Heura Foods, a Catalan plant-based protein company, has secured a new round of funding to accelerate its economic growth and strengthen its reputation in North America as well as Europe. The €40 million investment, the largest of its kind in the sector last year, is aimed at driving profitability within the next year and supporting ongoing financial research and the development of new products, including plant-based meat, fish alternatives, and the recently launched vegan sausage line.
The capital comes from prominent industry players, including Dutch plant-based producer Upfield and investment vehicles such as Unovis Asset Management, the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund, and New Tree Effect. Heura also consulted investment bank Houlihan Lokey during the process. The partnership is described as a strategic coalition and marks one of the most significant alliances in the plant protein market. It has led to the formation of a board focused on next-generation technologies and new standards in the sector, with the aim of expanding Heura’s impact in the food industry. A spokesman stated that the collaboration would propel innovation and scale across markets in Canada, the United States, and beyond. — attributed to Heura leadership and participating investors.
Marc Coloma, co-founder and CEO of Heura Foods, welcomed the milestone as recognition of the company’s position at the forefront of protein transformation in Europe and beyond. He underscored that changing the food system requires shifting consumer demand toward healthier and more sustainable options, turning health and sustainability into selling points for the broader food industry. The new chapter, he noted, will pave the way to profitability while enabling the development of cutting-edge technologies to meet emerging challenges, all within a scalable framework that invites collaboration with industry leaders. The statement from Coloma reflected optimism about expanding Heura’s footprint in North America as part of this strategic push. — attributed to Heura leadership.
A 2023 full of layoffs and new patents
The year 2023 brought a mix of progress and pain for Heura. The company earned a patent for a production method that yields healthier products and broadens the potential for manufacturing fish and other animal-derived foods. This breakthrough aligns with the demand in North American markets for plant-based options that meet strict health and sustainability standards. At the same time, Heura faced workforce reductions to curb operating losses, a difficult but sometimes necessary step in volatile markets. — attributed to Heura leadership and market observers.
Despite the turbulence, investors remain confident in Heura’s trajectory. A key executive from Upfield commented on leading Heura’s latest funding round and partnering with a food technology company that prioritizes clean technologies, taste, and nutrition. The executive stressed that Heura has positioned itself to lead the plant-based meat category with a strong brand and commitment to health, even in challenging times, while expanding its patent portfolio and research efforts in Europe and North America. Marie Asano of the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund was also cited in relation to the ongoing support. — attributed to Upfield leadership and European fund spokesperson.
Looking ahead, the company plans to reinvest the funding into innovation within Research and Development, aiming to fulfill profitability commitments and broaden its catalog of technological patents. The focus remains on advancing production processes, enhancing product quality, and enabling broader distribution through North American retailers and food service channels. — attributed to Heura strategy and investor updates.