Rival Foods names Karin Löwik CEO as Dutch whole-cut scale-up targets next growth stage

Rival Foods has appointed Karin Löwik as chief executive officer as the Dutch plant-based whole-cut scale-up enters a new commercial growth phase following a €10 million (approximately US$10.8 million) investment round in 2025.

• Rival Foods has appointed former Vivera Marketing Director Karin Löwik as CEO, with founder Birgit Dekkers transitioning to Chief Operational Officer.

• The company secured €10 million (US$10.8 million) in 2025 from ABP via APG, PeakBridge, PYMWYMIC and ROM Utrecht Region.

• Rival Foods develops patented technology that converts plant proteins into fiber-rich whole cuts designed to replicate animal meat texture and mouthfeel.

The Amersfoort-based company, founded in 2019 as a spin-off from Wageningen University & Research, has built its platform around proprietary structuring technology that converts plant-based proteins into fiber-rich formats intended to match the texture and bite of animal meat. In recent years, the company has translated that technology into a commercial-scale manufacturing process.

Löwik joined Rival Foods after serving as marketing director at plant-based market leader Vivera and founding children’s food brand Fred&Ed. She took over from founder Birgit Dekkers, who remained with the company as chief operational officer.

Dekkers developed the core technology during her PhD research at Wageningen University & Research, forming the foundation of Rival Foods’ approach to producing plant-based whole cuts rather than minced or extruded formats. As the company moved from research and development into scaled production, the leadership transition marked a shift toward accelerating commercial expansion.

Dekkers said the company was ready for its next phase. “We want to make these high-quality products available to the general public; Karin is the right person to lead the next phase of growth. She brings a wealth of commercial experience in the category, an entrepreneurial spirit and a proven track record in building new businesses.”

In 2025, ABP, via APG, along with PeakBridge, PYMWYMIC and ROM Utrecht Region invested €10 million (US$10.8 million) in new capital in Rival Foods. The funding provided additional resources to expand production capacity and deepen partnerships across Europe.

Rival Foods stated that its patented production technology converts plant-based proteins into structured fibers that replicate the texture and mouthfeel of animal meat. Its portfolio includes plant-based chicken, pork and beef whole cuts supplied to foodservice providers, retailers and food brands.

Löwik said the company believed its technology could help address current challenges facing the plant-based category. “Recently consumers have been leaving the plant-based category because they were disappointed in the taste and worried about the healthiness and long ingredient lists of plant-based meat. Rival Food’s plant-based chicken, pork and beef products not only have the taste and texture of animal meat: they are also high in proteins and have a clean label without artificial additives. This means we can offer something that is better than meat in every way.”

The company emphasized that its products are entirely plant-based, contain no artificial colors or flavors and are minimally processed. As consumer scrutiny of ingredient lists and processing methods has intensified across the sector, Rival Foods has positioned its clean-label and high-protein credentials as central to its commercial strategy.

The leadership change formalizes a transition from founder-led development to commercially focused scaling. Dekkers oversaw the progression from academic research to industrial manufacturing, while Löwik’s appointment signaled an increased emphasis on category growth, brand positioning and broader market accessibility.

The current management team comprises Löwik as CEO, Dekkers as COO, Allison Woolcot as chief financial officer and Willem Spigt as chief commercial officer. Investors include ABP via APG, PeakBridge, PYMWYMIC and ROM Utrecht Region.

With capital secured and a new chief executive in place, Rival Foods has aligned its technology platform and leadership structure around expanding the reach of plant-based whole cuts in mainstream European markets.