Tiba Tempeh secures £1.1m investment, sees sales surge as natural trend prevails in meat-free

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UK tempeh brand Tiba Tempeh has secured over £1.1m in investment, and has seen its retail sales value surge by 736% over the last year amid increasing demand for minimally processed meat alternatives.

The funding round was led by Maven Capital Partners, investing 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.

Tiba Tempeh said the funding will enhance its marketing, sales and product development, with some new products planned for launch in 2025.

Founded in 2019 by Alexandra and Ross Longton, the B-Corp-certified brand offers a variety of tempeh products including blocks, mince and marinated pieces. They are made from 100% natural and organic ingredients and offer 22g of protein per 100g, meeting consumer demand for minimally processed, natural and nutritious options in the meat-free category. They are also high in fibre, naturally vegan and gluten-free.

According to Nielsen data, the brand is now the fastest-growing in the UK’s chilled meat-free category. While the overall category has experienced a decline in sales, Tiba Tempeh has contributed £1.2 million retail sales value over the past year. This comes as research from Mintel shows that four in ten UK consumers are continuing to reduce their meat intake, but 68% express concerns over ‘highly processed’ meat substitutes.

Tiba Tempeh co-founder Ross Longton commented: “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. 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.”

The brand has expanded its retail presence, now stocked in Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Ocado in the UK. It has also launched into Spain and France, with listings in selected supermarkets including Carrefour.