Sarah Speare, CEO, co-founder, and worker-owner of Tootie’s Tempeh, has been elected to the board of the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and will also serve as the organization’s Treasurer. PBFA is the first U.S. trade association for plant-based foods, representing nearly 100 companies in the industry. Their mission is to strengthen members, advance consumer awareness, and advocate for a more sustainable food system through policy engagement and community building.

Tootie’s Tempeh, based in Maine, is known for redefining tempeh with an innovative fermentation process that eliminates plastic bags. They are the fastest-growing tempeh brand in the country and have already saved over 100,000 plastic bags from landfills. As a worker-owned cooperative, Tootie’s prioritizes community, local farmers, and sustainability, setting a high standard for innovation, social impact, and environmental responsibility in the plant-based food industry.