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.

Global venture capital fund, Lever VC, has announced the first close of its new fund focused on the global alternative protein space. The Lever VC Fund I currently has $23 million in committed capital and a portfolio of ten startups across the US, Europe and Asia. Lever VC – whose partners were investors in Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Memphis Meats and other sector leaders – is investing in a range of early stage plant-based and cell-cultivated meat and dairy companies. “The alternative protein market is continuing to grow quickly, and with our deep experience and proven record of returns in the sector, as well as preeminent deal flow across North America, Europe, Asia and beyond, Lever VC is perfectly positioned to deliver value to investors looking for financial or strategic exposure to alternative protein,” said Lawrence Chu, Lever VC partner and founder of Lever VC GP Venture Smart Financial Holdings Limited. The Fund’s portfolio includes: TurtleTree Labs, which produces cow’s milk and human breast milk from cell cultivation; Better Meats Co, whose plant-based meat protein blend is featured in Perdue Farms products at over 7,000 grocery stores across the US; Good Planet Foods, which supplies plant-based cheese to Walmart, Albertsons, Kroger, Costco, White Castle and others; Mission Barns, which creates cell-cultivated bacon products; The Good Spoon, a plant-based condiments brand; and Bond Pet Foods, which creates real meat protein from fermentation. “We decided to invest in alternative protein in 2018, and started approaching a few VCs,” said Benny Pei, Lever VC partner and chief investment officer of Lever VC GP DFP Capital. “We were most impressed with the Lever VC founders’ long investment experience and track record in this exciting field, so we joined them to start strategically deploying assets in this fast-growing global sector.” #BetterMeatsCo #TurtleTreeLabs #meatalternatives #ImpossibleFoods #BeyondMeat #TheGoodSpoon #GoodPlanetFoods #plantbased #MissionBarns #MemphisMeat

Global venture capital fund, Lever VC, has announced the first close of its new fund focused on the global alternative protein space. The Lever VC Fund I currently has $23 million in committed capital and a portfolio of ten startups across the US, Europe and Asia. Lever VC – whose partners were investors in Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Memphis Meats and other sector leaders – is investing in a range of early stage plant-based and cell-cultivated meat and dairy companies. “The alternative protein market is continuing to grow quickly, and with our deep experience and proven record of returns in the sector, as well as preeminent deal flow across North America, Europe, Asia and beyond, Lever VC is perfectly positioned to deliver value to investors looking for financial or strategic exposure to alternative protein,” said Lawrence Chu, Lever VC partner and founder of Lever VC GP Venture Smart Financial Holdings Limited. The Fund's portfolio includes: TurtleTree Labs, which produces cow's milk and human breast milk from cell cultivation; Better Meats Co, whose plant-based meat protein blend is featured in Perdue Farms products at over 7,000 grocery stores across the US; Good Planet Foods, which supplies plant-based cheese to Walmart, Albertsons, Kroger, Costco, White Castle and others; Mission Barns, which creates cell-cultivated bacon products; The Good Spoon, a plant-based condiments brand; and Bond Pet Foods, which creates real meat protein from fermentation. “We decided to invest in alternative protein in 2018, and started approaching a few VCs,” said Benny Pei, Lever VC partner and chief investment officer of Lever VC GP DFP Capital. “We were most impressed with the Lever VC founders’ long investment experience and track record in this exciting field, so we joined them to start strategically deploying assets in this fast-growing global sector.”

New US wellness brand Dose has released a line of four functional wellness shots for your liver, soreness, immunity and skin. Each 2oz shot is made with 100% all-natural ingredients, contains no GMO’s, no caffeine and no preservatives. The functional beverages also contain zero sugar, zero calories and are packed in sustainable glass. Dose For Immunity features elderberry and echinacea, as well as 1150 mg of fruits that have vitamin C. According to the brand, these ingredients work together to support a body’s natural defences. Meanwhile, Dose for your Liver contains a blend of turmeric and milk thistle which is said to regulate the body and help maintain long-term liver health. Dose for Soreness is full of antioxidants and adaptogens such as green tea catchetin and berries, with claims of helping bodies react well to soreness and help boost muscle strength and stamina. Through aloe vera extract and centella, Dose for your Skin claims to support a body’s collagen production, promote hydration, elasticity and overall skin health. “At Dose, our formulations are clinically-studied to work best for your body as we believe everyone should have access to nutritious ingredients that help them pursue healthier, happier and more balanced lives,” said founder Vasu Goyal. He added: “Working with our scientific team with over 15 years of distinguished experience, we are setting the right standard for better-for-you products. Each ingredient in Dose is in the optimal level of quantity and delivers a punch that is vital to helping the functionality.” Dose is available online for nationwide delivery and in retailers such as Erewhon, Jensen’s and Jimbo’s for an RRP of $3.99 per unit, with plans to expand into more retailers throughout the year.

Plant-based producer Sol Cuisine has closed a CAD 10 million ($7.6 million approx.) equity financing round led by BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund. Other participants in the round included existing investors EDC, New Acres, InvestEco, Planted Power, chairman Mike Fata and CEO John Flanagan. Founded in 1996, Sol Cuisine claims to have launched one of the first organic tofu products in Canada. The company, which supplies both retail and foodservice channels, has a manufacturing facility and research and development (R&D) lab in Mississauga, Ontario. The company’s portfolio includes burgers, balls, bites, sausages, fillets and roasts, and can be found at over 4,000 locations, including Whole Foods, Albertsons, Metro and Loblaws stores. According to Sol Cuisine, the capital raised in its latest funding round will enable it to continue expanding its product innovation and distribution. “Sol Cuisine is thrilled to partner with BDC Capital,” said CEO John Flanagan. “This investment combined with our talented management team and newly expanded SQF GFSI certified manufacturing facility will enable us to share Sol Cuisine’s exceptional products with more consumers, or as we like to say, our Sol Mates.” Jonathan Goodkey, principal with the BDC Capital Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, will be joining the Sol Cuisine board of directors. His colleague Joe Regan, managing partner, Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, said: “BDC Capital is excited to invest in Sol Cuisine. Consumers’ interest in plant-based protein foods continues to increase and we believe that Sol Cuisine is well positioned for continued rapid growth.” #Canada #SolCuisine

Plant-based producer Sol Cuisine has closed a CAD 10 million ($7.6 million approx.) equity financing round led by BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund. Other participants in the round included existing investors EDC, New Acres, InvestEco, Planted Power, chairman Mike Fata and CEO John Flanagan. Founded in 1996, Sol Cuisine claims to have launched one of the first organic tofu products in Canada. The company, which supplies both retail and foodservice channels, has a manufacturing facility and research and development (R&D) lab in Mississauga, Ontario. The company’s portfolio includes burgers, balls, bites, sausages, fillets and roasts, and can be found at over 4,000 locations, including Whole Foods, Albertsons, Metro and Loblaws stores. According to Sol Cuisine, the capital raised in its latest funding round will enable it to continue expanding its product innovation and distribution. “Sol Cuisine is thrilled to partner with BDC Capital,” said CEO John Flanagan. “This investment combined with our talented management team and newly expanded SQF GFSI certified manufacturing facility will enable us to share Sol Cuisine's exceptional products with more consumers, or as we like to say, our Sol Mates.” Jonathan Goodkey, principal with the BDC Capital Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, will be joining the Sol Cuisine board of directors. His colleague Joe Regan, managing partner, Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, said: “BDC Capital is excited to invest in Sol Cuisine. Consumers’ interest in plant-based protein foods continues to increase and we believe that Sol Cuisine is well positioned for continued rapid growth.”

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.