Plant-based seafood producer Sophie’s Kitchen has secured $5.6 million in funding to accelerate its growth and product innovation efforts. The investment was led by Billy Goat Brands, a Canadian publicly listed venture capital firm with a focus on the blue economy. Sophie’s Kitchen will use the funds to support the growth of its brand, as well as product innovation. According to the statement, the capital will also support the company’s “overall mission of making a positive difference globally by changing unsustainable and unethical industries into ones that are”. Founded in 2010, Sophie’s Kitchen creates seafood alternatives. The firm’s current portfolio includes plant-based shrimp, crab cakes, fish fillets, smoked salmon and its tuna range, Toona. The brand is free of preservatives, gluten and soy, and contains non-GMO ingredients. “We at Sophie’s Kitchen believe in the same mission – to save lives and protect the planet, one meal at a time,” said Sophie’s Kitchen CEO, Miles Woodruff. “The best way to achieve this goal is to create plant-based foods craved by vegans and meat-lovers alike while making our products accessible to consumers so they can also join our mission for change.” #Plantbasedseafood #SophiesKitchen

Growthwell Foods, a manufacturer of plant-based alternatives for meat and seafood, has announced it has raised $22 million in a Series A funding round led by Creadev. Located in Singapore, the company aims to expand its business and production development by making sustainable and nutritious plant-based offerings. The funding round also included participation from GGV Capital, Iris Fund (Iris Capital and Hanwha, supported by Penjana Kapital) and existing investors Temasek and DSG Consumer Partners. “We are extremely pleased to have global investors like Creadev and GGV Capital onboard Growthwell as we look to scale up our plant nutrition business beyond Southeast Asia,” said Justin Chou, executive director of Growthwell Foods. He continued: “We are thankful to have the conviction and continual support of existing investors like Temasek and DSG Consumer Partners as Growthwell continues to further strengthen and grow the team beyond the family members. We believe our current series A fundraising round is one of the largest in the Southeast Asia food tech space and we will continue to trailblaze plant nutrition in Asia.” This funding round comes after Growthwell raised $8 million last year to expand its plant protein operation. #GrowthwellFoods #Asia #Singapore #GrowthwellGroup #plantbased

Plant-based snacks company Mark’s Mindful Munchies has added a brand new sweet potato chips range to its roster. The new range, called Pop Bitties Sweet Potato Chips, is available in two flavours: sea salt and cracked black pepper & sea salt. The air-popped chips are non-GMO verified, gluten-free, corn-free, tree nut- and peanut-free. They contain only 110 calories, 3.5g of fat and 2g of protein per serving. Mark Andrus, founder of Mark’s Mindful Munchies, said: “I’m a health nut and enjoy eating healthy complex carbs like sweet potatoes and brown rice, so I loved the idea of creating an air-popped chip with these high-quality ingredients”. He continued: “Snacking should be fun, delicious and mindful, and our Sweet Potato Chips definitely check all the boxes. We are proud to have created a snack that’s good for you without compromising on flavour.” The range is available in 3.5oz bags at an SRP of $3.49 online or in supermarkets across the US. You may also like: Bel UK launches new Boursin hot cheese bites range International Delight and Reese’s unveil new iced coffee RTD Richmond Sausages launches new meal kit #chips #MarksMindfulMunchies #plantbased #US

UK-based Biotiful Dairy has announced the launch of a plant-based oat kefir drink, which it says offers all of the key health benefits of traditional kefir. The new range is available in three flavours – original, mango and strawberry – and contains vegan cultures to support gut health. Natasha Bowes, founder of Biotiful, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our expertise to the new category of the highest consumer relevance, adding depth to our strategic product portfolio with a dairy-free alternative”. She continued: “Kefir is traditionally a cultured milk drink, but for the first time ever we are offering this authentic product made with a trusted and sustainable oat base. We know that consumers are actively seeking delicious plant-based products and want added benefits, especially gut health and immunity support, and we are best placed to lead the market in this highly relevant space.” Each 250ml bottle contains vitamins B12 and B2 to help support immunity and has no added sugar or any artificial ingredients. The drink is also gluten-free and vegan friendly. The range will be available nationwide with an RRP of £1.85 and is launching in Waitrose on 29 September, followed by Asda in early November. #BiotifulDairy #kefir #plantbased

Warburg Pincus-backed Full Sail IP Partners has acquired the rights to the Odwalla food and beverage brand from The Coca-Cola Company, as it looks to revive the brand after the soft drinks giant discontinued it last year. According to Reuters, Odwalla is the first acquisition Full Sail IP Partners has made since its launch as a joint venture between Warburg Pincus and brand licensing specialists LMCA. Founded in 1980, Odwalla offered plant-based fruit juices, smoothies and energy bars. “We’re thrilled that Odwalla, with its long history of innovation, high levels of brand awareness and reputation for great products, will be our first acquisition,” said Full Sail’s CEO, Alan Kravetz. “We look forward to providing consumers with the best tasting, artfully crafted functional beverages and foods to allow them to snack well, feel well and live well.” Terms of the deal were not disclosed. #FullSailIPPartners #Odwalla #TheCocaColaCompany

Plant-based, better-for-you ramen company Immi has raised $3.8 million in seed funding, as it looks to modernise its instant ramen brand. Launched last year during the pandemic, Immi is described as the “world’s first” low-carb, high-protein and 100% plant-based instant ramen. The seed funding round was led by Siddhi Capital, with participation from Palm Tree Crew, Constellation Capital, Animal Capital, Pear Ventures, Collaborative Fund and others. US-based Immi plans to use the new funds to release a reformulated version of its product, with the aim of replicating the taste of the traditional instant ramen. The relaunch will improve broth taste and texture, and the revamped product will include increased fibre for gut health and lower net carbs. “The excitement and reception to Immi and a better-for-you ramen was incredible upon our initial launch,” said Immi co-founder, Kevin Lee. “As we continue to iterate and listen to our consumer feedback, this seed round funding will be utilised to perfect a product that’s not just nutritious, but that is also truly indistinguishable from the delicious taste of traditional instant ramen.” Immi co-founder, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, added: “The investors within our seed round bring an incredible wealth of knowledge that has helped guide us in bringing Immi to the everyday eater”. He continued: “With this influx of capital, and the continued support from our investors, we plan to ramp up manufacturing and production in a way that will allow us to bring new product innovation to our customers in rapid succession”. #immi #plantbased #ramen

Swedish plant-based cheese start-up Stockeld Dreamery has announced it has raised €16.5 million from investments in its Series A funding round. The investments were led by existing supporters Astanor Ventures and Northzone, and also included new European investors, such as Gullspång Re:food and Eurazeo. Daniel Skaven Ruben, head of strategy and special projects for Stockeld Dreamery, said: “We think it’s possible to create cheese in better ways, and that no one has tried hard enough yet to do so. Our first product, Stockeld Chunk launched in May 2021 and gave a hint as to what’s possible.” He continued: “One of the things we’re most proud about with Stockeld Chunk is how much people love eating it. We’ve worked intensively with scores of chefs over the past few years to help nail every sensory aspect. We’ll continue to be as laser-focused on great taste as we launch our new products.” By 2022, Stockeld plans to expand its team and move into a brand-new headquarters and pilot production plant in Stockholm, Sweden. #Europe #plantbased #StockeldDreamery

Canada-based vegan food company Gusta has added two new products to its portfolio: the Original and the Mex veggie ground. The new offerings are made from soy protein, containing 9g of plant-based protein per 55g, and GMO-free ingredients. The Original is a plant-based ground that can be either crumbled in lasagne or made into veggie balls. Meanwhile, the Mex veggie ground is a Mexican-inspired crumble, which is rounded out by spices. Both veggie grounds are produced with vegetables and the brand’s spice blend. Gusta veggie grounds are available in Canadian grocery stores. #Canada #Gusta #vegan

Kerry-owned Taste & Glory, formerly Naked Glory, has launched a range of vegan lunchtime deli slices, designed for sandwiches, wraps and salads. The deli range is available in three variants: No-Ham, No-Chicken and No-Beef. The thick-cut deli slices have been created to replicate the experience of meat using textured protein to imitate its natural chew. Beth George, brand manager for Taste & Glory, said: “Lunchtime is such an important part of the day, when we often need something quick but tasty, but when it comes to meat-free options, there’s not much to get excited about. We’re here to give shoppers something delicious to look forward to and to make plant-based sandwiches, wraps and salads something to shout about.” She continued: “Taste & Glory delivers on taste and texture, so we’re thrilled to launch our new meat-free Deli Slices range to give retailers opportunities for under-served occasions in the meat-free category. Consumers are crying out for delicious, meat-free lunchtime options and we’re here to shake up sandwiches like never before.” The products launch in Asda on 4 October. They are also available from Waitrose and Morrisons and a wider rollout is expected later on this year. #KerryGroup #NakedGlory #TasteampGlory #UK

Food-tech company Next Meats has announced plans to launch Singapore’s first plant-based yakiniku meat production facility. The stakeholders in this new venture are Global Good Plant Meat, the distributors for Next Meats’ products, and Tiong Lian Food. Both signed a memorandum of understanding on 2 September. Under this agreement, Next Meats is able to process and market plant-based meats in Singapore. Ingredients will be imported from Japan whilst the processing and packing will take place in the new Singapore facility. There are plans to export offerings locally and to neighbouring countries Malaysia and Indonesia. Hideyuki Sasaki, CEO of Next Meats, said: “We have successfully established presence in the Japanese market with our alternative yakiniku meats and are now pushing ahead with our global ambitions”. He continued: “Singapore, with her robust infrastructure and innovation culture, makes an ideal stronghold for us. We look forward to coming up with new products that excite the palate as well as drive food sustainability in Southeast Asia.” This announcement comes after Next Meats began construction of a new eco-friendly, alternative protein production facility in Japan back in August. The Singapore facility is set to open in the last quarter of this year. #NextMeats #plantbased #Singapore #SoutheastAsia

McDonald’s and Beyond Meat have partnered to launch a plant-based burger in the UK. The fast food chain says the McPlant has been three years in the making, with the burger being created using Beyond Meat’s meatless patty, as well as its innovative vegan cheese based on pea protein, which is said to taste just like McDonald’s cheese slices. The burger comes complete with a new vegan sauce. The McPlant features: a vegan sesame bun, mustard, ketchup, vegan burger sauce, fresh onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato and vegan cheese. The plant-based offering is also cooked separately from the company’s other burgers, with dedicated tools and equipment. Michelle Graham-Clare, chief marketing officer, McDonald’s UK and Ireland said: “We’re so pleased to be finally launching McPlant in the UK and Ireland. As with every McDonald’s offering, we take our time to ensure it meets the highest standards and is something that all our customers will enjoy.” She added: “We are always looking for different ways to innovate and meet our customers’ needs, and with McPlant we have a delicious plant-based burger that will appeal to everyone. Whether you’re vegan or just fancy a plant-based patty, we’re confident you will enjoy the McPlant.” Earlier this year, Beyond Meat signed new global strategic agreements with McDonald’s and Yum! Brands to add its McPlant to the fast-food chains. In 2019, McDonald’s partnered with Beyond Meat to trial a new plant-based burger called the P.L.T in Canada. The McPlant burger will be trialled in 10 restaurants in Coventry, before rolling out to a further 250+ restaurants from 13 October, with an aim to become available nationwide by 2022. #BeyondMeat #McDonalds #McPlant #plantbased

Sonae Food4Future, a subsidiary of Portugal-based Sonae, has acquired 95.4% of the share capital of Gosh! Food owner Claybell for around £64 million. UK-based Gosh! Food offers a range of vegan and free-from products, including bites, sausages and burgers, both through the Gosh! brand and as a private label partner to customers in the retail and foodservice channels. The company recorded a normalised turnover of £22 million for its fiscal year ending in May 2021. Following the acquisition, Gosh! will continue to be managed by the current team, who will hold the remaining 4.6% minority stake in the company’s share capital. The deal is said to align with Sonae’s strategic focus on innovative companies operating in growth sectors around its core business. Sonae’s investment in the ‘high-potential’ natural and plant-based food industry also supports its aim to expand its international footprint. Meanwhile, the Portuguese firm expects Gosh! to benefit from its food and retail sector knowledge. #Claybell #GoshFood #Sonae #UK