Tiba Tempeh secures £1.1m investment as brand becomes fastest-growing in meat-free

Tiba Tempeh has secured £1.1m in investment as it becomes the fastest-growing brand in UK meat-free.

The tempeh challenger brand has secured a six-figure investment led by Maven Capital Partners, which invested through its Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, supported by the British Business Bank.

Perfect Redd, the venture capital arm of Samworth Brothers, also made a follow-on investment in the round.

The funding will enhance marketing, sales and product development, with new products set to launch in 2025.

“Tiba Tempeh is an exciting brand, in a market where there is increasing demand for more natural and healthier meat-free alternatives, with a focus on higher nutritional and protein content, which Tiba Tempeh products provide,” said Rebecca MacDermid, investment manager at Maven.

The brand was founded in 2019 by Alexandra and Ross Longtonis a certified B-Corp offering a range of tempeh products, including an Original Block, Plant-based Mince and a selection of marinated pieces.

“Alex and Ross are a fantastic team with a wealth of experience in the food industry, which will allow the business to experience continued success,” said MacDermid. “We are pleased to support the next stage of their growth as they expand their market presence across the UK and Europe.”

It comes as data from NIQ revealed that retail sales value of the brand have increased by 736% over the past year, contributing £1.2m in sales value despite overall category decline.

The brand said its growth was reflected in its expanding retail presence. It is stocked in major UK retailers, including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Ocado, and successfully launched into Spain and France, with listings in leading supermarkets such as Carrefour.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the fastest-growing brand in the UK’s chilled meat-free category, fulfilling consumer demand for more natural and nutritious products,” said Ross Longton. “The investment will help us accelerate our growth and support our mission to create a healthier world by inspiring people to enjoy more delicious, naturally healthy, and sustainable plant-based food.”