House Foods Holding USA has signed an agreement to acquire Keystone Natural Holdings (KNH), a North American manufacturer of tofu and plant-based foods, from Keystone Capital. Expanding House Foods’ portfolio of tofu and plant-based food products, the acquisition will also accelerate its US market expansion plans, combining eight manufacturing facilities across North America. “During our partnership, we invested significantly to expand KNH’s brand presence, manufacturing capacity, product development capabilities, as well as the leadership team, in order to provide a broad range of healthy, innovative plant-based food products for grocery, club and foodservice customers,” said Chaoran Jin, managing director of Keystone Capital. Kenny Sung, CEO of KNH, added: “Keystone Capital helped us successfully expand into additional strategic segments, which has positioned us to better serve our retail and foodservice customers in the ethnic and mainstream channel. We have integrated three add-on acquisitions, which has broadened our core market and accelerated our growth. We look forward to working with House Foods to continue our growth trajectory.” The proposed transaction is expected to close by the end of the month. #HouseFoodsGroup #KeystoneNaturalHoldings #Tofu

Clive’s Pies has launched two new products and one re-branded product. All three products are vegan and come in plastic-free packaging. The Red Pepper and Harissa Quiche and the Broccoli and Pesto Quiche also feature a plant-based window rather than traditional plastic. The third flavour delivered in the plastic-free packaging is the Coronation Chickpea Puff Pie with coconut and apricot. Craig Blackborough NPD Manager at Clive’s Pies said: “Product development at Clive’s is a unique experience. Our new Red Pepper Harissa Quiche was created for sharing. We created the product based on trending flavour profiles to make it something you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Love is part of every product ingredient list, and we’ve put a lot of love and care into creating our products.” Catherine Shacklock, partner and buyer for Waitrose’s chilled vegan and vegetarian category commented: “We’re delighted to be the first supermarket to launch more of Clive’s tasty plant-based products.” “Customer reviews on our current Clive’s range shows great loyalty and we are really excited to share the next range of deliciously innovative development with them.”

Meat alternative company Nowadays has expanded its product offerings with the introduction of new whole cut cutlets and tenders in the US. Nowadays said that its tenders and cutlets, set to be launched in early 2023, will stand out in the market due to their “simple, wholesome ingredients and nutritious profiles, while still having a fried chicken-like taste”. Nowadays’ tenders are packed with non-GMO pea protein and covered with a peppery finish that complements the chicken flavour of the tender. Meanwhile, the brand’s cutlets are also made up of non-GMO pea protein and feature a “crispy panko-style breading” with a blend garlic, cayenne and pepper. #Nowadays #US

This expands its meatless portfolio with its first plant-based beef products, available in burger and mince formats. The new products closely mimic the taste and texture of traditional beef burgers and mince, whilst containing 55% less saturated fat than the average meat equivalent. This Isn’t Plant-Based Beef Burgers use the brand’s ground-breaking Fat 2.0 innovation, made from olive oil, to create a succulent burger. The high protein and high fibre beef substitutes use pea protein and natural flavouring to replicate a beefy and chargrilled taste. The new beef products join the rest of the This range aimed at a meat-reducing audience. #plantbasedbeef #This

Gathered Foods has announced the evolution of its business, focusing on a wider range of plant-based products. This next phase will include alternatives to poultry, dairy, beef and pork, and follows the acquisition of Gathered Foods’ plant-based seafood brand, Good Catch, by Wicked Kitchen. The deal will see Gathered become a shareholder of Wicked Kitchen and gain a seat on the company’s board. At the same time, Gathered aims to focus on its core strengths in research and development of plant-based protein products. “Gathered excels at producing highly adaptable plant-based proteins that provide unmatched taste, texture, mouthfeel and satisfaction,” said Chris Kerr, executive chair of Gathered Foods. “We have assembled some of the best assets in the global sector, covering the entire innovation cycle, from ideation to production to distribution to the dinner table. We will leverage all of these to accelerate the adoption of these best-in-class proteins through some of the most recognised food industry players in the world.” As part of the business unit reorganisation, Joel Gfeller, formerly chief innovation officer, has been elevated to president and chief operating officer of Gathered Foods Corporation. Gfeller will oversee everything from product ideation to global production operations and partnerships. Additionally, Kit Ling Poon has been elevated to chief innovation officer, and will lead the research and development of plant-based solutions at Cultivated Food Labs, Gathered’s R&D and technical operation. #GatheredFoods #plantbaseddairy #plantbasedprotein

Proper Snacks has launched ProperChips, a new vegan and gluten-free range of healthier crisps in three flavour varieties. The healthier crisps contain 30% less fat and salt than leading ridged potato crisps and are a source of fibre, due to the addition of pea fibre and protein. In line with the rest of the Proper snacks portfolio, the ProperCrisps range is also vegan, gluten-free and free from palm oil. The lightly fried, ridged crisps are available in three flavours: thai chilli, cheese and onion and flame grilled steak, offering a crunchy snack with less grease and guilt. The innovation solidifies Proper in the better-for-you space, with 50% of its total product portfolio confirmed to be HFSS-compliant by October. “We’re proud to offer a healthier twist on the traditional potato crisp. We’ve chosen three cult flavours we know snackers love and have found a unique way to increase fibre whilst reducing fat and salt. The launch of ProperCrisps responds to an unwavering demand for potato crisps that are satisfying, tasty and guilt-free”, said Cassandra Stavrou, founder of Proper Snacks. #nonHFSS #Proper #UK

Rival Foods, a Dutch company developing alternative protein technologies, has secured investment from PeakBridge Growth II. The PeakBridge-led investment was joined by France’s Roquette Ventures. A spin-off from Wageningen University & Research, Rival Foods aims to “revolutionise” the plant-based meat and fish analogues market by creating products using shear cell technology. Developed by the university, the technology produces layered and fibrous structures, resembling meat, from plant proteins. The process can be performed in a conical Shear Cell or – on a larger scale – in a cylindrical Couette Cell. Rival Foods will use the new funding to support its product development efforts, expand its operational capabilities and scale up its technologies. In addition to Rival Foods, PeakBridge’s Growth II has also invested in Standing Ovation, which develops animal- and lactose-free substitutes for conventional dairy products using microbial fermentation. Erich Sieber, general partner and co-founder of PeakBridge, said: “Product innovation, meeting new consumer needs and resource optimisation are long-term solutions that agri-food tech funds such as PeakBridge, and innovative companies, such as Rival Foods and Standing Ovation, help drive”. #RivalFoods #theNetherlands

Cathedral City has entered the vegan market with a new plant-based cheddar available in multiple formats including block, sliced and grated. The cheese has been years in the making and is based on the taste of the brand’s creamy cheddar. The new plant-based range delivers the quality people expect from Cathedral City, now in dairy free formats. Neil Stewart, head of marketing for Cathedral City at Saputo Dairy UK said: “This is an exciting moment for the dairy free cheese sector. Demand for free from alternatives is soaring but for some shoppers, such as flexitarians, there hasn’t been an offering which is good enough to encourage them to purchase regularly. That’s where our new Plant Based range comes in.” #CathedralCity #plantbasedcheese #SaputoDairyUK

Vegan deli meat company Plantcraft has launched two clean-label sliced meats – bologna and pepperoni. The sliced ‘meats’ stay in line with Plantcraft’s values of clean-label, gluten-free, non-GMO products that are without any additives, grains, or allergens. These two flavours have a pea protein base and are the first of a new product line of vegan sliced deli meats for grocery and foodservice. “Our deli slices combine Italian traditions and today’s food science to give consumers a healthier version of familiar tastes,” said Csaba Hetényi, Plantcraft co-founder. “Many plant-based meats are highly processed, but people looking for clean-label, allergen-friendly, gluten- and soy-free options can feel good about these choices.” #cleanlabel #delimeat #Plantcraft #US

On Thursday 8 September, the winners and finalists in the World Plant-Based Awards were announced during a special ceremony in association with Plant Based World Expo North America. The judging panel considered over 140 entries from 20 countries across 17 categories. FoodBev Media marketing manager, Dan Bunt, said: “The competition this year was exceptionally close. I hope all finalists and entrants are proud of their accomplishments; I look forward to all the companies’ successes in the future. The third annual World Plant-Based Awards were a great success and credit must be given to the incredible team behind the scenes at Plant Based World Expo North America.” A full list of winners and finalists in each category follows below. Best dairy product alternative Culcherd – Culcherd Everything Bagel Cheese Daiya – Feta Style Block Honestly Tasty – Shamembert Naturli Foods – VEGAN SPREADABLE Winner New Roots AG: Plant-Based Alternative to Hard Cheese – Circular Economy Approach New Roots AG – La Fraîche – An Allrounder and 100% Substitute in any Kitchen Saputo Dairy USA – Vitalite Plant-Based Cheese Best meat alternative Beyond Meat – Chicken Tenders Eatplanted – Lemon & Herb Chicken Fable – Meaty Mushroom MyForest Foods – MyBacon NotCo – NotBurger™ Plantcraft – Plant-based Bologna Winner The Mushroom Meat Co. – Pulled Pork Best milk alternative Winner NotCo – NotMilk™ Chocolate Plantag – Black Sesame Milk Ripple Foods – Dairy-Free Kids Milk Best plant-based beverage COCOPRO – Sugar-Free Fresh Coconut Milk True North – Pure Energy Seltzer Winner Hope and Sesame – Non-GMO Barista Blend Sesamemilk Highly Commended Ripple – Dairy-Free Milk Best plant-based business Highly Commended Beyond Meat MartinoRossi Spa Winner New Roots AG Infinite Foods Best plant-based chocolate Winner PLAYin CHOC – Organic Peruvian Cacao M•lk Chocolate Highly Commended VEGO Chocolate – Vego Whole Hazelnut Chocolate Bar Best plant-based condiment ALDI – exclusive Specially Selected Premium Pasta Sauces Seed Ranch Flavor Co. – Umami Everyday Sauce Winner The PlantEat – Eat’s Better Chipotle Mayo Best plant-based convenience product Winner 18 Chestnuts – Plant Based Soups ALDI – exclusive Simply Nature Acai Superfruit Packs GrownAs* Foods – Truffle Vegan Mac & Cheese Nutr – Nutr Machine Best plant-based dessert/confectionery LoveRaw – White Choc Cre&m Wafer Bar Pri’s Puddings – Pocket Sized Pies Winner SuperSeed Ice Creme – Eat Drink Innovate Pty Ltd Bon Dévil – Choc Ganache Desserts Best plant-based functional product Highly Commended DSM Food & Beverage – Maxavor® Fish YE Winner Float Foods – OnlyEg XL Omelette Fody Foods – Plant-Based Vegan Bolognese Pasta Sauce MartinoRossi Spa – Meat Substitute Mix Ground Meat TCI Co., Ltd. – PBA PROBIO-ARK DELIVERY TECH Best plant-based non-food product Winner FreshFry – Freshfry Pods Best plant-based packaging 18 Chestnuts – Plant Based Soups Winner Oumph! The Fry Family Food Co. – Stars & Moons Best plant-based protein Winner Brevel – Plant Based Protein From Microalgae Palmetto Gourmet Foods – Chef Woo Ramen The Mushroom Meat Co. – Textured Mushroom Protein (TMP)™ The Protein Brewery – Fermotein® Best plant-based seafood Finless Foods – Plant-Based Tuna Mind Blown Plant Based – Crab Cakes Winner BeLeaf – Plant-Based Shrimp Best plant-based snack Beyond Meat – Beyond Meat Jerky Winner Dolfin Ltd – My Sweet Chickpea Outstanding Foods – Outstanding Cheese Balls Popadelics – Crunchy Mushroom Chips Whoa Dough – Whoa Dough Cookie Dough Bars Best plant-based start-up 18 Chestnuts Plant Based Soups LoveRaw® Plantcraft – The Plant-Based Deli Meat Company Winner The Protein Brewery – Fermotein® Best plant-based sustainability Winner Ingredion incorporated – Ultra performance Prista line Highly Commended MartinoRossi Spa – MartinoRossi for the Planet The Mushroom Meat Co. – TMP / Mushroom-Based Flavors The Protein Brewery – Fermotein® About the World Plant-Based Awards The World Plant-Based Awards, in association with Plant Based World Expo North America, are a celebration of innovation and excellence across every category of the global plant-based industry. These awards are a fantastic way to enhance the promotion of your brand and to ensure it gains global recognition. Being successfully shortlisted provides a hallmark of success that will prevail long after the awards ceremony and can highlight the contribution your company’s products and team are making to the plant-based industry. About FoodBev Media Established in 2000, FoodBev Media is the food and beverage industry’s leading media and communication business. With a portfolio of international magazines, the website www.foodbev.com and the industry’s largest social media network, FoodBev Media ensures you are continuously kept up to date with the latest trends and innovations. Since 2003, FoodBev Media has gained a reputation for organising successful international awards schemes in the food, beverage and dairy industries. #ThePlantBase #PlantBasedWorldExpo #WorldPlantBasedAwards #awards #WorldPlantBasedAwards2022

Indoor farming company Gotham Greens has raised more than $310 million in new capital to accelerate the expansion of its network of high-tech hydroponic greenhouses. The new funding brings the company’s total financing to $440 million since its founding in 2009. Gotham Greens plans to use the capital to support channel and geographic market expansion, increase its operational capacity and accelerate new product development. The company’s offering includes greenhouse-grown leafy greens and herbs, and a line of refrigerated salad dressings, dips and cooking sauces. The Series E raise will support Gotham Greens’ greenhouse construction projects in Seagoville, Texas, Monroe, Georgia and Windsor, Colorado, as well as the expansion of its existing greenhouses in Chicago and Providence, Rhode Island. The fundraising round includes equity and debt funding led by new investors BMO Impact Investment Fund, a sustainability-focused investment fund of the Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Ares Management funds. In addition, the round was joined by other new and existing investors. “Gotham Greens was founded with a vision to advance indoor farming and sustainably grow high-quality leafy greens in cities across America every day of the year,” said Viraj Puri, co-founder and CEO of Gotham Greens. “Today, our ambitions and footprint are outgrowing our roots in the best way, and we’re humbled to receive this funding from new and existing investors to continue our national expansion in order to reach our goal of delivering Gotham Greens fresh produce within a day’s drive from our greenhouses to 90% of consumers across the US. “With increasing climate- and supply chain- related issues facing our food system, it’s more important than ever to bring innovative farming solutions that grow high-quality produce while using fewer precious natural resources. Gotham Greens is growing fast, and we look forward to bringing our brand to new markets in the coming months.” Gotham Greens also says that it recently completed the acquisition of FresH2O Growers, a 540,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse grower on the East Coast, doubling its production capacity. #GothamGreens #indoorfarming #US

Plant-based meat company, Everything Legendary, has announced the launch of a line of vegan Wyngz. Expanding the brand’s portfolio beyond burgers and mince, the company’s new offerings include: Dragon Wyngz, which were designed to provide a “twist on traditional nuggets;” and Scorchin’ Bites. Each Wyngz variety contains 13g of protein per serving and is soy-free with no artificial preservatives. “You don’t have to give up flavour and fun when you choose vegan,” said co-founder, Duane Cheers. “If you miss those spicy chicken wings, our Wyngz will satisfy that craving with all of your senses – the look, smell and taste will not disappoint.” #EverythingLegendary #US