Prime Roots, maker of innovative Koji-meats, has announced that it has become the ‘first’ mycelium-based food company to receive B Corp certification. With this recognition, Prime Roots said its company will Equitable benefits to consumers, employees, communities and the environment.
“We are thrilled to receive the B-Corp designation and to be with like-minded businesses working toward a healthier planet.”
Co-founded by Kimberly Lay, Prime Roots has transformed from a company focused primarily on prepared foods to an animal-free deli meat brand. Aiming to disrupt the $300Bn bulk deli industry, Prime Root Cozi creates realistic deli meat slices using mycelium – a versatile fungus.
ancient material
According to the company, Koji is a traditional ingredient that has been used for centuries to make dishes like miso and soy sauce, and is a popular ingredient in Michelin-starred restaurants. Prime Roots says koji’s long, microscopic fibers can closely replicate the structure and textures of animal meat, and it has developed a proprietary process that gives its proteins a meaty, dense mouthfeel and umami-rich flavor.
The brand’s Cozy-Meats are also non-GMO while being free of soy, cholesterol, nitrates, hormones and antibiotics.
Debut in the market
In fall 2022, Prime Roots debuts a new line of deli and charcuterie favorites at select locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its current product lineup includes:
- Cozy-turkey classic smoked, cracked black pepper and golden roast
- Classic Smoked, Black Forest and Sugar Shack Maple Whole Cozi-Hums
- Cozi-pepperoni
- Koji-Salami
- Koji-Pâtés with notes of apple and sage or black truffle
- Koji-Foi Grass Tea Towel
This year, Prime Route plans to expand its offerings to more Bay Area restaurants, grocery stores and coffee shops.
“Climate-friendly” products
Kimberly Leigh said, “At Prime Roots our mission is to create a sustainable and equitable food web globally and change the way we think about meat through accessible and climate-friendly food for all. “As the first mycelium-based food company to receive this distinction, we deeply understand the need to make positive changes in the plant-based meat industry. We are thrilled to receive the B-Corp designation and to be with like-minded businesses working toward a healthier planet.”