Eat Just has announced a $25 million investment from private equity firm C2 Capital Partners, as it looks to strengthen its position in the Chinese market. The deal marks the first investment in the alternative protein sector for C2, which was established in 2018 to provide growth capital and operational support to companies looking to scale in China. The firm’s anchor investor is Alibaba Group. C2 is currently supporting Eat Just in areas including sales and branding, as well as with the plant-based egg maker’s go-to-market strategies and regulatory approach in China. Eat Just’s Just Egg brand launched in the country on e-commerce platforms in 2019. The egg alternative is also available through a number of street vendors in Shanghai. Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just, said: “We are grateful to partner with C2 to grow our business in China. Their unique market insights and know-how include logistics, branding, marketing, omni-channel sales and distribution and last-mile delivery.” C2 managing partner, Steve Lin, added: “We are excited to support alternative protein pioneer Eat Just’s mission and to accelerate the growth of their innovative products and technologies in China by leveraging the unique insights and resources of the C2/Alibaba ecosystem”. #C2CapitalPartners #China #EatJust #JustEgg

Nestlé is expanding its Coffee Mate offering in the US with the introduction of new plant-based creamers. Featuring a blended base of oat and almond milk, two flavours will initially be available: French Vanilla and Caramel. “As creamer fans continue to seek variety, both in flavour and ingredients, it was only natural for Coffee Mate to step into the plant space,” said Leonardo Aizpuru, Nestlé senior director of brand marketing and leader of the creamer business unit. “Now everyone can have the best of both worlds – the delicious taste of Coffee Mate, featuring plant-based ingredients.” The almond and oat milk creamers will be available at select Walmart locations in October, expanding to grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide in January 2023. #CoffeeMate #Nestlé #plantbasedcreamer #US

Hafnium Ventures, an arm of investment firm Hafnium Hafaway, has announced a partnership with Republic Polytechnic that will commercialise soy cheese products. The collaboration will support Hafnium’s growth in the food and nutrition sector, and enable the commercialisation of Republic Polytechnic-led innovations. The institution has developed a range of cheese alternatives using soybean by-product okara. The first venture to be established under the partnership is SoiLabs, which will commercialise the plant-based cheese products. Made without synthetic additives, the dairy-free alternative comes in three different variations: sliced, cream and instant soup. SoiLabs director, Mauro Catellani, commented: “Plant-based food products are gaining popularity in Asia, and we are already seeing interest in our products from the alternative burger sector”. “We see tremendous potential for the soy cheese slices and cream cheese in meeting the needs of the rapidly growing plant-based market. Through further research and development, we are confident that together with the RP [Republic Polytechnic] team, we will roll out new okara-based food products moving forward.” The partnership will enable Hafnium to leverage the polytechnic’s nutrition and packaging expertise. Boon Whatt Lim, director at Republic Polytechnic’s School of Applied Science, said: “We are excited to embark on this journey with Hafnium. The SoiLabs venture is an example of how RP is developing industry solutions to strengthen Singapore’s food supply resilience and achieve the goals set out in the nation’s ‘Zero Waste Masterplan’. “Moving forward, we hope to work closely with Hafnium to accelerate product innovations to support the development of their existing businesses.” John Savage, partner at Hafnium, added: “We have been impressed with the level of investment being made by RP into the nutrition and packaging space. This is just the beginning, and we expect to deepen our relationship, both spinning out new ventures and delivering the innovative thinking to drive our existing nutrition businesses forward.” #HafniumHafaway #RepublicPolytechnic #Singapore

Brazilian frozen vegetable producer Grano Alimentos has acquired Mr. Veggy, in a move to diversify its portfolio. Founded in 2004, Mr. Veggy offers plant-based frozen foods, such as veggie burgers and vegetarian coxinha. Grano operates through a number of distribution channels, and the acquisition is expected to enhance Mr. Veggy’s growth potential. “We want to associate ourselves with the new healthy eating platforms, expanding the offer of products with a focus on quality and price for foodservice and B2C [business-to-consumer], using our relevant leadership in the sector to further drive the evolution of Mr. Veggy,” said Fernando Giansante, CEO of Grano. Andre Magnavita, commercial and marketing director at Grano, added: “We always work for health and we feel, in this post-pandemic period, the growing search for functional foods that deliver nutrition, increase immunity, protein value and help the body to work better”. “That’s what Grano does, produces minimally processed foods that deliver healthiness in a practical way, valuing what nature has created.” #Brazil #GranoAlimentos #MrVeggy

The Plant-Based Taste Awards, in association with Plant Based World Expo Europe, is now live and open for entries! The winners will be announced at Plant Based World Expo Europe, which takes place from 30 November to 1 December 2022. Now in its third year, the trade fair aims to connect suppliers and buyers via a combination of unique and traditional experiences. Following last year’s successful event, Plant Based World Expo Europe returns to the UK, set to be held at the capital’s Business Design Centre. In 2021, the expo showcased a smörgåsbord of products and services from both innovative start-ups and household names, including Quorn, RIP Foods, VBites, Heura Foods and This. FoodBev was fortunate to meet with many companies, to find out more about their efforts to make food more sustainable, ethical and just plain tasty. Organised by JD Events, Plant Based World Expo Europe promises a refreshing and dynamic experience this year too. Prepare to be inspired from the moment you walk through the doors. Navigating the show is easy and you will find a wealth of plant-based brands demonstrating new product launches as well as innovations across all categories. Plant Based World Expo presents a huge opportunity to lead the way in this ever-evolving sector. The expo, which is the only 100% plant-based event designed exclusively for foodservice and retail professionals, distributors, investors and manufacturers, will provide plenty of networking opportunities and a robust educational programme. Ticket registration is open. Register for your free ticket: plant-based-world-2022-visitor.reg.buzz/expo. FoodBev Media will be celebrating the very best in plant-based during the expo, with its Plant-Based Taste Awards 2022. During the event, a special live ceremony will take place to announce the winners. We are inviting businesses to take the stage and compete, showcasing their products for a chance to win awards across multiple plant-based categories. If you have what it ‘tastes,’ then enter today! #awards #PlantBasedTasteAwards

Plant-based milk maker, Malk Organics, has announced the official launch of a chocolate oat variant. The new product joins unsweetened almond, vanilla almond, original oat and vanilla oat variants as part of the company’s portfolio. Like the rest of the brand’s range, Malk’s latest offering contains “simple, clean ingredients,” such as organic gluten-free oats, organic cocoa, vanilla extract and Himalayan pink salt. It is also said to be free from gums, fillers and oils. With an SRP of $5.99, the new variant is rolling out in Whole Foods Market stores in the Southwest, Rocky Mountain and Northeast regions of the US. It will also be available from Erewhon, Gelson’s and Mom’s Natural. #MalkOrganics #milkalternatives #US

SunOpta has reported 31% revenue growth for its plant-based segment in Q2, driving an “excellent” set of quarterly results for the natural food and beverage maker. Overall, the company recorded revenue of $243.5 million, a 20.4% increase driven primarily by plant-based foods and beverages. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for natural and private label brands, and also produces its own brands, including the Sown oat creamer and Dream milk alternative ranges. The company’s plant-based unit generated revenue of $145.9 million in Q2. SunOpta said that it “saw growth in nearly every customer, every channel, every product type and in every go-to-market business”. Plant-based volume/mix was up 17.3%, boosted by oat-based offerings, while pricing increased 13.7%. Meanwhile, revenue for the company’s fruit-based segment grew 7.4%, as SunOpta raised prices to offset inflationary pressures. SunOpta CEO, Joe Ennen, said: “While the macro environment remains challenging, we have been able to offset the majority of inflation with pricing and our productivity initiatives continue to gain traction. The actions we have taken over the past several years to optimise our product portfolio, streamline operations and aggressively expand capacity are driving significant and sustainable momentum across our business.” The company recorded $22.3 million in adjusted Q2 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), up 38.4% year-over-year. SunOpta is raising its outlook for fiscal 2022 and now expects revenue growth in the region of 14-18%, up from its previous guidance of 10-14% growth. #Dream #milkalternatives #SunOpta #US

Z Natural Foods has announced the launch of Immu-C, a vegan beverage designed to support the immune system. Immu-C is made with organic ingredients, including orange juice, turmeric root, ginger root, chaga mushroom extract and red reishi mushroom. The new offering is a 100% natural whole food supplement. According to Z Natural Foods, Immu-C is “loaded with” antioxidants and mixes easily into water or juice. Other ingredients include organic mangosteen fruit, astragalus root and sea buckthorn, which is said to contain more than 120 active phyto-compounds. “Our customers like that Immu-C gives them additional nutrients to support their overall health,” said Jonathan Parker, director of nutrition and research at Z Natural Foods. “And since Immu-C is a whole food that supports a healthy immune system, many tell us they feel like they can reduce some of their other less important supplements.” #US #ZNaturalFoods

Icelandic start-up Loki Foods has raised $650k in a pre-seed funding round, as it looks to develop a line of sustainable seafood alternatives, including a plant-based, whole-cut Atlantic cod fillet. The company says its realistic cod analogue is nutritionally superior – being high in protein, vitamins, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids – and cooks just like conventional cod. Loki says its plant-based cod is also better for the environment, as it requires less land and water and generates less waste. It is also free of microplastics and other pollutants associated with traditional fish and seafood. Investors in the round included Sustainable Food Ventures, MGMT Ventures, VegInvest, FoodHack, Kale United and Lifely VC. Mariliis Holm, investor at Sustainable Food Ventures, said: “As the first investor in Loki Foods, we recognised a unique opportunity to build a new narrative for the future of seafood at the very heart of seafood’s global capital – Iceland. Loki Foods’ team, technology and location are truly one of a kind which allows them to produce sustainable alternative proteins in the form of seafood with completely renewable energy and pristine Icelandic water.” Loki says its product will also help to combat unsustainable fishing and aquaculture in Iceland and beyond. #fishing #Cod #Iceland #LokiFoods #Aquaculture

Lactalis Canada has announced plans to convert its Sudbury, Ontario, milk operations into a modern plant-based production facility. The conversion will enable Lactalis to grow its plant-based portfolio, which currently includes products such as Sensational Soy, Lactantia margarine and Siggi’s coconut-based yogurt alternative. “While our core business is dairy, as an innovation leader and as demonstrated by our forthcoming expansion into plant-based, we are constantly following the consumer and continually seeking opportunities to innovate and respond to the market,” said Mark Taylor, president & CEO, Lactalis Canada. He continued: “Our purpose is to enrich and nurture the lives of Canadians and this holds the same for our new offering which will provide consumers with complementary high-quality plant-based products that will benefit from our current capacity and capabilities as well as our rich and long-standing dairy expertise”. The news follows Lactalis Canada’s decision to cease milk operations at its Sudbury plant, effective September 30 2022. The company cited “unprofitability in the fluid milk market in Ontario” as a core reason for the announcement. Lactalis will continue to operate its refrigerated warehouse in Sudbury and will retain the majority of its workforce during the transition to a plant-based facility. “We assure all consumers and customers that there will be no disruption to product supply or service as milk processing from Sudbury will transfer to Lactalis Canada’s other fluid plants in Ontario and Quebec,” added Taylor. “Dairy will always remain an essential and economical part of a balanced, healthy diet and as such, we are committed to continuing to make products that are available and accessible for all Canadians.” More details on the expansion will be announced in the coming months. #Canada #Dairy #Lactalis #milk

Canadian food tech start-up, Chinova Bioworks, has introduced a vegan-friendly mushroom fibre fining agent. Mycobrio is a liquid chitosan fibre extract derived from the stems of white button mushrooms, and is a dual-functioning ingredient – also serving as a natural preservative. Formulated to replace synthetic and animal-derived fining agents, the newly launched solution rapidly clarifies fermented beverages, while protecting against spoilage by acting as a natural antimicrobial agent. Mycobrio fines yeast, tannins, proteins and other particulate matter from beer, wine, cider and seltzers. “We are thrilled to have Mycobrio launch into these new alcoholic and low to non-alcoholic beverage categories for Chinova as our newest natural mushroom innovation,” said Natasha Dhayagude, CEO and co-founder of Chinova Bioworks. “Especially with consumers demanding beverage formulations that include natural and healthier ingredients in the alcoholic space, it is the perfect time for manufacturers to switch from traditional animal-derived fining agents to alternatives such as Mycobrio, a non-GMO, vegan, kosher, organic and clean label ingredient.” Chinova Bioworks co-founder and chief operations officer, David Brown, added: “Mycobrio is a game changer for brewers and winemakers. It can reduce or eliminate cold crashing, filtration and centrifugation processes, which will save brands significant production costs and increase their energy efficiency. “There’s no need for operators to make stock solutions, pre-dissolve or wait when using Mycrobrio. It’s a drop in, ready-to-use solution that’s going to really change the game for brewers looking for sustainable and natural fining options.” The launch comes on the heels of a $6 million funding round, which will support the expansion of the company’s team and production capabilities. #Canada #ChinovaBioworks

Plant-based yogurt company Lavva has been acquired by lead operating partner, Next in Natural, for an undisclosed sum. Lavva offers dairy-free yogurts featuring a blend of pili nuts, coconut and plantains, with naturally occurring prebiotics and probiotics. In addition, the brand’s portfolio includes milk alternatives made from sprouted pili nuts. The entire range is free from added sugar and flavours. In addition to the new ownership, the company has also announced the appointment of Gourmet Guru founder, Jeff Lichtenstein, as CEO. “Lavva is what’s next in natural – delicious and nutritious plant-based products aligned with consumer demand for clean, whole food, functional, regenerative ingredients, and convenience,” said Lichtenstein. “Joining forces with these outstanding partners allows us to fortify the supply chain to keep up with demand and to produce additional innovation.” Lavva founder and chief growth officer, Liz Fisher, added: “We are on track to propel the company’s growth by leveraging Next In Natural’s expertise in production, R&D, business development and marketing, which will help us evolve and reach new audiences”. #Lavva #US