Two Female Alt Protein Founders From New Zealand Named on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List

Two New Zealand-based female founders of alternative protein companies, Mrinali Kumar and Emily McIsaac, have been named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list. Kumar, co-founder of EatKinda, was recognized for her work in the arts category, while McIsaac, co-founder of Daisy Lab, was named in the industry, manufacturing, and energy category.

EatKinda is known as the world's first cauliflower ice cream brand, utilizing cosmetically imperfect cauliflower to create dairy, gluten, nut, and soy-free frozen desserts. On the other hand, Daisy Lab is focused on producing dairy-identical proteins through precision fermentation, aiming to create more sustainable dairy alternatives. Both companies have received funding from local venture capitalists and are working towards expanding their products globally.

Kumar and McIsaac's recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list signifies the growing importance and acceptance of alternative proteins in the food industry. These New Zealand-based companies are making strides in the development of climate-conscious and science-led solutions for the global food system, demonstrating the impact of smaller countries on shaping the future of food production.