Unlimeat

Unlimeat is a South Korean food technology company specializing in plant-based meat alternatives with a focus on Korean cuisine. Founded in 2017 by Keum Chae Min, the company, operating under its parent Zikooin, was initially established to address food waste by upcycling "ugly" agricultural products. Min's journey began by creating processed goods from imperfect fruits and vegetables and later expanded into plant-based meat in 2019 upon discovering an abundance of surplus grain inventory in South Korea.

The company's business model centers on creating a variety of plant-based products, including meat, seafood, and dairy alternatives, from upcycled materials like rice bran and defatted soybean powder. This approach is designed to reduce food waste while producing nutrient-rich foods. Unlimeat operates what it states is one of Asia's largest plant-based exclusive factories, located in Jecheon, South Korea. The firm has raised over $36 million in funding from investors including KDB Bank, STIC Ventures, and PremierPartners.

Unlimeat targets consumers seeking plant-based options, including those with specialized diets, as well as meat-eaters interested in alternatives. Its revenue is generated through retail sales in supermarkets, its own US-focused online store, and food service collaborations with restaurant chains like Starbucks, Subway, and Domino's in Asia. The company has a significant presence in the US market, with products available in over 1,000 stores, including major chains like Albertsons, Kroger, and various natural food retailers. The product line is distinguished by its focus on Korean flavors, offering items such as plant-based Korean BBQ (Bulgogi), pulled pork, mandu (dumplings), jerky, and frozen kimbap, which differ from the more common burger and sausage alternatives in the US market. The products are developed using proprietary extrusion technology to mimic the texture of conventional meat and are made from ingredients like soy protein, pea protein, and coconut oil, without artificial seasonings like MSG.

Keywords: plant-based meat, food technology, upcycled ingredients, Korean cuisine, vegan food, meat alternative, food waste reduction, sustainable food, plant-based protein, alt-protein, vegan beef, vegan pork, k-food, bulgogi, mandu, food production, clean label, plant-based jerky, frozen kimbap, Asian cuisine