Rival Foods is an innovative Dutch food-tech company based in Amersfoort, Netherlands, that specializes in creating next-generation plant-based whole cuts as sustainable alternatives to traditional meat products. Founded in 2019 as a spin-off from Wageningen University & Research, its co-founders are Dr. Birgit Dekkers and Ernst Breel. As of 2025, Rival Foods has successfully raised significant funding, including a recent €10 million Series B round, supporting its expansion initiatives.
June 18, 2025: Rival Foods announced the closing of a €10 million Series B funding round led by APG, with additional participation from PYMWYMIC and ROM Utrecht Region. The funds are earmarked for scaling production, advancing proprietary technologies, and facilitating expansion into new international markets, particularly in Europe.
April 2025: The company is preparing to scale its shear cell technology at a commercially viable scale during the summer of 2025. This technology distinguishes Rival Foods by creating plant-based proteins that closely mimic the texture and fibrous structure of whole muscle meat.
2024-2025: Rival Foods has been expanding its market reach across The Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and France, working with top chefs and food service providers. Product offerings now include plant-based chicken fillets, pulled beef, and chicken chunks, which have been praised for their meat-like texture and culinary quality.
March 2024: Rival Foods unveiled its production site dedicated to manufacturing high-quality plant-based meat alternatives using their patented Shear Cell Technology. The Showcase at SIAL Startup Village highlighted significant traction in product development.
Overall, recent funding and technological advancements have positioned Rival Foods as a major player in the plant-based protein market, with clear strategies for international growth and scaling.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Amersfoort, Netherlands |
| Founders | Dr. Birgit Dekkers, Ernst Breel |
| Revenue | Approx. €3.3 million |
| Key Investors | APG, PYMWYMIC, ROM Utrecht Region, PeakBridge |
| Industry | Plant-Based Foods, Food Technology |
| Number of Employees | 11-50 |
Rival Foods was conceived in 2019 during a collaborative research initiative at Wageningen University & Research. Birgit Dekkers, alongside co-founder Ernst Breel, identified a gap in the market for plant-based whole cuts rather than processed meats. By leveraging advanced texturizing technologies, Rival Foods quickly established itself as a forerunner in delivering plant-based alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of conventional meat cuts. Key to its early journey was developing Shear Cell Technology, which set the company apart and fueled initial funding rounds, including a notable €6 million Series A in 2022.
Rival Foods operates predominantly in the B2B segment, catering primarily to chefs, food service providers, and retailers across Europe. The company distinguishes itself with its proprietary Shear Cell Technology, which aligns protein molecules to create desirable meat-like textures. Their portfolio boasts an array of clean-label, minimally processed whole-cut alternatives to chicken and beef, designed to offer premium quality without the use of artificial additives.
Significant achievements include:
Currently, Rival Foods is enhancing its operations by doubling production capacity at its Geldrop facility, with imminent plans to target retail channels. The company's strategic B2B focus continues to drive its market penetration, particularly within fine dining and institutional sectors. Rival Foods' emphasis on sustainability and innovation places it as a competitive figure amid the flourishing plant-based foods market.
Rival Foods has emerged as a transformative entity in the plant-based food industry, effectively bridging the gap between consumer desire for sustainability and culinary excellence through its pioneering whole-cut products. With robust investment backing, proprietary tech developments, and a clear pathway towards international expansion, Rival Foods is poised for significant impact and growth, potentially redefining meat consumption with plant-based alternatives in the near future.