Conagra Brands is expanding its Gardein meat alternatives offering in Canada with the introduction of a new Suprême Plant-Based Burger. The new Gardein burger offers 20g of plant-based protein and is said to look, cook and smell just like real meat. “As a leader in the plant-based category in Canada, it’s essential that we provide consumers with a delicious burger as part of our product lineup,” said Ian Roberts, vice president and general manager at Conagra Brands Canada. “Burgers are the point of entry for many consumers into the meat alternative category, so creating a quality product that delivers on taste, texture and that burger-like experience was crucial for us to get right – we can’t wait for Canadians to finally try it this summer.” The Gardein Suprême Plant-Based Burger will be rolling out in the frozen section of grocery stores across Canada starting this month. Last year, Conagra Brands added new plant-based soups to its Gardein offering in the US. #Canada #ConagraBrands #Gardein #meatalternatives

Above Food has announced its acquisition of Farmer Direct Organic Foods (FDO), a Canadian certified-organic speciality legume and grain business. Launched in 2018, FDO aims to provide organic and traceable, single-origin, family-farmed legumes and kitchen staples. With facilities in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the company has a distribution footprint spanning 2,000 retail locations across North America, and is projected to increase this to 10,000 within a year. FDO co-founder and CEO Jason Freeman will continue to lead the company and will also become the director of organic supply for Above Food. The acquisition includes a portfolio of dozens of branded and private label products, as well as an established, “sophisticated” organic supply chain. The brand and its ‘rigorous’ supply chain – which is monitored using a track and trace system – will form the foundation of Above Food’s organic consumer packaged goods platform. The partnership is also expected to bring synergies for the companies’ organic plant proteins and ancient grains supply, by marrying FDO’s organic supply chain and product portfolio with Above Food’s certified-organic terminal. “From the first conversation with the Above Food team, we had great philosophical alignment on the ethics and responsibilities of food producers and the role that truly sustainable and traceable practices can play in the plant-based protein supply chain,” said FDO’s Freeman. “With Above Food’s pedigree in scaled production and advanced ingredient processing, the combination of our companies and cultures will be synergistic.” Martin Williams, president and chief innovation officer of Above Food Brands, said: “FDO’s distribution and retail relationships add a completely new dimension to our portfolio approach for Above Food Brands, including the ability to deliver differentiated branded and private label solutions across many product segments, all with a Regenerative Organic foundation. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Jason and his team.” Regenerative Organic is a new measure for organically grown food and other ingredients in which the farms and products meet high standards for soil health and sustainability. #AboveFood #Canada #FarmerDirectOrganicFoods #organic

Nomad Foods Europe-owned Birds Eye is expanding its meat-free Green Cuisine range with the addition of three new chicken alternative products. Birds Eye says that the new Chicken-Free offerings – which include Crispy Grills, Southern Fried Grills and Burgers – emulate the most popular products in its chicken portfolio. “Our Green Cuisine Chicken-Free products have gone from strength to strength since our first launches in 2020,” said Jess Ali, marketing manager at Birds Eye. “This extension of the Green Cuisine Chicken-Free range will continue to play off recognisable formats that shoppers already enjoy, but that are powered by plant protein.” Ali continued: “By recreating mealtime classics using plant power, these new additions to our Green Cuisine range will continue to help shoppers to add meat substitutes to their plates, showing them that plant-based meals can be just as tasty and convenient.” The Birds Eye Green Cuisine Chicken-Free Southern Fried Grills are available at Tesco. The Chicken-Free Crispy Grills and the Chicken-Free Burgers will start to roll out into Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons from mid-May. #BirdsEye #meatalternatives #NomadFoods #UK

Hain Daniels’ meat-free brand Linda McCartney’s has entered into the beverage aisle with the launch of a new line of dairy-free milks across the UK. Located in the chiller aisle, the four drinks include barista-style organic oat and coconut variants, as well as organic soya and rice. All varieties are organic and contain no added sugar. The brand says its new plant milk range is suited for all usage occasions such as smoothies, coffees and baking. The brand is well known for its frozen and chilled vegan and vegetarian foods such as vegetarian sausages, roast, meatballs and fishcakes. “Linda McCartney’s is incredibly excited to be entering into the plant-based drinks category and a new phase for the brand. We recognise the need for versatility and variety and we feel confident that our new range of four plant-based drinks offers something for everyone’s usage needs,” said Nadine Maggi, managing director at Linda McCartney’s. “We’re particularly looking forward to helping people with choice and we hope to become a household favourite as consumers embrace Linda McCartney at this moment. With the brand celebrating its 30th year anniversary this year, it feels like the perfect moment for such a pioneering innovation.” The plant-based drinks will be available from UK supermarkets from May and June for an RRP of £1.99 per 1 litre carton. #LindaMcCartneys #HainDaniels #UK #dairyfree #plantbased #milkalternatives

Winterbotham Darby-owned Squeaky Bean has released a new line of vegan dips into Co-op stores nationwide. The dairy-free range includes Supercharged Garlic, Spicy Firecracker and Smooth Avocado dips. With its latest launch, Squeaky Bean aims to elevate plant-based eating this summer – particularly picnics and barbecues. Featuring a ‘smooth, creamy’ consistency, the brand claims the dips are also great for spreading in burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Sarah Augustine, co-creator of Squeaky Bean, said: “With lockdown ending, we couldn’t be more excited about summer eating in 2021. The new Squeaky Bean range of dips are a convenient way to make snacks more exciting and to add a punch of flavour to your lunch. All you need to do is pop the lid and get ready to tuck into tasty!” Squeaky Bean dips will join the brand’s vegan portfolio of Chicken Style Bites, Chargrilled Cajun Mini Fillets, tortilla and sandwich slices. The dips will be available to purchase in 139 Co-op stores nationwide for £1.60 per 150ml pot. #UK #SqueakyBean #vegan #plantbased #WinterbothamDarby

Mrs Crimble’s, a gluten-free brand owned by Ecotone UK, has added a new vegan snack made with oats to its portfolio. Featuring gluten-free oats and vegan Belgian chocolate, Mrs Crimble’s Soft Oaty Bakes with Chocolate contain just 155 calories each and are a source of fibre. “Customers are now selecting free from out of choice to support their lifestyle rather than for medical needs,” said Vicki Hazel, Mrs Crimble’s brand controller at Ecotone UK. “The Mrs Crimble’s brand speaks to both lifestyle consumers and coeliac sufferers – turning the outdated view of gluten-free food on its head with tasty, high-quality bakes that all can enjoy. “Our mission is to offer inclusive indulgence, which is why we’re innovating with vegan-friendly ingredients and creating lower-calorie options. We’re confident our new Oaty Bakes will have strong appeal for new and existing consumers, fulfilling those mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack occasions.” The individually wrapped bakes are launching into Tesco in multi-packs of four (RRP £2.25) in time for Coeliac Awareness Week. Last year, Mrs Crimble’s announced the launch of new plant-based coconut macaroons, which marked its second vegan offering. #Ecotone #glutenfree #MrsCrimbles #UK

Blendtopia has added three new keto-friendly varieties to its line of organic ‘superfood-packed’ frozen smoothie kits. The new Keto Certified offerings aim to provide a convenient ready-to-blend smoothie option that cuts out the time-consuming tasks of measuring and prepping ingredients. Keto Berry claims to have immune boosting benefits and is made with organic ingredients, including avocado, flax seeds, chia seeds, coconut oil and MCT oil. The new product offers 5g of sugar, 7g of net carbs and 13g of fat. Meanwhile, Blendtopia says that its ‘immune and brain boosting’ Keto Chocolate Chai kit contains 3g of sugar, 5g of net carbs and 17g of fat, and features ingredients such as avocado, flax seeds, cacao powder, coconut oil, MCT oil and spices. Claiming ‘detoxifying’ benefits, the new Keto Green variant offers 3g of sugar, 6g of net carbs and 13g of fat, and is made with avocado, hemp seeds and flax seeds, coconut oil, MCT oil, ginger and more. “Whether the consumer is a novice or a veteran, our new keto smoothie line-up is an easy and convenient choice for those living a ketogenic or low-carb, low-sugar lifestyle,” said Tiffany Taylor, Blendtopia founder and CMO. “We’re thrilled to offer the same easy, delicious and nutrient-rich superfood smoothie kits in three keto-friendly varieties that consumers are going to love.” Blendtopia says that all its products are plant-based, gluten and soy free, certified-organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. The new Keto Green and Keto Chocolate Chai varieties are available across the US at Whole Foods Market stores, and all three varieties can be purchased via the brand’s website. #Blendtopia #Keto #smoothies #US

Singapore-based food-tech firm Sophie’s Bionutrients claims that it has developed the world’s first microalgae-based milk alternative. The new product concept was made with microalgae protein flour, which reportedly contains the same essential amino acids as microalgae itself. The flour is then homogenised with water to create the dairy-free product. According to Sophie’s Bionutrients, the protein value can be elevated by up to 50% by altering ratios in the water-soluble microalgae flour. However, it can be further refined to mimic the creamy texture of dairy. The company’s microalgae solutions have already been used to develop meat alternatives such as burger patties, and the company claims that microalgae ‘can be used to develop almost any food’. Sophie’s Bionutrients cultivates its microalgae in protected environments as opposed to conventional ponds, and ‘feeds’ its algae with food waste such as spent grains, molasses and okara. The company claims that this process allows for output ‘ten times higher than conventional sunshine pond operations’, and that the process is a sustainable, circular production method. Eugene Wang, co-founder & CEO of Sophie’s Bionutrients, said: “We believe in harnessing the power of nature to build a sustainable, greener future through environment-friendly alternate food solutions. We believe that micro-algae is the best place to help us achieve this. “It is the superfood of the future. Through further refinement with food and beverage producing partners developments like this one, the world’s first allergen-free micro-algae milk, we believe we can transform the way we live, produce and consume food for the better.” #microalgae #SophiesBionutrients #algae #Singapore #milkalternatives

Carbery’s Synergy Flavors has announced the acquisition of US-based savoury flavour and ingredient supplier, Innova Flavors, from Griffith Foods Worldwide. Based in Illinois, Innova Flavors specialises in creating customised meat and savoury flavours for a variety of applications. The deal – which was made for an undisclosed sum – will see Synergy Flavours expand its savoury capabilities to support further product development in meat alternatives, sauces, side dishes and snacks. Last year, Synergy launched a Paired to Perfection flavour range for plant-protein bases. “This acquisition offers significant benefits to Synergy customers by providing them access to a proven range of flavours to meet the growing demand for natural flavourings and savoury ingredients,” said Rod Sowders, president and CEO of Synergy Flavors. “In addition, these products complement Synergy’s current offerings for rapidly growing plant based alternative food and beverages globally. Synergy’s global footprint and history of investment in acquisitions will allow Innova customers to benefit from the deep flavour expertise and global reach of the Synergy organisation.” Synergy was built by cheese producer Carberry through a series of acquisitions in the UK, the USA, Europe, South America and Asia. Jason Hawkins, CEO of Carbery Group, added: “We know acquiring Innova Flavors will make sense for our US flavour customers, will enhance our global business in Asia and Central and South America, and bring opportunities right across our platforms of dairy, taste and nutrition. This deal is a strategic opportunity to grow our business, to strengthen our offerings for our customers and maximise what we can deliver for our shareholders.” #US #InnovaFlavors #meatalternatives #savoury #Carberry #SynergyFlavours #flavours

Malt loaf brand Soreen has released a new range of plant-based snacks for children called Fruit & Veg Mmms. The individually wrapped snacks are available in two flavours: Blackberry & Beetroot and Orange & Rainbow Carrot, both of which are vegan-friendly. Both variants feature 40% fruit and vegetable content per bar, contain approximately 100 calories per serving, and are low in saturated fat. The brand also claims that the snacks ‘contain 50% less sugar than the average cake bar’. Mark Simester, managing director at Soreen said: “We know how hard it can be for parents to find quick and healthy snacks for their kids, especially ones that can include fruit and veg, as well as deliver on that essential taste test. “That’s why we’re so excited to launch this brand new range. A range that allows parents to easily provide their children with an on-the-go snack option that is packed full of fruit and veg goodness and doesn’t compromise on taste. “What’s more we’ve ensured that our new bakes still retain that squidgy Soreen deliciousness to provide a perfect go-to snack to satisfy little ones after or between meals, whilst also being nutritious.” Soreen’s Fruit & Veg-Mmms are available nationwide from UK retailers including Tesco, The Co-Op and Ocado. #childrensfood #plantbasedsnacks #Soreen #UK

House Foods America plans to invest $146.3 million to establish a new 350,000-square-foot tofu production facility in Kentucky, US. Construction work is expected to begin next year on the new plant, which will be located in Louisville Riverport Authority’s Phase 5 development. House Foods America’s first Kentucky facility will produce tofu and other food products and create 109 full-time jobs. Work on the project is expected to be completed by 2025. “I’m proud to welcome House Foods to Kentucky. This company truly has its eye on the future, producing healthy food products and creating a significant number of high-paying jobs in the process,” said Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear. The state is seeking to encourage House Foods’ investment through various tax incentives. Beshear continued: “The diversity of our state’s food and beverage sector is one of its greatest strengths, and House Foods is the latest company to contribute to the rapidly growing industry. Louisville will be a great fit as the company continues to grow and expand its presence in the US marketplace.” House Foods America is a subsidiary of Japan-based House Foods Group that was founded in 1983 to introduce the company’s tofu, shirataki and other food products to the US market. #Japan #US #HouseFoodsGroup #HouseFoodsAmerica #Tofu

Flavour and fragrance company Firmenich has opened a new SmartProteins innovation hub in Singapore to meet demand for plant-based alternatives in the Asia region. The Culinary and SmartProteins Innovation Center will enable Firmenich to deliver ‘breakthrough integrated solutions’ in alternative proteins for meat and dairy analogues. Located in Tuas, the centre will serve as a regional R&D hub for Asia and marks another move in Firmenich’s effort to strengthen its presence in the region – coming after it opened a taste creation facility in the Philippines and a culinary discovery centre in Thailand in 2018. The centre is aligned with the company’s Savory vision to deliver plant-based alternative solutions that combine the technical expertise of Campus and Firmenich in the areas of aroma, flavour, taste, unami and texture. “Leading the industry in alternative protein solutions is a key focus for Firmenich and this is an important milestone in our global expansion of capabilities. The centre will allow us to partner closely with our customers to serve a fast-growing number of flexitarian consumers with delicious food and beverage options,” said Emmanuel Butstraen, global president, taste & beyond at Firmenich. “We are proud to have Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) as a partner in this investment. This new facility will be home to some of the best talent in the industry across several disciplines to deliver truly innovative, consumer-focused integrated solutions.” Jun Saplad, Firmenich taste & beyond’s regional president for Asia, added: “Firmenich’s comprehensive portfolio of Smart Proteins capabilities include ingredients and delivery technologies designed to create great-tasting plant-based food and beverages. “By harnessing our deep regional and local understanding and our expertise in taste and plant-based proteins, the Innovation Center will allow us to tailor solutions to the unique needs of the Asian market and explore new angles for meat-free dishes.” Over the past year, Firmenich has opened its new West Coast Innovation Center in California and a new pilot plant and laboratory within its Geneva production site. #Firmenich #Dairyalternatives #meatalternatives #Singapore #plantbased