United Kingdom-based specialty pâté company Patchwork Pâté has secured $515,000 in funding to open a new product development kitchen. Earlier this year, the company—which has manufactured animal-based pâté since 1982—launched four vegetarian pâtés, two of which are vegan: Lentil, Mushroom & Garlic, and Red Pesto. The company also produces vegan products such as mushroom marmalades, chili jams, hummus, and chutney. Patchwork currently supplies to local pubs and restaurants in the UK but the new vegetarian and vegan product lines have allowed the business to expand into the retail market. “Our new product lines have enabled us to diversify as a business, open up new revenue streams and enter the retail market for the first time,” Rufus Cater, Patchwork managing director, said. According to Cater, Patchwork is leading the way in supplying vegan pâté alternatives to meet the growing demand for plant-based products. “Veganism is a trend that cannot be ignored by the food trade and we are delighted that we are able to respond quickly to consumer trends,” Cater said.