British soft drinks brand AG Barr has acquired a 60% majority stake in Moma Foods, with an agreed path to full ownership over the next three years. UK breakfast company Moma Foods is known for its plant-based oat milk, porridge, low-sugar granola and bircher muesli. Tom Mercer, founder and CEO of Moma Foods, commented: “I’m hugely excited to embark on the next phase of Moma’s growth with AG Barr. I believe that together we can harness the passion that is integral to Moma and grow into a significantly bigger brand. We’re 100% focused on crafting oats into the tastiest food and drink products we can and I’m looking forward to the next leg of our journey.” The investment is not expected to have a material impact on AG Barr’s profits for the current financial year ending 30 January 2022. Back in 2019, AG Barr bought a 20% majority stake in Stryyk owner Elegantly Spirited. #AGBarr #Moma #UK

UK vegan and vegetarian brand Goodlife has released three new products to add to its range, launching in time for Veganuary. The three new product launches include a Vegetable Firecracker Melt, Vegetable Paella Slice and the Loaded Burrito Veg Burger. The Vegetable Firecracker Melt are rice cakes consisting of a base of rice, edamame beans and asparagus topped with a spicy gochujang sauce and coated in a crispy crumb. The Vegetable Paella Slice is inspired by a traditional recipe for Valencian rice cakes. The paella includes a blend of arborio rice, tomato, peppers, olives and smoked paprika. Lastly, the Loaded Burrito Veg Burger is loaded with jackfruit, mozzarella, tomatoes, black turtle beans and a fusion of chipotle chilli and smoked paprika. Becky McCaul, marketing and category manager at Goodlife, said: “We’re so excited to add three new products to the Goodlife range and can’t wait for consumers to try them. Each product has been developed with a focus on creating unique and delicious flavour profiles, to transform plant-based mealtimes – without the need for meat mimicry.” She continued: “All dishes are ready in 30 minutes or less and we’re confident they will become a freezer favourite for vegans, veggies and flexi veggies who want to prioritise eating well during a busy week.” The new products will be available in Morrisons from January 2022 for an RRP of £2.25 each. #Goodlife #UK

Canadian plant-based dairy company Plant Veda Foods has introduced a new product line of probiotic yogurt alternative, PlantGurt. The new range features three flavours: plain unsweetened, mango and blueberry. According to the company, “one tub of PlantGurt contains billions of probiotics”. “With PlantGurt we will be able to address the largest product format in the yogurt market – the tub,” said Plant Veda’s co-founder and director of product innovation, Vanita Gurnani. PlantGurt is available for purchase on the company’s website and is expected to roll out in retail stores in early 2022. #PlantVedaFoods #Canada #yogurt #Dairyalternative #PlantGurt

DSM has agreed to acquire Norwegian company Vestkorn Milling for an enterprise value of €65 million, as it looks to accelerate its growth in the plant-based protein market. Based in Tau, Norway, Vestkorn Milling is a producer of pea- and bean-derived protein, and supplies proteins, starches and dietary fibres for plant-based foods. The acquisition is a further step in DSM’s strategy to build an alternative protein portfolio. According to DSM, Vestkorn Milling’s portfolio complements its own broad offering to companies developing plant-based food and beverages, which includes vitamins, algal lipids and minerals to improve nutritional value; and texturizing hydrocolloid, flavours, yeast extracts and enzymes to improve protein taste and functionality. Patrick Niels, EVP of DSM’s food and beverage division, said: “Food and beverage producers around the world are looking to partners who can offer an integrated portfolio of ingredients, expertise and solutions to help them differentiate and get to market fast”. He continued: “This is especially important in the highly dynamic meat alternatives space, where consumer and societal expectations around authentic taste, texture and nutritional profile, as well as climate impact, are becoming more and more sophisticated”. Aslak Lie, Vestkorn Milling’s CEO, added: “Through the cooperation with DSM we have taken a huge step towards becoming a global leader of pulse-based ingredients. Over the past years, we have significantly expanded our business and market. With DSM, we have got a long-term-oriented owner that will fuel further growth and expansion.” The transaction, which is subject to customary conditions, is expected to close this year. DSM recently announced it had agreed to acquire dairy-based flavouring firm First Choice Ingredients for $453 million. #DSM #plantbased #VestkornMilling

Kavli Group‘s Primula squeezy cheese brand will enter into the plant-based market with the launch of Primula Perfectly Plant. According to Primula, the new flavour is fully endorsed by UK charity The Vegan Society and is “the only plant-based cheese alternative available in an easy-to-use tube format”. Primula’s head of marketing, Lisa Thornton, said: “Our loyal brand following since 1924 gives us the perfect heritage to launch into the dairy alternative market…This product also offers an amazing taste experience for the growing number of flexitarians, identified as a key trend to watch for in 2022.” Primula’s NPD manager, Nicole Herbert, added: “Since 2020, 500,000 Brits have given up meat, and with younger generations significantly more likely to follow a meat-free diet, a plant-based product was the obvious next choice for us. Primula Perfectly Plant has been in development for two years to create the perfect recipe and we worked closely with vegan consumers to develop the flavour.” She continued: “This will be the first vegan processed cheese alternative in the UK, developed in a fully recyclable tube”. Primula Perfectly Plant will launch in early 2022 for a retail price of around £1.60. In September, Kavli Group launched a limited-edition Primula ‘Burger Cheese’ spread. #KavliGroup #Primula #UK

Fiberstar has added Citri-Fi TX20 to its range of methylcellulose-free solutions for clean-label meat alternatives. The ‘next-generation’ texturizing citrus fibre can be used with specific plant-based proteins such as potato and canola. According to Fiberstar, Citri-Fi TX20 provides firmness, ‘thickening power’ and meat-like texture with minimal flavour. Fiberstar president and CEO, John Haen, said that “food manufacturers are scrambling for ways to improve meat substitute texture in addition to food labelling”. The company’s new Citri-Fi TX20 has no E number and can be labelled as citrus fibre, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour. #Fiberstar #meatalternatives

Upfield-owned dairy-free cheese brand Violife has released two new vegan cheese variations to add to its portfolio in time for the festive season. The new products include Tex Mex Flavour Grated and new round Mozzarella Flavour Slices. Tex-Mex Flavour Grated is a spicy flavoured cheese and can be added to vegan dishes such as fajitas and bean chilli. The stretchy mozzarella slices can be added to a sandwich or caprese salad. Both offerings are fortified with vitamin B12, 100% vegan and are completely free from dairy, soya, gluten, lactose, nuts, preservatives and emulsifiers. Bianca Harris, senior marketing manager at Violife, said: “At Violife, we’re proud to offer customers new flavours to be enjoyed with loved ones. Having recently ventured into plant-based butter and cream, we’re committed to continue innovating the dairy alternatives category and new flavours like the Tex Mex Flavour Grated and Mozzarella Flavour Slices are part of our ongoing mission to provide customers with 100% vegan alternatives that can be enjoyed by everyone.” The new additions are available now from Waitrose stores nationwide for an RSP of £2.65 each. #UK #UpfieldGroup #Violife

JBS USA-owned Planterra Foods’ Ozo is expanding its line of plant-based proteins with the launch of True Bite plant-based chicken cutlet and chicken shreds. Ozo’s plant-based chicken products will be available in four seasoning options: garlic & herb cutlet, sea salt & pepper cutlet, BBQ shreds and rotisserie-style shreds. According to the company, the new offerings mimic the taste and texture of traditional chicken and are packed with protein, more fibre and less fat than regular meat. “As time goes on, the demand for protein will only continue to increase and the world won’t be able to satisfy that demand with meat-based products alone,” said Planterra Foods CEO Darcey Macken. “With chicken being the most popular protein in the United States, it was clear we needed to create a plant-based option where people don’t have to sacrifice this mealtime favourite and have a more sustainable option.” True Bite’s chicken cutlets and shreds, which are 100% vegan and non-GMO, will be available at grocery stores nationwide in early 2022. Earlier this year, Planterra Foods opened a new research and development centre in Lafayette, Colorado. #JBSUSA #Ozo #PlanterraFoods #US

Californian plant-based meat company Impossible Foods has raised approximately $500 million in its recent funding round, led by existing investor Mirae Asset Global Investments. The round also included previous investors such as Khosla Ventures, Bill Gates, Google Ventures, Horizons Ventures, UBS, Viking Global Investors, Temasek, Sailing Capital, Coatue and Open Philanthropy Project. The company has now raised close to $2 billion since its inception, which includes a $200 million round in August last year, led by Coatue. The Impossible Food brand portfolio consists of animal-free meat alternatives, including burgers, ground sausages, chicken nuggets, pork and meatballs. David Borecky, Impossible Foods’ chief financial officer, said: “We’re fortunate to have great investors who believe in our long-term mission. The latest round of funding allows us to further accelerate our product innovation and global expansion efforts as we continue to leverage the power of the food system to satisfy consumers and fight climate change.” Impossible Foods plans to use the investment to support its continued growth in retail and across its supply chain, product portfolio, technology platforms and international expansion plans. You may also like to read: Impossible Foods’ meat alternative enters Asian retail market Home Chef partners with Impossible Foods to offer plant-based meals Impossible Foods receives $500m in Series F funding round #ImpossibleFoods #US

Oatly is expanding its US offering with the introduction of non-dairy frozen dessert bars, featuring a chocolatey coating. The new dessert bars will be available in four flavours, including: vanilla, chocolate fudge, salted caramel and strawberry swirl. “Our new non-dairy frozen dessert bars are fantastic, and I can’t wait for people to try them,” said Mike Messersmith, president, Oatly North America. “We’re proving that oat milk is not just for coffee, cereal or cooking, but can also be the foundation for great-tasting treats to be enjoyed during celebration moments or when a pick-me-up reward is needed. We are so proud of this product and are very excited to bring it to many frozen aisles across the country soon.” Oatly non-dairy frozen dessert bars will be available at national and regional grocers, including Target, Wegmans, Schnucks and Harris Teeter. Sold in three-count packs, with an SRP of $5.99, the bars will begin rolling out in the US next month. #Oatly #US

Ice cream and sorbet producer New Forest Ice Cream has added a new flavour to its vegan ice cream portfolio: Vegan Raspberry Ripple. The 120ml tub features a “scarlet red” raspberry ripple, dairy-free vanilla ice cream and a fruity flavour. The offering is free from dairy, gluten and egg. New Forest’s director, Christina Veal, said: “All our vegan recipes have been carefully developed so the flavour, texture and ingredients are spot on. We already know how popular these flavours are in our dairy range and we are confident that they really shine through with these new recipes too.” #icecream #NewForestIceCream #vegan

US plant-based meat company Sundial Foods has raised $4 million in a seed funding round for its whole-cut vegan chicken wings. The Californian firm will use the funding to expand its team and initiate production at the Rutgers Food Innovation Center in Bridgeton, New Jersey. The seed funding round included participation from Nestlé, Food Labs, Clear Current Capital, SOSV/IndieBio and others. According to Sundial, its chicken wings contain more fibre, less saturated fat and around the amount of protein as chicken. Sundial is using proprietary technology to make vegan meats that contain no artificial flavours or synthetic chemicals. The company’s technology enables the simulation of whole-cut products that mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat. “Our goal is to make meats that replace the butcher, so our product can be enjoyed as a centre-of-plate experience,” said Sundial’s co-founder, Jessica Schwabach. “We want to give consumers – whether vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian or meat-eating – a plant-based meat-eating experience that’s interesting, craveable and versatile.” Sundial’s vegan chicken wings are expected to be released in the US in spring 2022. #funding #plantbased #SundialFoods