v2food partners with Ajinomoto and acquires Daring Foods to expand globally

Australian plant-based meat producer, v2food, has announced a major expansion strategy, combining a new strategic partnership with Ajinomoto Co, Inc and the acquisition of US brand Daring Foods. The move brings together v2food’s protein technology, Ajinomoto’s century of food science expertise, and Daring’s strong consumer presence in the US plant-based chicken market.

The acquisition gives v2food an immediate foothold in the USA, where Daring has built a reputation as the leading unbreaded plant-based chicken brand. While Daring will continue to operate under its own label, the company will now serve as a launchpad for v2food to introduce its broader range of products across the US market. “For several years, v2food has been the number one plant-based meat company in Australia, and through the acquisition of Daring, we are excited to be able to introduce our world-class product range into the USA market,” commented Tim York, CEO of v2food. “Daring has built an incredible, consumer-loved brand with strong reach across the USA, and combining that with our food technology creates immediate opportunities to accelerate our mission to be one of the global leaders in plant-based protein.”

The partnership with Ajinomoto, headquartered in Tokyo, is equally central to the strategy. With more than 100 years of history, Ajinomoto has long been recognized for its expertise in amino acid science and food innovation. By aligning with v2food, the company reinforces its sustainability agenda while supporting the development of new food solutions. Shigeo Nakamura, President & CEO of Ajinomoto Co, added, “This strategic collaboration between Ajinomoto Co and v2food is focused on our shared commitment to revolutionizing the global food system through innovation, sustainability, and co-creation in technology and business development to contribute to the well-being of all human beings, our society, and our planet. Our ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ philosophy aligns perfectly with v2food’s vision to develop next-generation food solutions that meet rising consumer demand for sustainable, nutritious alternatives.”

For Daring, the acquisition marks the next stage in its growth trajectory. CEO Jeffrey Gendelman described the cultural alignment among the three companies as a major strength. “Daring was built on a commitment to clean-label plant protein that never sacrifices taste or experience. Together, we see an opportunity to shape the future of our space in a way none of us could have achieved alone. With v2food’s technology platform and Ajinomoto Co.’s expertise supporting us, we’re in the best position yet to deliver on our consumer promise at both pace and scale. In my view, this is how the space should have been built from the start: thoughtfully, profitably, and as healthily as possible.”

The partnership will accelerate work on next-generation protein innovations. Among the early projects is a new frozen meal range designed to showcase how clean-label, plant-based products can deliver on taste, nutrition and affordability. v2food’s ongoing research includes developing formulations without methylcellulose and using algae-derived technology for natural color changes, both of which could appeal to consumers seeking simpler ingredient lists. Ajinomoto Executive Officer Masaki Kashihara said, “With the strategic collaboration of Ajinomoto Co, this move strengthens the joint platform’s ability to scale globally, unlocking new revenue streams and accelerating the delivery of next-generation food solutions.”

Ajinomoto’s established global footprint provides a clear pathway for rapid expansion. Beyond developed markets, the partners are targeting regions such as Africa and Asia, where population growth is expected to be most significant over the next 25 years. By building on Ajinomoto’s Green Business Development Department, the collaboration also supports the company’s wider sustainability commitments, while tapping into rising consumer interest in plant-based diets.

Industry backer Jack Cowin, founder of Hungry Jack’s and an early v2food investor, welcomed the move. “From day one, v2food was conceived to be a global leader in plant-based meat, and our strategic move into the US market, especially with a strong brand like Daring and the backing of a global powerhouse like Ajinomoto, is a logical next phase of growth as the market consolidates. Over the next five years, we expect to see a rationalization of the industry with various best-in-class plant-based meat companies (such as v2food and Daring) coming together to gain scale and provide technical solutions that meet or exceed consumer requirements for great-tasting, affordable and nutritious food that also happens to be better for the planet.”

York added that the partnership marks a natural evolution for the company. “By combining our technological capabilities with Ajinomoto’s global scale and deep expertise in food science, alongside Daring’s proven market success, we’re creating a powerful platform for sustainable nutrition that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.”

With the three organizations now aligned, the combined entity aims to meet the challenge of feeding a projected global population of 10 billion while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of food production.