Plant-based food company Forager Project has unveiled a new line of dairy-free cheeses, made using its probiotic cashewmilk yogurt. Launching this spring in the US, the Cheeseworks range is organic, gluten-free, soy-free and certified vegan. The Danone-backed manufacturer already offers dairy-free yogurts, plant-based milks and shakes; with the Cheeseworks range representing its entry into a new category. The line of dairy-free cheeses is made using the brand’s cultured cashewmilk yogurt as the base and comes in four varieties: Jack, Queso Fresco, Mozzarella and Parmesan. Each variety is available in chunks and shreds format. Forager Project says the vegan cheeses can melt and stretch like its dairy counterparts, making it a perfect pick for pasta, pizza and nachos. “Here at Forager Project, we’re dedicated to amazing our consumers with great tasting plant-based foods in every creamery category,” said Forager Project co-founder and CEO, Stephen Williamson. “With the launch of cheese, we’re excited to give our consumers even more delicious, plant-based options while staying true to our mission to make plant-based foods more accessible for everyone.” Forager Project’s Cheeseworks line will be available at retailers nationwide this spring for $5.99. Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #ForagerProject #US #Vegancheese #Danone #dairyfree

Plant-based company Zyrcular Foods has inaugurated a new alternative protein plant in the province of Barcelona, following an investment of €3.5 million. Located in the town of Seva, the 1,500 square-metre facility will start to produce plant-based foods in mid-March. The factory will initially operate with a single shift, producing up to 1 million kilograms of alternative protein per year for third parties, supermarket chains, foodservice companies and food manufacturers. Zyrcular Foods claims that its Seva factory is Spain’s first facility exclusively dedicated to alternative protein production. As part of the Netherlands’ Wageningen Food Valley food cluster and the Good Food Institute, Zyrcular Foods will open up its facility to start-ups and foodtech businesses from Spain and elsewhere to manufacture and sell their products in Europe. The alternative protein producer and distributor says this will enable businesses to produce and export their products across the Mediterranean, and in turn, reduce their carbon footprint. Zyrcular Foods currently distributes alternative protein brands such as Beyond Meat, Gardein and Green Vie; but also supplies retail giant Aldi and Spanish chains La Sirena and Sánchez-Romero, as well as food service companies like Pad Thai Wok and Fosters Hollywood. “We have gone from being a distributor of big international plant protein brands like Beyond Meat, NEXT, Gardein and Sophie’s Kitchen to producing them under contract. This is a significant milestone for innovation in the food industry in Spain,” said Santiago Aliaga, Zyrcular Foods CEO. The company also highlights that the Seva facility operates via renewable on-site solar energy. “Our dream must be to produce using locally grown plant raw material: that would enable us to bring our CO2 footprint down as low as possible,” added Aliaga. Zyrcular Foods has also bought adjacent plots with a view to expanding the production of plant protein and other alternative protein foods in the future. Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #Spain #ZyrcularFoods #plantprotein #plantbased #alternativeprotein

Livekindly Collective brand, LikeMeat, has launched a new collection of chicken alternative products in the US. The line includes four varieties: Like BBQ Chick’n, Like Chick’n Pieces, Like Grilled Chick’n and Like Chick’n Nuggets. A source of plant protein and fibre, the Like Chick’n range is non-GMO, and free from gluten and dairy. The products come in ‘earth-friendly’ packaging trays, made from 95% recycled materials. “Personal pleasure too often comes at the expense of the world, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” says Emily Klooster, marketing director for LikeMeat. “What if you could do good, and still eat dirty? We’re inviting mindful meat lovers to become ‘eativists’, and making progress through good food — one meal, one product at a time. “We understand that food is personal. That’s why we believe the way to turn meat eaters into flexitarians is through pleasure: not deprivation. We stand for progress, not perfection and, of course, having fun.” The new Like Chick’n products are available from Sprouts Farmers Market stores. Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #LikeMeat #LivekindlyCollective #meatalternatives #US

Vegan and free from snack brand, Crave, has launched a line of rice milk chocolate bars in the UK. Made with Cocoa Horizons-certified cocoa, the vegan chocolate bar range is free from gluten, milk, lactose and egg. The new Rocky Road offering is a rice milk chocolate bar topped with marshmallows, raisins and biscuit crumbs. Meanwhile, Kitchen Sink features rice milk chocolate covered with salted fudge, raisins, honeycomb, cornflakes and biscuit crumbs. “It’s obvious the plant-based movement is here to stay, but I found myself getting frustrated by the limited vegan and free from products in the market that actually taste normal and can match mainstream options,” said Crave founder, Robert Brice. “Rather than take away flavour, we’re all about adding as much as possible, so you’ll find a whole load of toppings on our chocolate bars to appeal to a wide target of consumers who don’t want to compromise on taste. “Crave is focused on enjoyment and indulgence, so we’re targeting both Gen Z and Gen Y where our chocolate can be shared with all of the family, and the kids of today will hopefully grow up with the brand and be the parents of tomorrow, buying for their family too whether they are vegan or have allergies or not.” With an RRP of £3 per 90g bar, the new chocolate duo is available from Holland & Barrett as well as via the brand’s website. Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #Crave #freefrom #UK #vegan

Outcast Foods, a Canadian food technology company tackling food waste, has raised CAD 10 million ($7.9 million approx.) in a financing round. The round included a CAD 5 million ($3.9 million approx.) equity investment from District Ventures Capital, with BDC Capital providing the remaining CAD 5 million. Established in 2017, Outcast diverts food waste from landfill and turns discarded fruit and vegetables into ‘nutrient-dense’ food products. These include its line of Plant Strong protein powders and dietary supplements, as well as plant-based ingredients for applications spanning industries including pet food and agriculture. The company’s food upcycling technology makes use of rejected, surplus or out-of-date produce from farms, food processors and grocers across Canada, which supply an average of one million pounds of daily food waste. Outcast currently operates from a facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and plans to scale ‘significantly’ in 2021. “We saw the giant issue of food waste as an opportunity to create a new category in the growing supplement industry,” said Darren Burke, co-founder and CEO of Outcast Foods. “All we needed to do was figure out how to transform waste stream food into high-purity, nutrient-dense, long-shelf life natural health products.” TJ Galiardi, co-founder of Outcast Foods, said: “We have created a win for everyone in the supply chain with Outcast. Retailers not only cut costs associated with hauling unsold produce away to the landfill, but there’s also a reduction in carbon footprint, and customers enjoy delicious and sustainable products. We’re ready and excited to scale our operations with our new partners.” Arlene Dickinson, general partner of District Ventures Capital, added: “We are pleased to support a company that not only addresses the problems of food waste but is creating a future world rooted in sustainable food production. “We’re excited to partner with Outcast with our investment as they prepare to scale their sustainable plant-based technology.” District Ventures Capital recently invested in organic sparkling tree water company, Sapsucker. Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #BDCCapital #DistrictVenturesCapital #foodwaste #OutcastFoods

The Scottish government has agreed to offer non-dairy milk alternatives as part of its free government-funded nursery and early learning milk scheme. The decision comes after several years of campaigning by The Vegan Society over the lack of inclusion of plant-based milks in various public health initiatives. Established in 2019, the society’s Play Fair with Plant Milk campaign demands that fortified non-dairy milk should be recognised as an alternative wherever animal milk is currently promoted. The UK’s current Nursery Milk Scheme means children under the age of five who attend approved day care facilities are entitled to receive 1/3 of a pint of cow’s milk each day, free of charge. However, the government scheme does not currently include fortified plant milks for vegan pupils. Following discussion between The Vegan Society and the Scottish government, funding will now be available for eligible childcare providers to provide unsweetened calcium enriched soya drinks for children over 12 months. The dairy-free alternative will be made available to children under the new Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme, which will roll out across all local authorities on 1 August 2021 and will replace the current UK Nursery Milk Scheme in Scotland. In a published assessment, the Scottish government said: “During the development of the policy, a negative impact was identified for those children who are unable to consume cow’s milk due to medical, ethical or religious reasons. “These children will be unable to benefit from the cow’s milk element of the scheme but we have sought advice from Food Standard Scotland to identify safe and nutritious alternative drinks to cow’s milk which can be included in the scheme.” Goat and sheep milk alternatives will also be made available as part of the new scheme, as well as a healthy snack item such as a portion of fresh fruit or vegetable. Heather Russell, dietitian at The Vegan Society, added: “This scheme recognises the nutritional need for suitable alternatives to milk, which will help to ensure that vegan children receive the best care, including balanced food.” Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #Nondairymilk #plantbaseddairy #Scotland #TheVeganSociety

US hummus producer Sabra has introduced its first plant-based snack line for kids, which pairs a vegan dip with crackers or tortilla chips. The plant-based snack kits are available in two flavours: Brownie Batter Dip & Graham Cracker Sticks and Taco Dip & Rolled Tortilla Chips. Sabra Kids come in packs of three single-serve snacks and are also kosher. Both dips are made with cooked chickpeas and other vegan, non-GMO ingredients. The snack duo joins the brand’s wide range of hummus and other plant-based products, such as guacamole and its Dark Chocolate Dessert Dip & Spread. To support the launch of Sabra Kids, the brand is challenging parents to a game of ‘truth or delicious dare’ – sharing some less-than-proud snacking and parent truths, while daring their own children to try something new. Through the game, Sabra is hoping more kids will experiment with new snacks and more plant-based foods. “Like many families, we’ve embraced a more plant-based way of eating at home, and I know it can be very challenging to find incredibly great tasting, excellent snacks for kids,” said Jason Levine, dad of three and Sabra chief marketing officer. “Sabra Kids is a delicious snack and we’re thrilled for families to taste for themselves …in fact, we’re daring them to try it,” he added. Sabra Kids can be purchased in supermarkets nationwide and online at retailers including Walmart. Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #plantbasedsnacks #Sabra #US #vegan

UK vegan chocolate brand Mummy Meagz has launched a new plant-based range for Easter, featuring two eggs and a honeycomb bar. The Sunnycomb Bar is the brand’s take on a classic chocolate-coated honeycomb bar and retails for £1.49. Meanwhile, the new Easter eggs includes Smoove Moove, featuring a blend of dark chocolate with vegan mylk chocolate. The 70g egg retails for £3.99. A large orange chocolate egg joins Mummy Meagz’ popular Orange Choccie Bar in a new Easter set: Dark Chocolate Orange Choccie Easter Egg and Bar. The 40g bar and 165g egg have an RRP of £6.99. Each product bears the Vegan Society logo, are free from GMOs and contain responsibly-sourced palm oil, certified by the RSPO. “Easter is a time when we celebrate life, so by creating a range of new plant-based treats to mark the occasion, we’re hoping that more people than ever will choose to have a vegan celebration and give animal products a miss,” said Meagan Boyle, co-founder of Mummy Meagz. “Our Smoove Moove Easter eggs taste even better than their dairy counterparts, so everyone can enjoy a sweet springtime treat, regardless of whether they are vegan or not,” she added. Mummy Meagz’ new Easter range is available now in-store and online at Holland & Barrett nationwide. Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #Easter #UK #confectionery #MummyMeagz #veganchocolate

Beyond Meat has signed new global strategic agreements with McDonald’s and Yum! Brands to add signature plant-based menu items to the fast-food chains. The company has struck a three-year global agreement with McDonald’s, which will see Beyond Meat become the fast-food chain’s preferred supplier for the patty in the McPlant, a new plant-based burger being tested in select markets. As part of the deal, Beyond Meat and McDonald’s will explore co-developing other plant-based menu items such as plant-based chicken, pork and egg alternatives, under the broader McPlant platform. The announcement expands the existing partnership between McDonald’s and Beyond Meat, which began with a plant-based burger trial in Canada in 2019. “We’re excited to work with Beyond Meat to drive innovation in this space, and entering into this strategic agreement is an important step on our journey to bring delicious, high quality, plant-based menu items to our customers,” said Francesca DeBiase, McDonald’s executive vice president and chief supply chain officer. Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat founder and CEO, added: “We will combine the power of Beyond Meat’s rapid and relentless approach to innovation with the strength of McDonald’s global brand to introduce craveable, new plant-based menu items that consumers will love.” Under Beyond Meat’s partnership with Yum! Brands, the companies will co-create and offer plant-based protein menu items that can only be found at KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell over the next several years. The agreement expands on previous collaborations, such as KFC trialling plant-based chicken at an Atlanta restaurant in 2019. Since the initial rollout, KFC has expanded testing of Beyond Fried Chicken in other US cities. Last year, Pizza Hut launched the Beyond Italian Sausage Pizza and Great Beyond Pizza nationwide. “Today’s announcement builds on our strong relationship with Beyond Meat and, given the consumer response during recent tests with Beyond Meat, we’re excited about the long-term potential plant-based protein menu items have to attract more customers to our brands, especially younger consumers,” said Chris Turner, Yum! Brands CFO. Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #YumBrands #TacoBell #KFC #meatalternatives #BeyondMeat #McDonalds #plantbased #PizzaHut

Ardent Mills has announced its intention to acquire the operations of US-based chickpea sourcing and processing firm, Hinrichs Trading Company. Headquartered in Pullman, Washington, Hinrichs is a pulse processing company specialising in the production and processing of chickpea products. The company currently operates across five locations in Washington and Montana. The move to acquire ‘substantially all of’ Hinrichs’ business operations is part of Ardent Mills’ strategy to diversify its portfolio of solutions. The company is looking to further invest in its speciality ingredient capabilities, building upon its existing wheat flour business. “Ardent Mills and Hinrichs Trading Company share a strong commitment to our growers, customers, team members, communities, and to growth and innovation,” said Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills. “There is a strong cultural alignment and shared values across both organisations. We look forward to welcoming the talented Hinrichs Trading Company team to the Ardent Mills family.” Commenting on the prospective partnership with Ardent Mills, Hinrichs Trading Company CEO Phil Hinrichs said: “They bring operational and technical expertise, access to new markets, and the ability to scale quickly and sustainably. “Hinrichs Trading Company complements that with our extensive chickpea sourcing knowledge and extremely close grower connections.” Shrene White, general manager of The Annex by Ardent Mills, added: “The plant-based food and beverage market shows no sign of slowing down…This potential venture will enable us to offer diverse chickpea solutions to our customers from day one.” The parties are undertaking due diligence and expect the deal to close in April 2021. Last year, Ardent Mills announced that it had agreed to acquire Andean Naturals’ quinoa operations, as it aimed to expand its speciality grain capabilities. Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #ArdentMills #chickpeas #HinrichsTradingCompany #US

Plant-based group The Very Good Food Company has completed its acquisition of The Cultured Nut, an artisan vegan cheese producer in Canada, for an aggregate price of CAD$3m (approximately US$2.4m). The Cultured Nut, which sells its products through several online and grocery platforms such as Whole Foods, creates products including block-style cheese, cream cheese, as well as plant-based butter, among other products. The acquisition will enable Very Good Food to capitalise on the growing dairy alternatives market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% between 2020-2027 to reach US$44.9 billion by 2027. Very will rebrand Cultured Nut’s line under a new name, The Very Good Cheese Company, which is expected to launch in Q2 2021 through the company’s ecommerce and wholesale distribution networks. Very also hopes to scale Cultured Nut’s existing production facility to over 100,000 units per month this year and in 2022. “The acquisition of Cultured Nut allows Very to efficiently enter into the dairy alternatives space,” said Mitchell Scott, CEO of Very. “This is a significant milestone in the realisation of our long-term strategy of owning several brands under the banner of the Very Good Food Company in all major food categories providing consumers fun, innovative and healthier plant-based alternatives to everyday animal-based products.” #Dairyalternatives #Canada #TheVeryGoodFoodCompany #TheCulturedNut #plantbased

Danone has invested €12 million in a new plant-based production line at its Parets del Vallès factory, near Barcelona, which will produce coconut and oat-based products. As a result of the new line, Parets del Vallès will become Danone’s first hybrid factory that produces both dairy yogurts and plant-based alternatives. The new line is dedicated exclusively to the manufacture of coconut and oat-based products under the company’s Alpro, Activia and Oikos brands for both local and international markets. The investment forms part of Danone’s commitment to reinvest itself and become a “local-first company”, as it continues to strengthen its plant-based business and offer more and better alternatives. Earlier this month, the company agreed to acquire Earth Island, maker of the dairy-free Follow Your Heart range. “Our commitment is bringing health through nutrition and hydration to as many people as possible. And we do this by driving the food revolution with innovation as the main force of transformation, both in our products and in our operations,” said Paolo Tafuri, CEO of Danone Spain. “Answering the new food trends, such as flexitarianism, brings us closer every day to our ambition to offer a healthy, sustainable and inclusive food choices,” he concluded. Danone says the investment will result in 12 new positions, joining the current 181 employees at the 52,000 square-metre facility. To date, Danone operates four production centres in Spain: Parets (province of Barcelona), Aldaia (Valencia), Salas (Asturias) and Tres Cantos (Madrid). Keep up to date with the plant-based industry by subscribing to FoodBev’s latest title, The Plant Base, launching March 2021. #Alpro #Activia #Spain #Oikos #Dairyalternatives #Danone #plantbaseddairy