NEW YORK — Ahimsa Companies, a plant-based investor, has acquired Blackbird Foods, a startup producing plant-based frozen pizzas, seitan and wings. Blackbird Foods said it will continue to operate under its existing name.
“Ahimsa Companies shares our passion for plant-based innovation and animal-free food production,” said Emanuel Storch, co-founder of Blackbird Foods. “Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in plant-based cuisine while maintaining the quality and authenticity our customers love.”
Blackbird Foods joins Ahimsa’s portfolio that includes such companies as Simulate, a company producing plant-based chicken; and Wicked Kitchen, a plant-based food brand.
Ahimsa acquired Simulate and Wicked Kitchen in 2024, according to the company.
Blackbird launched in 2020 with its flagship product, seitan. The company later launched a retail line of seitan and its plant-based frozen pizza in January 2020. Plant-based wings formulated from seitan joined the company’s product lineup in 2022 and are now offered in four varieties.
The company manufactures its products in-house, using seitan as an ingredient in its wings that are battered and fried. Its shredded cheese is coconut-based.
Blackbird’s main goal is to provide consumers with “restaurant quality plant-based products that are favorite comfort foods consumers can enjoy at home,” Storch said in an interview with Food Business News in June 2024.
Blackbird Foods said the acquisition will expand its distribution, product development and manufacturing capabilities.
“We are eager to tap into Ahimsa’s extensive knowledge to strengthen Blackbird’s presence in the frozen aisle,” said Mike Pease, co-founder of Blackbird Foods. “With their support, we have ambitious plans for growth and exciting product innovations on the horizon.”Enjoying this content? Learn about more disruptive startups on the Food Entrepreneur page.
