Decupper has spent the last two years as regional general manager at Upfield, a producer of brands such as Flora, Stork, Elmlea, Bertolli, Violife and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. In this new role, Decupper will strive to achieve the company’s goal of creating a sustainable global food system. She will lead Meatless Farm’s global growth strategy and marketing execution. Meanwhile, Meatless Farm’s founder, Morten Toft Bech, will focus on the company’s long-term sustainable impact agenda and investment. He said: “Dior is a refreshing leader and has a deep understanding of the plant-based category. The company has grown to a size, which needs someone with Dior’s experience and ability to lead multiple territories. I am extremely excited and can’t wait to work alongside her. Next year will be an important stage in our growth. He added: “I founded Meatless Farm to create a more sustainable food system and challenge intensively farmed meat. Importantly, Dior and I share that deep sense of purpose. ” Decupper commented: “Joining Meatless Farm feels like more than a job. You feel the mission of the business in every corner. It’s open and transparent that it is on a journey, has a sense of creative urgency and importantly it has a sense of humour. The ingredients are here to build the brand and business into not just a market leader but a world changer. I’m very much looking forward to working with Morten and the team to fight for that status.” #CEO #Upfield #plantbasedfoods #plantbasedmeat #MeatlessFarm

On Thursday afternoon, the winners and finalists in the World Plant Based Awards were announced during a special ceremony in association with Plant Based World Expo & Conference. The judging panel considered 110 entries from 25 countries across 15 categories. FoodBev Media Awards Marketing Executive, Jonathan McGowan, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the 2nd annual World Plant Based Awards, this year in association with Plant Based World Expo & Conference. Once again, we have seen a broad range of categories represented in the entries. From new products, new concepts and new functions to branding, packaging and manufacturing, we have seen key trends emerge as this industry continues to innovate. The World Plant Based Awards truly celebrate some of the most ambitious new products and developments of the year from both new and established brands in the global plant-based industry.” A full list of winners and finalists in each category follows below. Best dairy product alternative Garfields Vegan Food Company – Vegan Cheese Happy Cheeze GmbH- Vegan Passion Creamy White Best Meat Alternative Longève Brands – Plant-based Protein Crumbles NoBull Burger – the true veggieburger! Best Milk Alternative nooj – Almond Paste Else Nutrition – Plant-Based Nutrition toddler drink Best Plant Based Beverage Fulfill Food & Beverages – Karviva Unwined Wine Replacement Juice Biomel – Belgian Dark Chocolate Shots Best plant-based business Greenleaf Foods – Lightlife and Field Roast Brands Infinite Foods Best plant-based condiment Fabalish Fab-a-Dip Best plant-based dessert/confectionery Dolfin (UK) Ltd – My Sweet Chickpea Laird Superfood – Brownie Mix Best plant-based functional product Gold&Green® – Protein Flakes Best plant-based non-food product Best plant-based packaging Gwennie on the GO – Seasoning Sachets ProAmpac – RecycAll Freshpack Best plant-based protein – sponsored by Green Boy Group Bodyhero – Plant Protein Oumph! – Kebab Döner Style Best plant-based seafood Loma Linda – Spring Water TUNO Be Leaf Corporation – Vegan Shrimp Best plant-based snack ALDI – Park Street Deli Cauliflower Dips Laird Superfood – Homemade Pancake & Waffle Baking Mix Best plant-based start-up Plantcraft Float Foods – OnlyEG Shreds Best plant-based sustainability SunOpta and OatGold About The World Plant-Based Awards The World Plant-Based Awards, in association with Plant Based World Conference & Expo, are a celebration of innovation and excellence across every category of the global plant-based industry. These awards are a fantastic way to enhance the promotion of your brand and to ensure it gains global recognition. Being successfully shortlisted provides a hallmark of success that will prevail long after the awards ceremony and can highlight the contribution your company’s products and team are making to the plant-based industry. About FoodBev Media Established in 2000, FoodBev Media is the food and beverage industry’s leading media and communication business. With a portfolio of international magazines, the website www.foodbev.com and the industry’s largest social media network, FoodBev Media ensures you are continuously kept up to date with the latest trends and innovations. Since 2003, FoodBev Media has gained a reputation for organising successful international awards schemes in the food, beverage and dairy industries. #ThePlantBase #WorldPlantBasedAwards2021 #PlantBasedWorldExpo #WorldPlantBasedAwards #awards

Sustainable packaging start-up Notpla has closed a £10 million Series A financing round, led by Horizons Ventures. Founded in 2014 by Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez and Pierre-Yves Paslier, Notpla develops innovative packaging solutions. The company is well-known for its ‘Ooho’ solution – an edible and fully biodegradable packaging made from seaweed. Notpla’s products can be easily biodegraded in nature in 4-6 weeks without the need for industrial composting or special conditions. The funds will support further development of Notpla’s seaweed fibre paper, which requires 30% less wood pulp than traditional paper and is made from the byproduct of the company’s industrial process. The round also included participation from Astanor Ventures, Lupa Systems and Torch Capital. Wayne Cheng, portfolio curator at Horizons Ventures, said: “We are excited to join Notpla’s journey to make packaging disappear. Conscious of the urgency to act on single-use plastic pollution, we’ve been impressed by the innovative solutions offered by this team of ambitious entrepreneurs. We believe Notpla is revolutionising the packaging industry with seaweed as a raw material.” Pierre-Yves Paslier, Co-CEO of Notpla added: “We are delighted to accelerate the pace towards a zero single-use plastic future. This new round coupled with soon-to-be-announced commercial partnerships is the perfect opportunity to put seaweed on the map of packaging solutions. At Notpla we believe that ‘nature knows best,’ and we only use naturally occurring materials that have had millions of years to adapt with the rest of the environment.” He continued: “Our new films and seaweed paper are great examples of this principle and are the most sustainable solution in their categories. We’re excited to see traction in the foodservice industry and are looking forward to moving into the cosmetics and fashion markets very soon.” #Notpla #packaging #seaweed #UK

Fi Europe 2021 took place from 30 November-2 December in Frankfurt, Germany, this year, offering three days of in-person exhibitions from global food and beverage brands. The event saw national and international companies displaying ingredients and applications, as well as innovative formulations spanning the dairy, plant-based, sports and healthy ageing sectors, to name a few. Despite travel restrictions and cancellations, the exhibition had a good turnout with active participation from exhibitors and guests alike – with many suggesting the turnout focused on “quality over quantity” this year. Some companies were missed, including ADM, Glanbia, Cargill, Symrise and Faravelli, yet we hope to meet them in person in the near future. Major businesses such as Bunge Loders Croklaan, Meurens Naturals, Palsgaard, Nexira, Vitae, GNT, Ingredia, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, Fuji Oil Europe, Beneo, Chr Hansen, Kerry, Austria Juice, Fiber Star, Griffith Foods, ICL, CFF, Martino Rossi, Rousselot, Olam Food Ingredients, Prova (and many more) attended the event to showcase cutting-edge ingredient solutions. The theme for this year was very much revolved around clean label, natural and sustainable ingredients, an ongoing trend that will skyrocket into 2022 and beyond. Chr Hansen won an award for its FreshQ ingredient – a range of next-generation cultures that provide protective effects against yeast and mould, extending the shelf life of fermented dairy products. The plant-based category was also thriving, with an extensive list of companies debuting dairy-free and animal-free applications – even those that are otherwise renowned for their dairy products. FrieslandCampina Ingredients displayed its Plantaris protein range, which utilises pulses such as pea and faba and can be used in multiple applications from drinks and powders, to bars and spreads. Meanwhile, Bunge Loders Kroklaan showcased its fat systems and co-created plant-based meat replacers that mimic the sensory experience of real meat. Nexira spoke about its Naltiv locust bean gum ingredient, which aims to add creaminess and improve mouthfeel and roundness in both traditional and plant-based products. The ingredient also offers high solubility at low temperatures and prevent crystallisation. Plant-based was also a focus for Kerry Taste and Nutrition, which has made this one of its four pillars of development for the coming year – in addition to authentic taste, preservation and proactive health. Kerry is working alongside chefs and developmental kitchens to create plant-based products that mimic their meat and dairy counterparts, even in terms of nutritional content. Italian company HiFood specialises in the development and production of plant-based-clean label functional ingredients for the food industry with a focus on bakery, gluten-free, savoury and gastronomy. Its patented product, Meltec, is a 75% semi-solid ingredient for sugar and syrup replacements, made from vegetable fibres from legumes and cereals. The application can be used in bakery, confectionery, ice cream, sauces and beverage markets. Beneo’s Christoph Boettger told FoodBev about the construction of its chicory root fibre production sites in Pemuco, Chile, and Oreye, Belgium. Boettger said that chicory root fibres are plant-based prebiotics that can help with digestive health and immunity, inner wellbeing, weight management, blood sugar management and bone health. The multi-million-euro investment will boost the company’s position in the health and nutrition segments, while increasing production capacity and customer offerings. Fruit, sugar and starch supplier Agrana has been innovating in applications spanning dairy, ice cream, bakery, food and beverage, with a focus on sustainability. With organic, fair trade and clean label products in its roster, the company’s applications are tailor-made for its partners and product formulations. GNT told FoodBev about its ‘The Power of Colour’ development, designed to help brands create colouring solutions that will connect with target consumers. Maartje Hendrickx, market development manager at GNT, said: “It’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to colour is rapidly becoming outdated,” and that it needs to be more inclusive. The FoodBev team thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone at Fi Europe. Until next year! If you would like to advertise your latest ingredient development with FoodBev, please contact: sales@foodbev.com. #FIE #FoodIngredientEurope #plantbased #events #Germany

Puratos‘ chocolate brand Belcolade has released plant-based Belgian milk chocolate that offers an indulgent taste profile. The company claims that its vegan chocolate is similar to milk chocolate while being both dairy-free and nut-free. The chocolate, named Belcolade Selection M. Plant-Based Cacao-Trace, is made using a patent-pending product to achieve smoothness, the creaminess of milk chocolate and balanced sweetness, minus common allergens. Manufactured at the Belcolade factory in Erembodegem, the product is made from real Belgian chocolate. Youri Dumont, SBU chocolate director at Puratos, said: “Until now, there was a very clear gap in the plant-based chocolate market. We know the chocolate sector is still driven by many millions of milk chocolate lovers, whose expectations weren’t being adequately met when they looked for plant-based alternatives. So this new product is really about indulging these milk chocolate fans with a really attractive plant-based option. We’re very excited to have solved the puzzle of delicious, allergen-free, plant-based chocolate.” The new chocolate product is suitable for the production of tablets, hollow figures and pralines by chocolatiers. It also has numerous artisan and industrial uses, including mousses, ganaches, coatings and dipping, according to Belcolade. The chocolate is commercially available today. #Belcolade #Puratos

McCain Foods has acquired a minority stake in Irish plant-based frozen foods business Strong Roots, in a deal worth $55 million. The investment will enable Strong Roots to expand its footprint in existing markets, including the UK, Ireland and the US, as well as enter new markets. The deal will also allow the company to expand into the foodservice market through McCain’s out-of-home channel. Strong Roots’ founder and CEO, Samuel Dennigan, said: “Working in partnership with McCain Foods means that we are able to grow our brand and the values it stands for while providing us at Strong Roots with the resources and capabilities we need to see change globally and impactfully”. Founded in 2015, Strong Roots offers healthy, plant-based frozen food products, including cauliflower hash browns, mixed root vegetable fries, spinach bites and kale & quinoa burgers. You may also like to read: McCain Foods announces new plant-based brand McCain backs vertical farming firm GoodLeaf’s expansion plans McCain to construct $200m potato plant in China #McCainFoods #StrongRoots #US

Speciality minerals company Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL) has opened a new 10,000-square-foot alternative protein facility in Missouri, US. The manufacturing site will transform plant protein into fibres that have a similar texture to traditional meat. The plant was constructed on ICL’s existing 19-acre production campus in St. Louis and is expected to produce over 15 million pounds of product each year at full capacity. The vegan, non-GMO and allergen-free products can be used in food applications to replace meat, poultry and seafood. According to the company, the investment represents an expansion of ICL’s global Food Specialties portfolio. ICL’s EVP of food and phosphate speciality products, Chris Millington, said: “This new facility will help meet the growing demand for innovative plant-based foods and meat alternatives – especially ones that deliver an eating experience similar to that of conventional meat products”. He continued: “Food manufacturers are looking for meatless options that will offer sustainable, functional and nutritional value in the meat-alternative category, and we’re proud to provide them with a solution”. Greater St. Louis’s CEO, Jason Hall, added: “This is an exceptional investment in our region’s growing food and agtech sector and it highlights our increasing strength innovating to shape the future of the industry, including plant-based proteins”. He continued: “With this investment and expansion in St. Louis from a global firm, ICL is demonstrating continued confidence in the St. Louis metro and showing why we are the strategic location of choice for innovators defining the next chapter of food and agriculture”. #facility #ICL #US

UK plant-based meal brand Bol Foods is expanding its extensive vegan range with new winter recipes, in time for Veganuary. The new recipes include: Energy Boosting Thai Red Coconut & Lentil, Immune Boosting Roasted Butternut Squash & Chilli Power Soups, an Italian Roasted Tomato Pasta Veg Pot, a Sweet Potato Katsu Curry One Pot Meal, Spicy Firecracker Udon, Japanese Yakisoba Posh Noodles and a Chickpea Masala Dinner Box. Each one is packed with healthy plant protein, fibre and up to four portions of vegetables alongside fragrant herbs and spices. Paul Brown and Jess Vara, senior brand managers at Bol Foods, said: “The NPD we launched in the summer has transformed Bol, contributing to 55% of our overall monthly volume and helping us to feed the UK 350,000 plant-based meals.” They continued: “We want to continue creating delicious, plant-based recipes that excite and interest all consumers, whether they are passionate plant-eaters, or those looking to eat a little less meat each week and we believe our new recipes are set to do just that”. The new releases will be launched in Tesco stores nationwide. #BolFoods #UK

The US division of flavour company T. Hasegawa has unveiled its all-natural, plant-based Emulsitract milk colloid emulsion. Developed in Japan, the new patented technology produces creamy low-fat foods and beverages while reducing the use of edible oils. Emulsitract is available in the US in both liquid and powder form. According to T. Hasegawa USA, the new flavour innovation supports brands to “simulate the creaminess and rich mouthfeel of traditional whole milk,” in a wide range of drinks, packaged foods and dairy alternatives, including coffee creamers, ice cream, dressings, protein beverages, yogurt, pudding, whipped cream, as well as dairy-alternative beverages. “Consumers are familiar with the rich mouthfeel that traditional whole milk fat provides, and expect these attributes in dairy-free beverages, low-fat foods and other products,” said T. Hasegawa’s VP of research and development, Jim Yang. “Emulsitract is the result of our efforts to produce an all-natural solution that delivers the creamy richness that consumers demand.” T. Hasegawa USA’s senior beverage technologist, Holden Rouse, added: “Use of edible oils has long been a shortcut to simulating milk fat in certain liquid products like non-dairy coffee creamer and dressings, but Emulsitract can mimic this taste in a more natural and authentic way”. He continued: “This technology can significantly reduce fat in certain beverages while still delivering a full-bodied mouthfeel. Emulsitract is capable of changing the way we approach reduced-fat products, without compromising on flavour or experience.” #Dairyalternative #THasegawa #THasegawaUSA

British soft drinks brand AG Barr has acquired a 60% majority stake in Moma Foods, with an agreed path to full ownership over the next three years. UK breakfast company Moma Foods is known for its plant-based oat milk, porridge, low-sugar granola and bircher muesli. Tom Mercer, founder and CEO of Moma Foods, commented: “I’m hugely excited to embark on the next phase of Moma’s growth with AG Barr. I believe that together we can harness the passion that is integral to Moma and grow into a significantly bigger brand. We’re 100% focused on crafting oats into the tastiest food and drink products we can and I’m looking forward to the next leg of our journey.” The investment is not expected to have a material impact on AG Barr’s profits for the current financial year ending 30 January 2022. Back in 2019, AG Barr bought a 20% majority stake in Stryyk owner Elegantly Spirited. #AGBarr #Moma #UK

UK vegan and vegetarian brand Goodlife has released three new products to add to its range, launching in time for Veganuary. The three new product launches include a Vegetable Firecracker Melt, Vegetable Paella Slice and the Loaded Burrito Veg Burger. The Vegetable Firecracker Melt are rice cakes consisting of a base of rice, edamame beans and asparagus topped with a spicy gochujang sauce and coated in a crispy crumb. The Vegetable Paella Slice is inspired by a traditional recipe for Valencian rice cakes. The paella includes a blend of arborio rice, tomato, peppers, olives and smoked paprika. Lastly, the Loaded Burrito Veg Burger is loaded with jackfruit, mozzarella, tomatoes, black turtle beans and a fusion of chipotle chilli and smoked paprika. Becky McCaul, marketing and category manager at Goodlife, said: “We’re so excited to add three new products to the Goodlife range and can’t wait for consumers to try them. Each product has been developed with a focus on creating unique and delicious flavour profiles, to transform plant-based mealtimes – without the need for meat mimicry.” She continued: “All dishes are ready in 30 minutes or less and we’re confident they will become a freezer favourite for vegans, veggies and flexi veggies who want to prioritise eating well during a busy week.” The new products will be available in Morrisons from January 2022 for an RRP of £2.25 each. #Goodlife #UK

Canadian plant-based dairy company Plant Veda Foods has introduced a new product line of probiotic yogurt alternative, PlantGurt. The new range features three flavours: plain unsweetened, mango and blueberry. According to the company, “one tub of PlantGurt contains billions of probiotics”. “With PlantGurt we will be able to address the largest product format in the yogurt market – the tub,” said Plant Veda’s co-founder and director of product innovation, Vanita Gurnani. PlantGurt is available for purchase on the company’s website and is expected to roll out in retail stores in early 2022. #PlantVedaFoods #Canada #yogurt #Dairyalternative #PlantGurt