US plant-based beverage brand Califia Farms has announced the launch of new dairy-free plant milks and creamers. Zero Sugar Oatmilk is said to provide “the rich, creamy and smooth taste of regular oat milk with 0g of sugar per serving,” and is a source of calcium and vitamins A and D. Meanwhile, Oat + Almond Plantmilk Blend offers 60 calories per serving. The new almond and oat blend is also a source of calcium and vitamins A and D. The company is also introducing two new creamer varieties: Cookie Butter Almondmilk, which combines almond milk with the flavour of spiced speculoos cookies; and oat milk-based Cinnamon Roll Oat, which is said to offer the flavour of an iced cinnamon roll. The new creamers can be used in hot or iced coffee, and contain only 3g of sugar per serving. Suzanne Ginestro, chief marketing officer at Califia Farms, said: “As we work to create a future where plants replace dairy without compromise, these newest products offer even more opportunities for consumers to experiment with plant-based options, delivering on the taste, textures and nutritional expectations consumers have for occasions typically involving dairy”. The new offerings are rolling out to US retailers, including Kroger, Target and Whole Foods. #CalifiaFarms #creamer #US

Plant-based nutrition brand Kencko has raised $10 million in Series A funding, as it looks to enter additional categories. Kencko’s products – offered through its subscription service – aim to help customers consume their recommended daily portions of fruit and vegetables. The brand’s portfolio includes smoothie sachets, which contain 2.5 servings of fruit and vegetables in a powdered, freeze-dried form, and which are prepared by adding liquid. The company also offers gumdrops, while its Kenckobowls will launch in February to provide a “quick but nutritious meal” that is prepared by adding hot water to the freeze-dried mix. Kencko claims that by freeze drying produce soon after harvest, it cuts food waste by up to 30% compared with fresh produce. All of the B Corporation’s packaging is also said to be plant-based and compostable. The round was led by existing investor Siddhi Capital, and also included participation from Next View Ventures, Riverside Ventures, Silas Capital, Cheyenne Ventures, Nakhla Ventures and Shilling Capital, among others. The company plans to use the new funds to expand into additional categories, targeting further consumption occasions throughout the day. #Kencko #plantbased

Danone-owned brand So Delicious Dairy Free has unveiled a new line of coconut milk yogurts with botanical extracts in the US. So Delicious Yogurt Alternatives with Botanicals Extracts is available in three flavours: strawberry with elderberry extract, mango with ginger and turmeric extracts and mixed berry with chamomile extract. The range is made with organic coconut and contains 7-8g of sugar and no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. “Here at So Delicious, we’re focused on dairy-freeing minds with great taste – and our new yogurt alternatives with vibrant botanical extracts are making it easier than ever to indulge in mindful microbreaks throughout the day,” said Lia Stierwalt, senior director of marketing, So Delicious Plant-Based Yogurt Alternatives. So Delicious Yogurt Alternatives with Botanicals Extracts are available at Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market for an MSRP of $1.99 per single-serve cup. #Danone #SoDeliciousDairyFree #US

French plant-based start-up La Vie has raised €25 million in a Series A round, which was backed by investors including Natalie Portman. The round also received participation from Seventure, Partech and the CEOs of Vinted, Blablacar and Back Market. The company produces vegetable lardons and bacon using patented vegetable fat that is rich in protein. La Vie plans to use the funding to “revolutionise plant-based food” and expand its distribution across France, the UK and the rest of Europe, targeting both the retail and foodservice channels. “It is essential to switch to plant-based food and I am convinced that technological innovation has a key role to play in encouraging consumers – even the most reluctant – to make the switch,” said Thomas Lodewijk Plantenga, CEO of Vinted. “The La Vie team has created a delicious recipe and a unique brand that will make plant-based meat so appealing that it will become the norm in our societies.” #France #LaVie

Danone North America has launched its latest plant-based product offering to appeal to dairy-milk consumers, Silk Nextmilk. The new release is specially formulated for dairy consumers. The milk contains six key nutrients found in dairy, including calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, B12, riboflavin and phosphorus, as well as delivering four grams of plant-based protein per serving. The offering is also lactose-free, non-GMO Project Verified and has 30% fewer calories than dairy milk. John Starkey, president of plant-based food and beverages at Danone North America, said: “Some consumers remain skeptical about plant-based food and beverages due to taste and texture, but Silk Nextmilk is on a mission to change that. We deconstructed dairy to create this revolutionary product that delivers the taste and texture we think dairy drinkers will love. Thanks to Silk Nextmilk — a true category game-changer — we’re confident dairy lovers will want to cross the aisle.” Silk Nextmilk is now available in whole fat and reduced-fat varieties for an MSRP of $4.99 per 59-oz carton in the refrigerated section at US grocery stores nationwide, including Target, Kroger, Publix and HEB. #DanoneNorthAmerica #Silk #US

Once Again Nut Butter has expanded its portable, organic snack range with the addition of new gluten-free graham cracker sandwiches. The new releases are available in peanut butter and sunflower seed butter flavours. The brand’s high-quality, sustainably sourced nut and seed butters are combined with its graham crackers, made from a blend of organic sorghum flour, organic oat flour and organic cassava flour. These are then filled with dry roasted blanched organic peanuts or dry roasted organic sunflower seeds. The clean-ingredient product uses RSPO certified palm oil to stabilize the spreads and is made with sustainably sourced cane sugar. They’re also vegan, kosher certified and non-GMO verified. Gael J. B. Orr, director of marketing at Once Again Nut Butter, said: “Our nut and seed butters have always been an awesome ingredient choice to create plant-based snacks with, so we couldn’t be more excited to introduce these ready-to-enjoy graham cracker sandwiches to market. Designed to appeal to all ages, the portable snacks can be eaten straight off the shelf, no peanut-butter stirring or sunflower-butter spreading needed and they’re surprisingly filling and tasty.” Once Again’s graham cracker sandwiches will be available in US retailers nationwide in March 2022. #OnceAgainNutButter #US

With the world having been more focused than ever on health during the past two years, consumers are reevaluating decisions surrounding eating and exercise. A recent report by Food & Beverage Insider found that 40% of consumers have purchased functional products during the pandemic. Supporting this, Technavio’s latest market research projects that the global health and wellness food market will grow by $362.15 billion during 2021-2025, witnessing a CAGR of 8.27%. This consistent increase in demand is likely to be a response to heightened fears around health and wellbeing due to the ongoing pandemic. FoodBev explores some themes impacting the functional food and beverage market and showcases innovations and trends from within the sector. Focus on immune boosters Immunity has been a buzzword during the last 20 months, as consumers around the world have been increasingly seeking out products that offer immunity-boosting benefits as a preventative measure against falling ill. The functional foods industry is seeing an increase in products that contain immune-boosting natural ingredients, such as turmeric, ginger and apple cider vinegar, as well as vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and probiotics. A recent Think with Google European report, conducted by Lucy Sinclair, analysed changes in consumer behaviour and detailed a surge in searches for vitamin D and immunity boosters, indicating that even with preventative measures and vaccines in place, consumers are also looking to make positive changes to their diets. The popularity of functional products can be seen throughout the food and beverage sector, with many new offerings having been introduced in 2021, including Weetabix Food Company’s new immunity support drink range, released as part of its Weetabix On The Go selection. On The Go Plus Immune Support is high in fibre, contains 19g of protein per bottle, and is fortified with vitamins and minerals, with the aim of helping consumers gain extra protection. Another example is free-from and vegan soup brand Soupologie’s plant-based soups with vitamin D. Continued growth for CBD While the pandemic has seen a proliferation of products that offer functional benefits for health and the body, it has also provoked a greater interest in products for mental wellness. The pandemic and resulting restrictions have caused disruption, uncertainty and anxiety for many, as millions saw their lives and routines changed. During the pandemic, around four in ten adults in the US have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from one in ten before the pandemic, according to the results of a KFF Health Tracking Poll. The poll also found that many adults are reporting specific negative impacts on their mental health and wellbeing, such as difficulty sleeping (36%). A 2021 Journal of Cannabis Research report found that many users said that CBD could improve sleep problems, stress, anxiety and be used for general health and wellbeing. Many consumers are aware of these reported effects, and, according to Grand View Research, the global cannabidiol market was valued at $2.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 21.2% from 2021 to 2028. Companies have also looked into CBD and the reported benefits for consumers. The push in innovation can be seen in the accessibility of products – as CBD has jumped from an unknown commodity to a household name – and in the range of offerings available, from infused chocolate to CBD candles. A great example of a CBD product being brought to market is the trial by UK supermarket Sainsbury’s of drinks brand Rebelicious’s CBD-infused beverages. US beverage brand Karma Water has also innovated, expanding its wellness and probiotic water drinks portfolio with the launch of its new CBD-infused water. The water is infused with 25mg of antioxidant-rich CBD distillate, plus four adaptogens and seven vitamins, providing both nutritional and holistic benefits for the consumer. Convenience without compromise The gradual easing of lockdowns and restrictions has seen countries open up, and the movement of people and global travel resume, albeit to a reduced extent compared with previously. While health remains forefront in the minds of consumers, for many the return to the office means less time to prepare nutritious food. To rescue consumers from the healthy or quick conundrum, companies are reintroducing or creating healthy on-the-go convenience options. An example of this is the launch of UK start-up Tarwi Foods’ new range of lupin bean-based snacks, which are designed as a healthy option that can be enjoyed on the go. Also aiming to offer convenience without compromising health, activated snacking brand Boundlessa has announced the launch of the “world’s first” activated chip range. Founder Cathy Moseley said: “Our mission is quite simply to make snacking well easy. That’s why we believe this launch is a real game-changer. We’re helping people to look after their gut with a product range that is both accessible and affordable.” Have you recently launched a functional or health-focused product? The 2022 World Food Innovation Awards has 25 categories, including “Best health or wellness food/drink” and “Best functional product”. Enter your innovation today! #IFE #Food #awards #WorldFoodInnovationAwards2022 #innovation #Pl #beverage #WorldFoodInnovationAwards

Vegan fried chicken firm VFC Foods has announced it has secured £7.5 million in a seed funding round led by vegan investment fund Veg Capital. Founded in late 2020, VFC produces a wide range of vegan fried chicken products, including Chick*n Fillets, Popcorn Chick*n and Chick*n Bites. The funding will be used to grow the company’s team and support distribution expansion. VFC’s commercial director, Stewart McGuckin, said: “The reception from both customers and consumers has been incredible, and the successful Tesco launch has allowed us to secure listings in more of the UK’s top four grocers, as well as the largest foodservice wholesalers. Expansion within the UK has been phenomenal, and we are also seeing strong international demand, particularly from the US.” VFC says that a larger Series A funding round is being considered for mid 2023. Last year, VFC raised £2.5 million in funding to scale up production and accelerate the growth of the brand, both in the UK and internationally. #VegCapital #vegan #VFCFoods

Meat alternatives company Quorn Foods has announced that it is introducing five new products, including three vegan options. Quorn is expanding its chilled aisle offering with ready-to-eat Sweet Chilli and Jerk Mini Fillets. Both products are said to be high in protein and fibre, and can be enjoyed in wraps, salads, sandwiches and pittas. Quorn’s new Southern Fried Wings are an addition to the brand’s recently launched vegan Takeaway range. The meat-free ‘wings’ feature a crunchy coating with black pepper, garlic and thyme. The company is also introducing Quorn Garlic & Herb Bites and Creamy Korma Bites, which are designed as a protein snack for consumers to enjoy on the go. The filled bites are covered in breadcrumbs and are said to be low in saturated fat. “The meat-free category sees its highest penetration throughout January. Alongside Veganuary seeing its biggest-ever pledge numbers year on year, it is a crucial opportunity to inspire new shoppers into buying meat free,” said Gill Riley, marketing director at Quorn Foods UK. “We want to capture this moment with mouth-watering NPD, perfectly timed to make January that little bit tastier.” Riley continued: “There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick and nutritious mid-week dinner, lunch on the go or a takeaway-style treat, they all come with the added benefit of doing your bit for the environment”. #QuornFoods #UK

US food technology company Benson Hill has announced its acquisition of ZFS Creston, a food-grade white flake and soy flour manufacturer, for approximately $102 million. The deal enables Benson to convert its proprietary soybeans into soy protein ingredients, with applications including plant-based meat, meat extension, bakery, cereal, snacks and fermentation. The acquisition will also allow Benson to deliver a portfolio of non-GMO ingredients that are less processed, sustainable, traceable and domestically sourced. Creston is well equipped to produce soy meal and oil, as well as “food-grade” soy white flake, flour and grits, which can be used as ingredients or as a raw material for developing concentrates, isolates and textured protein products. “The acquisition of ZFS Creston, combined with our proprietary ultra-high protein soybean varieties, positions Benson Hill to deliver a portfolio of improved ingredients as an innovative unlock to bottlenecks in the rapidly growing but capacity-constrained plant-based movement,” said Matt Crisp, CEO of Benson Hill. He added: “This acquisition advances our integrated business model as a more efficient route to market with a smaller footprint that better aligns with consumer preferences, enabling us to harness the genetic potential of plants and help scale the growth of plant-based markets”. “The ZFS Creston team has done a terrific job optimising the facility and working with customers, suppliers and the Creston, Iowa community to create a successful, value-added food ingredient business,” said Eric Meeuwsen, ZFS Creston co-president and COO. He continued: “We are grateful for the hard work of everyone at ZFS Creston. We are confident Benson Hill will provide excellent opportunities for employees, local farmers and the community through the commercialisation of their innovative, higher nutrition, soy-based food ingredients.” #BensonHill #soy #ZFSCreston #US #protein #soyprotein

Plant-based dairy company Marvelous Foods has closed a $1.2 million funding round from investors including Lever VC. Based in Beijing, Marvelous Foods serves the Chinese market. The company’s first product, Yeyo coconut yogurt, is targeted specifically at millennial women in the country’s first tier cities. “There is enormous potential for plant-based dairy for everyone in China, and we are focusing on one target audience of opinion leaders in order to spearhead the adoption of this new category, and that is millennial women in China,” said Marvelous Foods founder and CEO, Christiana Zhu. Marvelous Foods plans to use the new funds to expand its product portfolio and distribution. Investors in the round include Lever VC, Satori Capital, HBG and New Climate Ventures. The company’s distribution footprint currently includes more than 90 outlets, and spans the foodservice, retail and e-commerce channels. “There is a long history of traditional plant-based drinks like soy milk in China, but a lack of plant-based 2.0 dairy alternatives,” said co-founder and COO, Athena Zhu. “Oatly has made a big impact on the plant-based milk category, but plant-based yogurt, ice cream and similar categories are still pretty much untouched. Yogurt in China is a $17 billion market, which presents a huge opportunity for high-quality plant-based products and brands to convert and capture.” Nick Cooney, managing partner of Lever VC, added: “Given…[Marvelous Foods’] focus and understanding of the target consumer, we’re confident in their vision and capability to deliver tasty, healthy and innovative products that will have a real impact on the uptake of plant-based foods in China”. #China #LeverVC #MarvelousFoods #plantbaseddairy

The White Rabbit Pizza Co, known for its range of vegan pizzas, is launching a plant-based and gluten-free calzone in the UK. According to the company, the Chick’n & Pesto Calzone is the first vegan calzone in the market. The product is filled with creamy MozzaRisella, vine-ripened Sicilian chopped tomatoes, basil pesto and chick’n strips. White Rabbit’s co-founder, Nick Croft-Simon, said: “At White Rabbit, we want to make a plant-based diet more inclusive via authentic, delicious taste credentials and we also want to make the switch easy”. He continued: “Growth in plant-based has increased dramatically over the Covid-19 pandemic, with one in four of us reducing the amount of animal products we consume. The most compelling way to introduce this new audience into plant-based is to take away all compromises with ‘food for tonight’ that tastes incredible in a quick and convenient format.” The Chick’n & Pesto Calzone is available across Sainsbury’s stores for an RRP of £5 per 290g box. #calzone #plantbased #TheWhiteRabbitPizzaCo #UK