Plant-based, carbon-negative ice cream company, Plan(e)t Foods, has raised €400,000 in its first funding round. Plan(e)t Foods claims to be the first vegan start-up to be launched in Greece. The company has grown rapidly, and in the last 18 months Plan(e)t Foods ice cream has become available in more than 500 stores in Greece and is now distributed through all major supermarket chains in the country. “We are proud of building an ethical and planet-friendly brand, as we are the world’s first plant-based and carbon-negative ice cream,” said Greg Bograkos, Plan(e)t Foods founder. This summer, the company launched its first physical ice cream store in central Athens, with more than 13 flavours available. Plan(e)t Foods uses 100% vegan waffle ice cream cups and edible spoons to reduce waste and increase sustainability. “The company has partnered with a UK-based independent climate action advisory in order to calculate direct and indirect emissions, in order to minimise and offset carbon emissions by 110%,” added Bograkos. Plan(e)t Foods is preparing to begin raising its next funding round, with plans to grow its retail presence and launch more physical stores globally. #Greece #PlanetFoods

Puris, a plant-based food company, has announced the launch of its first consumer brand, AcreMade, a plant-based egg. AcreMade developed an egg substitute made from Puris’ main ingredient—yellow field peas—a nutritious and planet-friendly pulse that satisfies hunger while fueling a regenerative food system at the same time. Egg Substitute is free from the top nine allergens, gluten-free, certified Kosher, and non-GMO. AcreMade uses yellow field peas as the main protein source in its plant-based egg product. The eggs contain 5g of protein per serving and 0 mg of cholesterol. “We’re thrilled to be launching AcreMade as our first direct-to-consumer brand,” said Nicole Atchison, CEO of AcreMade and Puris. Atchison added: “From seed to shelf, grower to finished product, PURIS has the capability, network and resources to uniquely improve the food journey, and create products that consumers love.” Egg Substitute is available online in a case of eight, 4.9 oz bags (96 total servings) for $54.99. AcreMade uses Upcycled Certified™pea starch, a new certification that recognises brands that put previously unused ingredients to work. #AcreMade #plantprotein #plantbasedegg #Puris

JBS USA has announced that it will close down its plant-based meat operation, Planterra Foods, just two years after launching. Commenting on the latest, head of corporate communications at JBS USA, Nikki Richardson, told The Plant Base Mag: “JBS USA has made the decision to discontinue operations in its US-based Planterra business unit. We continue to believe in the potential of plant-based options for consumers and remain committed to the alternative protein market.” Planterra is a plant-based company owned by JBS Foods, located in Colorado, and sold at retail under the Ozo brand, known for its alternative meats such as nuggets, burgers and meatballs. The plant-based alternatives first hit the shelves in March 2020. Richardson added: “JBS will focus its efforts on its plant-based operations in Brazil and Europe. We are actively working with the Planterra workforce to provide employment opportunities at other JBS locations.” The news comes one year after Planterra announced it would open a new R&D innovation centre at its Colorado headquarters. It stated that the new centre would allow for new opportunities to test ingredients and product innovations, as well as growing office space and providing job openings for the local area. Denver Business Journal reported that in closing down the 189,000 square foot factory Denver factory, there will be an expected job loss of more than 100. Planterra was not JBS’ only plant-based business, in 2021, it also acquired plant-based meat producer, Vivera for €341 million. The acquisition included three manufacturing units and an R&D centre in The Netherlands. #US #Ozo #PlanterraFoods #JBSUSA #JBS

Norseland has launched a sliced version of its Vegan Melting Mature Cheddar block under its Ilchester brand, into Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. Lisa Harrison, Marketing Manager at Ilchester, said: “Since its launch in July last year, the Ilchester Vegan Melting Mature block has firmly established itself as the mature vegan cheddar cheeze known for sharing the same meltability factor as dairy cheddar cheeses, something that vegans have often said lacks in other plant-based cheezes”. “We were thrilled when the block won the Gold Award in the Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative category in the International Cheese Awards 2022 so we are very optimistic that the sliced version will be as popular. It will be the perfect cheezy addition to vegan burgers, melts well as cheese on toast and of course is the perfect cheeze to top big dishes, such as vegan lasagne,” Harrison added. #Ilchester #Norseland #Vegancheese

Adamo Foods has secured a $620,000 investment to develop its steak alternative in what the company claims is a first in Europe. The new funding comes from three different organisations. The first was UK government research and innovation department, Innovate UK, which secured Adamo Foods a smart grant. The second was Beeches Group, an agricultural investment fund backed by the owners of Noble Foods. The company received further funding after being selected as the winner of the Shake Climate Change 2022 cohort – an annual competition led by Rothamsted research, which aims to support innovation in sustainable food production. Pierre Dupuis, founder and CEO, said: “It’s a hugely exciting time in the alt-protein space, with meat alternatives more popular than ever. But we see a huge gap in the market for realistic and healthy alternatives to whole cuts. Whole cuts represent 85% of the $1trn meat market but are virtually absent in meat alternatives. We’re aiming to change that.” Adamo Foods will use a proprietary fermentation process to create clean-label whole-cut steaks based on a single, natural superfood called fungal mycelium. The mycelium strain is packed with fibre, provides a source of protein with all nine essential amino acids and is inherently fibrous, delivering a unique muscle-like structure. Dupuis added: “We’re working on an exciting new technology to take these products to the next level, and are hugely grateful to our new investors for recognising its potential. The funding takes us one step further on our mission to remove animals from our broken food system.” The company plans to pilot launch its first product in a limited number of UK locations in 2023. #AdamoFoods #US #vegansteak

Kerry Dairy Consumer Foods has announced the launch of a range of vegan cheese under its Pure brand. The new range is available in three formats: grated, block and slices. Kerry says that the line of plant-based cheese products was created to adapt to consumers’ needs. Sarah Davies, marketing manager at Kerry Dairy Consumer Foods, said: “Our new range is a natural addition to our existing pipeline and has been produced as a response to the increasing demand for plant-based products from consumers who are looking to reduce their dairy consumption or cut-out dairy completely”. “As one of the most well-known brands in the category with a loyal consumer base, we are excited to expand Pure’s range and offer a new affordable and healthier alternative to dairy.” Pure plant-based grated cheese is currently available at Sainsbury’s stores for an RRP of £2 per 200g, while the block and slices formats will be launching in other retailers later this year. #KerryGroup #Pure #UK

Plant-based company, Heura, has announced two new entries into its plant-based chicken portfolio. Heura’s Chick’n Fillet is a homemade-style breaded delight with a crunchy and extra juicy bite. The Heura Long Burger is a crunchy plant-based chicken burger packed with flavour and a hint of black pepper, ideal for a meal on-the-go. “With the goal to accelerate the protein transition, we use innovation to create the most delicious plant-based versions of foods that people are already familiar with and love,” said co-founder and CEO of Heura Foods, Marc Coloma. Coloma added: “Our research shows that the breaded segment represents almost 20% of the category, so introducing two new breaded skus to our portfolio of chicken is a great way to make sure people can withhold their favourite culinary traditions in ways that are better for their health, the planet and animals, whether sitting around the table for a family dinner or on-the-go at lunch”. #Heura #plantbasedchicken #UK

UK plant-based chocolate brand, Kyoot, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of three new flavoured chocolate bars. The variants include: Raspberry Pink Pepper, Roasted Hazelnuts and Cashew Coffee. Made from sustainably harvested cacao, the 70% dark chocolate bars are organic, vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and refined-sugar free with no artificial additives or preservatives. Kyoot founder Noor Freiha said: “We’ve created delicious flavours and textures with the happiness of our body and planet in mind: there is something adventurous and exciting in each crunch, pop and crackle. We want Kyoot to be a can’t-live-without-it chocolate bar.” Kyoot is available to buy across UK’s concept stores and gourmet grocers for an RRP of £3.99 per 85g bar. #chocolate #Kyoot #UK

Plant-based food company Wicked Kitchen has raised $20 million in additional funding to help increase its global awareness initiatives and expand retail distribution. New investors include actor and vegan advocate, Woody Harrelson; Ahimsa VC, a fund that invests in start-ups building a sustainable, humane and healthy world; and Thai food producer NRPT. “What I love about this brand is that the products are actually created by chefs that always put flavour first, making it so easy to go plant-based,” said Harrelson. The company is experiencing a high growth phase; it has more than tripled its year-over-year sales growth of animal-free products. Earlier this month, the company acquired plant-based seafood brand, Good Catch, and since launching into the US market last year the products are currently stocked in over 6,500 retail stores across the US. CEO of Wicked Kitchen, Pete Speranza, said: “It is validating to have support from additional investors who believe in our mission and in the future of plant-based foods. This latest round of funding will help us go faster to expand our offerings in the US and abroad and it puts us in a well-poised position as we continue to lead plant-based innovations with flavour-forward products that appeal to vegans and omnivores alike.” Wicked Kitchen produces frozen and shelf-stable, chef-driven plant-based foods including instant noodles, pizzas, meal kits, sauces and ice creams. #investment #plantbasedfoods #sustainable #WickedKitchen

The Protein Ball has rolled out its new Festive Mince Joy to join the protein and vitamin balls range. The new Festive Mince Pie limited edition features flavours of cinnamon spice, dates and crunchy almonds. “Consumer demand for healthy options at Christmas is growing steadily, with many people now thinking about their food choices all-year-round. Our new Festive Mince Pie flavour delivers on this,” said Matt Hunt, founder of The Protein Ball. Hunt added: “Whether people are attending office parties, enjoying celebrations with family and friends, Christmas shopping or coming back from the gym, this limited edition protein + vitamin ball is the perfect snack for keeping them fuelled and ready to go this season, without compromising on nutrition.” The new Festive Mince Pie protein and vitamin balls are high in protein, vegan and gluten-free, with no-added sugar. The Protein Ball’s new Festive Mince Pie limited edition flavour is available to retailers nationwide this month in 45g bags selling at an RRP of £1.99. #TheProteinBallCo #veganprotein

Roquette has announced its acquisition of the remaining stake in plant-based excipient manufacturer, Crest Cellulose, in a move to expand its pharmaceutical capabilities. Following its purchase of a majority share in the company in 2018, this latest move allows Roquette to continue strengthening its presence in India, where Crest Cellulose is based. The deal will also help to reinforce Roquette’s network of pharmaceutical innovation centres and application development facilities. “At Roquette, we believe true innovation can only be achieved in an environment where ingredient safety is completely assured,” commented Paul Smaltz, vice president of Roquette Pharma Solutions. Smaltz added: “There’s no room for compromise or shortcuts when tackling the world’s greatest health challenges. The team at Crest Cellulose share our conviction that quality is king, always striving to optimise processes and redefine what’s possible in drug delivery. As a global leader in health and nutrition, we’re excited to harness our newly expanded capabilities to support our network of customers and partners in India, Asia and the rest of the world.” #CrestCellulose #India #Roquette

Pilgrim’s-owned Richmond has launched limited-edition plant-based sage and onion sausages to its meat-free range ahead of the festive season. Giving the taste and texture of Richmond’s classic’ meat-free sausages a festive twist, the new flavour will be available until March 2023. This launch supports Richmond’s commitment to developing and expanding the meat-free category, offering more choice to consumers and helping retailers attract more meat-free shoppers. The brand’s plant-based range has grown this year – in April, the brand announced four new meat-free products, including Richmond meat-free back bacon and Richmond meat-free deli slices. Marketing controller at Pilgrim’s Food Masters, Chris Doe, said: “As the evenings draw in earlier, sage and onion is the perfect flavour combination for those hearty family-favourite winter meals – from roast dinners to bangers and mash. This new flavour is just as tasty as our original sausages – guaranteed to fly off shelves as the weather turns cooler.” #meatfree #Richmond #UK