May 1, 2023 An Australian First in Plant-based Food Production

Queensland-based Fenn Foods has become the first certified carbon neutral, plant-based food producer in Australia.

In an Australian first, the locally owned, plant-based food production company behind popular vegan-friendly vEEF products has been certified carbon neutral.

Eight years ago, armed with an idea and a purpose-fuelled dream to create planet-conscious, ethically produced, affordable and delicious plant-based foods, Chef Alejandro Cancino and Co-Founder Paola Moro started their business in their home garage. These days, their passionate team of two has developed into a much larger, like-minded and talented team – supported by investors who care about the environment and believe in Fenn Foods’ vision. 

Now, the company has been awarded its carbon neutral certification. 

“I’m so proud to announce that Fenn Foods is now certified carbon neutral. Many Australians are choosing to eat plant-based foods because of the environmental impact and for their health, but now they can do even better and buy from a completely carbon neutral business that happens to be locally owned. Better yet, our products are delicious, versatile and easy to prepare.” – Alejandro Cancino, Chef and Co-Founder of Fenn Foods.

The innovative team’s ever-expanding range of flavoursome, umami-rich, plant-based meat products are proving appetising alternatives for chefs, companies and consumers who want to support local, think sustainably and look to the future of FMCG. 

In 2018, the team had its premium, plant-based mince product certified carbon neutral. This year, the whole company has been certified. 

“We’re really excited to say that our customers can now enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they’re eating delicious, plant-based foods that are also carbon neutral. This means when they buy from Fenn Foods, they are not only supporting a local business, but they can also feel good knowing their foods aren’t contributing any carbon emissions. We’re thrilled to be the first plant-based company in the country to gain this certification.” – Paola Moro, Co-Founder of Fenn Foods

So, how does the certification process work?

The certification testing process is rigorous. And yet, having undergone a full audit of Fenn Foods’ ingredients, products, packaging, practices and even its employees’ journeys to and from the workplace, the Carbon Reduction Institute (CRI) awarded the company its carbon neutral certification. All potential carbon emissions were calculated by the CRI, and Fenn Foods has purchased carbon offsets accredited under the Verified Carbon Standard to offset emissions.

Never resting on its laurels, the Fenn Foods team is continually working to produce forward-thinking food under its three pillars of sustainability, deliciousness and innovation – for people who love flavour, and the planet. 

COMPANY DETAILS
Website: fennfoods.com and veef.com.au
Product enquiries: info@fennfoods.com
Instagram: @veefbyfennfoods

References

1 The Food Frontier, 2020 State of the Industry Report

Fenn Foods
Fenn Foods is Australia’s leading plant-based protein producer with one of the largest locally produced food service range in the country as well as a consumer-favourite retail brand, vEEF®. Founded by renowned chef, Alejandro Cancino , the company has achieved massive growth. Fenn Foods distribute nationwide and are entering new categories every year.

The company is dedicated to innovation with an experienced R&D team working on perfecting taste and texture profiles of existing items and crafting world-first products. This focus has enabled the company to champion plant-based foods, change Australia’s protein culture and position vEEF® as the consumer favourite.

Alejandro Cancino, Co-Founder and CEO
Alejandro’s successful career as a fine-dining chef, which included seeing Brisbane’s acclaimed restaurant Urbane grow from a two-hatted to a three-hatted venue, has perfectly set him up to drive innovation as the head of Fenn Foods’ Innovation team. Focusing on expansion into new categories without compromising on taste or texture has seen Fenn Foods and its retail brand vEEF® become Australia’s ‘go-to’ for plant-based meat.

Through Fenn Foods work with some of Australia’s largest restaurant and retail chains, Alejandro is championing plant-based foods and ensuring the rapid growth of Fenn Foods will continue well into the future.

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