US-based vegan cheese brand Grounded Foods has raised $1.74 million in a seed funding round, led by Beyond Meat backer Stray Dog Capital. Grounded has created a range of ‘premium’ plant-based cheeses using fermented cauliflower and hemp seeds, that are free from nuts, soy, gluten and GMOs, as well as dairy. The company’s offering is said to be low cost, nutrient dense, with environmental benefits, and aims to make the vegan cheese category more accessible to consumers. Grounded is the latest addition to Stray Dog’s plant-based portfolio, which also includes names such as Beyond Meat, Meatless Farm, Miyoko's Creamery, Hooray Foods and Good Planet Foods. Headquartered in Kansas, Stray Dog describes itself as a ‘mission-driven’ venture capital firm, specialising in early-stage companies that contribute towards creating a healthier, more humane and sustainable food system. Other investors in Grounded Foods’ latest financing round include Rocana Ventures, Veg Invest Trust and members of the GlassWall Syndicate. “There's an enormous shift happening all over the world right now, as we reexamine our eating habits and uncover deep inefficiencies in the food supply chain,” said Grounded co-founder, Veronica Fil. “As a business founder, I want to be part of the solution. That's why we're delighted to partner with Stray Dog Capital, and an incredible mix of forward-thinking investors, and join them in their mission to build a more ethical and sustainable food system.” Johnny Ream, principal from Stray Dog Capital, added: “We are always looking for extraordinary players in the plant-based cheese category, and Grounded’s product and team exceeded our expectations in taste, creativity and strategy.”

Crafting a winning recipe for various plant-based meat products is complex when it comes to taste, texture, mouthfeel and nutritional value. Moreover, for health-conscious consumers who want to include plant-based meat alternatives as part of a healthy and nutritious diet, the fact that unfortified meat alternatives are typically lower in nutritional value and higher in sodium content than traditional meat could prove a stumbling block. DSM’s plant-based meat alternative solutions include: High nucleotide yeast extracts, such as Maxarome® Select, which help to mask the ‘beany’ off-flavours typically associated with plant-based proteins and create a rich umami taste; Multirome®, which increases juiciness and creates a succulent, fatty mouthfeel and experience; the concentrated Maxavor® flavour range to provide the desired meaty taste direction; and Gellaneer™ gellan gum, which enhances water-binding capacity for improved juiciness, while also building an authentic meaty texture and bite. For great-tasting products that also offer an appealing nutritional profile, DSM’s Quali® Vitamins and DSM Premix Solutions can be added to fill the gaps in the nutritional profile of plant-based products, while the Maxavor® RYE LS range can deliver a meaty flavour with reduced sodium to manage salt content. In addition, you’ll be fully supported by DSM’s global team of plant-based experts, who are equipped with industry expertise, insights and rigorous nutrition science to help you get the balance just right. In fact, wherever you are, you can count on a local DSM technical and application team to help you get to market faster. DSM’s combined ingredient capabilities in taste, texture and nutrition not only enable meat alternative producers to optimise the cost-performance ratio of their recipes, but also amplify front-of-pack claims thanks to DSM’s deep-rooted expertise in nutrition science. To find out more, click here. #meatalternatives #plantbasedmeat #ingredients #plantbased #DSM

DSM's integrated solutions improve the taste, texture and nutritional value of your meat alternatives DSM’s plant-based meat alternative solutions include: High nucleotide yeast extracts, such as Maxarome® Select, which help to mask the ‘beany’ off-flavours typically associated with plant-based proteins and create a rich umami taste; Multirome®, which increases juiciness and creates a succulent, fatty mouthfeel and experience; the concentrated Maxavor® flavour range to provide the desired meaty taste direction; and Gellaneer™ gellan gum, which enhances water-binding capacity for improved juiciness, while also building an authentic meaty texture and bite. For great-tasting products that also offer an appealing nutritional profile, DSM’s Quali® Vitamins and DSM Premix Solutions can be added to fill the gaps in the nutritional profile of plant-based products, while the Maxavor® RYE LS range can deliver a meaty flavour with reduced sodium to manage salt content. In addition, you'll be fully supported by DSM's global team of plant-based experts, who are equipped with industry expertise, insights and rigorous nutrition science to help you get the balance just right. In fact, wherever you are, you can count on a local DSM technical and application team to help you get to market faster. DSM’s combined ingredient capabilities in taste, texture and nutrition not only enable meat alternative producers to optimise the cost-performance ratio of their recipes, but also amplify front-of-pack claims thanks to DSM’s deep-rooted expertise in nutrition science. To find out more, click here.

Swedish plant-based food and beverage brand Oatly has sold a minority stake in its business to a group of investors for $200 million. Oatly says it will use the capital to fund its expansion in current markets, as well as new production plants and related jobs in Europe, the US and Asia. The round was led by investment firm Blackstone Growth, while additional celebrity investors include Oprah Winfrey, Natalie Portman and Roc Nation, an entertainment agency founded by Jay-Z. Former Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz, Orkila Capital and Rabobank’s investment arm also took part in the round. Following the transaction, the new investors will become minority shareholders and will join Oatly’s existing partners including Verlinvest-CR JV and the company’s founders. Founded in the 1990’s, Oatly’s products –including oat drinks, oatgurt and ice cream – are now available in more than 50,000 locations in 20 countries. The company’s overarching mission is to reduce the CO2e footprint of the food industry. For Oatly’s CEO Toni Petersson, this investment demonstrates a major step in funding sustainable, society-altering companies. He said: “Leaders in asset management like Blackstone play an essential role in order to create real sustainable change. It is my belief that capital has to turn green and do so for the right reasons. “Since we re-launched our brand in 2013, our focus has been to positively impact society by enabling people to change their lives with better, more environmentally responsible food choices, and in so doing, re-shape the food system to better contribute to the future of the planet. “Our new partners’ commitment to supporting us and furthering of our mission is a clear indication of where the world is heading, which is in a new, more sustainable direction.” Jon Korngold, global head of Blackstone Growth, said: “Oatly is a premier global brand whose product is committed to healthy and sustainable living with significant runway for continued growth to meet rising consumer demand. We are privileged to partner with Toni and the broader Oatly team to help the company extend its global leadership position in the years to come.” Most recently, Oatly partnered with Starbucks, marking its biggest partnership in Asia to date, enabling customers at all China Starbucks stores to customise their beverages with Oatly’s oat milk. #Oatly #Verlinvest #Sweden #BlackstoneGrowth #sustainability

Swedish plant-based food and beverage brand Oatly has sold a minority stake in its business to a group of investors for $200 million. Oatly says it will use the capital to fund its expansion in current markets, as well as new production plants and related jobs in Europe, the US and Asia. The round was led by investment firm Blackstone Growth, while additional celebrity investors include Oprah Winfrey, Natalie Portman and Roc Nation, an entertainment agency founded by Jay-Z. Former Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz, Orkila Capital and Rabobank’s investment arm also took part in the round. Following the transaction, the new investors will become minority shareholders and will join Oatly’s existing partners including Verlinvest-CR JV and the company’s founders. Founded in the 1990’s, Oatly’s products –including oat drinks, oatgurt and ice cream - are now available in more than 50,000 locations in 20 countries. The company’s overarching mission is to reduce the CO2e footprint of the food industry. For Oatly’s CEO Toni Petersson, this investment demonstrates a major step in funding sustainable, society-altering companies. He said: “Leaders in asset management like Blackstone play an essential role in order to create real sustainable change. It is my belief that capital has to turn green and do so for the right reasons. “Since we re-launched our brand in 2013, our focus has been to positively impact society by enabling people to change their lives with better, more environmentally responsible food choices, and in so doing, re-shape the food system to better contribute to the future of the planet. “Our new partners’ commitment to supporting us and furthering of our mission is a clear indication of where the world is heading, which is in a new, more sustainable direction.” Jon Korngold, global head of Blackstone Growth, said: “Oatly is a premier global brand whose product is committed to healthy and sustainable living with significant runway for continued growth to meet rising consumer demand. We are privileged to partner with Toni and the broader Oatly team to help the company extend its global leadership position in the years to come.” Most recently, Oatly partnered with Starbucks, marking its biggest partnership in Asia to date, enabling customers at all China Starbucks stores to customise their beverages with Oatly's oat milk.

Nestlé and Starbucks have unveiled the latest innovation from their global coffee alliance with the launch of non-dairy coffee creamers in the US. The launch builds on Starbucks’ entry into the refrigerated creamer category in July last year, and is in response to growing consumer interest in plant-based options. Starbucks Non-Dairy Creamers feature a blend of almond milk and oat milk and claim to offer a rich and smooth texture when paired with coffee. The line-up will be initially available in two flavours inspired by beverages served at Starbucks cafés: caramel and hazelnut. Starbucks Caramel Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer is made with caramel and hints of vanilla flavouring, inspired by its Caramel Macchiato. Meanwhile, the brand’s Hazelnut Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer is inspired by the Hazlenut Latte found at Starbucks Cafes. The plant-based options will join the current dairy creamer line up, which consists of caramel macchiato, white chocolate mocha, cinnamon dolce latte and toffeenut latte. In 2018, Nestlé paid $7.15 billion for exclusive rights to sell Starbucks’ line of packaged products with the first range of Starbucks-branded coffee products released last year. Most recently under the agreement, the companies launched a Cold Brew concentrate range, Starbucks Fresh Brew and three new coffee blends in K-Cup pods. Starbucks duo of non-dairy creamers will be available to purchase from August in grocery stores nationwide. #Nestlé #nondairy #Starbucks #US

Nestlé and Starbucks have unveiled the latest innovation from their global coffee alliance with the launch of non-dairy coffee creamers in the US. The launch builds on Starbucks' entry into the refrigerated creamer category in July last year, and is in response to growing consumer interest in plant-based options. Starbucks Non-Dairy Creamers feature a blend of almond milk and oat milk and claim to offer a rich and smooth texture when paired with coffee. The line-up will be initially available in two flavours inspired by beverages served at Starbucks cafés: caramel and hazelnut. Starbucks Caramel Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer is made with caramel and hints of vanilla flavouring, inspired by its Caramel Macchiato. Meanwhile, the brand’s Hazelnut Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer is inspired by the Hazlenut Latte found at Starbucks Cafes. In 2018, Nestlé paid $7.15 billion for exclusive rights to sell Starbucks’ line of packaged products with the first range of Starbucks-branded coffee products released last year. Most recently under the agreement, the companies launched a Cold Brew concentrate range, Starbucks Fresh Brew and three new coffee blends in K-Cup pods. Starbucks duo of non-dairy creamers will be available to purchase from August in grocery stores nationwide.

Plant-based meat alternative company Nuggs has rebranded as Simulate, following a new $4.1 million investment round. As a result of the rebrand, Simulate will now act as the parent company of the Nuggs brand. Nuggs was launched in 2019, releasing a line of plant-based alternatives to chicken nuggets. Existing investors in Nuggs include McCain Foods, Rainfall Ventures, Maven Ventures and NOMO Ventures. This latest $4.1 million financing includes investments from AgFunder, Lerer Hippeau (via BN), Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of Reddit), Walter Robb (former CEO of Whole Foods), and Jasmine Tookes (Victoria's Secret model). Former senior director of research & innovation at Danone, Thierry Saint-Denis, has also been appointed as the company's chief technology officer. In this role, Saint-Denis will be responsible for leading the development of new products and 'nutrition technologies'. In a statement, Simulate stated that it would aim to release a new range of Spicy Nuggs and a plant-based hot dog alternative later this year. Ben Pasternak, founder and CEO, of Nuggs and Simulate said: "We're pumped to launch new nutrition technologies over the next few months under our new parent company, Simulate. "Nuggs is just a taste of what the future holds, with new products around the corner. "I'm beyond thrilled to join the Simulate team. The food system is in need of a complete reinvention and we think the best way to change it is to recreate the products we like, using and advancing what nature gave us with better technology."

Wholefood shake brand Purition has expanded its vegan range of protein powders in the UK with new coconut, pistachio and almond flavours. Purition’s range of protein powders are made from natural whole foods like ground seeds and nuts, low sugar fruits, vegetables and natural flavourings. The three flavours have been added to the brand’s dairy-free range following a recipe revamp using a new blend of European plant-based proteins. Due to the subtlety of flavour in coconut, pistachio and almond, Purition was not originally able to produce these flavours with its original vegan rice recipe. However, moving to a new blend of golden pea, organic sunflower, organic pumpkin and hemp seed, and using a smaller amount of natural flavourings has allowed the brand to add the new flavours to its vegan range. Purition has also extended its core vegetarian range with a new blackcurrant flavour, which was originally only available in the vegan format. “We offer a large variety of flavours in both the ordinary and vegan range, and constantly trial new recipes to deliver the best natural taste. The use of various vegetable proteins and a small amount of natural flavouring has allowed us to make a truly delicious recipe and enabled us to expand our vegan product portfolio.” Vegan Almond, Vegan Pistachio and Vegan Coconut protein powders from Purition will be available to purchase for an RRP of £22.95 per 500g pack or £2.49 per 40g sachet from a variety of health food retailers in the UK. #Purition #UK #vegan #dairyfree #plantbasedproteins

Gathered Foods has launched a new product line of frozen entrees and appetisers under its Good Catch plant-based seafood brand. Thai style plant-based fish cakes, New England style plant-based crab cakes and classic plant-based fish burgers mark the brand’s second product launch following its fish-free tuna last year. The frozen entrees and appetisers are made from Good Catch’s proprietary six-legume blend (peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans and navy beans), which is said to create a texture that mimics the flakiness of seafood. To create seafood notes, the company uses natural vegan flavourings and a shot of DHA. Good Catch flavours its crab cakes with sweet red and yellow bell peppers, green onions, spice and parsley. Meanwhile, its fish burgers have a light whitefish texture and flavour and are seasoned with green onion, celery, and salt and pepper. The Thai fish cakes are suggested to be served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, while the crab a plant-based spicy remoulade and fresh-squeezed lemon, or a red sauce and pasta for a heartier meal. Each product is recommended to be pan-seared. “Quality and innovation are essential to the Good Catch culinary journey. Recreating the taste and texture consumers expect from whitefish and crab cakes challenged our team to push our boundaries. We are really proud of the final outcome,” ” said Chad Sarno, co-founder and chief culinary officer at Good Catch. The product launch follows a Series B Financing round with key investors Greenleaf Foods and 301 Inc, the venture arm of General Mills, which reached a total of $36.8 million. In January, the brand launched its plant-based tuna in the UK with Tesco, further expanding its distribution footprint on an international scale. Good Catch also formed a joint distribution venture with Bumble Bee Foods and most recently, announced backing from a group of celebrities such as Shailene Woodley, Paris Hilton and Lance Bass. The new frozen appetizers and entrees are now available to purchase in retailers across the East Coast for an RRP of $5.99, with expanded distribution throughout the US planned for later this year. #GatheredFoods #US #frozenfood #Plantbasedseafood #GoodCatch

Wholefood shake brand Purition has expanded its vegan range of protein powders in the UK with new coconut, pistachio and almond flavours. Purition’s range of protein powders are made from natural whole foods like ground seeds and nuts, low sugar fruits, vegetables and natural flavourings. The three flavours have been added to the brand’s dairy-free range following a recipe revamp using a new blend of European plant-based proteins. Due to the subtlety of flavour in coconut, pistachio and almond, Purition was not originally able to produce these flavours with its original vegan rice recipe. However, moving to a new blend of golden pea, organic sunflower, organic pumpkin and hemp seed, and using a smaller amount of natural flavourings has allowed the brand to add the new flavours to its vegan range. Purition has also extended its core vegetarian range with a new blackcurrant flavour, which was originally only available in the vegan format. Edward Taylor, founder at Purition, said: “Our focus with Purition is to provide real food nutrition with real taste. We don’t use artificial flavourings to make our products hyper-palatable. Instead we work hard to create a blend of natural ingredients, locally sourced where possible, that make a truly delicious product. “We offer a large variety of flavours in both the ordinary and vegan range, and constantly trial new recipes to deliver the best natural taste. The use of various vegetable proteins and a small amount of natural flavouring has allowed us to make a truly delicious recipe and enabled us to expand our vegan product portfolio.” Vegan Almond, Vegan Pistachio and Vegan Coconut protein powders from Purition will be available to purchase for an RRP of £22.95 per 500g pack or £2.49 per 40g sachet from a variety of health food retailers in the UK.

Gathered Foods has launched a new product line of frozen entrees and appetisers under its Good Catch plant-based seafood brand. Thai style plant-based fish cakes, New England style plant-based crab cakes and classic plant-based fish burgers mark the brand’s second product launch following its fish-free tuna last year. The frozen entrees and appetisers are made from Good Catch's proprietary six-legume blend (peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans and navy beans), which is said to create a texture that mimics the flakiness of seafood. To create seafood notes, the company uses natural vegan flavourings and a shot of DHA. Good Catch flavours its crab cakes with sweet red and yellow bell peppers, green onions, spice and parsley. Meanwhile, its fish burgers have a light whitefish texture and flavour and are seasoned with green onion, celery, and salt and pepper. The Thai fish cakes are suggested to be served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, while the crab a plant-based spicy remoulade and fresh-squeezed lemon, or a red sauce and pasta for a heartier meal. Each product is recommended to be pan-seared. "Quality and innovation are essential to the Good Catch culinary journey. Recreating the taste and texture consumers expect from whitefish and crab cakes challenged our team to push our boundaries. We are really proud of the final outcome,” " said Chad Sarno, co-founder and chief culinary officer at Good Catch. The product launch follows a Series B Financing round with key investors Greenleaf Foods and 301 Inc, the venture arm of General Mills, which reached a total of $36.8 million. In January, the brand launched its plant-based tuna in the UK with Tesco, further expanding its distribution footprint on an international scale. Good Catch also formed a joint distribution venture with Bumble Bee Foods and most recently, announced backing from a group of celebrities such as Shailene Woodley, Paris Hilton and Lance Bass. The new frozen appetizers and entrees are now available to purchase in retailers across the East Coast for an RRP of $5.99, with expanded distribution throughout the US planned for later this year.