London Pharma and Chemicals Group has acquired two vegan products for use in food supplements, Vollagen and Phytodroitin. Vollagen is considered a vegan alternative to collagen, as it is made up of the same amino acids found in human collagen, but derived from plant sources. It is produced using a proprietary fermentation and microencapsulation process with a starting material of non-GMO corn starch. Consumers who used a daily dose of Vollagen are said to have identified many skincare benefits within 30 days of repeated use, such as improvements in hydration and radiance, and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, fine-lines, blemishes and breakouts. The study results were achieved with the consumption of 1g of Vollagen per day, in comparison to the majority of traditionally-derived collagen supplements that typically use a daily dose of 5-10g per day. Made from a blend of seaweed extracts, Phytodroitin is a plant-based alternative to chondroitin, which typically derives from shark or avian cartilage. Chondroitin is a dietary supplement that has been widely used for many years to support bone and joint care. The plant-based alternative, Phytodroitin, mimics the structure of chondroitin to make it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Daniel Straus, London Pharma and Chemicals Group chairman, said: “We see huge potential for Vollagen and Phytodroitin to transform the food supplement industry. As consumers seek out ever healthier alternatives that do not have a negative impact on the environment, we see this as the start of a new wave of vegan alternatives to existing nutraceutical products that are significantly more sustainable and broaden the market to include those who do not consume animal-derived products.” Vollagen and Phytodroitin are distributed by ProTec Nutra, provider of plant based ingredients for the global nutraceutical and F&B markets. Financial details of the acquisitions were not disclosed. #LondonPharmaandChemicalsGroup #nutraceutical

Prime Roots, an innovator of deli-style meats made from koji mycelium, has received $30 million in Series B funding round. The new funding will enable Prime Roots to scale and expand to deli counters and restaurants across the US. The round was raised by True Ventures, Pangaea Ventures, Prosus Ventures, Top Tier Capital, Diamond Edge Ventures, SOSV/IndieBio, Solasta Ventures, Monde Nissin, Alumni Ventures, Gaingels, Meach Cove Capital, The House Fund, and Hyphen Capital, bringing the total funding to approximately $50 million. Through its proprietary fermentation and food science technology, Prime Roots says it is the “first and only” company recreating deli meats with the identical microscopic texture of meat, along with its umami taste made from plants. Additionally, it only takes three to five days to make Prime Roots’ deli meats, compared to years for some conventional meats. Kimberlie Le, founder and CEO of Prime Roots, said: “People are asking for sustainable meat options that taste good, make them feel good and do good with less planet impact. Prime Roots delivers on all three: taste, nutrition, and sustainability”. She added: “This new funding is a testament to the market opportunity for the next generation of plant-based meats that meet consumer expectations while forging into old world categories like deli with disruptive innovation”. Acclaimed chefs helped develop the product line-up – which includes cracked pepper turkey, black forest ham, hickory bacon, salami and pepperoni – to emulate traditional meats savoury taste and meaty texture. Prime Roots’ products contain no nitrates, preservatives, cholesterol, soy, or wheat, and are low in sodium. #PrimeRoots #SeriesBfundinground #US

Häagen-Dazs has unveiled a collection of new plant-based frozen desserts launching into the Canadian market. The new vegan collection features three flavours, Chocolate Peanut Butter, a rich chocolate frozen dessert with creamy peanut butter swirls, Vanilla Raspberry Truffle, a frozen vanilla dessert with raspberry ribbons and truffle pieces, and Caramel Fudge Chip, a frozen caramel dessert with fudge chips and almond-based caramel ripple. Nestlé owns the rights to Häagen-Dazs in the US and Canada, while General Mills sells the brand in non-US markets. Juliane Trenholme, marketing VP at Nestlé Canada, said: “Consumers recognise Häagen-Dazs for its creamy texture, simple ingredients and indulgent flavours which is why we created a new plant-based collection. Each new flavour is made in Canada and is designed for consumers who want a plant-based option without any compromise on texture or taste.” To deliver the brand’s signature taste without the use of dairy, the frozen dessert collection uses an oat base as the main ingredient. Häagen-Dazs adds flavours like chocolate, vanilla and caramel and elevates them with sauces and inclusions for a dessert experience that’s vegan-certified and matches the taste of dairy-based ice cream. Häagen-Dazs’ plant-based dessert range is available now in major grocery stores across Canada. #Canada #HäagenDazs #Nestlé

ProVeg International has launched ProVeg Nigeria, an organisation that aims to promote healthy food that is climate and animal-friendly in Nigeria. According to ProVeg, the organisation will run across the country – from Lagos to the Sahel region – to make more people aware of the benefits of plant-based diets. One of the main activities of the ProVeg Nigeria team will be to serve plant-based foods in markets, streets, schools and hospitals. ProVeg says that Nigerian meat consumption is predicted to rise by more than 300% by 2040, with the current population of over 200 million set to double. Hakeem Jimo, country director of ProVeg Nigeria, said: “I’m truly thrilled about the opening of the ProVeg Nigeria office and the impact we will have in raising awareness about the need to transform the food system to help people transition to healthier, more climate-friendly diets”. He continued: “The people who will benefit most from this transition are those in the Global South for whom land pressures from animal agriculture have forced them to leave their land. Our policy work will push for a national strategy that implements a better food system by encouraging food innovation, particularly in the plant-based egg, milk, and protein spaces.” Before joining the ProVeg network, the Nigerian team had been conducting outreach at schools, churches and mosques, as well as getting plant-based options on menus of restaurants and Nigeria’s street food vendors. ProVeg chef, Bola Adeyanju, commented: “You can make all the typical Nigerian food like suya, asun, and even nkwobi and stews like egusi and efo riro and of course Nigeria’s popular jollof rice with fried meat all in a mouth-watering plant-based style”. Sebastian Joy, president of ProVeg International, added: “We believe promoting plant-based foods as both tasty and healthy and raising awareness about the impact of animal-based foods on the climate and biodiversity will help encourage all citizens of the world to transition to more plant-based diets. Having the ProVeg Nigeria team on board to support this mission is a major step forward for us.” The organisation also plans to collaborate with businesses in the country to help boost Nigeria’s plant-based ecosystem. #Nigeria #ProVegInternational #ProVegNigeria

Beyond Meat is launching a new range of plant-based frozen ready meals in the UK this week. The new range comes in three different varieties: Spaghetti Bolognese; Keema Curry & Pilau Rice; and Chili with Coriander Rice. The frozen ready meals can be found in Tesco stores in the UK. Beyond Meals are made using Beyond Meat as the main ingredient, which is designed to have a similar taste and texture as animal meat. All three meals are ready in less than 10 minutes. Beyond Meals Spaghetti Bolognese is a plant-based version of the classic Italian dish featuring Beyond Meat and spaghetti, coated in a rich and tangy tomato and herb sauce, made with a dash of wine. A serving delivers 17g of protein. Beyond Meals Keema Curry & Pilau Rice is a plant-based masala curry featuring Beyond Meat simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, blended with onion, tomato, red pepper, garlic and ginger. Served with aromatic pilau rice, this dish contains 14g of protein. Meanwhile, Beyond Meals Chili with Coriander Rice features Beyond’s plant-based meat coated in a savoury tomato chilli sauce and paired with black beans and diced red pepper. The dish is served with fragrant coriander rice and contains 15g of protein. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be launching our incredibly tasty and affordable new range of Beyond Meals in the UK,” said Steve Dalby, regional sales manager UK at Beyond Meat. He added: “With three different flavours to choose from, including plant-based twists on classic comfort foods and global cuisines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and they’re perfect for those who are always on the go”. All three Beyond Meals are available at Tesco for an RRP of £3.00. #BeyondMeat #frozenreadymeals #UK

US free-from brand Free2b is set to launch two new chocolate cup flavours that are suitable for people with food allergies and sensitivities. The flavours – which include dark chocolate mint cups and dark chocolate sea salt caramel cups – are made with simple, plant-based ingredients in an allergy-friendly manufacturing facility. The chocolate cups are free from top common allergens, such as dairy and gluten, as well as being vegan and non-GMO verified. Monique Heineman, senior marketing manager at Free2b, said: “Free2b fans deserve to celebrate the sweet joy of safe snacking choices. New mint and sea salt caramel chocolate cups were crafted to meet our high-quality standards and increase allergy-friendly treat options for our customers.” Free2b products are available this autumn at select grocery stores. #Free2b

Members of the European Parliament has voted not to include plant-based drinks in schools, in a “significant blow” to children who cannot or do not want to consume milk. According to a report by food awareness organisation ProVeg International, the majority of Members of the European Parliament failed to include plant-based drinks within their own initiative report on the EU School Scheme, which impacts around 20 million children across Europe. Lucia Hortelano, EU policy manager at ProVeg International, said: “We are very disappointed by the outcome of this vote, but we are hopeful that the European Commission will still move ahead and include plant-based drinks in the scheme as part of their review, which is out at the end of the year”. She continued: “Many children in the EU cannot or do not want to drink cow’s milk for medical, ethical, taste, or environmental reasons. Including fortified plant-based milk alternatives is essential in terms of inclusion, availability, sustainability and affordability.” The scheme has the potential to become the EU public procurement tool for the inclusion of sustainable and environmentally friendly products for children across Europe. The scheme’s inclusion of plant-based drinks could boost EU efforts towards more sustainable diets, in alignment with the Food Systems Framework initiative – the EU’s legislative framework for sustainable food systems. The European Commission will now work on publishing a new proposal to implement the EU-funded scheme, with calls on the European Commission to bring about change and introduce unsweetened fortified plant-based alternatives to milk to the scheme. #Dairyalternatives #Europe #plantbaseddrinks #schools

UK brand Crackd has expanded its range of plant-based products with the launch of a new trio of eggless quiches. The quiches are made with Crackd’s plant-based liquid egg replacer and includes flavours Quiche Lorraine, Caramelised Onion and Cheeze & Broccoli. The quiches are handmade in Devon, UK, and are all made in partnership with Norseland-owned Applewood, all three contain smoked Applewood Vegan Cheeze. Quiche Lorraine is made in partnership with plant-based brand This, using This Isn’t Bacon Lardons. The Caramelised Onion quiche is made with red caramelised onions and is seasoned with chives, and the Cheeze & Broccoli variety is made with broccoli florets and red peppers. Each quiche comes in a 150g portion – ideal for a single serving or as an accompaniment to a meal. Nisha Singadia, marketing manager for Crackd, said: “The number of consumers eating plant-based foods has grown considerably and there is an increasing appetite to look for products which do not compromise on either taste or quality; as part of this we have identified quiches as being a key opportunity area.” She continued: “We also know the quiche market itself has grown 8% in the last few years but a plant-based egg offering does not currently exist”. Andy Shovel, founder of This, stated his excitement at the new partnership, referring to the new product as “the UK’s first plant-based quiche lorraine”. The quiches will launch in Tesco stores at the end of the month for an RRP of £3. Crackd says it has “secured another major listing” which will be announced over the coming weeks. #Applewood #Crackd #This #UK

Lantmännen Biorefineries’ new production facility for the extraction of wheat protein – gluten – has been inaugurated in Norrköping, Sweden. Lantmännen is an agricultural cooperative providing machinery, bioenergy and food products to northern Europe. The cooperative is owned by 18,000 Swedish farmers and has operations in over 20 countries. The new facility is the result of Lantmännen’s SEK 800 million (approx. $77.1 million) investment and will provide increased production capacity to support an “increasing demand” for plant-based proteins. The wheat for the facility comes directly from arable land and members of the cooperative’s farms. Lars-Gunnar Edh, head of energy sector at Lantmännen, said: “The demand for Swedish wheat protein is high both nationally and internationally. It is very positive that we can offer more customers our high-quality wheat protein”. Magnus Kagevik, group president & CEO, Lantmännen, commented: “Through this investment, we strengthen the robustness of Swedish food production and increase export opportunities while creating additional value from Swedish arable land and our members’ farms. This is yet another important milestone in Lantmännen’s strategy from field to fork.” In addition, around 30 new employees have been hired to work at the new facility. #LantmännenBiorefineries #Sweden #wheatprotein

H!P Chocolate has added a new Crunchy Orange bar variant to its portfolio. The latest H!P, which stands for Happiness !n Plants, Crunchy Orange offering combines creamy oat milk chocolate with orange and crunchy waffle cone pieces. The bar is packaged in plastic free wrapping and will be available online initially, priced at £3 per 70g bar. H!P offers an oat-based alternative to milk chocolate in its portfolio that’s handmade, blending sustainably sourced single origin Colombian cocoa with creamy oat milk. H!P founder, James Cadbury, said: “Nothing beats the iconic combination of chocolate and orange. Orange oat milk chocolate has been one of the most demanded flavours from H!P customers for months, proving that this timeless classic remains massively appealing to a younger adult audience. We can’t wait to see what everyone thinks of it.” Crunchy Orange joins H!P’s existing oat milk chocolate bars including: Creamy Original, Salted Caramel, Salty Pretzel, Cookies No Cream, Salted Honeycomb and White Berry Crunch. #HPChocolate #UK

Jean-Christophe Flatin Oatly has named current global president Jean-Christophe Flatin as its next chief executive officer, effective 1 June. Toni Petersson, who has served as CEO since 2012, will transition to the role of co-chairman of the board of directors. Having joined Oatly a year ago, Flatin has led several initiatives with COO Daniel Ordoñez that have resulted in positive impacts for the company, including driving cost and resource efficiencies across all regions and instituting a new operating model that “sets the stage for future profitable growth”. Flatin said: “I am humbled and honoured by the opportunity to lead this great organisation. Oatly is a once-in-a-generation company with teams, purpose and products that are second to none. We have all the elements in place to strengthen our leadership position in multiple markets and fuel the societal shift to a more sustainable plant-based food system.” He continued: “I would like to thank Toni and the board of directors for their confidence and trust, and our employees for welcoming me so warmly. I am excited to continue to partner with our entire leadership team to unlock Oatly’s full potential and drive long-term shareholder value.” Petersson commented that Flatin is the “ideal person” to support Oatly in its next phase. He added: “He has already strengthened our company for the better by putting our supply chain back on firmer footing, renewing our focus on innovation and enabling our organisation to go on offence to drive profitable growth”. In his new role, Petersson will provide support to Flatin during the transition period and focus on strategic initiatives. This includes advising on Oatly’s China business. #CEO #Oatly

Rude Health has launched a duo of organic No Sugars dairy-free drinks into UK retail. The latest launches contain no naturally occurring sugars and have been created in response to consumer demand for “clean and natural ingredient decks, combined with a growing consumer desire to reduce or avoid sugar”. No Sugars Oat is created by tweaking the production process so the oats don’t release any sugar. It is made with four natural ingredients, including 10% gluten-free oats. No Sugars Almond utilises the natural sweetness of almonds, with a blend of three ingredients including organic Italian almonds with spring water and a little carob seed flour to keep it creamy and smooth. Rude Health products are organic, dairy-free, gluten-free and non GMO. Founder, Camilla Barnard, said: “I am even more excited than usual about our No Sugars range innovation. It’s personally a dream drink because I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I am big on flavour and we have managed to get all the flavour of Oat and Almond with none of the sugars.” She added: “It’s also a great technical achievement for the team. All grains contain some sugar, naturally, so the challenge of making a delicious creamy milk out of them without getting any of the sugars from them is something I am very proud of”. No Sugars Oat and No Sugars Almond will be available at UK Waitrose stores and Ocado. No Sugars Almond will be available for an RRP of £2.30 and Oat will be available for an RRP of £2.20. #RudeHealth #UK