Israeli plant-based meat startup Chunk Foods has announced an investment and collaboration agreement with a global partner to develop a new range of plant-based, whole-cut “meats.”

Tel-Aviv based Chunk Foods, founded in 2020, is partnering with Better Balance, a plant-based product manufacturer with activity in Spain and Mexico. As a result of the partnership, the co-branded Chunk products are now available for foodservice in Mexico.

“Together with Better Balance, we are elevating the plant-based category with innovative, delicious products that cater to the vibrant tastes and lifestyles of Mexico,” says Chunk Foods CEO and founder Amos Golan.

“The plant-based segment remains incredibly enticing, with substantial untapped potential waiting to be discovered,” adds Helio Castaño, Better Balance’s VP Plant Based Global. 

“Better Balance aims to meet the evolving consumer demands for taste, texture, ingredient transparency, and ease of preparation. The collaboration with Chunk will enable the exploration of exciting new alternatives in the premium segment which are aligned to this purpose.”

Chunk Foods’ products are made with cultured soy and wheat protein, which undergo solid-state fermentation. According to the company, the products contain no cholesterol, preservatives or additives, are GMO free and keto friendly. For those interested, they are also kosher parve.  

Alongside the partnership with Better Balance, Chunk Foods also announced that it had secured $7.5 million in seed funding led by Cheyenne Ventures, bringing its seed round to a total of $22 million.

Last spring, it completed the biggest seed round of funding ever for an Israeli plant-based protein company, securing $15 million. Among the investors participating in the Chunk Foods funding round were Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr.’s company FootPrint Coalition, as well as Fall Line Capital, The MIT E14 fund and others.