London-based Milltrust Ventures has partnered with Ireland’s Earth First Food Ventures to launch the Smart Meat Fund which will invest in sustainable food innovations and help decarbonise the food industry. The $300 million Smart Protein Fund will invest in companies focused on plant-based proteins, cultivated meat, and precision fermentation, as well as the infrastructure that will help scale the industry. Brian Ruszczyk, CEO of Earth First Food Ventures, said: “By 2035, alternative proteins will very likely capture 11% of the global protein market through organic growth, as consumers, companies, and investors push the values of ESG and parity. And we predict the market for alternatives to meat, especially chicken and seafood, could increase significantly higher still, rising from 2% of total protein consumption in 2020 to more than 20% by 2035, with government support which we are beginning to see today.” Alexander Kalis, managing partner at Milltrust International, added: “It’s often conveniently forgotten that the food industry represents 26% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, more than all forms of transport combined. At Milltrust, we are proud once again to be tackling another key GHG contributor by offering impactful investment-based solutions in the alternative protein sector whilst offering tremendous scope for returns for our investors.” #precisionfermentation #MilltrustVentures #UK #EarthFirstFoodVentures #alternativeprotein

Beneo has announced it is taking a 14% stake in Grillido, to better understand consumer preferences for plant-based meat solutions. Grillido, the Munich-based hybrid-product start-up, focuses on the development, production, marketing and distribution of meat replacement and meat alternative products, as well as other meat-based products. The start-up’s ecommerce platform, which provides consumer insights from multi-channel sales, will give Beneo faster and direct access to consumer feedback, enabling the ingredient giant to gain information about consumers’ plant-based preferences and needs. This will facilitate Beneo in the faster development of its existing product solutions for the plant-based market, as well as new products and innovations. Dominic Speleers, member of the executive board at Beneo, said: “Moving closer to the consumer and having faster and direct feedback from the market on our solutions and products is a crucial advantage for Beneo as a B2B company. This way, we can further improve our solutions for the plant-based meat alternative market and make an important step forward in our plant-based protein roadmap.” Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. #Beneo #Germany #Grillido

Garden of Life has introduced a line of plant-based protein powders featuring Vanilla Cookie and Chocolate Brownie flavours. Organic Creamy Protein with Oatmilk is said to contain prebiotics and probiotics to help support healthy digestion and no added sugar. Suitable for vegans, the new line offers a “velvety smooth consistency” and features a variety of organic sprouted grains and legumes, with 20g of naturally occurring plant protein per serving. It also contains coconuts to deliver a creamy finish. “Most people expect protein powders to be something they may need to endure or mask with other ingredients rather than something to enjoy,” said Mandy McCarthy, chief marketing officer at Garden of Life. “With our latest innovation, Organic Creamy Protein with Oatmilk, we wanted to create the best-tasting powder on the market that’s delicious and smooth even when just mixed with water. We’re thrilled to bring tasty back through our new protein flavour profiles.” #GardenofLife #US

Califia Farms has expanded its range of dairy-free products with the launch of two new offerings, including: Organic Oatmilk and Organic Almondmilk. The offerings, which were approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), are made from three ingredients: purified water, sea salt and oats/almonds. According to the brand, the new editions do not contain oils or gums. “I can’t think of a better way for Califia to kick off the new year than with the launch of our deliciously simple Organic Oatmilk and Almondmilk,” said Suzanne Ginestro, chief marketing officer at Califia Farms. “With the addition of these two items, we’re making plant-based even more accessible to consumers looking for yummy, shorter label options without oils or gums.” The dairy-free milks are available at Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market and other retailers nationwide. In addition, the company is also launching three new dairy-free plant milks, including a Chocolate Oatmilk, as well as a 72-ounce, “family-friendly” version of Califia’s 48-ounce Unsweetened Almondmilk and Extra Creamy Oatmilk. #CalifiaFarms #US

UK oat producer Glebe Farm has announced the promotion of Tony Holmes to the newly created post of chief operating officer. Holmes began working with the company as a commercial consultant in May 2022 and has been in the post of COO since last November. According to Glebe Farm, Holmes’ appointment comes following a period of “significant growth” for the business. Prior to joining Glebe Farm, Holmes held senior roles at companies including Appletiser and Coca-Cola Enterprises, during a more than 30-year-long career. Philip Rayner, managing director at Glebe Farm, said: “We have big plans to accelerate growth and grow share within the UK’s oat drink market, showing that British really is best, and Tony’s experience will be pivotal in helping us achieve this”. Holmes commented: “I’m very excited to be part of an independent business with a ‘challenger brand’ mindset. Having experienced firsthand how dedicated Glebe Farm is to development, I am very happy to take up this role. The business is entering a new stage of growth, and we have some very exciting plans in motion.’’ #GlebeFarm #UK

Good Foods, known for its plant-based dips and guacamoles, has expanded its plant-based product portfolio with the launch of its dairy-free Roasted Garlic Dip. The Roasted Garlic Dip features a blend of garlic and tahini with a hint of lemon. Containing 70 calories per serving, the dip pairs well with wraps, salads, flatbreads, mashed potatoes and more. Briana Voss, senior director of omnichannel marketing for Good Foods, commented: “This savoury dip perfectly blends delicious taste and better-for-you benefits, especially for those refocusing and reprioritising healthier snacking habits in the new year.” She continued: “We’ve made this versatile and flavourful, plant-based dip with every lifestyle in mind.” Good Foods’ dip is available at selected Target stores in the US for an MSRP of $4.99. #dairyfreedip #GoodFoods #US

Food tech start-up Aqua Cultured Foods has begun buildout of a new facility in Chicago’s West Loop to begin scaling production of its whole-cut seafood alternatives. The new facility, said to be nearly triple the size of its current headquarters, will need minimal upgrades to customise it to scale up manufacturing of the company’s fermentation-enabled protein. Aqua’s methods use standard equipment, allowing for rapid and affordable buildout. Anne Palermo, CEO of Aqua, said: “This move is the final step on the road to commercialisation of our alt-seafood, and it’s what we and our supporters have been waiting for”. She continued: “Since the new location already meets all the key regulations for food production, we can scale manufacturing quickly, and product introductions with our go-to-market partners will follow”. Aqua is developing “ultra-realistic” imitation calamari, shrimp, scallops and fish fillets using mycoprotein fermentation processes that do not use any animal inputs, genetic altering or modification. Unlike some plant-based alternatives made with starches and protein isolates, Aqua’s alt-seafood retains its naturally occurring fibre, protein and other micronutrients. #AquaCulturedFoods #Plantbasedseafood

Specialist ingredient brand Cooks&Co has launched its first vegan stuffed pepper. Cooks&Co Vegan Stuffed Red Peppers are said to be the perfect vegan alternative to the popular feta or ricotta stuffed peppers. The new offering provides a sweet and spicy flavour, featuring a vegan ‘cheese’ alternative filling. Anne-Marie Cannon, brand controller at Cooks&Co, said: “There is clearly a growing appetite for vegan alternatives from shoppers, and we are excited to be adding these Vegan Stuffed Red Peppers into our Cooks&Co range to meet this demand”. Cooks&Co Vegan Stuffed Red Peppers are available at online grocery store Ocado for £3.95 per 220g jar. #CooksampCo #UK

Canadian plant-based protein manufacturer, No Meat Factory, has secured $42 million in a Series B funding round. The round was led by equity investor Tengelmann Growth Partners and included participation from Emil Capital Partners. No Meat Factory’s plant-based beef strips. No Meat Factory plans to use the capital to expand its production footprint in North America. It will also continue making “significant investments” in its research and development capabilities. The Canadian company produces plant-based protein products – such as meat alternatives – in British Columbia for brand partners. No Meat Factory says that its second manufacturing facility, which will begin operations this year, “will further increase production capacity and provide additional manufacturing capabilities for plant-based deli and sausage alternatives”. CEO and co-founder, Dieter Thiem, said: “The traction No Meat Factory has experienced in just a few short years is evidence that consumers want greater access to plant-based alternative proteins, and brands are looking for ways to deliver quality at an affordable price. With this latest funding round, we are excited to not only expand our operations to meet the needs of our partners but to take advantage of the support and expertise of our investors as we expand our footprint globally.” #NoMeatFactory

Ice cream brand Magnum has released a new vegan ice cream flavour, Magnum Vegan Raspberry Swirl. The Vegan Raspberry Swirl features a velvety raspberry ice cream with swirls of tangy raspberry sauce, dipped in Magnum Vegan chocolate. Jennifer Dyne, head of Ice Cream for the UK & Ireland at Unilever, said: “We’re continuing to expand our plant-based range to give more consumers the choice to go vegan without compromising the indulgence they want from ice cream.” The vegan ice cream is available for purchase in UK retailers. #Magnum #veganicecream

Food tech company Project Eaden has unveiled its fibre technology, which it claims can be used to create “ultra-realistic” plant-based meat. The start-up says that its tech is similar to the fibre spinning processes used in the production of synthetic fibres for the textiles, aerospace and IT industries. “Both plant and muscle fibres are versatile building blocks with fascinating material properties, which is why so many of today’s high-tech materials are natural fibre-inspired,” said Project Eaden co-founder and materials scientist, David Schmelzeisen. “Now, for the first time, we’re replicating meat, fibre by fibre, using proven and easily scalable textile industry technologies.” Project Eaden’s tech is able to produce incredibly fine organic fibres, that are just 100 micrometres thick, from pea and other edible proteins. The ultra-thin fibres are then “bundled into strands similar to those found in real muscle”. With the addition of vegetable fats, the result is marbled plant-based meat that the company says is nearly identical to its animal counterpart. The first product to have been developed is a meatless beef steak. Project Eaden has also just announced that it has extended its seed funding from €8 million to €10.1 million. #meatalternatives #ProjectEaden

Danone has announced the launch of two plant-based creamers under its Silk and So Delicious Dairy Free brands. Silk is launching a non-seasonal mocha-flavoured creamer: Mocha Almond Creamer. Available at retailers nationwide for $5.49, the new creamer is non-GMO project verified, certified vegan and free from gluten, cholesterol, carrageenan and artificial colours and flavours. “Silk was the first brand to debut plant-based creamers, and with the new Mocha Almond Creamer, we’re giving you even more delicious flavours of our number one plant-based creamer to enjoy,” said Kallie Goodwin, VP of traditional creamers at Danone. “Silk continues to bring variety to consumers who are seeking new flavours to enjoy in their coffee, and the delicious chocolate flavour of new Mocha Almond Creamer is an exciting new way for plant-based consumers to savour their coffee and their day.” Alongside the Silk launch, Danone’s So Delicious Dairy Free has expanded its creamer line-up with the launch of Sweet & Creamy Coconutmilk Creamer. So Delicious’ Sweet & Creamy Coconutmilk Creamers is a non-GMO project verified, certified organic, and certified gluten-free. The creamer is available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger and Ahold grocery stores nationwide for $5.69. #Danone #Silk #SoDeliciousDairyFree #US