Sarah Speare, CEO, co-founder and worker-owner of Tootie’s Tempeh, has been elected to the board of the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and will also serve as Treasurer.

PBFA is the first and only US trade association dedicated exclusively to plant-based foods, representing nearly 100 companies spanning categories including plant-based milks, burgers, cheeses, yogurts, ice creams and snacks.

The association advocates on behalf of the sector through policy engagement, market data and insights, and initiatives designed to expand consumer awareness and adoption.

Speare joins a board that includes leaders from Impossible Foods, Upton’s Naturals, Tofurky and Bel Brands. Together, the board will help guide PBFA’s strategic direction as the plant-based category navigates evolving consumer expectations, regulatory scrutiny and intensifying competition.

Based in Biddeford, Maine, Tootie’s Tempeh is positioning itself as a next-generation tempeh brand, innovating both in product and business structure.

The company has redesigned the traditional fermentation process to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags, delivering a smooth, nutty and buttery tempeh without bitterness.

Top image: © 2025 Tootie’s Tempeh