The successful trial using Ecovative’s AirMycelium™ technology marks Atlast’s ability to partner with existing mushroom farms and bring MyBacon strips to market
GREEN ISLAND, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Atlast Food Co., creator of whole-cut meat alternatives from gourmet mushroom mycelium and an affiliate of Ecovative, the leading expert in mycelium technologies, today announced their successful trial with Whitecrest Mushrooms Ltd. to produce MyBacon® strips at commercial scale.
Bringing the forest to the table, Atlast grows mycelium—the vegetative root structure of mushrooms—to harvest complete proteins that mimic traditional meat cuts in both texture and flavor.
Ecovative’s AirMycelium™ technology enables the fine-tuning of several environmental factors to control mycelium’s shape and density. In the case of meat alternatives, it can be controlled to produce optimal, meat-like qualities. This unique approach to the plant-based food market offers an entirely new, “whole cut” experience, beginning with Atlast’s delicious, meatless MyBacon strips.
Pairing Ecovative’s infrastructure with their own growing expertise, Whitecrest Mushrooms Ltd. will build a dedicated farm to produce an annual yield of nearly three million pounds of MyBacon mycelium on less than an acre of land—with the opportunity to increase this production in 2023.
“Our partnership with Whitecrest and Ecovative will bolster the growth of Atlast to address the critical needs of an expanding alternative-meat market,” said Steve Lomnes, Chief Operating Officer of Atlast Food Co. “It will not only enable us to put more MyBacon strips onto the plates of consumers but unlock a sustainable solution to producing food in a way that is beneficial to our entire ecosystem.”
“After more than a decade of experience growing and producing the highest quality gourmet mushrooms, we’re excited to leverage our expertise in the new market of alternative proteins,” said Murray Good, owner and president of Whitecrest Mushrooms Ltd. “This partnership has given us new opportunities to innovate in an entirely new landscape while keeping sustainability at the core of our practice.”
Atlast is currently developing the world’s largest vertical mycelium farm in New York’s Hudson River Valley. This approach reflects Atlast’s mission to quickly address the impending global food shortage and offer multiple solutions to feed the world.
“Atlast began as a question on how to disrupt factory farming and help alleviate the climate crisis, and we found the solution waiting for us in nature,” said Eben Bayer, co-founder and CEO of Ecovative and Atlast Food Co. “By growing mycelium, we produce food in a climate-conscious way that doesn’t compromise on taste. Now more than ever, Spaceship Earth needs more plant-based food options. Partnering with Whitecrest Mushrooms allows us to meet those growing needs.”
Today’s announcement comes after Atlast launched its first product, a whole-cut, plant-based bacon, in November 2020. MyBacon strips are currently available for purchase at Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany, NY, with more widespread availability expected in 2022.
About Atlast
Atlast Food Co. is an American food technology company and direct-to-consumer food brand currently selling meatless MyBacon(R) strips in the U.S. Atlast’s patented platform uses a natural super-ingredient called mycelium to grow nutrient-rich fibers that replicate the textures and mouthfeel of traditional meats.
About Ecovative
Ecovative is a materials science company unlocking the natural potential of mycelium with modern technology. Founded in 2007, Ecovative’s mission is to create next-generation materials through mycelium bio-fabrication and to make mycelium materials accessible to everyone. Leveraging its Mycelium Foundry, Ecovative works with partners throughout the textiles, food, and packaging industries to grow better materials for everyday needs.
About Whitecrest
Employing a state-of-the-art environmental control system, alongside SQF certified food safety practices, Whitecrest goes beyond industry standards to provide customers with fresh Agaricus mushrooms of the highest quality. Whitecrest continuously dedicates resources to implementing innovative technologies to improve product quality, environmental sustainability, and employee/consumer safety. Additionally, Whitecrest has worked alongside Mycionics Inc. to develop class-leading autonomous mushroom harvesting technology.
