v2food Expands into US Market with Acquisition of Daring Foods and Strategic Partnership with Ajinomoto
"v2food CEO remarks on the US entry through Daring Foods acquisition: 'It's one of the brands experiencing considerable growth'"
In a significant move, Australian plant-based meat market leader v2food has entered the US market through the acquisition of plant-based chicken maker Daring Foods [6][7]. The acquisition, which took place in 2025, marks a strategic step for v2food, providing an immediate foothold in the US market with Daring Foods' strong brand loyalty and extensive distribution network [1][4].
The acquisition also signifies a strategic partnership with Japanese food giant Ajinomoto Co., Inc. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of next-generation clean protein products, combining v2food's proprietary technologies with Ajinomoto's extensive food science expertise [3][4].
Product Expansion and Market Growth
Under the deal, Daring Foods will continue to operate independently in the US market as a platform for v2food to launch its products [1]. The companies plan to co-develop new clean-label frozen meals targeting flexitarians and health-conscious consumers [1]. v2food also aims to utilize Daring Foods' strong distribution network, reaching consumers from Walmart to Whole Foods, to drive consumer adoption and strengthen distribution networks in the US [1][4].
Global Expansion
Beyond the US, the partnership with Ajinomoto and the acquisition of Daring Foods are part of v2food's broader strategy to expand into emerging markets like Africa and Asia, where significant population growth is projected [3]. Ajinomoto will manufacture and distribute v2food's ambient plant-based products under license in some of these markets, furthering v2food's mission to become a global leader in plant-based meat [3].
Future Plans
Tim York, CEO of v2food, stated that the acquisition of Daring was motivated by the crowded US market and its strong distribution network [2]. York also mentioned that the plant-based category is experiencing consolidation, with Daring being one of the few brands in growth and looking like a potential winner in this process [2]. Jack Cowin, an early investor in v2food and founder of Hungry Jack's, expects a rationalization of the plant-based meat industry over the next five years, with companies like v2food and Daring consolidating to gain scale and provide solutions meeting consumer requirements [8].
In 2026, v2food plans to introduce methylcellulose-free products based on new technology developed by v2food, maintaining Daring's clean label positioning [5]. This move aligns with v2food's commitment to clean label solutions for plant-based products, a focus that was expanded through its existing R&D relationship with Ajinomoto [4].
[1] - [https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2025/10/05/v2food-acquires-Daring-Foods-to-expand-into-US-market-and-accelerate-growth] [2] - [https://www.fooddive.com/news/v2food-acquires-daring-foods-to-expand-into-us-market/620961/] [3] - [https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2025/10/06/v2food-Ajinomoto-partnership-to-accelerate-clean-protein-innovation-in-emerging-markets] [4] - [https://www.ajinomoto.com/group/en/news/2025/10/11-001.html] [5] - [https://www.v2food.com/news/v2food-to-introduce-methylcellulose-free-products] [6] - [https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/new-products/v2food-acquires-daring-foods-to-expand-into-us-market] [7] - [https://www.meatinfo.co.uk/Articles/2025/10/05/v2food-acquires-Daring-Foods-to-expand-into-US-market] [8] - [https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/v2food-acquires-daring-foods-as-it-targets-us-market/news-story/e6994821b80f809a7158e186f1dd1a4a]
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