Sustainable plant based meat alternative producer The Jackfruit Company has welcomed investment from Grosvenor Food & AgTech as part of a $23 million Series B funding round. The investment will be used to continue to grow the company, develop partnerships and innovative products and increase distribution.

Jackfruit – the world’s largest tree borne fruit – is a sustainable, natural source of fibre and protein. It is low calorie and contains no cholesterol or unhealthy fats. In addition, its texture provides a meat-like experience without the high levels of processing of other popular meat-alternatives.

It is estimated 70% of jackfruit today is grown in India, producing more than 1m tonnes of fruit, most of which goes to waste. Jackfruit trees are resistant to drought, heat, and pests and are grown without pesticides or fertilisers. 

Based in Colorado, U.S, The Jackfruit Company created its jack&annie’s brand out of a desire to develop a market for jackfruit, which would otherwise go to waste, and enhance the lives of farmers in India.  

Its fully traceable supply chain provides a social benefit to Indian farmers, elevating the livelihoods of more than 1,000 farming families, and has resulted in 8,000 acres of land being certified organic, supporting regenerative agriculture and enriching soils. 

jack&annie’s produces a range of products which are currently available in more than 1,500 retail and food service locations in America.