Impossible Foods has launched its plant-based meat alternative in Asian grocery stores for the first time, in an effort to accelerate its international growth. The company’s flagship product, Impossible Beef, will go on sale this week in about 200 grocery stores across Hong Kong and Singapore. These include ParknShop, FairPrice and online retailer RedMart. According to Reuters, the launch comes as Impossible Foods awaits approval from Chinese regulators as its key ingredient heme – made via genetically modified yeast – requires approval by the country. The launch marks the first time Impossible Beef has been made available for people at home via retail outside of the US. It follows its debut in select Asian restaurants two years ago. “The world’s most respected chefs consistently tell us that the Impossible Burger blows them away. And we can’t wait for Hong Kong and Singapore’s home chefs to experience the same magic in their own kitchens — whether using Impossible Beef in their traditional family favourites or inventing new recipes that go viral,” said Impossible Foods’ CEO and founder Patrick Brown. Earlier this year, the company secured $200 million in its latest funding round. Meanwhile, Beyond Meat signed a deal which will see it begin the production of its plant-based meat products in China. #ImpossibleFoods #plantbasedmeat #HongKong #Asia #Singapore

Impossible Foods has launched its plant-based meat alternative in Asian grocery stores for the first time, in an effort to accelerate its international growth. The company’s flagship product, Impossible Beef, will go on sale this week in about 200 grocery stores across Hong Kong and Singapore. These include ParknShop, FairPrice and online retailer RedMart. According to Reuters, the launch comes as Impossible Foods awaits approval from Chinese regulators as its key ingredient heme – made via genetically modified yeast – requires approval by the country. The launch marks the first time Impossible Beef has been made available for people at home via retail outside of the US. It follows its debut in select Asian restaurants two years ago. “The world’s most respected chefs consistently tell us that the Impossible Burger blows them away. And we can’t wait for Hong Kong and Singapore’s home chefs to experience the same magic in their own kitchens -- whether using Impossible Beef in their traditional family favourites or inventing new recipes that go viral,” said Impossible Foods’ CEO and founder Patrick Brown. Earlier this year, the company secured $200 million in its latest funding round. Meanwhile, Beyond Meat signed a deal which will see it begin the production of its plant-based meat products in China.

Mrs Crimble’s, a gluten-free brand owned by Wessanen UK, has announced the launch of its second vegan offering; vegan coconut macaroons. Launching in Tesco stores on 23 October, the new vegan coconut macaroons aim to provide more flavour choice for the growing vegan market. The new variety extends Mrs Crimble’s vegan line-up and joins the brand’s vegan-friendly chocolate macaroons that were released last year. Mrs Crimble’s says its vegan chocolate offering – which won a 2020 Great Taste Award – drove incremental sales, secured larger category share and enabled the brand to reach a different consumer base. Described as offering a “rich and fresh flavour profile with hints of tropical coconut flavour”, the vegan-friendly version of its coconut macaroons is also gluten-free. Each macaroon contains 133 calories and reportedly offers a low-calorie snack that is ideal for lunch boxes. Bryan Martins, marketing and category director at Wessanen UK, said: “Mrs Crimble’s is revolutionising the gluten-free bakery market, offering great taste and texture that is never compromised. “As more customers seek vegan alternatives to their favourite cakes, we are proud to launch a vegan option of our Coconut Macaroons. With Mrs Crimble’s vegan line driving incremental sales, the vegan market will continue to be a focus area for the brand.” Mrs Crimble’s vegan coconut macaroons will be available to purchase at Tesco stores across the UK for an RRP of £1.79 per pack of six. #UK #vegan #WessanenUK #glutenfree #MrsCrimbles

Mrs Crimble’s, a gluten-free brand owned by Wessanen UK, has announced the launch of its second vegan offering; vegan coconut macaroons. Launching in Tesco stores on 23 October, the new vegan coconut macaroons aim to provide more flavour choice for the growing vegan market. The new variety extends Mrs Crimble’s vegan line-up and joins the brand's vegan-friendly chocolate macaroons that were released last year. Mrs Crimble’s says its vegan chocolate offering – which won a 2020 Great Taste Award – drove incremental sales, secured larger category share and enabled the brand to reach a different consumer base. Described as offering a “rich and fresh flavour profile with hints of tropical coconut flavour”, the vegan-friendly version of its coconut macaroons is also gluten-free. Each macaroon contains 133 calories and reportedly offers a low-calorie snack that is ideal for lunch boxes. Bryan Martins, marketing and category director at Wessanen UK, said: “Mrs Crimble’s is revolutionising the gluten-free bakery market, offering great taste and texture that is never compromised. “As more customers seek vegan alternatives to their favourite cakes, we are proud to launch a vegan option of our Coconut Macaroons. With Mrs Crimble’s vegan line driving incremental sales, the vegan market will continue to be a focus area for the brand.” Mrs Crimble’s vegan coconut macaroons will be available to purchase at Tesco stores across the UK for an RRP of £1.79 per pack of six.

Danone has recorded a fall in sales of 2.5% on a like-for-like (LFL) basis for its third quarter, a result which the company claims is ‘broadly in line with expectations’. The owner of Evian and Volvic saw an improvement in its Waters business versus the 28% decline in sales seen in Q2. However, sales still dropped 13.5% on an LFL basis, with volumes decreasing 8.1%. The quarter saw a ‘strong acceleration’ of Danone’s Essential Dairy and Plant-based (EDP) division with LFL sales growth of 3.7%. The firm’s Specialized Nutrition business experienced a 5.7% decline in sales in Q3, taking it into negative growth for the first nine months of the year, with a 0.2% decline on an LFL basis. Registering overall sales of €5.82 billion for the quarter, Danone also announced several business changes ‘to progress with its adaptation plans to a new Covid-world’. These include the appointment of two macro-regional CEOs, in charge of Danone international and Danone North America, and a COO in charge of a newly created design-to-delivery function, integrating research & innovation, cycles & procurement, operations, and quality. Meanwhile, the company says that current CFO, Cécile Cabanis, is leaving in February 2021 after 16 years with Danone and will be succeeded by Juergen Esser, current CFO of Danone’s Waters and Africa divisions. Danone has also revealed that it will be conducting a full strategic review of its portfolio of brands, SKUs and assets starting with an immediate review of its strategic options for Argentina, the Vega brand and ‘possibly further assets’. “Our Q3 results reflect how much the Covid-world and its cohort of sanitary measures, border closures, uncertainty in consumer sentiment and some structural changes affect our business,” said Emmanuel Faber, chairman and CEO of Danone. “As we expect continued volatility in our other businesses in the short term, the return of EDP growth beyond 3%, both for Q3 and YTD (and stellar performance of plant-based) is a north star to our ambition to reconnect as soon as possible with our 3-5% mid-term profitable growth agenda. Our discipline on portfolio focus and capital allocation will be an additional enabler.” #bottledwater #Danone #plantbased

Danone has recorded a fall in sales of 2.5% on a like-for-like (LFL) basis for its third quarter, a result which the company claims is ‘broadly in line with expectations’. The owner of Evian and Volvic saw an improvement in its Waters business versus the 28% decline in sales seen in Q2. However, sales still dropped 13.5% on an LFL basis, with volumes decreasing 8.1%. The quarter saw a ‘strong acceleration’ of Danone's Essential Dairy and Plant-based (EDP) division with LFL sales growth of 3.7%. The firm’s Specialized Nutrition business experienced a 5.7% decline in sales in Q3, taking it into negative growth for the first nine months of the year, with a 0.2% decline on an LFL basis. Registering overall sales of €5.82 billion for the quarter, Danone also announced several business changes ‘to progress with its adaptation plans to a new Covid-world’. These include the appointment of two macro-regional CEOs, in charge of Danone international and Danone North America, and a COO in charge of a newly created design-to-delivery function, integrating research & innovation, cycles & procurement, operations, and quality. Meanwhile, the company says that current CFO, Cécile Cabanis, is leaving in February 2021 after 16 years with Danone and will be succeeded by Juergen Esser, current CFO of Danone's Waters and Africa divisions. Danone has also revealed that it will be conducting a full strategic review of its portfolio of brands, SKUs and assets starting with an immediate review of its strategic options for Argentina, the Vega brand and 'possibly further assets'. “Our Q3 results reflect how much the Covid-world and its cohort of sanitary measures, border closures, uncertainty in consumer sentiment and some structural changes affect our business,” said Emmanuel Faber, chairman and CEO of Danone. “As we expect continued volatility in our other businesses in the short term, the return of EDP growth beyond 3%, both for Q3 and YTD (and stellar performance of plant-based) is a north star to our ambition to reconnect as soon as possible with our 3-5% mid-term profitable growth agenda. Our discipline on portfolio focus and capital allocation will be an additional enabler.”

Soreen has released new plant-based loaf bar multipacks in three flavours across the UK, targeting lunch box occasions with its snack-sized products. Available in multipacks of four, the individually wrapped loaf bars come in three flavours: banana, malt and a brand new vegan chocolate variety. The snack-sized vegan bars aim to meet consumer demand for a healthy, on-the-go snack. Soreen claims that each bar of all three variants contains over 30% less sugar and 70% less fat than the average cereal bar. The launch builds on Soreen’s recent launch of a limited-edition chocolate and orange variant in mini loaf form for Easter, while individually wrapped banana variants were made available last September. Soreen marketing director, Bethan Brown, said: “Given the rising popularity of Soreen Loaf Bars, fuelling active lifestyles, we took the decision to add a new flavour that would appeal to a different palate. “Veganism has been a key trend within the food industry for the last few years now, so we’re immensely proud to bring a vegan, plant-based chocolate product to market that retains that flavoursome, treat like taste without being high in sugar or fat – important for a healthy and nutritious diet.” Mark Simester, managing director at Soreen, added: “Our Loaf Bar Multipacks will enable shoppers to grab a healthy choice fast – whether they’re still at home, returning to the office or in need of an energy boost for pre, during or post exercise – this is an ideal, tasty and affordable snack.” Soreen’s new vegan approved loaf bar multipacks are available to purchase now from Ocado. #healthysnacks #Soreen #UK #vegan

Soreen has released new plant-based loaf bar multipacks in three flavours across the UK, targeting lunch box occasions with its snack-sized products. Available in multipacks of four, the individually wrapped loaf bars come in three flavours: banana, malt and a brand new vegan chocolate variety. The snack-sized vegan bars aim to meet consumer demand for a healthy, on-the-go snack. Soreen claims that each bar of all three variants contains over 30% less sugar and 70% less fat than the average cereal bar. The launch builds on Soreen’s recent launch of a limited-edition chocolate and orange variant in mini loaf form for Easter, while individually wrapped banana variants were made available last September. Soreen marketing director, Bethan Brown, said: “Given the rising popularity of Soreen Loaf Bars, fuelling active lifestyles, we took the decision to add a new flavour that would appeal to a different palate. “Veganism has been a key trend within the food industry for the last few years now, so we’re immensely proud to bring a vegan, plant-based chocolate product to market that retains that flavoursome, treat like taste without being high in sugar or fat - important for a healthy and nutritious diet.” Mark Simester, managing director at Soreen, added: “Our Loaf Bar Multipacks will enable shoppers to grab a healthy choice fast - whether they’re still at home, returning to the office or in need of an energy boost for pre, during or post exercise - this is an ideal, tasty and affordable snack.” Soreen’s new vegan approved loaf bar multipacks are available to purchase now from Ocado.

Bolthouse Farms is swapping traditional ingredients for carrots in its newest line of plant-powered products, Wunderoots. With the intention of creating a new way to enjoy carrots, the Wunderoots range features the vegetable in the form of fettuccine, rice and ‘hot dogs’. Bolthouse Farms’ Wunderoots carrot dogs can be grilled and offer an alternative to both traditional meat-based and newer plant-based hot dogs. Made with whole carrots, the product is infused with herbs and spices to create three flavours: classic American-style, chorizo-style and sweet Italian-style. Meanwhile, carrot fettuccine kits pair fresh carrot fettuccine ribbons with sauces such as marinara, spicy Thai basil and red coconut curry, to create a lower carb and veggie-rich alternative to a bowl of pasta. Again, targeting those consumers looking to swap out their tradition carbs, the company’s riced carrot kits come in sauces like sesame stir fry, green chile and yellow coconut curry. The kits can be served as a side dish or as a base of a meal with the addition of protein, and can be prepared using the microwave or stove. “At Bolthouse Farms, we are driven by our passion to create a new way for people to eat and live healthier lifestyles. Our vision of Plants Powering People starts with a focus on healthier and more accessible plant-based eating,” said Bolthouse Farms CEO Jeff Dunn. He added: “The new Bolthouse Farms Wunderoots carrot ‘swaps’ demonstrate our continued commitment to innovation and creating a plant-powered platform for healthier, more functional products that meet the fast-changing needs of today’s consumer.” The company’s launch of carrot-based swaps comes after the acquisition of the carrot operations of Rousseau Farming Company, with the aim to position Bolthouse Farms for innovation in the ‘carrot space’. It also follows its recent introduction of plant-based protein keto beverages and refrigerated dressings. The entire Wunderoots line is being debuted at the current PMA Fresh Summit and will be available in US supermarkets in spring 2021. #BolthouseFarms #carrots #plantbasedfoods #US

Bolthouse Farms is swapping traditional ingredients for carrots in its newest line of plant-powered products, Wunderoots. With the intention of creating a new way to enjoy carrots, the Wunderoots range features the vegetable in the form of fettuccine, rice and 'hot dogs'. Bolthouse Farms’ Wunderoots carrot dogs can be grilled and offer an alternative to both traditional meat-based and newer plant-based hot dogs. Made with whole carrots, the product is infused with herbs and spices to create three flavours: classic American-style, chorizo-style and sweet Italian-style. Meanwhile, carrot fettuccine kits pair fresh carrot fettuccine ribbons with sauces such as marinara, spicy Thai basil and red coconut curry, to create a lower carb and veggie-rich alternative to a bowl of pasta. Again, targeting those consumers looking to swap out their tradition carbs, the company's riced carrot kits come in sauces like sesame stir fry, green chile and yellow coconut curry. The kits can be served as a side dish or as a base of a meal with the addition of protein, and can be prepared using the microwave or stove. "At Bolthouse Farms, we are driven by our passion to create a new way for people to eat and live healthier lifestyles. Our vision of Plants Powering People starts with a focus on healthier and more accessible plant-based eating," said Bolthouse Farms CEO Jeff Dunn. He added: "The new Bolthouse Farms Wunderoots carrot 'swaps' demonstrate our continued commitment to innovation and creating a plant-powered platform for healthier, more functional products that meet the fast-changing needs of today's consumer." The company’s launch of carrot-based swaps comes after the acquisition of the carrot operations of Rousseau Farming Company, with the aim to position Bolthouse Farms for innovation in the ‘carrot space’. It also follows its recent introduction of plant-based protein keto beverages and refrigerated dressings. The entire Wunderoots line is being debuted at the current PMA Fresh Summit and will be available in US supermarkets in spring 2021.

US retailer Kroger is adding 50 new products to its own-label Simple Truth Plant Based collection, in response to the growing demand for plant-based products. Among the 50 new products are dairy-free cheeses, oat milk ice cream, almond milk yogurts and Emerge Chick’n patties and grinds. All new products in the range will be available exclusively from Kroger stores. The Simple Truth plant-based range was introduced in September 2019 with 20 products, including oat milk, sausage alternatives, and plant-based deli slices. Kroger claims that the addition of the new products will increase Simple Truth’s plant-based portfolio to 75 foods and beverages by the end of 2020. According to Kroger, the release of the new products comes as an increasing number of consumers are adopting flexitarian or fully plant-based eating habits, prioritising healthier food choices and reducing their intake of traditional meat and dairy products. The creation and launch of the first chicken-alternative in the collection, Simple Truth Emerge Chick’n, reportedly follows increased demand for the Simple Truth Emerge burger patties and grinds that were launched by the retailer earlier this year. Stuart Aitken, Kroger’s chief merchant, said: “We’re excited to introduce the latest additions to our Simple Truth Plant Based collection to provide an expanded selection of affordable, delicious and quality products for our customers who live a vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian lifestyle. “We look forward to continuing to drive the growth of the plant-based category through our Simple Truth brand, which exceeded $2.5 billion in sales last year, and we anticipate increased interest in our plant-based selection in 2021 and beyond.” Brad Studer, Kroger’s senior director of Our Brands, added: “We believe that everyone deserves to have access to fresh, affordable and delicious food, no matter who you are, how you shop or what you like to eat, and we will continue to innovate and inspire our selection of products to deliver on that very promise for our customers.” #Kroger #US #SimpleTruth #plantbased #retail

US retailer Kroger is adding 50 new products to its own-label Simple Truth Plant Based collection, in response to the growing demand for plant-based products. Among the 50 new products are dairy-free cheeses, oat milk ice cream, almond milk yogurts and Emerge Chick'n patties and grinds. All new products in the range will be available exclusively from Kroger stores. The Simple Truth plant-based range was introduced in September 2019 with 20 products, including oat milk, sausage alternatives, and plant-based deli slices. Kroger claims that the addition of the new products will increase Simple Truth's plant-based portfolio to 75 foods and beverages by the end of 2020. According to Kroger, the release of the new products comes as an increasing number of consumers are adopting flexitarian or fully plant-based eating habits, prioritising healthier food choices and reducing their intake of traditional meat and dairy products. The creation and launch of the first chicken-alternative in the collection, Simple Truth Emerge Chick'n, reportedly follows increased demand for the Simple Truth Emerge burger patties and grinds that were launched by the retailer earlier this year. Stuart Aitken, Kroger's chief merchant, said: "We're excited to introduce the latest additions to our Simple Truth Plant Based collection to provide an expanded selection of affordable, delicious and quality products for our customers who live a vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian lifestyle. "We look forward to continuing to drive the growth of the plant-based category through our Simple Truth brand, which exceeded $2.5 billion in sales last year, and we anticipate increased interest in our plant-based selection in 2021 and beyond." Brad Studer, Kroger's senior director of Our Brands, added: "We believe that everyone deserves to have access to fresh, affordable and delicious food, no matter who you are, how you shop or what you like to eat, and we will continue to innovate and inspire our selection of products to deliver on that very promise for our customers."