World-renowned agricultural policy experts, food entrepreneurs and investors join forces to catalyse sub-Saharan Africa’s plant-based food economy
Johannesburg, South Africa – Infinite Foods, Africa’s premier go-to-market platform for leading plant-based food brands, announced the formation of its inaugural Advisory Board. The Board will accelerate Infinite Food’s mission to make nutritious and environmentally sustainable plant-based meat and dairyalternative products accessible in sub-Saharan Africa.
Within 18 months of launch, Infinite Foods has brought the biggest plant-based food brands to Africa, including Beyond Meat, Miyoko’s Creamery, Nature et Moi and Oatly. Theseproducts are now offered through more than 800 retail, and foodservice outlets, including Woolworths, Famous Brands and Spur Group.
As Infinite Foods has expanded operations to South Africa, Mauritius, Botswana and soon opening in Kenya, there has beenincredible growth and excitement among consumers choosing a “plant-forward” lifestyle. Consumers are embracing efforts to improve their health and environmental footprint through their food choices – whether it is meat-free one day a week, flexitarian or 100% plant-based (vegan).
In response to growing consumer demand for plant-based food options, Infinite Foods has assembled a group of leading advisors to grow its reach, expand local manufacturing and incubate opportunities for plant-based protein agricultural inputs in Africa. The Board includes agricultural policy experts, best-selling plant-based nutrition authors and investors:
• Ada Osakwe – entrepreneur and founder of Nuli, fresh-food and beverage company
• Marco Borges – New York Times Bestselling author and founder of 22 Days Nutrition
• Lindiwe Sibanda – Globally recognised food security and agricultural policy expert
• Nil Zacharias – Entrepreneur, Author, and host of leading food podcast “Eat For The Planet”
• Johnny Ream – a venture investor Stray Dog Capital, a VCfund that partners with early stage companies across the food, beverage, and biotechnology sectors.
• Leozette Roode – author of The South African Vegan Cookbook
• George Sibtoshiwe – entrepreneur and co-founder of South African delivery company, Sendr
Announcing the Advisory Board launch, Michelle Adelman, founder and CEO of Infinite Foods, said: “We are passionate about catalysing a sustainable plant-based food sector in Africa. We are honoured to work with our Advisors to improve the accessibility, affordability and convenience of great tasting, locally relevant and nutritious plant-based products”. The Board is chaired by Mayur Patel, an experienced entrepreneur and founding member of Infinite Foods.
“Changing what we eat is the most powerful tool we have to improve health and environmental sustainability.” said Mr. Patel. Plant-based foods are scientifically proven to be healthier than animal-based protein, reducing emerging lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. The guidance from leading public health institutions, including the American Heart Association is clear: “eating less meat or giving it up entirely [leads to] less risk of disease and improved health and well-being”. As a result of the recent Covid-19 crisis, consumers will be increasingly focused on food safety, health and how to build up immunity through improved nutrition, which will likely lead to an increased adoption of accessible plant-based foods on the continent. Infinite Foods is committed to providing consumers with delicious plant-based food options from both local and international brands and creating more opportunities for the plant-based industry to grow in Sub Saharan Africa.
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About Infinite Foods: Infinite Foods is Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading go-to-market platform for premier plant-based foods providing African consumers access to the most delicious and coolest plant-based food brands, creating employment, transforming agriculture and feeding the community.
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