Kellogg has launched new plant-based Chick’n Tenders as part of its Incogmeato line by its MorningStar Farms brand. Hitting US shelves this month, Incogmeato Chik’n Tenders come in original and sweet BBQ flavours and claim to offer a “just-like-meat” tear. MorningStar Farms says it uses plant-based tear technology that creates fibres to replicate the texture of real chicken. Both Chick’n Tender varieties are made with non-GMO soy and contain no artificial flavours. The product launch was delayed alongside several other Kellogg products due to Covid-19. According to Kellogg, compared to real chicken, the vegan tenders contain more grams of protein per serving and 27% less fat. “Our new Incogmeato Chik’n Tenders are a game changing experience for the flexitarian chicken-loving consumer who wants to try plant-based but isn’t finding an option that stacks up to the real thing,” said Sara Young, general manager, plant-based proteins at Kellogg Company. Incogmeato Chick’n Tenders will be available in grocers nationwide such as select Walmart, Kroger and Meijer stores. The vegan meat alternative will also be available to foodservice operators. #Incogmeato #US #Kellogg #plantbasedmeat #MorningStarFarms

Nestlé has recorded 7.7% organic sales growth in the first quarter, driven by a boost in coffee sales and a gradual recovery in out-of-home channels. The Swiss food giant posted Q1 net sales of CHF 21.09 billion ($23.02 billion), compared to CHF 20.8 billion at the same time last year. Coffee was the largest contributor to growth thanks to strong demand for Nespresso, Nescafé and Starbucks products. Nestlé also benefitted significantly from its dairy and pet care products. The company’s Nespresso unit grew organically by 17.1%, reflecting the continued expansion of its Vertuo system and strong demand for its Original system. In March, Nespresso announced a $126 million investment in the expansion its Avenches production and distribution centre in Switzerland to meet growing consumer demand. In the three months, growth was broad-based across most geographies. Sales in the Americas stood at CHF 8.24 billion ($8.99 billion), representing 7.2% organic growth led by pet food, coffee, dairy and infant nutrition. Frozen and chilled food was the largest growth contributor in North America supported by its Stouffer’s, Lean Cuisine and Life Cuisine brands. Nestlé’s newly acquired Freshly business also posted strong growth, helped by expanded distribution. The company witnessed a 4.4% organic sales rise in the EMENA zone to CHF 5.2 billion ($5.67 billion), with coffee and Purina PetCare as key growth drivers. Each region posted positive growth with strong momentum in Russia, Turkey, Italy and the UK. Sales in AOA grew organically by 9.1%, with China recording double-digit growth thanks to recovery in out-of-home channels. While infant nutrition returned to positive growth in China, this was more than offset by sales declines in other markets. Nestlé Health Science built upon a strong first quarter last year with 9.5% organic growth, reflecting increased demand for vitamins, minerals and supplements and healthy-ageing products. Water recorded negative growth due to its high exposure to out-of-home channels. On 31 March, Nestlé completed the sale of its North American water business; following its acquisition of Essentia Water as part of its portfolio management. “We are pleased with Nestlé’s strong organic sales growth in the first quarter, building on broad-based contributions from most geographies and product categories. Retail sales saw solid growth and out-of-home channels saw signs of improvement,” said Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider. Nestlé confirmed its 2021 full-year outlook, expecting a continued increase in organic sales growth towards a mid-single-digit rate. #coffee #financialresults #Nespresso #Nestlé

Winterbotham Darby-owned Squeaky Bean is launching its new plant-based Chicken Style Bites into Sainsbury’s stores today. Made from seasoned wheat and pea protein, and featuring a saucy centre, the new snacks can be eaten straight from the pack or heated in the oven for eight minutes. The bites are available in two varieties: Smokey BBQ, featuring oak-smoked tomatoes and smoked paprika for a ‘sweet grilled flavour’; and Spicy Sriracha, which combines a habanero chilli kick with creamy vegan mayo. The new offerings are being launched into Sainsbury’s alongside the brand’s recently released Chargrilled Mini Fillets. Sarah Augustine, co-creator of Squeaky Bean, said: “Our new Chicken Style Bites are designed to deliver taste bud satisfaction for plant-based food lovers when they hit the fridge. “Delicious hot and cold, the Chicken Style Bites are a convenient way to experience plant-based flavour – fast. By showing just how easy it is to tuck into tasty, we’re pushing people’s perceptions of vegan food.” With an RRP of £2.50 per 144g pack, Squeaky Bean Chicken Style Bites will be available at 232 Sainsbury’s stores throughout the UK. #meatalternatives #UK #SqueakyBean #plantbased #WinterbothamDarby

Kitu Life is expanding its Super Coffee portfolio with the introduction of a new limited-edition blueberry latte variant, containing 10g of protein. Marking the Super Coffee brand’s first seasonal flavour for spring and summer, the new ready-to-drink coffee-based beverage contains MCT oil “for sustained energy and focus”, as well as 200mg of caffeine, and is naturally sweetened with monk fruit. Made with pea protein, Super Coffee’s latest offering is an extension of its new line of plant-based products which launched last month. The 12oz seasonal beverage will be available at retailers nationwide in the US. Last year, celebrity couple Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez invested in Kitu Life, the maker of Super Coffee, becoming minority owners of the company. #KituLife #SuperCoffee #US

German ingredients manufacturer Loryma has unveiled a new plant-based bacon concept, following the development of a new wheat-based formula. According to a statement from Loryma, the new plant-based bacon concept replicates the mouthfeel and sensory characteristics of traditional bacon thanks to the combination of the company’s wheat-based Lory Bind binding component and a bacon spice blend. Loryma states that the wheat-based binder provides an irreversible internal structure, meaning that when prepared in a pan, the vegan bacon concept behaves like its traditional meat counterpart; becoming crispy on the outside while retaining a delicate, fibrous texture. The plant-based bacon concept can be used for a variety of foodservice, catering or convenience applications, and can be used in the same manner as traditional bacon. Loryma’s Lory Bind’s functional starch blends are odourless and neutral in taste, which makes them suitable for a number of vegan and vegetarian meat alternatives, which can then be seasoned to achieve similar taste characteristics to the products they seek to replicate. Henrik Hetzer, managing director of Loryma, said: “Our raw materials combine naturalness with maximum functionality. “In addition to uncomplicated handling, they offer manufacturers the opportunity to create healthy and sure-fire products that perfectly meet the current consumer trend for meat-free convenience foods.” #Loryma #meatalternatives #plantbasedbacon #wheat

Brazilian meat manufacturer JBS has agreed to acquire plant-based meat producer Vivera in a deal worth approximately €341 million. Netherlands-based Vivera is the third-largest manufacturer of plant-based food products in Europe. The company sells meat alternative products such as burgers, chicken alternatives and mince alternatives in 25 countries across the continent, including The Netherlands, the UK and Germany. The acquisition includes three manufacturing units and a research and development centre located in The Netherlands. In a statement, JBS claimed that it plans to manage Vivera “as a standalone business unit”, with Vivera’s current leadership team remaining in place. This purchase comes as JBS seeks to enhance its presence in the plant-based food category, which is estimated to grow exponentially due to increasing consumer demand for plant-based products such as meat alternatives due to the increase of flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan eating habits. JBS has already released a number of plant-based products to meet this demand, notably through its Seara subsidiary’s Incrível range in Brazil, while the firm’s Planterra unit has debuted a number of plant-based products through its Ozo brand in the US. Gilberto Tomazoni, global CEO of JBS, said: “This acquisition is an important step to strengthen our global plant-based protein platform. “Vivera will give JBS a stronghold in the plant-based sector, with technological knowledge and capacity for innovation”. Willem van Weede, CEO of Vivera, added: “Joining forces with JBS gives us access to significant resources and capabilities to accelerate our current strong growth trajectory and Vivera brand expansion. #Vivera #meatalternatives #plantbasedmeat #plantbased #JBS

US plant-based meat company, Hungry Planet, has closed an oversubscribed $25 million Series A financing round, as it looks to increase its production capacity. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Hungry Planet supplies consumers and the foodservice sector with a wide range of plant-based meats. The company’s portfolio includes alternatives to chicken, pork, beef, lamb, turkey, crab, chorizo, breakfast sausage and Italian sausage. Post Holdings led Hungry Planet’s latest financing round and was joined by Singaporean investment group Trirec, as well as other ‘plant-forward’ investors. The new funds will be used to build capacity for Hungry Planet’s plant-based meats and accelerate the company’s growth across the retail, foodservice and e-commerce channels, both domestically and internationally. “Over the past several years, we’ve been quietly piloting our full range of chef-crafted, nutritious plant-based meats in select foodservice and retail markets domestically and internationally,” said Hungry Planet CEO Todd Boyman, who co-founded the company with his sister Jody Boyman. “With over 4 million servings sold globally, we’ve validated that our full range works perfectly in any cuisine, any recipe, any venue and any geography.” He continued: “By delivering on taste, health and variety, we have seen tremendous success in foodservice and are now developing a deeply loyal and enthusiastic following in retail. Our broader retail launch is currently rolling out across the USA and Singapore, and we are excited for the additional growth opportunities this funding provides.” #HungryPlanet #plantbasedmeat #PostHoldings #US

The appearance of bakery products is decisive for the consumer’s choice of purchase: if they are shiny and golden, they are perceived as fragrant, fresh and appetising. Faravelli proposes several specific ingredients for the surface treatment of bakery products: FARAMIX FV-104 is a functional system from the company’s FARA line, which has been formulated by Faravelli’s in-house Food Application Laboratory. Ideal for vegan products, FARAMIX FV-104 is egg-free and based on modified starch. It is an excellent polishing and glazing agent, perfect for salted and sweet bakery goods because it does not affect the taste of the finished product. Its application creates a brilliant shine on products and a stable golden glaze. Thanks to its adhesive capacity, FARAMIX FV-104 also allows you to decorate the surface of products with seeds, grains or coconut flakes. FARAMIX FV-104 can be used, diluted, directly on the surface of products. It is also suitable as a preparatory treatment for filling and freezing processes. FARAMIX FV-104 is just one of the many functional systems that Faravelli dedicates to the food industry. To find out more, visit https://www.faravelligroup.com/functional #partnercontent #FaravelliGroup #ingredients #vegan #bakery

Atlast Food has raised $40 million in a Series A funding round, as it looks to expand the production of its plant-based bacon alternative made from mycelium. The US food tech company develops “whole cut” plant-based meats – as opposed to common extruded analogues – in partnership with mycelium tech firm Ecovative. Atlast aims to supply its vegan meat substitutes to partners around the globe through its own brand MyEats. With the capital, Atlast plans to further develop and scale its technology and team. This includes supporting the construction of what it claims will be the world’s largest aerial mycelium farm. The Series A round was led by Viking Global Investors with participation from Footprint Coalition Ventures – recently launched by Robert Downey Jr – 40 North, AiiM Partners, Senator Investment Group, Stray Dog Capital, as well as leaders of Whole Foods and Stonyfield. Atlast says the funding comes after a year of “immense growth”, following the launch of its first product – MyBacon strips in November 2020. The start-up is currently working with major brands to supply its plant-based bacon substitute at commercial scale. “This investment will allow us to meet the incredible demand we’ve felt for our product. We are building the largest mycelium production facility in the US to provide consumers nationwide with a tastier alternative to their favourite animal proteins,” said Stephen Lomnes, president of Atlast Food. Lisa Feria, CEO at Stray Dog Capital, said: “Atlast is creating a new category of plant-based foods by offering whole cut options. Mycelium, Atlast’s unique ingredient, is nutritious, versatile, and scalable – consumers should get ready to see a lot more mycelium in their stores and on their plates.” #AtlastFood #MyEats #plantbasedmeat #US

SunOpta has acquired plant-based beverage brands, Dream and WestSoy, from The Hain Celestial Group for $33 million. With distribution across the natural and grocery channels, the Dream brand offers a range of shelf-stable, plant-based milks. SunOpta currently produces around half of the brand’s product portfolio and has done so for over a decade. Available at many national retailers, the WestSoy range includes a variety of shelf-stable soy beverages, including a number with USDA organic certification and certification from the American Heart Association as a heart-healthy product. The entire WestSoy product portfolio is currently produced by SunOpta. With the acquisition, SunOpta aims to accelerate the growth of its plant-based foods and beverages segment. “These two brands are perfect examples of niche brands that complement, but do not directly compete with, our vitally important co-manufactured partners,” said SunOpta CEO, Joe Ennen. “Since SunOpta has been manufacturing these brands for years, when this opportunity presented itself it was an obvious fit for us to own these brands.” Mark Schiller, Hain Celestial president and CEO, said: “With today’s announcement and the strategic sale of our North America non-dairy beverages business to SunOpta, we provide the market with the latest example of what has been an ongoing transformation of our brand portfolio. “We considered this business to be non-core within our North American business, and as such, this divestiture fully aligns with both our portfolio simplification process and prioritisation efforts of our ‘get bigger’ brands.” Hain Celestial previously divested its WestSoy tofu, seitan and tempeh unit, as part of its efforts to streamline its portfolio of brands. #WestSoy #HainCelestial #Dairyalternatives #Dream #SunOpta #plantbased

New snacks brand Good & Honest has released a new range of popped crisps, as it aims to tap into the growing better-for-you snack market in the UK. Made using ‘all natural’ ingredients, the crisps are said to be lower in calories and saturated fat, as well as a good source of both fibre and protein. The brand was founded with the mission: good ingredients, honestly made. It does not use artificial preservatives, colours or flavours. The majority of Good & Honest’s snacks are suitable for vegan diets, while others are vegetarian. They feature core, protein and veggie varieties. The core popped crisps line comes in sweet BBQ, sea salt, sweet chilli and sweet & salty variants. Meanwhile, the protein line is currently available in sweet BBQ, cheese & onion, salt & black pepper flavours and contains at least 20g of protein per 100g. Good & Honest Popped Veggie Crisps feature vegetables such as chickpeas, sweet potato, pea, and beetroot and come in salted, sweet chilli, sour cream and salted varieties. Select flavours of Good & Honest popped crisps have launched in Morrison’s supermarkets nationwide and will be available on Ocado from May. #betterforyou #GoodampHonest #healthysnacks #UK

US food brand Tattooed Chef is expanding its portfolio with the launch of five new plant-based cauliflower crust pizzas. The gluten-free offerings include a plant-based vegetable pizza, featuring a mix of vegetables and mozzarella-style shreds, and a plant-based white pizza, with spinach, creamy garlic sauce and mozzarella-style shreds. Meanwhile, Tattooed Chef’s new plant-based pepperoni and plant-based sausage & pepperoni pizzas combine the brand’s proprietary meat alternatives with mozzarella-style shreds. A plant-based two cheese offering featuring both mozzarella- and cheddar-style shreds completes the new cauliflower crust pizza line-up. Tattooed Chef founder, Sarah Galletti, said: “We are excited to officially launch our 100% plant-based pizzas. At Tattooed Chef, we are constantly looking at ways to put a plant-based twist on classic favourites – nostalgic innovation. “These 100% plant-based pizzas not only taste delicious, but also have a clean ingredient deck which more and more consumers are looking for in the alternative space. Relentlessly innovating is what we do at Tattooed Chef, and we are here to revolutionise plant-based eating.” The plant-based vegetable pizza, plant-based white pizza and plant-based pepperoni pizza are available now in the frozen section at all Meijer locations, and the full range will be launching in additional retailers in the coming months. #glutenfree #plantbasedcheese #TattooedChef #US