To continue its acceleration, HappyVore is launching the largest factory dedicated to imitation meat in France. 2021 was a record year for the startup and made it one of the main contributors to the growth of the French market. HappyVore thus closed a financing of 35m€ to ensure its industrial and commercial development. 

French largest plant-based meat factory 

To continue its acceleration, HappyVore has decided to continue its industrialization and establish itself in the Center region. His choice fell on an agri-food site in the town of Chevilly, which the company is completely renovating. 

The team surrounded itself with all the local actors and trades to refurbish this site and give it a new life. As explained by François Bonneau, President of the Centre-Val de Loire Region and of DEV'UP Centre-Val de Loire, "We are delighted with the choice of Centre-Val de Loire to materialize the project of the leaders of HappyVore which fits perfectly into the dynamics experienced by our agri-food sector. A sector attentive to new consumption patterns that innovates, recruits and invests. This project will also have a positive impact for the employment pool in northern Orléans; but also from an ecological point of view thanks to the requalification of an industrial wasteland which will welcome in a few months the new collaborators of HappyVore”.  

The Center region, recognized for its agriculture, is a beautiful land of welcome for the young shoot. HappyVore has set itself the goal of having an ever more local supply, and could eventually benefit from crops in the region, such as cereals, sunflower, potatoes or even beets. 

“We are very proud to launch this production site with more than 10,000 tons of capacity, which will allow us to increase our production capacities, innovate more and increase the distribution of our products in France. We have been convinced since our beginnings that it is possible to create projects that both have a positive impact on the environment and create jobs in France. We are very grateful for the help and support of local actors such as the Prefecture and the Region and have a strong desire to move forward together” Guillaume Dubois, co-founder HappyVore. 

HappyVore continues its fast growth in France 

HappyVore has experienced strong growth in France over the last 12 months and has been one of the main players in the growth of the market. The brand is now present in all the main retail chains, in particular with now a national referencing at Auchan and Carrefour. The product range has expanded with the recent arrival of 2 new references: meatballs and nuggets, which bring the range to 12 references. 

"We have been one of the main players in the growth of plant-based alternatives over the past 12 months. Every month, we gain new points of sale in supermarkets and restaurants and more and more French people are adopting our products. Since the beginning of June, our foodtruck has been traveling the roads of France to have the products tasted, and to meet consumers” Cédric Meston, co-founder HappyVore. 

A 35m€ fundraising 

To accelerate its ambitious development, HappyVore has partnered with Invus which, with the European family group Artal, has been supporting entrepreneurs in their expansion since 1985, in the United States, Europe and Asia.   

Collectively, Artal and the entrepreneurs and partners who have supported the company since 2020 have invested more than 35 million euros. Among the private investors are Adrien de Schompré (co-founder of Sushi Shop) and Philippe Cantet (former CEO of Innocent).HappyVore has notably benefited from the program of the recovery plan and protein plan France of the BPI, which has enabled it to finance certain industrial investments. The company is also considering additional bank financing. 

About HappyVore

A company with more than 60 employees, certified B Corporation®, launched in 2019 by Guillaume Dubois and Cédric Meston, HappyVore allows everyone to reduce their meat consumption thanks to its gourmet and varied alternatives. Healthy products with very little saturated fat, respectful of the environment, which take up the codes of meat in flavor, texture and cooking. Available in more than 2000 points of sale throughout the national territory, in more than 1000 restaurants and on the brand's online store, the HappyVore range now includes 12 products. For more information, visit happyvore.com happyvore.com