Japanese meat alternative company Next Meats has begun construction of a new eco-friendly, alternative protein production facility in Nigata, Japan. The Next Factory will be a ‘one-stop hub’ dedicated to the production of alternative protein products and will feature both an R&D lab and production line. Completion of the facility is scheduled for next summer. Based in Tokyo, Next Meats manufactures plant-based meat analogues such as its Yakiniku Short-Rib and Gyudon, a vegan alternative to the traditional Japanese beef bowl. Most recently, the company developed a plant-based egg alternative called Next Egg 1.0 and launched Yakiniku in the US. It has also agreed to co-produce a new product with Japanese snack manufacturer, Kameda Seika. With the large-scale facility, Next Meats aims to further stabilise the global supply chain of its products while lowering retail costs and strengthening its R&D capabilities. Ultimately, the food tech company is looking to accelerate the growth of the alternative meat industry in Japan, as well as worldwide. The factory will incorporate DX systems as well as solar panels and other sustainable technologies. Next Meats has also revealed that it has recently signed a cooperative research and development agreement with Nagaoka University of Technology to study epigenetics and its new applications in developing alternative meat products. #alternativeproteins #Japan #meatalternatives #NextMeats

Chilean food tech company NotCo has raised $235 million in a Series D funding round, bringing the company’s valuation to $1.5 billion. Founded in 2015, NotCo uses its proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) technology – named Giuseppe – to develop plant-based foods. Giuseppe’s algorithms analyse thousands of plants in its database to come up with combinations that replicate the taste, feel and functional properties of animal-based products. NotCo’s portfolio consists of NotMilk, NotBurger, NotMeat, NotIceCream and NotMayo, which are sold in more than 6,000 retailers globally, as well as direct to consumer and through NotCo’s foodservice partnerships. The company’s Series D funding round was led by Tiger Global, with participation from new investors including DFJ Growth Fund and Zoma Lab. Additional support came from athletes Lewis Hamilton and Roger Federer, and musician and DJ Ahmir Khalib Thompson, known as Questlove. The round also attracted the backing of existing investors, including Bezos Expeditions, Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI), Future Positive, L Catterton and Kaszek Ventures. According to NotCo, the new funds will support its expansion into new categories in North America and the development of its AI technology, while also accelerating the company’s plans to launch in Europe and Asia. The food tech firm has raised more than $350 million to date and the Series D round comes just one month after a ‘substantial’ investment from EHI and nine months after an $85 million Series C round. “Our patented AI gives us a significant competitive advantage due to the speed and accuracy with which we’re able to develop and bring new products to market,” said NotCo founder and CEO, Matias Muchnick. “The level of enthusiasm we’ve received from our partners is thrilling and humbling. We all share the same vision for Giuseppe’s ability to catapult plant-based foods into mainstream adoption at a rapid pace by focusing on taste, sustainability and infiltrating multiple categories at once.” Scott Shleifer, partner at Tiger Global, added: “NotCo has created world class plant-based food products that are rapidly gaining market share.” He continued: “We expect continued product innovation and expansion into new geographies and food categories will fuel high and sustainable growth for years to come.” #Artificialintelligence #NotCo #plantbased

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has announced plans to acquire European non-GMO soy ingredients group Sojaprotein. Founded in 1977, Sojaprotein offers a variety of non-GMO soy ingredients for European and global customers in the meat alternative, confectionery, protein bar, pharmaceutical, pet food and animal feed segments. “30 years ago, ADM invented the soy vegetable burger, giving rise to the plant-based protein segment,” said Leticia Gonçalves, ADM’s president of Global Foods. “Today, alternative proteins represent one of our core growth platforms, and as this $10 billion global industry grows to $30 billion over the next decade, we are investing to expand our unparalleled capabilities. She continued: “The addition of Sojaprotein – the largest producer of plant-based protein in southern Europe – adds production capacity in addition to an impressive network of customers who are leading the way in meeting consumer needs for nutritious and responsible plant-based foods and beverages”. “We’re particularly excited for the opportunity to work together to meet the fast-growing demand of European consumers who prioritise locally sourced, non-GMO ingredients in their food and beverages.” Aleksandar Kostić, vice president of MK Group, the majority owner of Sojaprotein added: “This agreement testifies to the sustainable business models that MK Group is implementing, as an investment company with a diversified portfolio of value-added industries in southeastern Europe”. “This is yet another confirmation of the proven track record of our management, as well as the global recognition of the world-class quality of our non-GMO soybean products,” he said. The acquisition will enable ADM to accelerate its growth in the alternative proteins space, and builds on its growing portfolio, which includes: a soy protein complex in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; a pea protein plant in Enderlin, North Dakota; its PlantPlus Foods joint venture; and partnerships with startups such as Air Protein. Financial terms of the transaction, which are still subject to regulatory approvals, were not disclosed. #soy #Sojaprotein #soybean #ADM #plantbased

JBS USA-owned Planterra Foods’s Ozo brand has released five new frozen and fresh plant-based meat alternative products in the US. The new releases include frozen plant-based nuggets, meatballs and ‘chicken’ patties, as well as fresh Smokehouse Burgers and ground turkey alternatives. According to Planterra, the Ozo Frozen Nuggets contain 14g of protein per serving, while the plant-based Chicken Patty contains 12g of protein. Meanwhile, the plant-based Italian Style Meatballs reportedly contain 12g of protein and 30% less saturated fat than pork meatballs. Elsewhere, the company claims that the new fresh plant-based Ground Turkey contains 22g of protein, and the fresh Smokehouse Burger offers 19g of protein per serving. Darcey Macken, CEO of Planterra Foods, said: “We’re continuing to expand the plant-based category by offering family favourites that can easily be introduced into meal routines. “We’re thrilled to be adding these new plant-based proteins in the fresh and frozen categories that offer more opportunities for flexitarian consumption through high-quality foods with positive protein solutions.” All five new products are now available nationwide from selected retailers in the US, with a suggested retail price of $5.99-7.99 per unit. #US #Ozo #meatalternatives #PlanterraFoods #JBSUSA

Non-GMO and organic ingredient supplier Green Boy Group has announced the launch of its new “dairy-grade” functional plant-based protein powder. Developed specifically for the plant-based dairy industry, Plant-Dairy Protein is said to have a neutral flavour profile, enhance mouthfeel, boost nutritional value, and improve the textures aspects in plant-based dairy products. The offering comes in four protein variants, made from pea, mung bean, fava bean and chickpea. “After our introduction of Plant-Meat Protein in the US and EU last summer, and the tremendous market interest that followed, we were approached by a lot of plant-based dairy producers,” said Peter van Dijken, Green Boy Group’s co-founder. “The only logical step for us was to develop a functional plant-based protein that specifically caters to the plant-based dairy needs.” Frederik Otten, co-founder of Green Boy Group added: “The plant-based dairy products are developing rapidly in all sorts of forms and shapes, and you have to be able to keep up with their demands. Our customers want to create the ultimate plant-based cheese, yoghurt or spread… Green Boy Group has the advantage to offer Plant-Dairy Protein worldwide through our offices in the US, Europe and Australia.” #GreenBoyGroup #plantbased #protein

US mochi producer Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts has unveiled a new non-dairy mochi ice cream flavour and launched its vegan strawberry and chocolate varieties in six-count retail boxes. The strawberry and chocolate flavours, as well as the newly created mango variety, are made with coconut milk-based ice cream wrapped in sweet mochi dough. Containing only 80 calories per piece, Bubbies’ vegan mochi ice creams are free from gluten and made with real fruit puree. “We’ve seen a huge surge in demand from consumers seeking comforting indulgences over the past year, so it’s natural that ice cream would be one of the first foods they turned to,” said Katie Cline, vice president of marketing at Bubbies Ice Cream. “Not only are shoppers looking for ice cream as a comfort food, but also as a unique experience – from texture to flavour discovery and natural ingredients. We want to make our beloved mochi ice cream accessible to as many people as possible, so we’re thrilled to be launching our new vegan mochi ice cream.” The vegan line retails for $5.99-6.99 per six-count box. All three flavours can be purchased online via the brand’s website, as well as at select Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Market stores, with additional retailers to follow. The line will also be available as a variety box at select Costco stores, while the strawberry and chocolate flavours can be purchased in single as well as six-count packs at Whole Foods. #Bubbies #Mochiicecream #US

Schuman Cheese’s Vevan Foods division is expanding its portfolio of plant-based cheeses with a new marinated option for entertaining. Marinated Mozza-Bites are bite-size cubes of dairy-free cheese marinated in an ‘aromatic’ blend of herbed oil and spices. The new Vevan offering can be enjoyed as part of a charcuterie board, salad, skewer or pasta dish, as well as with crackers or as a snack. Two varieties are available: Marinated Mozza-Bites, featuring dairy-free Mozza cubes marinated in a savoury, fragrant blend of Italian herbs and oil; and Marinated Mozza-Bites Antipasti, offering Mozza cubes marinated with Kalamata olives, pepperoncini peppers and pearl peppers in a herbed oil blend. “Over the last few years, the demand for vegan options has accelerated and we’re proud to expand our dairy-free cheese options to provide more variety to consumers for their entertaining needs,” said Keith Schuman, business unit lead for Vevan Foods. “Marinated Mozza-Bites are the latest example of how we’re branching out and continually exploring new ways to be more inclusive of plant-based and flexitarian eaters, without sacrificing on taste and texture.” Packaged in 8.5oz cups, Marinated Mozza-Bites will be available at select retailers nationwide, including Sprouts Farmers Market. #Dairyalternatives #SchumanCheese #US #VevanFoods

US plant-based food company, Urban Remedy, has closed an $18 million Series D fundraising round, as it looks to increase its reach nationwide. Based in California, Urban Remedy offers certified-organic food and beverage products, including ready-to-eat meals, snacks, nut milks and cold-pressed juices. The company’s entire portfolio is said to be Non-GMO Project Verified, plant-based and gluten free. Urban Remedy was founded in 2009 and its products are now available online, in Urban Remedy shops and at its 270 grocery kiosks in 21 states across the US. The Series D round was led by Colorado-based investment firm Manna Tree, with participation from existing investors Builders Fund and Obvious Ventures. Urban Remedy will use the new funds to increase consumer awareness through digital marketing investments, make key hires and introduce new manufacturing efficiencies. “Despite Covid-19 challenges, Urban Remedy doubled its kiosk locations during 2020, while ramping up its online platform,” said Pam Shepherd, managing director, Manna Tree. “Consumers are continuing to realise that food is medicine, and the impact nutritious food has to their overall health. “Consumers recognise Urban Remedy as a leader in providing highly nutritious and convenient product solutions. They never cut corners on ingredients and are wholly committed to the future of the planet and human health.” Paul Coletta, CEO of Urban Remedy, added: “When we met the team at Manna Tree, we immediately recognised our synergies. Their shared commitment to giving consumers better access to nutrient-dense, clean food is exactly what we were looking for in a partner.” Urban Remedy previously secured investment from General Mills’ venture capital arm 301 Inc, as part of a $17 million Series B fundraising round. #MannaTree #plantbased #UrbanRemedy #US

Vertically integrated plant-based food and beverage company, Above Food Corp, has announced its acquisitions of Only Oats and Culcherd. The Canadian company says that it has built a significant oat supply chain through its purchase of the two plant-based food brands. Only Oats is a Saskatchewan-based certified gluten-free whole oat company that produces oat-based ingredients and consumer products. Meanwhile, Toronto-based Culcherd is an organic, plant-based dairy company that produces ‘artisanal’ dairy alternative products. Under its new ownership, Culcherd will begin to add oat-based cheese and dairy products to its current portfolio of probiotic-rich plant-based cheeses and butters. Above Food’s expansion into oat-based products comes in response to the growth of the oat market. The company says that it has begun construction of a gluten-free oat facility outside of Regina, Saskatchewan, adjacent to its existing organic ingredient terminal. “Oats are winning the plant-based dairy battle, so having a platform that has custody over the entire supply chain for the finest oats globally makes tremendous sense for us,” said Above Food Brands president and co-founder, Martin Williams. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Only Oats and Culcherd into our rapidly expanding Above Food family as we look to the future of high-quality, plant-based foods.” Only Oats founder and CEO, Mike Marshall, added: “I’m thrilled to continue leading the business for Only Oats as the director of the oats platform for Above Food. “This partnership really is a perfect match given Above Food’s scale and vertically integrated strategy, and Only Oats’ access to and knowledge of the gluten-free oats space.” Above Food has a complete chain of custody for a number of plant proteins and aims to deliver food to businesses and consumers with industry-leading traceability and quantifiable sustainability. The company – which already supplies businesses with plant-based ingredients – is in the process of launching a range of consumer-facing products. #AboveFood #Canada #Culcherd #OnlyOats

US urban agriculture company Gotham Greens is expanding its fresh foods portfolio with the introduction of two new plant-based salad dressings: Vegan Ranch and Vegan Caesar. According to Gotham Greens, the new dressings contain no added sugar and are made with its greenhouse-grown basil. Gotham Greens Vegan Ranch combines expeller-pressed sunflower oil with black pepper, white vinegar and dried parsley. Said to offer tangy, zesty and aromatic tasting notes, the new offering can be used as a salad dressing or dip for vegetable crudité, and can also be drizzled on pizza and breads. The ‘savoury and creamy’ Gotham Greens Vegan Caesar is made with silken tofu, organic miso, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, capers, black pepper and organic soy sauce. “We know and love that consumers are increasingly gravitating toward more plant-based diets for the sake of their health and the environment,” said Viraj Puri, co-founder and CEO of Gotham Greens. “From day one, we set out to reimagine a greener food system — one that is committed to environmental impact and changing the way people think about growing and eating greens. “We couldn’t be more excited to continue this mission with cleaner, greener versions of two of the most iconic and nostalgic American favourites: ranch and Caesar.” The new dressings are available at Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide. #GothamGreens #US

US frozen pops producer, GoodPop, has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a new Mango Chile flavour. According to GoodPop, the new offering is organic, dairy- and gluten-free, and made without GMOs, refined sugars or sugar alcohol sweeteners. Sold in packs of four, Mango Chile joins flavours such as Cold Brew Latte, Orange n’ Cream and Strawberry Shortcake as part of the brand’s range of plant-based pops. “Our mangoes are sourced from Colombia because we found that this area of the world is growing the most flavourful and sweetest mangoes. We also custom developed our own organic chilli lime blend because we couldn’t find anything else that would fit our quality standards,” said Daniel Goetz, founder and CEO of GoodPop. “Finding the best possible ingredients that are also ethically sourced to create our Mango Chile pop was our top priority and we are so excited to share this unique flavour with everyone.” With an SRP of $4.99-5.99, GoodPop’s frozen pops can be purchased in natural and conventional retailers in 40+ states, as well as via GoodPop’s new online store. #GoodPop #US

Eat Beyond Global Holdings has announced the appointment of food industry veteran Michael Aucoin as its new CEO. Aucoin will succeed Patrick Morris, who has served as the company’s CEO since its establishment in 2019. “We intend to compete in a wide cross-section of plant-protein verticals, as represented by our portfolio companies, with which we will work with closely to accelerate their success from an operational and value creation standpoint,” said Aucoin. “Eat Beyond is committed to leading the future of food and becoming the most successful Canadian plant-based food business operating globally,” he added. The business also intends to focus on technical innovation, research and investments in capacity-building projects. Aucoin will bring with him over 25 years of experience in food sales management and the consumer packaged goods industry. Prior to joining Eat Beyond, Aucoin served as president of the Canadian division of dairy cooperative Agropur. He has also held several senior sales and marketing roles at firms including Hershey and Smuckers. Eat Beyond is a Vancouver-based investment issuer focused on the plant-based and alternative food sector. With the new corporate infrastructure, Eat Beyond plans to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies that include Eat Just – which received the world’s first regulatory approval for its cultured chicken in Singapore – The Very Good Food Company, Turtle Tree Labs and Nabati Foods. Eat Beyond chairman, Don Robinson, said: “I am pleased to welcome Mr Aucoin to the team as CEO as we chart a new course in the plant-based sector, building a balanced portfolio that can deliver value to our portfolio companies and our investors while pushing the industry forward.” #Appointments #EatBeyondGlobalHoldings #plantbasedprotein