UK brand Tenzing has expanded its range of natural energy drinks with the launch of a new tropical variant that combines the flavours of pineapple and passionfruit. The new beverage is made with Peruvian passionfruit and Kenyan pineapples, combined with Tenzing’s signature hit of natural caffeine, vitamin C, electrolytes and plant-based branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Each 330ml can contains 63 calories and zero artificial sweeteners or additives – with 60% less sugar than traditional energy drinks, according to Tenzing. Tenzing Pineapple & Passionfruit joins the brand’s line of natural energy drinks including Original, Raspberry & Yuzu, and Blackberry & Acai. Tenzing’s new tropical blend will be available to purchase nationwide online and from stores such as Holland & Barrett and Wholefoods for an RRP of £1.99. #energydrinks #Tenzing #UK

Mediterranean plant-based meat brand, Heura, has raised €16 million in a Series A funding round led by Impact Fooding. Founded in 2017, Heura offers a range of chicken and beef alternative products. The company’s backers include Lever VC and Green Monday, as well as footballers such as Chris Smalling and Sergi Roberto. Headquartered in Barcelona, Heura recently entered the French, Italian and UK markets and currently operates in 16 countries in total. The start-up, which describes itself as a “mission-driven” company, closed 2020 with a turnover of €8 million, triple the previous year’s total. The proceeds from the Series A round will support the brand’s expansion into new markets, as well as its research and development efforts. Heura is currently hiring as it looks to grow its new product development team. “Having such a mission-driven profile of investors who trust and believe in our purpose means we’ll be able to boost the protein transition and accelerate the change we want to see in the world,” said Heura co-founder and CEO, Marc Coloma. “Our mission is clear, and now we have gas to get there faster,” he added. #Heura #meatalternatives #Spain

US holding company Brand Holdings has announced the acquisition of Healthy Skoop, a plant-based protein powder brand, from private equity firm Seurat Investment Group. Based in Colorado, Healthy Skoop offers an assortment of breakfast protein powders and daily proteins, which are paired with prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins and minerals. The deal marks Brand Holdings’ third acquisition in 12 months, as it looks to execute its direct-to-consumer ecommerce strategy with a focus on companies in the areas of health and wellness, sports nutrition, beauty and functional foods. It comes after the purchase of supplements and sports nutrition brand Dr. Emil Nutrition and more recently, Simple Botanics, a producer of herbal teas and organic nutrition bars. “With this third acquisition in the Brand Holdings portfolio in less than a year from the formation of the company, we are excited for the future both due to the individual strength of these brands as well as the economies of scale of combining under the Brand Holdings umbrella,” said Dale Cheney, managing partner at T-street Capital, which backs Brand Holdings alongside Kidd & Company. Following the acquisition, Brand Holdings plans to launch a new presence for the Healthy Skoop brand online and accelerate its growth across the US. “As the world begins to open back up and our customers’ busy lifestyles start up again, providing them an easy way to get their daily requirement of plant-based protein, vitamins and minerals is a priority, and we are thrilled with the ability to lead the future growth of a company with products as strong as Healthy Skoop,” said Jeffrey Hennion, chairman and CEO of Brand Holdings. James Rouse, one of the original founders of Healthy Skoop, said: “Our commitment to quality, taste and experience has always been the foundation of our brand, and this relationship with Brand Holdings will insure that we will have the honour to continue to serve our passionate Healthy Skoop community.” Adam Greenberger, managing partner of Seurat Capital, added: “We have always been extremely proud of the quality of the Healthy Skoop product line and we look forward to the bright future of the brand and the continued growth of the company that Jeff and the Brand Holdings team will bring.” #HealthySkoop #SeuratInvestmentGroup #US #plantbasedprotein #BrandHoldings

Food tech start-up Enough, formerly known as 3F BIO, has raised €42 million in Series B funding. Based in Scotland, Enough produces its Abunda mycoprotein using a fermentation process that feeds natural fungi renewable feedstock such as wheat and corn. The company aims to grow more than 1 million tonnes by 2032, which it says would be the equivalent of replacing 5 million cows or more than 1 billion chickens. Led by Nutreco and Olympic Investments, Enough’s Series B funding round also received participation from new investors such as AXA IM Alts, Hal Investments and Tailored Solutions, as well as existing investors CPT Capital and Scottish Enterprise. “The market for delicious, nutritious vegan products is growing at a pace that requires a step change in the supply of sustainable ingredients,” said Jim Laird, CEO of Enough. “We are privileged by support from investors who share our focus on making sustainable protein.” Nutreco CEO, Rob Koremans, said: “This partnership perfectly supports our ambitions to accelerate the contribution we can make to the challenge of feeding a growing global population. “If we are serious about meeting this objective in a sustainable way, we will need to produce protein from a variety of sources such as fermentation, which is very much a shared goal.” Jonathan Dean, head of impact investing at AXA IM Alts, added: “We are excited to support Enough in its mission to provide a scalable alternative to animal protein, which in turn contributes to the transition towards a more sustainable, climate-aligned food system.” Enough is building a protein facility that will initially produce 10,000 tonnes per year. The plans have received funding from the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking within the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Unilever recently announced a new partnership with Enough, as part of its strategy to bring more plant-based meat products to market. #Enough #Nutreco #plantprotein #UK

Tyson Foods has expanded its Raised & Rooted portfolio with the introduction of new ‘snackable’ Plant Based Bites. Available in two varieties, the bites can be prepared in the oven or microwave and offer 8g of protein and 3g of fibre per serving. They are also said to contain 33% less saturated fat than USDA white meat chicken nuggets. The new Sweet Barbecue Flavored Plant Based Bites are covered in a ‘sweet yet smoky’ sauce. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Style Plant Based Bites are seasoned with cayenne pepper to provide a tangy, spicy kick. “Our new plant-based bites deliver the taste that will wow taste buds in a better-for-you alternative,” said David Ervin, vice president of marketing, Raised & Rooted. “We are excited to continue to grow our offerings and provide people with the alternative protein options they seek for meal or snack time with beloved flavours.” The new offerings are available across the US, priced at $4.99 per pack. The launch follows the introduction of four new Raised & Rooted products – including plant-based burger patties, Bratwurst and Italian sausages, and ground – earlier this year. #meatalternatives #RaisedampRooted #TysonFoods

Swedish mycoprotein producer Mycorena has raised up to SEK 77 million ($9 million approx.) in a Pre-Series A funding round. Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, the mycoprotein manufacturer claims to be one of the fastest-growing food tech start-ups in the country. Mycorena’s flagship ingredient, Promyc, is currently being tested as a protein ingredient in several commercial vegan products. The company’s latest funding round was led by Belgium-based Veos Group, a supplier of proteins and functional ingredients. The Pre-Series A raise was also backed by existing supporters, including Mycorena shareholders FBG Invest and Bånt, and several new investors. Mycorena will use the new capital to prepare for ‘rapid commercialisation’ through expansion of its team and research and development capabilities, as well as production scaleup. The company says that the funds will enable it to kickstart a planned project to construct a new production site in Falkenberg, Sweden. Mycorena claims that the plant will be Scandinavia’s first-of-its-kind facility for large-scale mycoprotein manufacturing. “Upscaling our product has been in our focus for this year and with the new funding, we will fast track our path to commercialisation of our technology and product,” said Ramkumar Nair, founder and CEO of Mycorena. Jörgen Hallgren of FBG Invest added: “Sustainable protein is the future of food production, and moving on to demonstrate its large-scale production will take the company much further in its growth.” #mycoprotein #Mycorena #plantprotein #Sweden

Plant-based deli meat start-up Plantcraft has announced that its two new vegan pâtés are available in US retail via the Los Angeles organic grocery chain Erewhon. With claims of being the first plant-based pâté on the commercial market, Plantcraft Pâté comes in both spicy and mild varieties. The all-natural pâté alternatives are made from green banana flour, golden flax seeds, grapeseed oil, legume-based protein and natural flavourings such as onion, garlic and cayenne pepper. The products are free from all the main allergens including nuts, gluten, soy, dairy, grains and eggs; as well as additives, preservatives and artificial ingredients. According to Plantcraft, its new vegan offerings deliver the smooth, rich texture of traditional pâté and a smoky, savoury taste. The brand also claims its pâté alternatives are a good source of protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. “Erewhon is known for bringing Los Angeles the latest innovations in nutrient-rich, pure products that are ethically and sustainably sourced,” said Plantcraft co-founder, Kati Ohens. “Their customers are aware of the impacts of their food choices and we believe they will appreciate that our pâté incorporates whole foods, not processed ingredients.” #plantbasedmeat #Plantcraft #US #vegan

Danone has signed an agreement to sell plant-based nutritional products brand Vega to funds managed by private equity investment firm, WM Partners. Available across the US and Canada, Vega’s offerings include options for sport and daily nutrition. The brand’s portfolio features products such as supplements, and protein bars, powders and snacks. According to Danone, the sale is part of the strategic review of its portfolio of brands, SKUs and assets. Danone announced the review process in its third-quarter 2020 results, saying that the company would start with an immediate examination of its options for Vega, its Argentina business and ‘possibly further assets’. The sale is also said to be part of the dairy giant’s ‘continuous capital allocation optimisation’. Jose Minski, co-founder of WM Partners, said: “We are excited to work with Vega, the pioneers and leaders of the plant-based nutrition industry and look forward to implementing our operational playbook to create additional value.” Patrick Brown, president of Vega, added: “We are looking forward to partnering with the WM Partners team to build on Vega’s existing strengths. Their extensive experience in the health and wellness sector and significant operational capabilities will help accelerate our long-term strategic plans and solidify the Vega brand as a key player in plant-based nutrition.” The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. #NorthAmerica #Vega #sportsnutrition #Danone #plantbased #WMPartners

A European Union funding programme Horizon Europe has allocated €32 million into the research and development of sustainable proteins such as plant-based food, fermented proteins and cultivated meat. The €32 million funding package forms part of Horizon Europe’s larger €14.7 billion programme for a “healthier, greener and more digital Europe”, and marks the biggest funding package dedicated to supporting plant-based, cultivated meat and fermentation to date. Horizon Europe’s funding will see the running of three projects, which aim to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the aforementioned proteins, facilitate best-practice sharing between farmers and increase protein crop production. A budget of €11 million will be put towards “filling knowledge gaps on nutritional, safety, allergenicity and environment assessment of alternative proteins and dietary shift”. Meanwhile, €9 million will be used to develop sustainable and competitive land-based protein crop systems and value chains. Finally, €12 million will be invested into building alternative protein-friendly sustainable and healthy food environments – ensuring that restaurants and supermarkets offer sustainable and affordable protein options other than typical meat and dairy products. The programme report stated that the move is in line with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy to transition to a healthy and resilient EU agriculture sector, in particular the goal of adopting EU-grown plant proteins. The funding package comes after the Good Food Institute Europe, ProVeg and 20 other organisations sent an open letter calling on the European Commission to invest in sustainable protein research and development. Acacia Smith, policy manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, said: “Horizon Europe’s funding for open-access research will spark real innovation in plant-based foods, cultivated meat and fermentation. By making these options more delicious and accessible, and ensuring farmers are part of the transition, this investment will accelerate Europe’s shift to a sustainable, secure and just food system. “It’s a strong signal that the EU is betting on sustainable proteins playing an important role in meeting its climate and biodiversity targets. National governments should take this as encouragement to invest in the research and infrastructure we need to advance plant-based and cultivated meat.” #fermentation #cultivatedmeat #sustainableprotein #plantbased #HorizonEurope #EuropeanCommission

Kestrel Foods-owned snack brand, Forest Feast, has announced the launch of its new range of Vegan 60% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Dipped Fruit. Featuring three varieties, the new line is gluten free and made with real chunks of ‘sustainably sourced’ fruit. The new 60% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Sour Cherries variant features ‘super-sour’ cherry pieces smothered in dark Belgian chocolate to create a sweet and sour contrast. Forest Feast’s 60% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Mango combines sweet and juicy dried mango strips with 60% cocoa Belgian dark chocolate. Meanwhile, the 60% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Mountain Figs offering features sun-dried figs covered in dark Belgian chocolate. Bronagh Clarke, marketing director at Forest Feast, said: “We have seen chocolate-dipped fruit gain huge traction in the US, and so it’s only a matter of time before it lands here in the UK in a big way – home-made options are already popping up all over Instagram and Pinterest.” Clarke continued: “We’re really excited to see this range land in stores. As the only 100% vegan and gluten-free option out there in dipped chocolate fruit, we’re going to really deliver for shoppers and hopefully in turn grow the category too.” With an RRP of £3.50, the new products are available from Waitrose. Last year, Forest Feast introduced a new chocolate-coated nuts range, as it aimed to tap into the growing market for premium and indulgent snacks. #ForestFeast #KestrelFoods #UK

The plant-based movement is on the rise with consumers turning to flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets because of animal welfare concerns, sustainability and perceived health benefits. To meet this rising demand, food and beverage manufacturers are accelerating their innovation activities to differentiate their offerings and deliver more enjoyable and tasty dairy alternatives that meet consumers nutritional requirements while also being sustainably produced. CanolaPRO® the next big plant protein CanolaPRO® is a highly soluble and functional protein isolate, derived from non-GMO canola (rapeseed) which can be used in a wide range of plant-based foods and beverages, including dairy alternatives, to deliver exceptional nutritional quality with a high digestibility score and a complete amino acid profile. In this webinar, Barbara Jacobs, application manager and Ben Rutten, business manager of milk drinks at DSM Food Specialties provide an introduction to CanolaPRO®, which will be commercially available in 2022, and the unique characteristics that set it apart from other proteins. Register for the webinar today to learn how to differentiate your products with this non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free and solvent-free plant-based protein. If you missed the event, which took place on Tuesday 15 June 2021 at 14:00, you can click here to register and watch the video. Alternatively, watch the free webinar here: #webinars #canola #Dairyalternatives #plantbased #DSM

Motif FoodWorks has secured $226 million in a Series B funding round, as it looks to bring transformative plant-based food technologies to market. With the capital, Motif FoodWorks plans to increase its research and development capabilities, scale and commercialise its food technologies, as well as open more facilities. By continuing its growth in these areas, the company aims to solve key sensory and nutritional challenges with existing plant-based foods, including meat and dairy alternatives. Originally spun out of Ginkgo Bioworks in 2019, Motif has raised a total of $345 million to date. The company recently secured licensing partnerships with the University of Guelph and Coasun for technologies that create melting and stretching characteristics in plant-based cheeses, and healthier fat alternatives that marbleise plant-based meats. “Plant-based foods have the potential to unlock enormous benefits for people and the planet, but that will only happen if they live up to, or even exceed, what consumers expect from animal-based counterparts,” said Jonathan McIntyre, CEO of Motif FoodWorks. He added: “With support from our investors, we’re advancing the understanding of food science and design to make plant-based foods better tasting, more nutritious and so desirable that people actually crave them.” The round was jointly led by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board – through its Teachers’ Innovation Platform (TIP) – and funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. Other participators in the round included AiiM Partners, Wittington Ventures, Rethink Food, Rage Capital and Rellevant Partners; as well as existing investors Breakthrough Energy Ventures, CPT Capital, General Atlantic, Louis Dreyfus Company and Viking Global Investors. Olivia Steedman, senior managing director of TIP, said: “Making plant-based foods taste great will increase the global appetite for this sector – and shape a better future for our planet in the process. As people increasingly look to meat and dairy alternatives, Motif offers breakthrough solutions powered by leading technology, deep scientific expertise and a visionary management team.” #MotifFoodWorks #US #Dairyalternatives #meatalternatives #plantbased