Purely Elizabeth has announced the launch of a cereal line featuring “sustainably sourced,” plant-based vitamin D. The brand’s new Superfood Cereal with Vitamin D is free from gluten, contains 6g of fibre per serving and is available in two flavours: Vanilla Blueberry Almond and Honey Peanut Butter. The cereal is said to be made using “superfood ingredients,” such as chia, quinoa and amaranth, and also features whole foods like fruits, nuts and seeds. Following a spike in awareness precipitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Purely Elizabeth says that now more than ever, consumers are seeking ways to incorporate vitamin D into their diets. The brand’s new cereal features organic, plant-based vitamin D3 and is sweetened with sustainably sourced coconut sugar. Purely Elizabeth Superfood Cereal with Vitamin D can be purchased via the brand’s website, as well as at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide. #PurelyElizabeth #US

ADM and chemical company LG Chem have launched two joint ventures for US production of lactic and polylactic acid to meet the growing demand for plant-based products. The first joint venture, called GreenWise Lactic, will produce up to 150,000 tons of high-purity corn-based lactic acid each year. ADM will serve as the majority owner of GreenWise and contribute fermentation capacity from its Decatur bioproducts site. The second venture, LG Chem Illinois Biochem, will build upon LG Chem’s expertise in bioplastics by creating a facility that will use products from GreenWise Lactic to manufacture around 75,000 tons of polylactic acid annually. ADM CEO Juan R Luciano said: “Sustainability is one of the enduring global trends that is powering ADM’s strategy and growth. Our BioSolutions platform is helping us meet that demand by redeploying carbohydrate solutions production capacity to fast-growing, higher-margin segments – including pharmaceuticals and personal care, textiles and paper products.” He continued: “BioSolutions is already growing rapidly, with $136 million in year-over-year revenue growth in the first half of 2022, and with these two new joint ventures, we’re planning to take the next growth step, greatly expanding our ability to meet growing demand for plant-based solutions. We’re pleased to expand our collaboration with LG Chem, and we’re excited at the opportunity to bring this new intended production and all of its economic benefits to Decatur, our North American headquarters.” LG Chem CEO Hak Cheol Shin said: “The establishment of this joint venture is a sustainable growth strategy that can directly contribute to solving environmental issues such as climate change and waste plastics.” He added: “LG Chem is the first Korean company to build a PLA plant with integrated production capacities ranging from raw materials to the final product. With the establishment of this JV, LG Chem will not only procure production capacities for highly pure lactic acid needed for commercial-scale PLA production, but will also be able to apply biomaterials in the development of various high-value-added products. Based on eco-friendly materials, which is an axis for new growth engines, we will respond to the rapidly changing market and customers, while becoming a market leader.” The joint ventures have also chosen Decatur, Illinois, as the location of their production facilities, pending final investment decisions. It is hoped the final investment decision will be made by 2023. #polylacticacid #US #lacticacid #ADM #LGChem

Chilled dessert brand Gü is introducing a vegan version of its Zillionaire cheesecake in the UK this September. The plant-based treat features layers of chocolate ganache, caramel cheesecake and caramel sauce, along with a crumbly biscuit base and sprinkles. Gü Plant Zillionaire is gluten-free and Vegan Society approved. The launch comes as the brand sets out the ambition to double its global business by 2025 and announces a “luxe brand refresh” to reflect its positioning as a premium treat. With an RRP of £3.75 per pack of two, Gü Plant Zillionaire will be available at Tesco and Sainsbury’s from 11 September. #desserts #Gü #UK

Fermented Food Holdings (FFH) has purchased GLK Foods’ sauerkraut division for an undisclosed sum. With the deal, FFH gains GLK’s sauerkraut brands and “extensive” supply chain capabilities. “With the acquisition of the GLK sauerkraut business, we gain capabilities in procurement, packaging solutions and distribution that are very strategic to our vision,” said FFH COO, Jorge Azevedo. Oliver Joost, FFH co-president, added: “We believe that the acquisition of GLK’s sauerkraut business will add critical supply chain capabilities and distribution reach to unlock our next chapter of growth”. Founded in 2021, FFH owns a portfolio of fermented food brands, including Wildbrine and Bubbies which the company acquired earlier this year. Ryan Downs, president of GLK, said: “The GLK team is excited to welcome the acquisition by FFH of its sauerkraut business in Bear Creek, Wisconsin”. “FFH has a vibrant portfolio of brands to add to those of the GLK sauerkraut business and offers a business approach that will be an excellent fit for a business that has been family-owned for four generations.” He added that “as a new FFH shareholder, I am particularly excited to watch the brands grow and see the positive impact on the local community”. #FermentedFoodHoldings #GLKFoods #US

Mycelium-based meat producer, Meati Foods, has appointed Jody Macedonio as chief financial officer and executive vice president (EVP). Macedonio most recently served as CFO of Chobani. In her new position, she will oversee Meati’s financials as the company aims to become the US market share leader in meat alternatives by 2025. Bringing “more than 30 years of experience in the food industry,” Macedonio has also held senior financial roles at PepsiCo, and served as EVP and CFO of Dean Foods. “I’m really looking forward to joining the Meati Foods team and leveraging my prior consumer products financial leadership experience as we rapidly scale the business to become the US market share leader in plant-based meat,” said Macedonio. Tyler Huggins, CEO and co-founder of Meati Foods, added: “We’re thrilled and lucky to welcome Jody to the Meati Foods team during such a pivotal moment in our growth as a company”. “Jody’s track record as a recognised financial leader in the industry speaks for itself, and I’m confident in the impact she’s going to bring as we rapidly scale our footprint over the coming months and years.” #Appointments #MeatiFoods #US

Independent snack producer, Burts Chips, has added two hand-cooked popcorn products to its portfolio. At 126 calories or less per 20g portion, the “small-batch” ready-to-eat popcorn aims to provide a healthy snack option to consumers. The new offering is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and free from artificial flavours, colours, preservatives and sweeteners. Two flavours are available: Lightly Salted (20g) and Sweet & Salty (28g). Burts Snacks CEO, Dave McNulty, said: “It’s great to be expanding the products in our range, especially with our focus on building the Burts brand, and it makes perfect sense to use our expertise to develop the ultimate popcorn under Burts”. #BurtsChips #BurtsSnacks #UK

Happy Viking, a plant-based nutrition company started by Venus Williams, has raised $2 million in an investment round. Co-founded by Williams and Dyla Brands founder and CEO, Neel Premkumar, Happy Viking offers superfood powders and protein shakes. The company was started after Williams was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2011 and subsequently discovered the benefits of “plant-based superfood nutrition”. The investment round included Williams herself and sister Serena, Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s 35V, Peloton vice president of fitness programming Robin Arzón, as well as golfer Michelle Wie West and other professional athletes. Additional investors included Mates, Talent Resources Ventures, Parallel and Oliver Trevena. “Venus is an incredible entrepreneur, and in getting to know her and the team she’s put together behind Happy Viking, it was clear to Kevin Durant and I that the company has set itself up for success,” said 35V co-founder Kleiman. “No one understands the health and nutrition space like a professional athlete, and Happy Viking is proof in product form.” Williams added: “I’ve seen first-hand what the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet have done for my body and performance”. “With Happy Viking, I want to give everyone the opportunity to be healthy, feel good and live their dreams. I’m so excited to have these other world-class athletes on board to support our mission.” The new funds will help Happy Viking to increase brand awareness, communicate the benefits of plant-based superfoods and introduce new products. #HappyViking #US

Eat Just has announced a $25 million investment from private equity firm C2 Capital Partners, as it looks to strengthen its position in the Chinese market. The deal marks the first investment in the alternative protein sector for C2, which was established in 2018 to provide growth capital and operational support to companies looking to scale in China. The firm’s anchor investor is Alibaba Group. C2 is currently supporting Eat Just in areas including sales and branding, as well as with the plant-based egg maker’s go-to-market strategies and regulatory approach in China. Eat Just’s Just Egg brand launched in the country on e-commerce platforms in 2019. The egg alternative is also available through a number of street vendors in Shanghai. Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just, said: “We are grateful to partner with C2 to grow our business in China. Their unique market insights and know-how include logistics, branding, marketing, omni-channel sales and distribution and last-mile delivery.” C2 managing partner, Steve Lin, added: “We are excited to support alternative protein pioneer Eat Just’s mission and to accelerate the growth of their innovative products and technologies in China by leveraging the unique insights and resources of the C2/Alibaba ecosystem”. #C2CapitalPartners #China #EatJust #JustEgg

Nestlé is expanding its Coffee Mate offering in the US with the introduction of new plant-based creamers. Featuring a blended base of oat and almond milk, two flavours will initially be available: French Vanilla and Caramel. “As creamer fans continue to seek variety, both in flavour and ingredients, it was only natural for Coffee Mate to step into the plant space,” said Leonardo Aizpuru, Nestlé senior director of brand marketing and leader of the creamer business unit. “Now everyone can have the best of both worlds – the delicious taste of Coffee Mate, featuring plant-based ingredients.” The almond and oat milk creamers will be available at select Walmart locations in October, expanding to grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide in January 2023. #CoffeeMate #Nestlé #plantbasedcreamer #US

Hafnium Ventures, an arm of investment firm Hafnium Hafaway, has announced a partnership with Republic Polytechnic that will commercialise soy cheese products. The collaboration will support Hafnium’s growth in the food and nutrition sector, and enable the commercialisation of Republic Polytechnic-led innovations. The institution has developed a range of cheese alternatives using soybean by-product okara. The first venture to be established under the partnership is SoiLabs, which will commercialise the plant-based cheese products. Made without synthetic additives, the dairy-free alternative comes in three different variations: sliced, cream and instant soup. SoiLabs director, Mauro Catellani, commented: “Plant-based food products are gaining popularity in Asia, and we are already seeing interest in our products from the alternative burger sector”. “We see tremendous potential for the soy cheese slices and cream cheese in meeting the needs of the rapidly growing plant-based market. Through further research and development, we are confident that together with the RP [Republic Polytechnic] team, we will roll out new okara-based food products moving forward.” The partnership will enable Hafnium to leverage the polytechnic’s nutrition and packaging expertise. Boon Whatt Lim, director at Republic Polytechnic’s School of Applied Science, said: “We are excited to embark on this journey with Hafnium. The SoiLabs venture is an example of how RP is developing industry solutions to strengthen Singapore’s food supply resilience and achieve the goals set out in the nation’s ‘Zero Waste Masterplan’. “Moving forward, we hope to work closely with Hafnium to accelerate product innovations to support the development of their existing businesses.” John Savage, partner at Hafnium, added: “We have been impressed with the level of investment being made by RP into the nutrition and packaging space. This is just the beginning, and we expect to deepen our relationship, both spinning out new ventures and delivering the innovative thinking to drive our existing nutrition businesses forward.” #HafniumHafaway #RepublicPolytechnic #Singapore

Brazilian frozen vegetable producer Grano Alimentos has acquired Mr. Veggy, in a move to diversify its portfolio. Founded in 2004, Mr. Veggy offers plant-based frozen foods, such as veggie burgers and vegetarian coxinha. Grano operates through a number of distribution channels, and the acquisition is expected to enhance Mr. Veggy’s growth potential. “We want to associate ourselves with the new healthy eating platforms, expanding the offer of products with a focus on quality and price for foodservice and B2C [business-to-consumer], using our relevant leadership in the sector to further drive the evolution of Mr. Veggy,” said Fernando Giansante, CEO of Grano. Andre Magnavita, commercial and marketing director at Grano, added: “We always work for health and we feel, in this post-pandemic period, the growing search for functional foods that deliver nutrition, increase immunity, protein value and help the body to work better”. “That’s what Grano does, produces minimally processed foods that deliver healthiness in a practical way, valuing what nature has created.” #Brazil #GranoAlimentos #MrVeggy

The Plant-Based Taste Awards, in association with Plant Based World Expo Europe, is now live and open for entries! The winners will be announced at Plant Based World Expo Europe, which takes place from 30 November to 1 December 2022. Now in its third year, the trade fair aims to connect suppliers and buyers via a combination of unique and traditional experiences. Following last year’s successful event, Plant Based World Expo Europe returns to the UK, set to be held at the capital’s Business Design Centre. In 2021, the expo showcased a smörgåsbord of products and services from both innovative start-ups and household names, including Quorn, RIP Foods, VBites, Heura Foods and This. FoodBev was fortunate to meet with many companies, to find out more about their efforts to make food more sustainable, ethical and just plain tasty. Organised by JD Events, Plant Based World Expo Europe promises a refreshing and dynamic experience this year too. Prepare to be inspired from the moment you walk through the doors. Navigating the show is easy and you will find a wealth of plant-based brands demonstrating new product launches as well as innovations across all categories. Plant Based World Expo presents a huge opportunity to lead the way in this ever-evolving sector. The expo, which is the only 100% plant-based event designed exclusively for foodservice and retail professionals, distributors, investors and manufacturers, will provide plenty of networking opportunities and a robust educational programme. Ticket registration is open. Register for your free ticket: plant-based-world-2022-visitor.reg.buzz/expo. FoodBev Media will be celebrating the very best in plant-based during the expo, with its Plant-Based Taste Awards 2022. During the event, a special live ceremony will take place to announce the winners. We are inviting businesses to take the stage and compete, showcasing their products for a chance to win awards across multiple plant-based categories. If you have what it ‘tastes,’ then enter today! #awards #PlantBasedTasteAwards