Impossible Foods has secured $200 million in its latest funding round, taking the total funds raised by the meat alternative company to $1.5 billion since its founding in 2011. The Series G round was led by New York-based Coatue, marking the hedge fund’s first investment in the company. It also included contributions from existing investors Mirae Asset Global Investments and Temasek as well as new investor XN. The funding comes less than six months after Impossible Foods raised approximately $500 million in what is claimed to be one of the largest investment rounds for a food tech startup. Impossible Foods plans to use the capital to expand its research and development programmes, accelerate its manufacturing scaleup, increase its retail presence and international availability, and continue to develop new products. In the past six months, the California-based company says it has set new sales and production records as its Impossible Burger has been made available in more than 8,000 grocery stores nationwide, representing a 60 times increase. The Series G round also closely follows the launch of Impossible Sausage, the first all-new product from the startup since the Impossible Burger debuted in 2016. Since its debut, Impossible Sausage has become available in more than 22,000 restaurants. To meet the increased demand, the food tech startup says it has “dramatically increased” its production capacity and has debuted its direct-to-consumer site. “2020 has been a year of explosive growth for us, but this is just the beginning,” said David Lee, chief financial officer for Impossible Foods. He added: “We plan to create plant-based upgrades for every major category of animal-derived food products. This investment will allow us to continue to develop and commercialise the technology that will enable that transformation.” #ImpossibleFoods #meatalternatives #US

Impossible Foods has secured $200 million in its latest funding round, taking the total funds raised by the meat alternative company to $1.5 billion since its founding in 2011. The Series G round was led by New York-based Coatue, marking the hedge fund's first investment in the company. It also included contributions from existing investors Mirae Asset Global Investments and Temasek as well as new investor XN. The funding comes less than six months after Impossible Foods raised approximately $500 million in what is claimed to be one of the largest investment rounds for a food tech startup. Impossible Foods plans to use the capital to expand its research and development programmes, accelerate its manufacturing scaleup, increase its retail presence and international availability, and continue to develop new products. In the past six months, the California-based company says it has set new sales and production records as its Impossible Burger has been made available in more than 8,000 grocery stores nationwide, representing a 60 times increase. The Series G round also closely follows the launch of Impossible Sausage, the first all-new product from the startup since the Impossible Burger debuted in 2016. Since its debut, Impossible Sausage has become available in more than 22,000 restaurants. To meet the increased demand, the food tech startup says it has “dramatically increased” its production capacity and has debuted its direct-to-consumer site. “2020 has been a year of explosive growth for us, but this is just the beginning,” said David Lee, chief financial officer for Impossible Foods. He added: “We plan to create plant-based upgrades for every major category of animal-derived food products. This investment will allow us to continue to develop and commercialise the technology that will enable that transformation.”

Gathered Foods, maker of Good Catch plant-based seafood, has opened a new production plant in Heath, Ohio. The 42,500 square foot facility features ‘state-of-the-art’ processing equipment and is designed to ‘dramatically increase’ production of Good Catch’s plant-based offerings. As well as its flagship vegan tuna, the brand recently launched a line of frozen entrees and appetisers, including fish cakes and burgers. Since breaking ground on the Ohio site in 2018, Gathered Foods says that it has created employment opportunities in the local Ohio market. The new facility currently has a workforce of 52 employees and is expected to expand to full capacity with up to 80 positions by the end of the year. “We are incredibly proud to establish a strong manufacturing footprint in the US as we grow our product portfolio,” said Christine Mei, who was recently appointed as CEO of Gathered Foods. “With Good Catch’s rapid expansion and the launch of our new line of frozen plant-based entrees and appetisers, having our own production facility enables us to optimise productivity and efficiency. “We are fully committed to delivering high-quality plant-based seafood products which delight and satisfy our consumers each and every time.” In the last year, Gathered Foods closed a $36.8 million Series B funding round, with backing from General Mills’ venture arm and Maple Leaf Foods subsidiary, Greenleaf Foods. The company has since expanded its distribution footprint through forming a joint distribution venture with US-based seafood company Bumble Bee Foods and by launching in Tesco in the UK. #GatheredFoods #GatheredFoodsCorporation #GoodCatch #US

Gathered Foods, maker of Good Catch plant-based seafood, has opened a new production plant in Heath, Ohio. The 42,500 square foot facility features ‘state-of-the-art’ processing equipment and is designed to ‘dramatically increase’ production of Good Catch’s plant-based offerings. As well as its flagship vegan tuna, the brand recently launched a line of frozen entrees and appetisers, including fish cakes and burgers. Since breaking ground on the Ohio site in 2018, Gathered Foods says that it has created employment opportunities in the local Ohio market. The new facility currently has a workforce of 52 employees and is expected to expand to full capacity with up to 80 positions by the end of the year. "We are incredibly proud to establish a strong manufacturing footprint in the US as we grow our product portfolio,” said Christine Mei, who was recently appointed as CEO of Gathered Foods. “With Good Catch's rapid expansion and the launch of our new line of frozen plant-based entrees and appetisers, having our own production facility enables us to optimise productivity and efficiency. “We are fully committed to delivering high-quality plant-based seafood products which delight and satisfy our consumers each and every time.” In the last year, Gathered Foods closed a $36.8 million Series B funding round, with backing from General Mills’ venture arm and Maple Leaf Foods subsidiary, Greenleaf Foods. The company has since expanded its distribution footprint through forming a joint distribution venture with US-based seafood company Bumble Bee Foods and by launching in Tesco in the UK.

Plant-based beverage brand Koia has released a new line of adaptogenic drinks, Koia Thrive. Koia says that the ‘allergen-free’ offering is made with oat milk, functional adaptogenic herbs and nine of the essential amino acids for a complete plant-based protein. The beverages are also said to contain potassium and C8 MCT oil. Koia Thrive is available in three flavours: Miracle Matcha, with matcha powder, spirulina and moringa; Chill Chocolate, containing ashwagandha extract and l-theanine; and Golden Turmeric, featuring turmeric powder, ground ginger and black pepper. According to Koia, Golden Turmeric offers gut and anti-inflammatory-supporting benefits. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles-based brand claims that the Chill Chocolate ingredients help increase cognitive performance and aid with relaxation and sleep. “Now more than ever consumers are stressed, overwhelmed and facing new challenges on a daily basis,” said Chris Hunter, co-founder and CEO of Koia. “Koia Thrive was created to help manage today’s ever-changing environment, with three functional flavours to meet today’s many demands.” All Koia products are reportedly Non-GMO Project Verified and free from dairy, soy and gluten. The beverages are available, for an RRP of $3.99, at Whole Foods, Sprouts and other natural and specialty locations. #Koia #US

Plant-based beverage brand Koia has released a new line of adaptogenic drinks, Koia Thrive. Koia says that the ‘allergen-free’ offering is made with oat milk, functional adaptogenic herbs and nine of the essential amino acids for a complete plant-based protein. The beverages are also said to contain potassium and C8 MCT oil. Koia Thrive is available in three flavours: Miracle Matcha, with matcha powder, spirulina and moringa; Chill Chocolate, containing ashwagandha extract and l-theanine; and Golden Turmeric, featuring turmeric powder, ground ginger and black pepper. According to Koia, Golden Turmeric offers gut and anti-inflammatory-supporting benefits. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles-based brand claims that the Chill Chocolate ingredients help increase cognitive performance and aid with relaxation and sleep. “Now more than ever consumers are stressed, overwhelmed and facing new challenges on a daily basis,” said Chris Hunter, co-founder and CEO of Koia. “Koia Thrive was created to help manage today’s ever-changing environment, with three functional flavours to meet today’s many demands.” All Koia products are reportedly Non-GMO Project Verified and free from dairy, soy and gluten. The beverages are available, for an RRP of $3.99, at Whole Foods, Sprouts and other natural and specialty locations.

Danone-owned plant-based brand Silk has expanded its beverage portfolio in the US with the introduction of new Pumpkin Spice products. Silk Almond 0g Sugar Unsweet Pumpkin Spice Creamer is a limited-edition offering which blends the flavour of pumpkin spice with almond milk. The sugar-free coffee add-in retails at $3.29 per pint. Also available for a limited time only, Silk Almond Hint of Pumpkin Spice Beverage combines the brand’s Almondmilk with notes of pumpkin spice. The drink retails at $3.29 per half gallon. The new Silk products will be available from grocery stores nationwide starting this month. Silk recently entered the ready-to-drink coffee category with two new lattes, released a new dairy-free half and half alternative, and a dairy-free whipped cream alternative. The brand has also expanded its line of yogurt alternatives in the US with a range of new Almondmilk Mix-Ins Yogurt Alternatives, offering an all-in-one plant-based snacking option in four vegan combinations. #Danone #Silk #US

Danone-owned plant-based brand Silk has expanded its beverage portfolio in the US with the introduction of new Pumpkin Spice products. Silk Almond 0g Sugar Unsweet Pumpkin Spice Creamer is a limited-edition offering which blends the flavour of pumpkin spice with almond milk. The sugar-free coffee add-in retails at $3.29 per pint. Also available for a limited time only, Silk Almond Hint of Pumpkin Spice Beverage combines the brand’s Almondmilk with notes of pumpkin spice. The drink retails at $3.29 per half gallon. The new Silk products will be available from grocery stores nationwide starting this month. Silk recently entered the ready-to-drink coffee category with two new lattes, released a new dairy-free half and half alternative, and a dairy-free whipped cream alternative. The brand has also expanded its line of yogurt alternatives in the US with a range of new Almondmilk Mix-Ins Yogurt Alternatives, offering an all-in-one plant-based snacking option in four vegan combinations.

Plant-based meat alternative producer This has raised £3.5 million following the launch of a Seedrs campaign, as it aims to accelerate growth and expand its innovation function. The company says it will use its investment to boost its manufacturing capabilities through a new plant-based innovation centre, as well as expand its portfolio. Since going live on the 10 August, the UK company has surpassed its £2 million target which was secured before the campaign was fully launched to the public. This reportedly marks the fastest FMCG business to hit its target and the fastest ever campaign to hit over £1.5 million. The round still has 39 days remaining. Venture capital firms involved in the investment round include Backed, Five Seasons Ventures, Idinvest Partners, Seedcamp and Manta Ray Ventures, who also backed the business earlier this year when it raised £4.7 million. Vegan investment fund Veg Capital also invested in the latest Seedrs campaign, alongside professional footballer Chris Smalling. With its funding, This plans to invest £1 million in a London-based innovation centre, housing sensory, textural and other processing equipment. A team of food-scientists, engineers and flavourists will staff the centre. The company also intends to launch 10 products per year for three years across a number of categories. Since launching in June 2019, the business has achieved approximately 700% growth and its products are now available in over 2000 stores and restaurants. Later this year, This is launching its products in two more of the ‘big four’ supermarkets. “This is capitalising on the most important trend in nutrition: strong demand for tasty plant-based meat alternatives, for all those who are increasingly conscious about the detrimental health, climate change and animal welfare impacts of mass meat production,” said Andre de Haes, founder of Backed VC. He added: “This macro trend alone doesn’t explain This’ success; it is unprecedented to see a start-up food product achieve widespread supermarket distribution right after launching. The team at This blend executional hyper-efficiency with both ground-breaking R&D and innovative marketing.” #meatalternatives #plantbasedmeat #This #UK

Plant-based meat alternative producer This has raised £3.5 million following the launch of a Seedrs campaign, as it aims to accelerate growth and expand its innovation function. The company says it will use its investment to boost its manufacturing capabilities through a new plant-based innovation centre, as well as expand its portfolio. Since going live on the 10 August, the UK company has surpassed its £2 million target which was secured before the campaign was fully launched to the public. This reportedly marks the fastest FMCG business to hit its target and the fastest ever campaign to hit over £1.5 million. The round still has 39 days remaining. Venture capital firms involved in the investment round include Backed, Five Seasons Ventures, Idinvest Partners, Seedcamp and Manta Ray Ventures, who also backed the business earlier this year when it raised £4.7 million. Vegan investment fund Veg Capital also invested in the latest Seedrs campaign, alongside professional footballer Chris Smalling. With its funding, This plans to invest £1 million in a London-based innovation centre, housing sensory, textural and other processing equipment. A team of food-scientists, engineers and flavourists will staff the centre. The company also intends to launch 10 products per year for three years across a number of categories. Since launching in June 2019, the business has achieved approximately 700% growth and its products are now available in over 2000 stores and restaurants. Later this year, This is launching its products in two more of the ‘big four’ supermarkets. “This is capitalising on the most important trend in nutrition: strong demand for tasty plant-based meat alternatives, for all those who are increasingly conscious about the detrimental health, climate change and animal welfare impacts of mass meat production,” said Andre de Haes, founder of Backed VC. He added: “This macro trend alone doesn't explain This’ success; it is unprecedented to see a start-up food product achieve widespread supermarket distribution right after launching. The team at This blend executional hyper-efficiency with both ground-breaking R&D and innovative marketing."

UK milkshake brand Shaken Udder has entered the plant-based market with the introduction of a dairy-free sister brand, Shaken Other. Made using coconut milk, Shaken Other is described as smooth and creamy and is currently available in two flavours: chocolate and strawberry. Each 330ml bottle is under 200 calories, contains less than 5% added sugar and is gluten free. The product is also high in calcium, vitamin D and is free-from artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Shaken Other plans to launch more flavours, larger formats as well as enter other product categories in the dairy and plant-based sector. According to Andy Howie, co-founder of Shaken Other, the inspiration for the name came from the challenge that ‘Udder’ is so strongly associated with milk and Shaken Other is a play on words. He added: “We wanted to reassure our loyal consumers of our commitment to flavour whilst also being clear that this is a milk alternative. We believe that dairy-free drinks shouldn’t compromise on taste or choice. “Packed with real ingredients and a yummy coconut-milk base, our exciting range of dairy-free drinks deliver uncompromising taste for anyone who can’t drink dairy, chooses not to, or just fancies a change.” Shaken Other’s new chocolate and strawberry dairy-free shakes are available from Tesco for an RRP of £1.60, with other major retailers to follow. Established in 2004, Shaken Udder milkshakes are available from several UK retailers offering a variety of flavours in 330ml bottles, 750ml bottles and kids cartons. #dairyfree #ShakenOther #ShakenUdder #UK

UK milkshake brand Shaken Udder has entered the plant-based market with the introduction of a dairy-free sister brand, Shaken Other. Made using coconut milk, Shaken Other is described as smooth and creamy and is currently available in two flavours: chocolate and strawberry. Each 330ml bottle is under 200 calories, contains less than 5% added sugar and is gluten free. The product is also high in calcium, vitamin D and is free-from artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Shaken Other plans to launch more flavours, larger formats as well as enter other product categories in the dairy and plant-based sector. According to Andy Howie, co-founder of Shaken Other, the inspiration for the name came from the challenge that ‘Udder’ is so strongly associated with milk and Shaken Other is a play on words. He added: “We wanted to reassure our loyal consumers of our commitment to flavour whilst also being clear that this is a milk alternative. We believe that dairy-free drinks shouldn’t compromise on taste or choice. “Packed with real ingredients and a yummy coconut-milk base, our exciting range of dairy-free drinks deliver uncompromising taste for anyone who can’t drink dairy, chooses not to, or just fancies a change.” Shaken Other's new chocolate and strawberry dairy-free shakes are available from Tesco for an RRP of £1.60, with other major retailers to follow. Established in 2004, Shaken Udder milkshakes are available from several UK retailers offering a variety of flavours in 330ml bottles, 750ml bottles and kids cartons.