Leading foodTech developer of plant-based alternatives Vgarden, Ltd. announces the global launch of its vegan line of deli meats to be jointly manufactured with the major Israel-based supermarket chain and meat delicatessen producer, Tiv Taam (TASE: TTAM). This collaboration will be instrumental in boosting Vgarden’s production capacity to accommodate its global commercialization activities as it sets its eye on the US market.
In a strategic move to expand into the global vegan market, Tiv Taam signed an exclusive production
agreement with Vgarden to produce a series of kosher pea protein-based meat substitute products
developed by the start-up in its new manufacturing plant. The portfolio will encompass a range of
pepperoni, ham, chicken, turkey and other cold-cut alternatives.
Vgarden’s range of vegan deli meats are based on pea protein and coconut oil boasting up to 26.5%
protein by weight—equal to or more than their conventional animal protein counterparts. They
contain no soy, are low in carbs, are non-GMO, and can be cold-stored for up to six months. The
company’s unique propriety production method enables the vegan deli meats to be produced easily
in existing production lines in any traditional factory.
“Our deli slices are suitable as a sandwich filling or pizza topping and were created as part of
Vgarden’s strategy to provide the full spectrum of sustainable dairy, meat, and seafood alternatives
that are compelling to the senses while still high in nutritional value,” exclaims Ilan Adut, CEO of
Vgarden.
Tiv Taam recently purchased a new, spacious manufacturing facility in Haifa dedicated to the
production of kosher and vegan foods. “We traditionally have catered to the local high-end culinary
market with premium cold-cuts, dairy, and seafood,” explains Hagai Shalom, Owner and CEO of Tiv
Taam. “At the same time we are attuned to the shifts in consumer purchasing behavior and the
growing gravitation toward plant-based meat alternatives. Vgarden does it the best; their portfolio
of deli meats are nutritious, made from high-quality natural ingredients, and strikingly give the
sensation of biting into real meat pastrami or salami. This makes them a perfect fit for our retail
shelves. This partnership also gives us new leverage to branch out to the international vegan food
landscape.”
Established as Gan-Shmuel Health Industries (2017), Agricultural Cooperative Society, Ltd., Vgarden
develops and markets a comprehensive range of products based for the plant-based, alt-protein
market, ranging from dairy, meat and fish alternatives, and includes soft and hard cheeses, spreads, filled pastries, minced and deli meat lines as well as nuggets. The company initially marketed its
innovative portfolio in Israel under the MashuMashu brand. Last month, it rolled out its pea protein-
based adaptation of tinned tuna in response to the global crisis of over-fishing and declining
populations of wild-caught tuna.
The deli slices received a warm welcome in Australia where they are available in retail stores across
the country under a selection of private brands “powered by Vgarden.” Its cured deli meats
alternative is currently the top category seller there. The deli meat line’s Australian debut follows
the establishment of a factory in Sydney a year ago in agreement with Cale and Daughters, PTY Ltd.,
producers and distributors of plant-based foods. Cale and Daughters agreed to commercialize
Vgarden’s comprehensive portfolio of dairy and meat substitutes within the Australian food service
and food retail sectors.
The global plant-based meat market currently is worth more than USD 5B and is projected to surpass
USD27B by 2030. The massive growth is driven by increasing consumer concern for sustainability,
and animal welfare along with consumers openness to novel plant-based foods. “This strategic cooperation with the Tiv Taam will enable our company to significantly increase production to meet anticipated demands in the US and internationally, as well as accelerate the pace of development of Vgarden products,” adds Adut. “The experience and professionalism of the Tiv Taam group in the world of food production, combined with the immense sense of trust forged between us, can guarantee a long and fruitful cooperation.” The company recently attained more than USD15M in strategic initial funding by Leumi Partners to boost product development and international activity.
