Plant-based meat company Abbot’s Butcher has raised $7 million in a funding round, as it looks to expand its footprint in both retail and foodservice and develop new products. Founded in 2017 and based in California, Abbot’s Butcher produces meat alternatives using “simple” ingredients, including pea protein, vegetables, herbs, spices, extra virgin olive oil and vinegars. The company’s offerings are said to be free from soy, canola, gums, natural and artificial flavours, and synthetic chemicals. Abbot’s Butcher products are available at more than 800 retail and foodservice locations across the US and include plant-based ground beef and chorizo alternatives, as well as ‘chick’n’. Led by Melitas Ventures, the Series A round was also joined by Owen Wilson and Woody and Laura Harrelson, as well as existing investors Unovis and SOSV. According to Abbot’s Butcher, the new funds will support retail distribution expansion, new product development and its growth in the foodservice channel. “Abbot’s Butcher is paving the way for the next generation of plant-based meat alternative products,” said Alex Malamatinas, managing partner at Melitas. “The company’s products are uniquely positioned as premium plant-based meat alternatives which are attracting strong interest from grocery and foodservice. We are excited to partner with Abbot’s Butcher and founder and CEO, Kerry Song, as the brand scales to a nationwide staple in the US.” Song added: “We are reframing the conversation around plant-based proteins, where it’s not just about taste and mouthfeel. It’s about quality, and celebrating the power of exceptional ingredients – showing that food can be both healing and satisfying.” #AbbotsButcher #meatalternatives #plantbased #US

Fuji Oil Group released its 2021 sustainability report today (22/10/2021). What makes this report unique is that the company has actually been a leader in sustainable food production for more than 70 years. In fact, the company recommended increasing the consumption of plant proteins as early as 1988. “Fuji Oil has been focused on sustainable food development and plant-based protein alternatives since its inception,” said Carmen Alvarado Ascencio, senior manager ESG and leader of the sustainable development team for Fuji Europe Africa B.V. “We are proud to say we are simply continuing a tradition and a mindset that has been part of Fuji Oil since its very first day of operation.” Tebma-Kandu demonstrates Fuji Oil’s commitment Alvarado Ascencio outlines two key Fuji Oil initiatives that deserve special attention this year. First, the company officially launched the Tebma-Kandu Sustainability Program. Tebma-Kandu means ‘push me and I’ll climb’ in Mampruli – a local language. The programme enhances cooperatives’ ability to produce high-quality shea kernels while creating value for the communities in Ghana. “Previously, the most vulnerable women in Ghana collected shea kernels when no other work was possible,” Alvarado Ascencio explained. “But Tebma-Kandu eliminates the middlemen and empowers women with training and contracts that ensure they are paid fairly and that they receive pre-financing so that they are not dependent on fluctuations in the shea kernel business to survive. It also contributes to the elimination of child labour. To date, more than 20,000 women in Ghana have been offered a sustainable future through the programme.” The second highlight is related to palm oil. In recent years, the issue of palm oil production – and its association with massive deforestation and forced labour – has made headlines. But the complete elimination of palm oil is not the best solution. For years, Fuji Oil has been dedicated to the safe, sustainable production of palm oil, and the replacement with other oils whenever possible. Fuji Oil Holdings recently began a 50/50 partnership with United Plantations Bhd to create UniFuji: the first plant in the world to operate a 100% fossil-fuel-free, sustainable palm oil production facility that combines sustainable harvesting, refining and distribution of palm oil. “Palm oil production has a vastly higher yield,” Alvarado Ascencio commented. “Replacing palm oil with other oil crops will not come without consequences if we have to fulfil the demands of our current economy. With UniFuji, we ensure that the harvesting and refining of palm oil do not contribute to deforestation, do not require new peatland development, and do not allow child or forced labour. This is an ideal way to ensure a sustainable palm oil future.” Ambitions to be a sustainability leader In the past, Fuji Oil has played a behind-the-scenes role and has not been in the public eye outside its home market. But along with global growth, it has become more impactful in the western market. It was founded in Japan in 1950 and today has nearly 6,000 employees spread across 14 countries and regions. The company focuses on plant-based food solutions produced under the highest standards. Tebma-Kandu and UniFuji are merely two of the countless programmes and initiatives that underpin Fuji Oil’s commitment to sustainable, plant-based food products. Mikio Sakai, president and CEO of Fuji Oil Holdings said: “Now that achieving the UN SDGs is becoming increasingly important, we need to go back to our corporate roots, listen to the expectations and concerns of our stakeholders, and create a place where our employees can continue to work safely and securely. We will continue to work to protect and restore the Earth, place the joy of food and the happiness and wellbeing of all people at the heart of our management, and aim for sustainable growth.” Takashi Kadota, chief ‘ESG’ officer of Fuji Oil Holdings added: “One of the Fuji Oil Group’s core values is ‘work for people’. But the word ‘people’ does not only mean individuals. It also means people’s livelihoods and the Earth as a whole, and is meant to convey our intent to serve the global community through business.” More information is available in Fuji Oil’s sustainability report. #deforestation #plantbasedprotein #partnercontent #palmoil #FujiOil #sustainability

UK sports nutrition and snack brand Pulsin has launched a range of vegan choc-covered snack bars, including protein and brownie bars. Pulsin’s new offerings are gluten free, and contain no artificial ingredients, preservatives or palm oil. The protein bars – which are available in Cookie Dough and Choc Fudge flavours – contain 15g of plant-based protein and less than 1g of sugar per bar. A source of fibre, the brownies contain less than 150 calories per 35g bar and come in Double Choc Fudge and Double Choc Dream varieties. “We have seen a growing demand for indulgent, great-tasting, plant-based snacks and protein bars within the snacking market,” said Simon James-Ashburner, managing director at Pulsin. “Producing our bars on-site at our Gloucestershire HQ and with a history of producing nutrition-led bars, we knew we were in a prime position to hit this consumer need.” The protein bars are available through the Pulsin website, priced at £23.88 for a 12-count pack. They can also be purchased at Tesco, and via Ocado and Amazon. The brownies are available through the brand’s website, priced at £17.82 for an 18-count pack, as well as on Amazon. They will also be available in four-packs from various retailers. #plantbasedprotein #proteinbars #Pulsin #UK

Loryma has developed a new application concept for consumers who want to prepare their own plant-based meat alternatives at home. The company has designed vegan premixes that can be used – with the addition of water – to make products including plant-based burger patties, breaded cutlets and nuggets. Various wheat-based ingredients from Loryma’s portfolio work together to ensure “optimal texture, appearance and binding”. According to Loryma, the vegan solutions have a short list of ingredients without E-numbers and a protein content comparable to meat. The dry products have a longer shelf life than ready-to-use meat alternatives from the chilled aisle, and take up less space in transit, therefore helping to reduce food waste and transport emissions. “Our do-it-yourself solution addresses a target group that is keen on creative cooking and wants to know all about the ingredients involved,” said Henrik Hetzer, managing director of Loryma. “With our product, we help manufacturers meet the high demands of conscious consumers who want [a] clean label, optimised nutritional values, along with creative freedom in preparation and, of course, a convincing mouthfeel.” #Loryma #meatalternatives #plantbasedmeat

Chocolate producer Lindt & Sprüngli has announced the release of its first drink in the UK to add to its chocolate portfolio – Lindt Hot Chocolate. The new hot chocolate drink contains no milk powder making it vegan friendly and is made with 35% cocoa solids. Lindt claims the hot chocolate is “velvety smooth and luxuriously creamy”. The powdered hot chocolate can be stirred into any milk. The new product is available now in Tesco, Amazon, Ocado and Lindt chocolate shops across the UK and online with an RRP of £4.00 per 300g tin. #hotchocolate #LindtampSprüngli #UK

German plant-based fish alternative producer BettaF!sh has announced the launch of a new range of vegan tuna sandwiches available exclusively at Aldi stores across Germany. BettaF!sh Tu-Nah sandwiches, which will be available for a limited time only, come in three varieties: Classic, Sweet Corn + Pepper and Sweet Chili. The new plant-based tuna sandwiches are made from seaweed and legumes and produced without soy, wheat, methylcellulose, yeast extract and artificial aroma. “In less than a year, our team of product developers have been able to create a delicious, vegan alternative to tuna. This is a product that will help us push the topic of saving our seas and their dwellers…” said BettaF!sh’s co-founder, Deniz Ficicioglu. BettaF!sh’s co-founder, Jacob von Manteuffel, added: “We are extremely proud to point out that our BettaF!sh products have a significant positive impact. In fact, by purchasing just one Tu-Nah sandwich, the consumer makes an active contribution to reducing bycatch, CO2 emissions and overfishing.” #BettaFish #Germany #tuna

Danone‘s brand Follow Your Heart has expanded its plant-based cheese portfolio with the launch of three new dairy-free cheese alternatives. The new products include Dairy-Free Bleu Cheese Crumbles, which follows on the success of last year’s Dairy-Free Feta Crumbles, Dairy-Free Finely Shredded Cheddar and Dairy-Free Finely Shredded Mozzarella. All three vegan-friendly oferrings are free of dairy, soy, casein, gluten, lactose and preservatives and are made with non-GMO ingredients. “We’ve rewritten the rule book with this trio of cheeses to close a wide gap in the dairy-free cheese category and further satisfy the increasing demand for plant-based alternatives,” said Follow Your Heart’s CEO and co-founder, Bob Goldberg. Goldberg added: “We hope our consumers enjoy our new cheeses on their plant-based pizzas, tacos, salads, burgers and much more. It has always been part of our mission at Follow Your Heart to create high-quality vegan foods that enhance the lives of our consumers, and we believe these cheeses will make it easier and more accessible to make delicious plant-based foods.” The Dairy-Free Bleu Cheese Crumbles comes in 6oz tubs and is available at Whole Foods Market, Stater Bros and at select Acme and Safeway stores. Meanwhile, the finely shredded cheeses are available in 7oz packages nationwide at select retailers including Sprouts, Vons, Albertsons, Wegmans, and Walmart. #cheese #Danone #FollowYourHeart #plantbased

Upfield Group has unveiled its newest addition to its Flora range with a plant-based spread alternative, named Flora Plant B+tter Spreadable. The new alternative to butter is fully plant-based and is suitable for vegans, vegetarians or those who are dairy or lactose free. It is also made with 100% natural ingredients and contains no artificial colours or flavours. The product is apparently ideal for baking, cooking, spreading, and frying and has the same rich, creamy taste as regular dairy butter. Alan Black, marketing director of Upfield UK & Ireland, said:  “Offering healthy, tasty and plant-based products that are more sustainable is one of our principal objectives here at Upfield, which is why we have launched Flora Plant B+tter Spreadable. The desire for more sustainable, vegan products is rising, and so we wanted to provide customers with a spreadable alternative to dairy butter that is made with 100% natural ingredients, and could be fully recycled, but still had the creamy, delicious taste of butter”. He continued: “The launch of Flora Plant B+tter Spreadable is a great step towards our brands committing to providing plant-based, sustainable products to customers, and we look forward to hearing feedback on the new spread.” The new release is fully recyclable, which includes the tub, lid, and foil, and has a 70% lower carbon footprint than dairy butter. Flora Plant B+tter Spreadable is available for an RRP of £3.25 in the UK at leading supermarkets including  Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Ocado. #butter #Flora #plantbased #UpfieldGroup

Coconut water brand Vita Coco has released Choc-o-lot, a chocolate drink that is dairy-free, vegan and made with responsibly sourced coconuts. Containing less than 100 calories, Choc-o-lot is rich in potassium and immune-supporting vitamin C. The company says its new beverage is designed “to beat that afternoon slump”. Registered nutrition consultant Jenna Hope said: “Start to feel your energy levels drop throughout the day? We’ve all been there. The 3pm slump is commonly experienced by so many of us for a number of reasons; there is an element of our circadian rhythm which causes us to feel tired in the afternoon, high levels of stress and what we eat for lunch can play a huge role in your energy levels later on in the day. She continued: “A lunch that is rich in sugar and low in protein and fibre may give you that quick energy high you’re looking for, but leave you suffering a subsequent afternoon crash”. Choc-o-lot is now available in selected Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Co-op stores across the UK, with plans to roll out to other supermarkets nationwide. RRP £3.75 for one litre, also available in 330ml cartons. #chocolatemilk #coconutwater #VitaCoco

UK snack bar brand Perkier has announced it has raised £1 million in crowdfunding to invest in the expansion of the company. Perkier exceeded its original £400,000 campaign target by 250%. The company plans on investing the funding into marketing, in-store activation, innovation and recruitment. The funds will accelerate the brand’s growth by “increasing investment in digital marketing to grow brand awareness and sales, in-store activation to catch the shopper’s eye, innovation and expanding its high-performance Perky team”. Perkier’s snacks range is all-natural, gluten free, vegan and palm oil-free – with added vitamins and probiotics for immune support. The company claims its bars contain up to 60% less sugar, 100% more fibre and 34% more protein than other competitors in the snacking sector. Ann Perkins, managing director at Perkier, said: “We are blown away by the response from investors and so excited to be implementing our plans. We’re on a mission to make the healthiest snacks on the planet. But we don’t just care about your health, ‘cos every snack we make tastes good, does you good and doesn’t mess up the planet.” She continued: “Consumers are bored of snacks that pretend to be healthy, taste like cardboard or greenwash their offer. This investment will fund digital marketing, in-store activation, innovation and recruitment. We’re here to shake up and grow the category.” The Perkier range is available in Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Amazon. #Perkier #UK

This Friday FoodBev Media is very excited to announce the winners of our inaugural World Plant-Based Taste Awards in association with Plant Based World Expo Europe! Over 140 companies entered their plant-based products, and our team of judging panels tasted and scored every sample. We are excited to share the finalists for 11 of our categories today. Best beverage Bodyhero – Bodyhero Plant Protein Shake – rich chocolate FLAX & KALE – Kombucha Dragon Lemonade Friendly Viking – Latte Oat Drink Best chilled dessert / ice cream Beau’s Gelato – Raspberry Gelato Chateau Dessert – Vegan & Gluten free chocolate cheese cake Rethink Foods – Pink Albatross Mango & Passion fruit Best convenience / ready to eat product Eat Just Inc. – Just Egg Sous Vide Lidl US – Vegan California Burger Verdino UK Ltd. – Plant-Based Pepperoni Pizza Due to the overwhelming quality in the original Best egg / dairy alternative, we decided to split the categories in 2 in order to shine a light and celebrate both sectors in their own category. Best dairy alternative Bear Paw – Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Creamer Friendly Viking – Greek Style O’gurt Mango Kitchen Circus – Organic Alphonso Mango Yoghurt Best egg alternative Eat Just Inc. – Just Egg Sous Vide NABATI – Plant Eggz OGGS – scrambled OGGS Best faux analogue meat product Dawn Farms – Plant Deli Jackfruit Vegeroni LIDL US – Vermondo Classic Vegan Meatballs Omni Foods – OmniPork Luncheon Best pie / pastry Clive’s Purely Plants – Organic Beefy Ale Puff Pie Higgidy Ltd – Spinach & Roasted Tomato Vegan Quiche Best sauce / store cupboard product Lidl US – Red Lentil Spaghetti Lidl US – Chickpea Fusilli RightRice – Risotto Best savoury snack Cauliflower Nudie snacks – Crisps Lidl US – Organic Roasted Garlic Hummus SnackIT – Plant-Based Snack Original Best soy-based/fermented product FLAX & KALE – It’s Plant-Based Creamy Kitchen Circus – Sweet Chilli Barbecue Tofu LIDL US – Organic Firm Tofu Best sweet snack, biscuit or confectionery Chicago Vegan Foods – Dandies Marshmallows Greenback Plant Protein Bar – Hazelnut Stroop Club – Vegan Stroopwafels The finalists of 6 categories remain unannounced, and with good reason. On Friday afternoon, during Plant Based World Expo Europe, the finalists will be judged blind for a second time by a hand-picked panel of judges – Heather Mills, Stasi Nychas & Deiniol Pritchard. The judges will taste and score each finalist over 2x sessions. The 12.00 session will see the Best faux meat burger, Best faux meat sausage, and Best cheese alternative categories judged. The 14.00 session will see the Best faux chicken product, Best faux fish / seafood, and Best faux bacon product categories scored. Scores will be collected during these sessions, but winners will not be announced. The winners of these 6, and all of the categories will be revealed in the first ever World Plant-Based Taste Awards ceremony taking place on 16.30 on the same day, hosted at the Finnebrogue stand, (VGB1). If you do not yet have your tickets to attend Plant Based World Expo Europe, pre-registration ends tomorrow, and you can get your tickets HERE. #WorldPlantBasedTasteAwards #WorldPlantBasedTasteAwards2021 #PlantBasedWorldExpo #PlantBasedWorldEurope #WPBTA

Hormel Foods has partnered with Californian food tech start-up The Better Meat Co to bring products made using mycoprotein and other plant-based proteins to market. The Better Meat Co is a business-to-business ingredients provider that produces animal-free protein via fermentation. The partnership will see Hormel Foods’ venturing company 199 Ventures work with the food tech firm to develop sustainable alternative protein products using The Better Meat Co’s Rhiza mycoprotein ingredient. Rhiza is a natural mycoprotein that is said to offer a meat-like texture, and more protein and iron than eggs and beef respectively. The ingredient is produced using a potato-based fermentation process pioneered by The Better Meat Co. Commenting on the company’s latest venture in the plant-based space, Hormel Foods’ vice president of corporate development, Fred Halvin, said: “As a global branded food company, we understand our food culture is changing at a rapid pace and people are curious and willing to try great-tasting, plant-based proteins”. “We are excited to work with The Better Meat Co team to continue to offer delicious and convenient mycoprotein and plant-based protein products.” Doni Curkendall, executive vice president of operations at The Better Meat Co, added: “We’re proud to partner with Hormel Foods to unleash the power of fermentation to build an even more sustainable food supply. Hormel Foods has a deep bench of expertise in both animal and plant proteins, and we look forward to working together to bring our delicious mycoprotein to the world.” #HormelFoods #mycoprotein #TheBetterMeatCo #US