Nestlé has announced that it plans to invest CHF 3.2 billion ($3.58 billion) over the next five years, in order to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. As a signatory of the UN ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’ pledge, Nestlé says it is one of the first companies to share its net zero roadmap. With the aim to accelerate its efforts to reduce its climate impact, the Swiss giant will focus on three areas: regenerative agriculture, its operations and product portfolio. Nestlé will allocate around CHF 1.2 billion ($1.34 billion) to advance regenerative agriculture in its supply chain. It is currently working with farmers and suppliers to implement such practices to improve soil health and maintain and protect diverse ecosystems. As part of its commitment, Nestlé will plant 20 million trees every year over the next decade in areas where it sources ingredients. In addition, the company’s primary supply chains of key commodities such as palm oil and soy will be deforestation-free by 2022. Magdi Batato, executive VP and head of operations, said: “With nearly two-thirds of our emissions coming from agriculture, it is clear that regenerative agriculture and reforestation are the focal points of our path to net zero. These efforts will reduce emissions and improve biodiversity at scale.” In its operations, the maker of KitKat plans to complete its transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2025 at its 800 sites in 187 countries. This also includes tackling food waste and lowering emissions through vehicle and transport options. Finally, Nestlé plans to expand its plant-based food and beverage offerings, as well as reformulate products to make them more environmentally friendly. The firm is also increasing the number of ‘carbon neutral’ brands, targeting 2022 for Garden Gourmet and 2025 for Sweet Earth. These come on top of Nespresso, S.Pellegrino and Perrier’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2022 and the rest of Nestlé Waters category by 2025. “Tackling climate change can’t wait and neither can we. It is imperative to the long-term success of our business,” said Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO. He added: “We have a unique opportunity to address climate change, as we operate in nearly every country in the world and have the size, scale and reach to make a difference. We will work together with farmers, industry partners, governments, non-governmental organisations and our consumers to reduce our environmental footprint.” #Nestlé #netzeroemissions #sustainability #renewableelectricity #Regenerativeagriculture

Kind has entered into an agreement to buy snack bar brand Nature's Bakery less than a month after Mars announced its acquisition of Kind North America. Founded in 2011, Nature's Bakery offers a range of plant-based and nut-free snack bars. The brand’s portfolio, which includes fig bars, brownie bars and other soft-baked options, is said to provide a differentiated and complementary offering to Kind's existing range. The acquisition aligns with Kind's aim to create a ‘foremost health and wellness platform’ that will function as a distinct and separate business within the Mars portfolio. “If you look at pantries across the country, odds are you will find Kind and Nature's Bakery products sitting side by side,” said Daniel Lubetzky, founder and executive chairman of Kind. “Both brands have created loyal followings by being true to their unique value propositions. It comes as no surprise that, along with Kind, they remain one of the growth leaders within the snack bar category. We are excited to welcome them to the Kind family and support the team's next chapter as part of our growing health and wellness platform.” Chris Lansing will continue as CEO of Nature's Bakery under the company’s new ownership, reporting to Juan Martin, global president for Kind. “We know consumers love our soft-baked snacks, and this is a unique opportunity to introduce even more families to our full portfolio of snacks, baked with the nourishing ingredients and delicious recipes we have always been known for,” said Lansing. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Kind has entered into an agreement to buy snack bar brand Nature’s Bakery less than a month after Mars announced its acquisition of Kind North America. Founded in 2011, Nature’s Bakery offers a range of plant-based and nut-free snack bars. The brand’s portfolio, which includes fig bars, brownie bars and other soft-baked options, is said to provide a differentiated and complementary offering to Kind’s existing range. The acquisition aligns with Kind’s aim to create a ‘foremost health and wellness platform’ that will function as a distinct and separate business within the Mars portfolio. “If you look at pantries across the country, odds are you will find Kind and Nature’s Bakery products sitting side by side,” said Daniel Lubetzky, founder and executive chairman of Kind. “Both brands have created loyal followings by being true to their unique value propositions. It comes as no surprise that, along with Kind, they remain one of the growth leaders within the snack bar category. We are excited to welcome them to the Kind family and support the team’s next chapter as part of our growing health and wellness platform.” Chris Lansing will continue as CEO of Nature’s Bakery under the company’s new ownership, reporting to Juan Martin, global president for Kind. “We know consumers love our soft-baked snacks, and this is a unique opportunity to introduce even more families to our full portfolio of snacks, baked with the nourishing ingredients and delicious recipes we have always been known for,” said Lansing. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. #KIND #NaturesBakery #US #Mars #snackbars

Vegan cheese alternative brand Violife has expanded into the sweet spread category for the first time, with the launch of its plant-based Cocospread in UK supermarkets. In an attempt to challenge the UK sweet spread sector, Violife claims that its Cocospread contains a quarter of the sugar, half the fat, and half the calories typically found in other chocolate spread products on the market. The vegan spread is also free-from all allergens, nuts, palm oil, preservatives, GMO and cholesterol. Found in the chilled, free-from section, Violife says the dairy-free spread can be enjoyed on toast, crackers, pancakes and ice cream, as well as used in baking cakes, tarts, and brownies. Simon Orchard, country manager UK and Ireland at Violife, said: “At Violife we look to innovate and push boundaries and have built on the success of our category-leading range of cheese alternative products to break into a new category – sweet spreads. “It’s Violife’s mission to create great tasting vegan products that can be enjoyed by everyone, and we’re certain that Cocospread delivers on this. With the same creamy and indulgent taste of other spreads on the market, Cocospread has significantly less sugar, fat and calories as well as being palm oil and allergen free.” Violife’s Cocospread was first made available in September online at specialist retailer The Vegan Kind, but is now available to purchase at Asda and Wholefoods nationwide for an RRP of £2.40. #Upfield #UK #vegan #dairyfree #Violife #plantbasedspreads

Vegan cheese alternative brand Violife has expanded into the sweet spread category for the first time, with the launch of its plant-based Cocospread in UK supermarkets. In an attempt to challenge the UK sweet spread sector, Violife claims that its Cocospread contains a quarter of the sugar, half the fat, and half the calories typically found in other chocolate spread products on the market. The vegan spread is also free-from all allergens, nuts, palm oil, preservatives, GMO and cholesterol. Found in the chilled, free-from section, Violife says the dairy-free spread can be enjoyed on toast, crackers, pancakes and ice cream, as well as used in baking cakes, tarts, and brownies. Simon Orchard, country manager UK and Ireland at Violife, said: “At Violife we look to innovate and push boundaries and have built on the success of our category-leading range of cheese alternative products to break into a new category - sweet spreads. “It’s Violife’s mission to create great tasting vegan products that can be enjoyed by everyone, and we’re certain that Cocospread delivers on this. With the same creamy and indulgent taste of other spreads on the market, Cocospread has significantly less sugar, fat and calories as well as being palm oil and allergen free.” Violife’s Cocospread was first made available in September online at specialist retailer The Vegan Kind, but is now available to purchase at Asda and Wholefoods nationwide for an RRP of £2.40.

UK pastry brand Higgidy has announced that it is expanding its plant-based portfolio with the introduction of its first vegan quiche. The brand says that the new offering is the product of ‘years’ of taste tests and trials. Free from cream, milk and eggs, the quiche comes in two variants, both ‘packed’ full of vegetables. The range includes a sharing-sized spinach and roasted tomato vegan quiche and an individual-sized porcini mushroom and spinach offering. Higgidy will also be adding a mini ‘no-pork pie’ made with vegetables and green lentils to its portfolio. “We are incredibly proud to introduce our first-ever vegan quiche, allowing vegans to try Higgidy’s quiches for the very first time,” said Higgidy co-founder, Camilla Stephens. “The expansion of our plant-based offering is a really exciting move for us and we see it becoming an increasingly important area within the Higgidy portfolio.” With prices ranging from £2.50 to £4.25, the new plant-based offerings will be available from Waitrose on 30 December, before rolling out to Sainsbury’s and Boots at the beginning of January 2021. #Higgidy #plantbased #UK

UK pastry brand Higgidy has announced that it is expanding its plant-based portfolio with the introduction of its first vegan quiche. The brand says that the new offering is the product of ‘years’ of taste tests and trials. Free from cream, milk and eggs, the quiche comes in two variants, both 'packed' full of vegetables. The range includes a sharing-sized spinach and roasted tomato vegan quiche and an individual-sized porcini mushroom and spinach offering. Higgidy will also be adding a mini ‘no-pork pie’ made with vegetables and green lentils to its portfolio. “We are incredibly proud to introduce our first-ever vegan quiche, allowing vegans to try Higgidy’s quiches for the very first time,” said Higgidy co-founder, Camilla Stephens. “The expansion of our plant-based offering is a really exciting move for us and we see it becoming an increasingly important area within the Higgidy portfolio.” With prices ranging from £2.50 to £4.25, the new plant-based offerings will be available from Waitrose on 30 December, before rolling out to Sainsbury’s and Boots at the beginning of January 2021.

Israeli-based food-tech company, SavorEat, has raised NIS 42.6 million (approx. $13 million) during its IPO on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE). Millennium Food-Tech, Gemel and Meitav Dash, and Gemel Pensions were among the investors. The offering was conducted by Leumi Partners Underwriters, with support from the Horan & Co law firm. Founded in 2018, SavorEat developed a unique technology for the production of meat alternatives – a rapidly growing trend in the food industry. The technology can be used to create and cook alternatives while imitating the unique taste and texture of meat, using a 3D food printing manufacturing method. It also allows high food safety and longer shelf life, making logistics and the ability to store at room temperature easier. SavorEat's first development will focus on the creation of a plant-based hamburger. CEO Racheli Vizman said: "We believe that SavorEat brings genuine good news to the meat alternatives market through the unique technology that we are developing. Our worldview is that only alternative tastiness, quality and healthiness to meat will succeed in leading to the desired change in reducing meat consumption." "We are grateful to our investors who have shown belief in our vision, technology and professional team. We are only at the beginning of our journey and we are certain that the current capital raising will greatly contribute to the development of the company and allow the presentation of many innovations in the future," she continued.

Israeli-based food-tech company, SavorEat, has raised NIS 42.6 million (approx. $13 million) during its IPO on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE). Millennium Food-Tech, Gemel and Meitav Dash, and Gemel Pensions were among the investors. The offering was conducted by Leumi Partners Underwriters, with support from the Horan & Co law firm. Founded in 2018, SavorEat developed a unique technology for the production of meat alternatives – a rapidly growing trend in the food industry. The technology can be used to create and cook alternatives while imitating the unique taste and texture of meat, using a 3D food printing manufacturing method. It also allows high food safety and longer shelf life, making logistics and the ability to store at room temperature easier. SavorEat’s first development will focus on the creation of a plant-based hamburger. CEO Racheli Vizman said: “We believe that SavorEat brings genuine good news to the meat alternatives market through the unique technology that we are developing. Our worldview is that only alternative tastiness, quality and healthiness to meat will succeed in leading to the desired change in reducing meat consumption.” “We are grateful to our investors who have shown belief in our vision, technology and professional team. We are only at the beginning of our journey and we are certain that the current capital raising will greatly contribute to the development of the company and allow the presentation of many innovations in the future,” she continued. #3Dtechnology #SavorEat #meatalternatives #Israel #plantbasedmeat

Nature’s Path Foods-owned brand, Que Pasa, has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a new line of organic grain-free tortilla chips. The British Columbia-based brand’s new range is made using organic cassava flour and is available in sea salt, nacho (vegan cheese) and lime flavours. Like Que Pasa’s corn tortilla chips, the grain-free line is vegan, certified organic, and free from gluten. According to Nature’s Path, the new non-GMO offering is also paleo diet friendly. “We like to think of our new grain-free chips as representing the height of snacking inclusivity,” said Arjan Stephens, president of Que Pasa Mexican Foods. “They suit all varieties of chip lovers and will satisfy anyone – especially those who cannot enjoy traditional corn-based tortilla chips.” Que Pasa’s new range can be purchased nationwide in Canada from Real Canadian Superstore and Loblaw. In addition, the tortilla chips are also available in western Canada from Save-On-Foods, London Drugs and Western Canada Costco. #Canada #glutenfree #NaturesPathFoods #QuePasa

Nature's Path Foods-owned brand, Que Pasa, has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a new line of organic grain-free tortilla chips. The British Columbia-based brand's new range is made using organic cassava flour and is available in sea salt, nacho (vegan cheese) and lime flavours. Like Que Pasa’s corn tortilla chips, the grain-free line is vegan, certified organic, and free from gluten. According to Nature's Path, the new non-GMO offering is also paleo diet friendly. "We like to think of our new grain-free chips as representing the height of snacking inclusivity,” said Arjan Stephens, president of Que Pasa Mexican Foods. “They suit all varieties of chip lovers and will satisfy anyone – especially those who cannot enjoy traditional corn-based tortilla chips.” Que Pasa’s new range can be purchased nationwide in Canada from Real Canadian Superstore and Loblaw. In addition, the tortilla chips are also available in western Canada from Save-On-Foods, London Drugs and Western Canada Costco.

Dutch meal replacement company Jimmy Joy has entered the instant hot meal market with its new plant-based Plenny Pot line. Available in the UK, Plenny Pot aims to offer a healthy and affordable lunch or dinner option which is ready in minutes. According to Jimmy Joy, users simply add boiling water and allow to stand. Made with whole food and natural ingredients, the line comes in three vegan flavours: creamy Cajun pasta, tikka masala lentils, and vegetable korma rice. Each meal pot contains 400 calories, 20g protein and between 11-13g fat. The meals also offer a source of fibre (between 6.5-12g), are low in sugar and contain probiotics and prebiotics. Like all the brand’s products, the Plenny Pot is a nutritionally complete, plant-based alternative meal which provides all 26 essential vitamins and minerals. The meal pots join Jimmy Joy’s range of meal replacement shakes, bars, and drinks, marking its first hot and savoury product. While the creamy Cajun pasta contains black beans and mushrooms, the tikka masala lentils and vegetable korma rice features white rice, pea and soy protein. “We’re delighted to be launching our first ever instant hot meal, which is another exciting step in our commitment to providing people with the healthiest, most convenient meals possible – with minimal impact on the planet,” said Joey van Koningsbruggen, Jimmy Joy CEO and founder. Each Plenny Pot is available to purchase in the UK for £2.72.