Plant-based food manufacturer Wicked Kitchen, which first launched its products in the UK through Tesco, has raised U.S. $20 million via bridge funding. This brings the total amount raised by the business so far to $34 million.
Co-founded by brothers Derek and Chad Sarno in 2018, the chefs from New England, USA created the company Wicked with an aim “to help people eat more plants.” The company specialises in plant-based foods.
Three years after Wicked Kitchen introduced its first range of products to Tesco in the UK, it launched its range in the U.S. This year, the company has tripled its year-on-year sales growth.
Wicked Kitchen started offering new dairy-free frozen items to the U.S. market, as well as other frozen meals. Earlier in the year, the company also acquired plant-based brand Good Catch.
Further expansion
Wicked Kitchen is intending to use the money raised through bridge funding to further its vegan ready meal products, expand into foodservice and increase its global number of retail distribution points.
Recent investors include Nutra Regenerative Protein Limited (NRPT), a Thai plant-based food production and innovation group, and American actor and vegan advocate Woody Harrelson.
Wicked Kitchen CEO Pete Speranza said the recent funding will help the company expand its offerings quicker. He added it is “validating” to have support from investors who believe in Wicked Kitchens mission.