The United Kingdom witnessed increased mergers and acquisitions (M&As) activities in the plant-based food and beverage (F&B) sector in Q4 2021. According to ConsumerIntel360 Q4 2021 Global Plant Protein Market Survey, the country recorded more than 25 deals in the F&B sector in Q4 2021. Notably, the key themes of the mergers and acquisitions were majorly from the plant-based sector. For instance,

• In September 2021, Portuguese conglomerate Sonae acquired the United Kingdom-based producer of natural plant-based food products Gosh Food. The company closed the £64 million (€75 million) deal through its subsidiary Sonae Food4Future. Gosh Food which creates an innovative range of products, including healthy snacks to ready-to-eat products, is based on naturally-sourced ingredients.

• Similarly, in November 2021, United Kingdom-based meat producer Cranswick acquired plant-based Ramona’s Kitchen and a Spanish tortillas supplier in Atlantica, United Kingdom.

The pandemic made the consumers spend more time at home. Therefore, healthy and environmentally aware consumers made better food choices which supported the direct-to-consumer (D2C) market in the United Kingdom. Consequently, plant-based companies saw a surge in investments in 2021. For instance,

• In October 2021, the country’s D2C food business, Allplants, attracted GBP38 million (US$52.2 million) in Series B funding. According to the company, the funds will be utilized to expand its business across other channels. 

• During the same period, London-based vegan meal delivery startup Planty, raised €770,000 in funding for the expansion of its business across Europe, with priority to Scandinavian markets. The fundraising was led by vegan and alt-protein investors such as Veg Capital and Kale United, as well as by undisclosed angels and crowdfunding.
• Notably, this D2C plant-based meal delivery service uniquely provides the country’s consumers a choice between 6, 8, or 10 meal plans as well as a regular subscription service. The items delivered by the company have been prepared by the chefs, and the meals are kept frozen, which helps to preserve the flavors and nutrients of the food. 

To know more and gain a deeper understanding of the plant protein market in the United Kingdom, click here.