Wicked Kitchen raises $20m in bridge funding

Plant-based food company Wicked Kitchen has raised $20 million in additional funding to help increase its global awareness initiatives and expand retail distribution.

New investors include actor and vegan advocate, Woody Harrelson; Ahimsa VC, a fund that invests in start-ups building a sustainable, humane and healthy world; and Thai food producer NRPT.

“What I love about this brand is that the products are actually created by chefs that always put flavour first, making it so easy to go plant-based,” said Harrelson.

The company is experiencing a high growth phase; it has more than tripled its year-over-year sales growth of animal-free products. Earlier this month, the company acquired plant-based seafood brand, Good Catch, and since launching into the US market last year the products are currently stocked in over 6,500 retail stores across the US.

CEO of Wicked Kitchen, Pete Speranza, said: “It is validating to have support from additional investors who believe in our mission and in the future of plant-based foods. This latest round of funding will help us go faster to expand our offerings in the US and abroad and it puts us in a well-poised position as we continue to lead plant-based innovations with flavour-forward products that appeal to vegans and omnivores alike.”

Wicked Kitchen produces frozen and shelf-stable, chef-driven plant-based foods including instant noodles, pizzas, meal kits, sauces and ice creams.