Starfield

Starfield, legally known as Shenzhen Starfield Food Technology Co., Ltd., is a plant-based food technology company headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Founded in 2019 by Kiki Wu, the company focuses on the research, development, production, and sale of plant-protein foods. The founding team's journey began with a vegetarian restaurant in Shenzhen called青苔行星 (Planet Green), which served as a testing ground for plant-based products, including offerings from international brands, before launching Starfield.

The company operates on a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) model, supplying its plant-based meat alternatives to a wide array of clients. Starfield has established partnerships with over 100 brands, including major players in the food and beverage industry like KFC, Dicos, Luckin Coffee, and Tim Hortons, as well as retail giants such as Sam's Club, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven. Through these collaborations, its products have reached over 40,000 stores across China. Revenue is generated through the sale of its plant-based products to these business partners, who then incorporate them into their own menus and offerings for the end consumer.

Starfield has developed an extensive portfolio of over 300 plant-based protein foods, including alternatives for beef, pork, chicken, and seafood. The product lineup features items such as plant-based ground meat, burgers, sausages, meatballs, pastrami, bacon, and innovative snacks like protein bars and vegetable crisps. The company's R&D efforts are a core part of its strategy, with nearly 40 co-developed patents and collaborations with universities to advance its food technology. A key technological point is their use of molecular sensory science to replicate the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that gives cooked meat its characteristic flavor—using plant-based molecules, which allows them to avoid artificial flavorings. Their products are created from non-genetically modified soybeans, chickpeas, quinoa, and microalgae. To support its growth, Starfield has established its own production facilities, including a factory in Xiaogan, Hubei, to ensure stable output and control costs.

Keywords: plant-based meat, food technology, alternative protein, vegan protein, China food tech, B2B2C food model, plant-based foods, sustainable food, meat alternatives, food and beverage supplier, plant-based innovation, Shenzhen startup, plant-based products, food science, restaurant partnerships, retail food products, sustainable lifestyle, healthy eating, food manufacturing, plant protein research