A new wave of sustainable food innovation has arrived in New Jersey. The plant-based revolution has found its next major home in Rockaway, where Meati Holdings, Inc. is now headquartered following the company’s acquisition of Colorado-based Meati Foods in late 2025. The move positions New Jersey as a new hub for food technology and alternative protein development — an industry that continues to expand as consumers seek smarter, healthier, and more environmentally responsible ways to eat.
Originally founded in 2016 by Tyler Huggins and Justin Whiteley in Boulder, Colorado, Meati Foods was launched under the name Emergy Foods with one ambitious goal: to create whole-cut meat alternatives made entirely from mycelium — the root-like structure of mushrooms. The company quickly gained national attention for its ability to produce nutrient-rich, sustainable “meat” products with impressive texture and flavor, using submerged fermentation as its key production method. Their state-of-the-art “Mega Ranch” production facility in Thornton, Colorado became a model for scalable, environmentally conscious food production.
Now, the story continues on the East Coast. Under the leadership of President Yasir Abdul, Meati Holdings, Inc. has relocated its corporate headquarters to Rockaway, New Jersey, ushering in a new era for the mycelium-based food pioneer. Abdul’s acquisition not only represents a change in ownership but also a strategic restructuring designed to strengthen the company’s national presence and streamline operations for long-term success.
With the move to New Jersey, Meati Holdings is bringing fresh energy to the Garden State’s growing food and beverage innovation sector. Rockaway offers an ideal setting — close to the New York metro area, with access to major transportation corridors and a robust network of business, research, and culinary talent. The relocation is expected to accelerate Meati’s next phase of growth, combining sustainable science with the state’s strong manufacturing and logistics infrastructure.
At its core, Meati’s mission remains focused on creating delicious, protein-packed alternatives that look, cook, and taste like traditional meat — without the environmental cost. Mycelium-based whole cuts require a fraction of the land and water used in livestock farming and produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions. That efficiency aligns with New Jersey’s continued push toward cleaner, more sustainable industry practices and positions Rockaway as a forward-thinking player in the alternative protein movement.
Beyond its environmental impact, Meati’s products have also won over chefs, health-conscious eaters, and investors alike. Their “whole-food” approach to alternative protein delivers naturally occurring nutrients, including fiber, iron, and vitamins, offering a genuine nutritional advantage over many processed plant-based options. As Meati Holdings sets down roots in New Jersey, anticipation is growing around potential collaborations with local culinary innovators and food distributors across the region.
The company’s arrival marks another milestone in the Garden State’s evolving food landscape, joining a lineup of forward-looking businesses reshaping how we think about what’s on our plates. From craft brewers to sustainable farms, and now to mycelium-based food pioneers like Meati Holdings, New Jersey’s food and beverage scene continues to thrive as one of the most diverse and innovative in the country. To explore more of the state’s food industry highlights, visit Explore New Jersey’s Food & Beverage section.
As Meati Holdings plants its flag in Rockaway, it’s clear that the company’s roots in sustainability and innovation are only growing stronger. What began in the labs of Boulder has now evolved into a nationwide mission — one that’s found its perfect new home right here in New Jersey.
