Danish company Plant Jammer, creator of an AI-driven cooking assistant, has raised €4 million in an investment round. Using a combination of artificial intelligence, deep data, and food and flavour science, the Plant Jammer app instantly and dynamically creates plant-based food recipes based upon available ingredients. The Danish company’s recipe technology allows users to pick and substitute ingredients, allowing for personalisation along the lines of health, taste or sustainability. This new injection of capital comes from Danish investment firm Vækstfonden, Dr. Oetker and Miele Ventures. “Our declared mission is to help one billion people across the globe eat sustainably,” said Michael Haase, founder and CEO of Plant Jammer. “Traditional sustainability is often supply-driven, where for example factories produce plant-based meats, electric cars, or more effective power plants. "Plant Jammer takes a different approach: we provide the end consumers themselves the inspiration and tools they need to make a proactive choice, to enable them to break habits and create a greener lifestyle – and to share their experience with their friends.” Eric-Alan Rapp, partner in VF Venture, the direct investment arm of Vækstfonden, added: “Plant Jammer is helping people move towards plant-based diets and reduce food waste - two of the largest and most important issues on the planet that we have to address in order to reach our global climate goals. “Many people want to do this, but few people know how - or where to start. Michael and his team know how; they are applying deep science in a unique way to help make health and sustainability part of people’s daily lives.” According to Plant Jammer, more than 100,000 households in Germany, the UK, Denmark and the US are already using its recipe technology.

Bolthouse Farms has introduced two new plant-based lines: Protein Keto beverages and Refrigerated Dressings. Made with coconut milk and pea protein, the plant-based Protein Keto drinks range is non-GMO, contains no artificial flavours, preservatives, colours or sweeteners, and is free from gluten and soy. With 12g of protein, the ready-to-drink beverages are available in three flavours: mocha truffle latte, cinnamon horchata and hazelnut fudge. Bolthouse Farms claims that the beverages contain only 1g of sugar and are low in net carbs. The range is also said to offer ‘perfectly balanced’ Keto macro ratios. “As Bolthouse Farms continues to innovate healthier and more functional beverages, we saw an opportunity to provide consumers with a great-tasting, plant-based protein beverage option for those following Keto or those looking for lower-sugar and plant-based choices,” said Bolthouse Farms vice president of marketing, AJ Bernstein. “We think these new plant-based Protein Keto beverages fill that need and provide great flavour not found in the market today.” The Bolthouse Farms plant-based Refrigerated Dressings line features two oat-based and two veggie-blend variants. Garden Ranch, Habanero Blue, Carrot Miso and Green Goddess are all reportedly non-GMO and free from gluten, as well as artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Bernstein continued: “Bolthouse Farms has been a leader in the development of flavourful and better-for-you refrigerated dressings, and it was a natural progression to take what we know about great flavour and simple ingredients and translate it to creamy, plant-based dressings that consumers will crave.” Both of the new Bolthouse plant-based lines are available in the US. Last year, Campbell Soup offloaded its Bolthouse Farms division to private equity firm Butterfly for approximately $510 million. #BolthouseFarms #Keto #US

Bolthouse Farms has introduced two new plant-based lines: Protein Keto beverages and Refrigerated Dressings. Made with coconut milk and pea protein, the plant-based Protein Keto drinks range is non-GMO, contains no artificial flavours, preservatives, colours or sweeteners, and is free from gluten and soy. With 12g of protein, the ready-to-drink beverages are available in three flavours: mocha truffle latte, cinnamon horchata and hazelnut fudge. Bolthouse Farms claims that the beverages contain only 1g of sugar and are low in net carbs. The range is also said to offer 'perfectly balanced' Keto macro ratios. “As Bolthouse Farms continues to innovate healthier and more functional beverages, we saw an opportunity to provide consumers with a great-tasting, plant-based protein beverage option for those following Keto or those looking for lower-sugar and plant-based choices,” said Bolthouse Farms vice president of marketing, AJ Bernstein. “We think these new plant-based Protein Keto beverages fill that need and provide great flavour not found in the market today.” The Bolthouse Farms plant-based Refrigerated Dressings line features two oat-based and two veggie-blend variants. Garden Ranch, Habanero Blue, Carrot Miso and Green Goddess are all reportedly non-GMO and free from gluten, as well as artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Bernstein continued: “Bolthouse Farms has been a leader in the development of flavourful and better-for-you refrigerated dressings, and it was a natural progression to take what we know about great flavour and simple ingredients and translate it to creamy, plant-based dressings that consumers will crave.” Both of the new Bolthouse plant-based lines are available in the US. Last year, Campbell Soup offloaded its Bolthouse Farms division to private equity firm Butterfly for approximately $510 million.

US brand Kos has closed a $2.1 million finance round to accelerate the growth of its plant-based protein and functional ingredient supplements. The round was led by Springdale Ventures, former Whole Foods CEO, Walter Robb, and chairman of Horizon Bank, Jim Schneider. With its new funding, Kos aims to expand product innovation, strengthen its marketing presence in the US and expand distribution into new markets. Since launching in 2018, Kos says its line of organic and plant-based products has seen success through its website, Amazon, Whole Foods and a variety of Southern California retailers. Between July 2019 and July 2020, Kos saw a 271% increase in sales and has entered into 5,400 new points of distribution this year. The launch of new plant-based proteins and daily nutrient-rich blends in Whole Foods in April this year marked the first time the brand’s products were made available in a major retailer nationwide. Most recently, the brand added new functional blends such as a mocha mushroom coffee, a low sugar hot chocolate mushroom blend and a gingerbread chai flavoured golden mylk to its line-up. “As we grow, our mission remains the same: to give everyone access to plant-based superfoods that promote overall health and can be enjoyed on-the-go while positively impacting the environment,” said Allan Stevens, co-founder of Kos. Jim Schneider, chairman of Horizon Bank and former CFO at Dell, added: “Led by strong and driven leadership, and offering a diverse line of delicious, plant-based products, Kos provides consumers with the opportunity to make a small yet sustainable change that positively impacts overall health and the environment. “Kos’ ability to reach people across all dietary preferences makes them a company destined for great things and we are happy to partner with them as they scale the business to new heights.” #Kos #plantbasedprotein #SpringdaleVentures #US

US brand Kos has closed a $2.1 million finance round to accelerate the growth of its plant-based protein and functional ingredient supplements. The round was led by Springdale Ventures, former Whole Foods CEO, Walter Robb, and chairman of Horizon Bank, Jim Schneider. With its new funding, Kos aims to expand product innovation, strengthen its marketing presence in the US and expand distribution into new markets. Since launching in 2018, Kos says its line of organic and plant-based products has seen success through its website, Amazon, Whole Foods and a variety of Southern California retailers. Between July 2019 and July 2020, Kos saw a 271% increase in sales and has entered into 5,400 new points of distribution this year. The launch of new plant-based proteins and daily nutrient-rich blends in Whole Foods in April this year marked the first time the brand’s products were made available in a major retailer nationwide. Most recently, the brand added new functional blends such as a mocha mushroom coffee, a low sugar hot chocolate mushroom blend and a gingerbread chai flavoured golden mylk to its line-up. “As we grow, our mission remains the same: to give everyone access to plant-based superfoods that promote overall health and can be enjoyed on-the-go while positively impacting the environment,” said Allan Stevens, co-founder of Kos. Jim Schneider, chairman of Horizon Bank and former CFO at Dell, added: “Led by strong and driven leadership, and offering a diverse line of delicious, plant-based products, Kos provides consumers with the opportunity to make a small yet sustainable change that positively impacts overall health and the environment. “Kos’ ability to reach people across all dietary preferences makes them a company destined for great things and we are happy to partner with them as they scale the business to new heights.”

Plant-based producer Sol Cuisine has introduced soy-free and non-GMO Spinach Chickpea Bites in Canada. The brand says that the newest addition to its portfolio can be enjoyed as an appetiser or snack. The Spinach Chickpea offering joins Spicy Black Bean and Crispy Chick’n variants in the company’s range of Bites. “This is the perfect product for those seeking a healthy and great-tasting veg-forward option,” said Sol Cuisine founder, Dror Balshine. “Our Spinach Chickpea Bites feature a delicious blend of vitamin-loaded spinach and high-in-protein chickpeas. Being soy free, non-GMO and a good source of iron, these tasty bites are great for appetisers, snacks and make a perfect side dish for any meal. “Partnering with Costco is very exciting. We think these Spinach Chickpea bites can be enjoyed by the entire family. They are simple, healthy and easy to prepare as the fall gets busy for everyone.” Sol Cuisine’s Spinach Chickpea Bites are available at all Costco locations in Western Canada. Earlier this month, Sol Cuisine announced that it had closed a $7.6 million approx. equity financing round led by BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund. #Canada #SolCuisine

Plant-based producer Sol Cuisine has introduced soy-free and non-GMO Spinach Chickpea Bites in Canada. The brand says that the newest addition to its portfolio can be enjoyed as an appetiser or snack. The Spinach Chickpea offering joins Spicy Black Bean and Crispy Chick’n variants in the company’s range of Bites. “This is the perfect product for those seeking a healthy and great-tasting veg-forward option,” said Sol Cuisine founder, Dror Balshine. “Our Spinach Chickpea Bites feature a delicious blend of vitamin-loaded spinach and high-in-protein chickpeas. Being soy free, non-GMO and a good source of iron, these tasty bites are great for appetisers, snacks and make a perfect side dish for any meal. “Partnering with Costco is very exciting. We think these Spinach Chickpea bites can be enjoyed by the entire family. They are simple, healthy and easy to prepare as the fall gets busy for everyone.” Sol Cuisine's Spinach Chickpea Bites are available at all Costco locations in Western Canada. Earlier this month, Sol Cuisine announced that it had closed a $7.6 million approx. equity financing round led by BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund.

Natural food and beverage start-up Grounded has announced the launch of a new range of plant-based protein milkshakes in September. The dairy-free RTD shakes contain 20g of plant-protein and are available in two flavours: chocolate and mint choc. Each carton features a blend of organic sunflower protein, fair-trade organic cocoa powder and coconut cream, while the mint choc variant also includes peppermint oil. Made with 100% natural ingredients, Grounded claims its products don’t compromise on anything and that each carton contains 40% less sugar than most chocolate milk drinks. “As a space synonymous with health and fitness, it’s mind boggling how many products sacrifice real, quality ingredients, for ‘too-good-to-be-true’ nutritional info. The market is crying out for a clean, genuinely natural, plant-based option. Our m*lkshakes have come just at the right time,” said Gabriel Bean, founder of Grounded. The London-based start-up uses 100% recyclable paper-based cartons, produced by Sig, to package its vegan shake, which is also free-from gluten, soya, nuts and GMOs. Bean added: “Impact on the planet is something that is as close to us as the ingredients we use, it goes hand in hand with our ethos. We’re not claiming to save the world, but we can do our part by continuing to be mindful about the materials we use, where they come from, where they go, and working with the most sustainable options and partners we can.” From 3 September, the new RTD shakes will be available to purchase online and in select retailers across the UK for an RRP of £2.75 per 490ml carton. #Grounded #plantbaseddairy #RTD #UK

Natural food and beverage start-up Grounded has announced the launch of a new range of plant-based protein milkshakes in September. The dairy-free RTD shakes contain 20g of plant-protein and are available in two flavours: chocolate and mint choc. Each carton features a blend of organic sunflower protein, fair-trade organic cocoa powder and coconut cream, while the mint choc variant also includes peppermint oil. Made with 100% natural ingredients, Grounded claims its products don’t compromise on anything and that each carton contains 40% less sugar than most chocolate milk drinks. “As a space synonymous with health and fitness, it’s mind boggling how many products sacrifice real, quality ingredients, for ‘too-good-to-be-true’ nutritional info. The market is crying out for a clean, genuinely natural, plant-based option. Our m*lkshakes have come just at the right time,” said Gabriel Bean, founder of Grounded. The London-based start-up uses 100% recyclable paper-based cartons, produced by Sig, to package its vegan shake, which is also free-from gluten, soya, nuts and GMOs. Bean added: “Impact on the planet is something that is as close to us as the ingredients we use, it goes hand in hand with our ethos. We’re not claiming to save the world, but we can do our part by continuing to be mindful about the materials we use, where they come from, where they go, and working with the most sustainable options and partners we can.” From 3 September, the new RTD shakes will be available to purchase online and in select retailers across the UK for an RRP of £2.75 per 490ml carton.

Nestlé is making its first move into the growing market for plant-based seafood alternatives with the launch of a vegan tuna in Switzerland. Sensational Vuna, which will be launched under the Garden Gourmet brand, is made from a blend of six plant-based ingredients. Described as having a “flaky texture and rich flavour” like its seafood counterpart, Nestlé says its Vuna can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, sandwiches and pizzas. The initial launch of Sensational Vuna will feature both the chilled product, which is available in a glass jar, and within ready-made sandwiches in select stores across Switzerland. “Sustainably produced plant-based seafood alternatives can help to reduce overfishing and to protect the biodiversity of our oceans. Our plant-based tuna alternative is delicious, nutritious and high in protein, while also being mercury-free,” said Stefan Palzer, Nestlé chief technology officer. The tuna alternative, which was developed within nine months, will join other plant-based products in the Garden Gourmet range including vegan mince, soy-based sausages, and a plant-based burger, recently renamed to Sensational Burger following a court order filed by Impossible Foods. Eugenio Simioni, market head for Nestlé Switzerland, added: “We are delighted to launch this strategic expansion of Nestlé’s plant-based offerings in the Swiss market first. It is another example of the innovation strength of Nestlé in Switzerland, and the exceptional capabilities and expertise we have in this country in the area of food and nutrition.” According to Nestlé, further roll out of the product will be announced in due time, while other plant-based fish and shellfish alternatives are also under development. #Nestlé #GardenGourmet #vegan #Switzerland #Plantbasedseafood

Nestlé is making its first move into the growing market for plant-based seafood alternatives with the launch of a vegan tuna in Switzerland. Sensational Vuna, which will be launched under the Garden Gourmet brand, is made from a blend of six plant-based ingredients. With a pea-protein base, the plant-based tuna alternative contains essential amino acids and is free from artificial colourings or preservatives. Described as having a “flaky texture and rich flavour” like its seafood counterpart, Nestlé says its Vuna can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, sandwiches and pizzas. The initial launch of Sensational Vuna will feature both the chilled product, which is available in a glass jar, and within ready-made sandwiches in select stores across Switzerland. "Sustainably produced plant-based seafood alternatives can help to reduce overfishing and to protect the biodiversity of our oceans. Our plant-based tuna alternative is delicious, nutritious and high in protein, while also being mercury-free,” said Stefan Palzer, Nestlé chief technology officer. The tuna alternative, which was developed within nine months, will join other plant-based products in the Garden Gourmet range including vegan mince, soy-based sausages, and a plant-based burger, recently renamed to Sensational Burger following a court order filed by Impossible Foods. Eugenio Simioni, market head for Nestlé Switzerland, added: "We are delighted to launch this strategic expansion of Nestlé’s plant-based offerings in the Swiss market first. It is another example of the innovation strength of Nestlé in Switzerland, and the exceptional capabilities and expertise we have in this country in the area of food and nutrition." According to Nestlé, further roll out of the product will be announced in due time, while other plant-based fish and shellfish alternatives are also under development.

Kellogg plans to invest $43 million into a manufacturing facility in Ohio, which produces plant-based products for its MorningStar Farms line. Located in Zanesville, Ohio, the current facility will be expanded from 40,000 to 50,000 square-feet. The announcement was made by Zanesville Muskingum County Port Authority which said that the investment will solidify Kellogg’s place as the anchor of the Northpointe Business Park. As part of the expansion, $25 million will used to upgrade equipment, while $18 million will be invested in the new facility. The move will reportedly add 40 full-time jobs to its current workplace this Autumn. “We are excited to see a company grow and invest. This project will also offer good opportunities for local contractors to be involved,” said Matt Abbot, executive director for the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority. Kellogg spokesperson Kris Bahner told the Zanesville Time Recorder: “The Zanesville manufacturing plant is home to MorningStar Farms products. Expanding the facility will help us continue to meet consumer demand for their favourite plant-based products.” In May, Kellogg announced that it will delay the launch of several product lines – including the launch of MorningStar Farms’ Incogmeato range of plant-based meat alternatives – until the end of the year, due to Covid-19. The project which will begin in September and is expected to be completed by December 2021. When approached by FoodBev, Kellogg did not wish to comment. #Kellogg #meatalternatives #Ohio #plantbased #MorningStarFarms