Beyond Meat has expanded its beef substitutes portfolio with the introduction of a plant-based alternative to seared steak tips. Containing 21g of protein per serving, Beyond Steak can be used to make dishes such as fajitas, tacos, stir fries, sandwiches and salads. The product comes seared and chopped into pieces and aims to emulate the “juicy, tender” bite of its meat counterpart. Beyond Meat chief innovation officer, Dariush Ajami, said: “Beyond Steak is a highly anticipated expansion of our popular beef platform and we’re proud to introduce this innovative product to consumers nationwide”. “Beyond Steak delivers the taste and texture of sliced steak in a way that is better for both people and the planet.” According to Beyond Meat, the new frozen offering can be prepared in a skillet or air fryer in five minutes, is low in saturated fat and contains 0mg of cholesterol. Beyond Steak is launching at Kroger and Walmart stores across the US and will also be available from other retailers. #BeyondMeat #US

Plant-based snack and beverage company, Buddha Brands, has announced a CAD 5.25 million (approx. $3.9 million) round of funding from capital investor, Fondaction. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Buddha Brands makes ‘better-for-you’ plant-based products that are low in added sugar, with an emphasis on clean ingredients. The investment will support Buddha Brands’ product development efforts, and help the brand to grow production and accelerate its penetration into the US market. Buddha Brands’ CEO and co-founder, Christopher Magnone, commented: “Fondaction’s support comes at the right time as we continue to expand distribution and push forward with promoting better eating habits in North America. Generating more market awareness for Buddha Brands and our plant-powered, clean-ingredient snacks and beverages will remain a key focus for the business.” Claire Bisson, deputy head of investment, impact and sustainability at Fondaction, added: “This investment is encouraging the supply and accessibility of plant-based, better-for-you foods, which will positively impact society’s overall health and wellness”. Buddha Brands can be found in over 5,000 retail locations across Canada and the US with distribution across independent food stores, grocery chains, convenience stores and online shopping platforms. #BuddhaBrands #Canada #Fondaction #US

Plant-based food manufacturer Alpha Foods has expanded its breakfast sandwich line-up with the launch of Chik’n & Maple Waffle Breakfast Sandwich. The Alpha Chik’n & Maple Waffle Breakfast Sandwich is created using Alpha’s crispy plant-based Chik’n Patty between two maple syrup-infused Belgian-style waffles. The new sandwich is vegan-certified, non-GMO project verified and made without palm oil. It is also packed with 16g of protein and is an excellent source of iron and fibre. “According to a recent survey conducted by Alpha and The Harris Poll, 73% of Americans feel stressed during weekday morning breakfast time, and more than two-thirds want to “up” their breakfast game,” said Alpha co-founder and CEO Cole Orobetz. “Our new Chik’n & Maple Waffle Breakfast Sandwich is a delicious plant-based recreation of America’s favorite brunch classic, ready in minutes.” Alpha’s Chik’n & Maple Waffle Breakfast Sandwich is available in individual packages at all Publix, Market Basket and Food City locations. #AlphaFoods #US

Nuovo Pasta, an artisan pasta manufacturer, has announced the release of its plant-based vegan collection. Each handmade style tortellini is filled with chef-crafted ingredients and non-dairy artisan (plant-based) cheeses. The vegan pasta is made from Italy’s ancient grain Kamut, one of the world’s oldest grains. Kamut wheat is an ancient wheat containing wholegrain nutrition, which provides firm texture, as well as a rich, nutty, taste. Flavours available in the tortellini collection include spinach and vegan ricotta, tomato, basil and vegan ricotta, roasted sweet potato and cauliflower and wild mushroom ragu and polenta. “We’ve taken our years of experience in the foodservice world and really created a restaurant experience at home for people, I believe that’s really driven the success of the company,” said Carl Zuanelli, CEO and founder of Nouvo Pasta. #Nuovo

Heura, a plant-based food tech start-up, has announced a more than €20 million funding round. The investment round included contributions from professional basketball player Ricky Rubio, football players Sergi Busquets and Sergi Roberto, comedian David Broncano, as well as Unovis Capital. It began earlier this year with Heura raising more than €4 million in 12 hours through its Equity for Good Rebels crowdfunding campaign. “Having mission-driven investors on board who dare to take bold action to accelerate the plant-based protein transition gives us the resources to continue driving category growth across Europe,” said Heura CEO and co-founder, Marc Coloma. He continued: “We have a clear vision, and this new funding will help us transition from a successful Spanish plant-based company to a net-positive food tech start-up that’s leading the protein transition across Europe. This growth path is designed to bring us into 2023 in a position to close the largest Series B round in the industry, and usher in a future that’s better for the people, planet and animals.” With the new funding, Heura plans to expand distribution in countries such as France, Italy and the UK, as well as enter new European markets, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Heura says that it almost doubled its half-year turnover in 2022, reaching €14.7 million, an increase from €7.6 million during the same period last year. #alternativeproteins #Heura #Spain

Bute Island Foods-owned Sheese has expanded its range of plant-based cheeses with the launch of Mighty Melter slices and The Italiano mix. The melting slices are a red-Leicester-style cheese perfect on top of a veggie burger. The Italiano is a mixed bag of grated plant-based cheese in mozzarella and cheddar style. The brand has expanded into 24 markets since its 1988 creation on the Scottish Isle of Bute and now exports to South Africa, North America and the Middle East. Nigel White of Bute Island Foods, said: “With nearly 40 different varieties, we offer consumers a vast amount of choice when it comes to vegan cheese. “Sheese’s growth continues to gather momentum and we put this sustained growth down to the heritage of the brand, its reputation, quality and our dedication to developing new products for both vegans and non-vegans, as they seek non-dairy alternatives for their plates.” The new products will be available nationwide in UK supermarkets from 21 November, the Mighty Melter slices are priced at £2.25 per 180g and The Italiano at £2.50 per 200g. #ButeIslandFoods #plantbasedcheese #Sheese #UK

Online plant-based food retailer The Vegan Kind has been bought out of administration in a pre-pack transaction. On 11 October, Interpath was appointed as administrator following a “difficult” 18 months for the business. The vegan food retailer has subsequently been acquired by Lillie SPV, which is controlled by Literacy Capital, according to a Companies House filing. London-based investment company Literacy Capital had been the majority owner of The Vegan Kind since June. In a joint statement, the directors of The Vegan Kind said: “The last 18 months, post lockdown, have been difficult for The Vegan Kind but we are pleased, on behalf of the creditors, that the principal shareholder has acquired the business and its assets”. “This will ensure our customers, up and down the country, can continue to access the widest range of plant-based foods in the UK…We recognise the next few weeks will be a difficult time for our team but we look forward to supporting them and to announcing more exciting plans about the future of The Vegan Kind and the important role it plays in the plant-based community shortly.” #TheVeganKind #UK

Glanbia Performance Nutrition-owned brand Optimum Nutrition has announced the launch of a new plant-based offering, Gold Standard 100% Plant Protein powder. Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Plant Protein includes ingredients such as peas, brown rice and fava beans. The protein powder will be available in two flavours: chocolate fudge and creamy vanilla. According to Glanbia, the new formula is made with 100% vegan ingredients and is expertly crafted with 24g of plant-based protein “to fuel a range of fitness activities”. The new offering also has zero grams of sugar, no artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners, and contains 150 calories per serving. Additionally, the product also contains nine essential amino acids/BCAAs and is fortified with a blend of vitamins and minerals “to help support strength and recovery”. “As the world’s most trusted sports nutrition brand, we constantly have a pulse on emerging trends to meet consumer needs,” said Alan Brooks, brand director at Optimum Nutrition. “With more Americans adopting a plant-based lifestyle or seeking plant-based alternatives, we developed Gold Standard 100% Plant to meet this demand and maintain our ‘gold standard’ quality that consumers expect from the Optimum Nutrition brand.” Both flavours are available in a 12-serving bag for $24.99 and a 20-serving tub for $34.99, with select sizes and flavours available at Walmart stores nationwide. #GlanbiaPerformanceNutrition #OptimumNutrition #US

Possible, a Standard Process brand, has announced the launch of a clean-label, whole food products line, including snack bars, meal bars, Supergreens and protein powders. Using regenerative farming practices and advanced manufacturing technologies designed to protect the vital nutrients found in each ingredient, Standard Process produces and sources quality materials to promote better health and well-being through proper nutrition. The snack bars and supercharged meal bars come in a variety of flavours including Strawberry Beet Almond, Cashew Date Turmeric, Almond Oatmeal Cacao, and Chocolate Almond. The Supergreens powder delivers more than 23 high-quality whole food ingredients and the protein powder, which comes in Vanilla Bean or Chocolate Cacao, is packed with nutrient-dense, organic ingredients. All products are US organic, vegan, non-GMO, non-dairy, gluten-free, clean label, and artificial-free. Many of Possible’s ingredients such as beets, Brussels sprouts and kale, are grown on Standard Process’s certified organic farm in Palmyra, Wisconsin and are prepared in a way that safeguards their nutritional value. #Possible #StandardProcess

Vitasoy International has announced its intention to take full ownership of its joint venture with Bega Cheese, Vitasoy Australia Products. The Hong Kong-based company currently owns 51% of Vitasoy Australia, which makes plant-based beverages and yogurts, through its subsidiary Vita International. Bega became a partner in the joint venture as part of its acquisition of Lion Dairy & Drinks in 2021 and owns a 49% stake through its subsidiary National Foods. Under the terms of the original deal, Vitasoy International has the right to buy out Bega’s holding in the business. In a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Vitasoy said that Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) had granted it permission to move forward with the acquisition. The announcement read: “The board of directors of the company is pleased to announce that the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board has issued a no-objection notification, which confirms the Australian government has no objections to the potential acquisition by Vita International of the remaining 49% of the issued share capital in Vitasoy Australia that is currently held by National Foods”. The statement added: “As at the date of this announcement, and in light of the FIRB approval, it is the intention of the board of Vita International to exercise the call option”. The call option can be exercised from the end of October for a 90-day period. However, Vitasoy highlighted that “shareholders and potential investors in the company should be aware that the exercise of the call option may or may not proceed” and that if it does, the terms are uncertain. #BegaCheese #VitasoyAustralia #VitasoyInternational #Australia #VitaInternational

Minor Figures has announced that it is introducing a new Barista Chai Concentrate, designed to be paired with the brand’s oat milk. The vegan and carbon neutral offering can be enjoyed hot, iced or mixed into a cocktail and is said to have a “sweeter, spicier” recipe than Minor Figures’ previous chai product. Containing only organic ingredients, a 1-litre carton makes 20 chai lattes when the concentrate is mixed one part to four parts oat milk. “Our new Organic Chai Concentrate is an infusion of high-quality loose-leaf teas mixed with the finest natural spices,” said Minor Figures co-founder and CEO, Stuart Forsyth. “It is slow-brewed to capture the purity and intensity of every ingredient. We look forward to hearing what our customers think.” With an RRP of £4.99 per carton, the new offering will be available to order via Amazon, the brand’s website and Ocado later this month. #MinorFigures #UK

Nurture Brands has announced its second acquisition this month, with plant-based confectionery maker Doisy & Dam joining the company’s certified-B Corp portfolio. Founded in 2014, Doisy & Dam makes vegan and palm oil-free chocolates using ethically sourced cocoa and was certified as a B Corp in 2016. It is the second brand to be snapped up by Nurture Brands this October, following a deal for pretzel producer Indie Bay. “Doisy & Dam is a real disrupter because it brings the excitement and formats from the dairy milk category into plant-based chocolate,” said Ben Arbib, founder of Nurture Brands. “Doisy & Dam will broaden Nurture Brands into the confectionery sector, whilst also complementing our better-for-you and sustainability led proposition”. Nurture Brands was founded in March 2019 and its portfolio – which also includes Rebel Kitchen, The Primal Pantry, Jax Coco and Emily – commits 1% of revenue to good causes. Nurture Brands managing director, Adam Draper, said: “We continue to seek disruptive snacking and beverage brands that are plant-based, better-for-you and sustainable, so that we can become the leading partner for all retailers in this space”. #DoisyampDam #IndieBay #NurtureBrands