & Bull’s website or connect with the team on LinkedIn. 

The Future of Plant-Based Retail: Insights from Canada’s Leadership in 2025 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Global Marketplace, Industry updates, Policy.

As the North American plant-based sector matures, the spotlight is turning to Canada—not just for its innovation, but for its collaborative approach to growth. In a recent blog post titled “Unlocking the Future of Plant-Based Foods: Innovation, Collaboration, and Growth,” Leslie Ewing, Executive Director of Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC), shares a compelling vision for what the retail environment needs to look like in 2025 and beyond. 

The central message? Success in this next phase of plant-based food growth will not be achieved in isolation—it will require strategic partnerships across the entire value chain. Retailers, manufacturers, investors, and policymakers all have a role to play. 

“Success today isn’t about going it alone—it’s about working together to build a stronger, more resilient industry,” Ewing writes. 

At the heart of this strategy is a renewed focus on the consumer. Where early plant-based products may have been driven by science and novelty, today’s market demands emotional and cultural resonance. According to Ewing, the next generation of products must deliver indulgence, nutrition, and familiarity—drawing from international cuisines and tapping into rising health trends like fiber-forward foods and GLP-1-aligned eating patterns. 

For retailers in Canada and across North America, this means building plant-based sets that reflect these shifting desires. It’s not just about filling shelves—it’s about curating an experience that meets customers where they are in their health and sustainability journeys. 

 

Premium Meets Value: A Dual Strategy for Retail 

Ewing highlights a key dynamic in today’s grocery landscape: consumers are increasingly polarized in their spending. They are willing to pay for premium, high-quality products, while simultaneously seeking value in their everyday staples. 

For plant-based brands and retailers, this requires a dual-tier strategy: 

  • Premiumization through better taste, texture, and nutritional profiles 
  • Affordability through scaled innovations and efficient product lines that are accessible to all 

Retailers who can balance these priorities will be best positioned to capture both the health-conscious foodie and the budget-conscious family shopper.

 

Regulatory Reform & Transparency 

One of the more urgent calls to action in Ewing’s post is the need for modernized regulations and labeling standards, especially around ultra-processed food concerns. She stresses that today’s consumers want clarity and simplicity when reading ingredient labels. And it’s not something one company can solve alone. 

“These aren’t tasks for individual companies—they require coordinated, industry-wide efforts,” she writes. 

Retail buyers, particularly those building out plant-based sets, can benefit from aligning with organizations like PBFC to stay informed on regulatory shifts and to ensure the products they promote are meeting evolving standards for transparency and trust. 

 

Canada’s Global Opportunity 

Ewing also paints a broader picture of Canada’s unique role in the plant-based economy. With its sustainable farming practices, access to high-quality inputs, and robust manufacturing infrastructure, Canada is well-positioned to lead not only North America, but the global market, especially as more regions seek affordable, sustainable food systems. 

This positions Canadian retailers and brands as both leaders and exporters of best practices—from how products are grown and made to how they are positioned and sold. 

 

A Call to Action for Buyers and Brands 

As 2025 unfolds, the biggest wins in plant-based retail will come from those who align with the principles Leslie Ewing lays out.

“Now is the time for plant-based brands to push boundaries,” Ewing concludes. “Those that lead with bold ideas, lean into community, and build trust will help shape the future of food.” 

For both Canadian and U.S. stakeholders, the message is clear: plant-based is not a passing trend—it’s a growing movement that requires new structures, bold leadership, and an unwavering commitment to serving the evolving needs of the modern consumer. 

For more on Plant-Based Foods of Canada and the full article, visit PBFC’s website.