The Business of Being Vegan: Who Actually Profits From the Movement?

Veganism began as an ethical movement rooted in animal liberation, environmental awareness, and moral conviction. Today, it is also a multi-billion-dollar global industry shaped by corporate acquisitions, venture capital investment, and expanding retail distribution. In this episode, Sean A. Russell examines the tension between grassroots activism and corporate growth, asking who truly profits from the rise of plant-based products and what that means for the future of Veganism. From Big Food purchasing plant-based brands to Silicon Valley funding alt-protein innovation, the economics behind the movement are influencing its direction in ways many do not openly discuss. This is not about purity or division. It is about awareness, ownership, and understanding how power and profit shape cultural change.

Topics Covered

• Major corporations now own many popular plant-based brands, raising questions about transformation versus diversification
• Venture capital funding accelerates growth but prioritizes rapid returns and valuation
• Grassroots nonprofits remain mission-first but operate with far fewer resources
• Centralization through retail dominance and algorithms can narrow diverse voices
• Economic choices, including where we spend and donate, influence the future of Veganism
• Growth and scale are not the enemy, but conscious participation matters

About the Show

The Vegans Explore Podcast is on a mission to record a new episode every day until November 1, 2026, spotlighting Vegan topics, changemakers, nonprofits, and brands from around the world. Explore additional episodes.

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