Rebellyous Foods, a Seattle-based food technology company specializing in plant-based chicken alternatives, has secured an additional $2.4 million in funding, extending its Series B round that initially raised $9.5 million in 2023. This latest investment brings the company’s total funding to over $30 million and will be instrumental in driving sales growth in 2025 and furthering the development of its groundbreaking “Mock 2” food production system. This system represents a significant leap forward in plant-based meat production, aiming to achieve cost parity and superior quality compared to conventional meat products, ultimately making plant-based options more accessible and appealing to a wider consumer base.
The Mock 2 system, unveiled in September 2024, is a fully automated and continuous chilled dough processing system designed to significantly reduce manufacturing costs. Unlike traditional methods, which often involve multiple, labor-intensive steps, the Mock 2 system streamlines the entire production process. It operates at low temperatures, preserving the quality and texture of the plant-based ingredients, and boasts a high output capacity, capable of producing between 2,500 and 5,000 pounds of product per hour on a single processing line. This efficiency not only lowers production costs but also allows for greater scalability, enabling Rebellyous to meet the growing demand for plant-based alternatives.
The development and implementation of the Mock 2 system signify a strategic shift in the plant-based food industry, moving towards more efficient and cost-effective production models. Rebellyous Foods’ founder and CEO, Christie Lagally, a former Boeing engineer, envisions the system as a catalyst for wider adoption of sustainable protein sources. By addressing the cost barrier, which has historically hindered the widespread acceptance of plant-based meats, the Mock 2 system paves the way for increased accessibility and affordability, potentially transforming global eating habits.
To facilitate the large-scale production enabled by the Mock 2 system, Rebellyous Foods has partnered with RMS Foods, establishing operations at a state-of-the-art facility in New Mexico. This collaboration provides Rebellyous with the infrastructure and production capacity needed to meet its ambitious growth targets. The choice of New Mexico likely offers strategic advantages in terms of logistics, access to resources, and potentially favorable regulatory environments, further bolstering the company’s efforts to scale its operations and reach broader markets.
A key market for Rebellyous Foods is the K-12 education sector. The company currently supplies its plant-based chicken products, including nuggets, patties, and tenders, to approximately 275 school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program. This focus on providing nutritious and sustainable food options to schoolchildren aligns with the growing awareness of the environmental and health benefits of plant-based diets. By targeting this market, Rebellyous not only contributes to improving the nutritional value of school meals but also introduces a new generation to the potential of plant-based proteins.
The success of Rebellyous Foods’ strategy hinges on the successful implementation and scaling of the Mock 2 technology. The company’s ability to effectively leverage its partnerships, optimize production processes, and maintain a competitive price point will be crucial in capturing a larger share of the burgeoning plant-based meat market. With the new funding secured, Rebellyous is well-positioned to advance its mission of making sustainable and affordable protein alternatives a mainstream dietary choice, potentially revolutionizing the food industry and impacting global consumption patterns. The company’s focus on technological innovation and strategic partnerships sets a precedent for other players in the plant-based sector, signaling a shift towards more efficient and scalable production models.
