In numbers

125.7

The FAO Food Price Index, a basket of commodity prices compiled by the UN, averaged 125.7 in 2021, its highest level since 2011 – and up 28.1% from 2020.

US$347m

Future Meat Technologies, a cultivated-protein start-up in Israel, secured US$347m in investment as it prepared to break ground on a US production facility.

US$1bn

Meati Foods has set a target to reach US$1bn in plant-based sales with the appointment of General Mills veteran Scott Tassani as president.

63%

Dairy giant Arla Foods sets a target to cut Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 63% by 2030.

US$120m

Remilk, an alternative-dairy start-up in Israel, has raised new funds through a Series B round led by investor Hanaco Ventures.

600,000

The vegan advocates at Veganuary say more than 600,000 people worldwide have officially signed up to the campaign to follow a vegan diet in January, as per data released on 18 January.

In brief

Mondelez move for South African snacks business fails

South African consumer goods group AVI said talks with Mondelez International over the proposed acquisition of its Snackworks division have been “terminated”.

China alt-meat business Starfield raises US$100m in funding

Brazilian meat major JBS, meanwhile, has extended its global acquisition spree with an agreement to take a majority stake in Spanish cultivated-protein firm BioTech Foods.

Hilton Food Group enters US via deal for Dutch salmon firm Foppen

Hilton Food Group has agreed to buy Dutch salmon processor Foppen, a deal that also marks the UK-based meat and seafood supplier’s entry into the US.

Israel’s Tnuva sets up cultured-meat venture

Tnuva Group, Israel’s largest food company, has teamed up with local 3D technology firm Pluristem Therapeutics to develop cultured-meat products.

The food industry briefing