Shanghai-based YouKuai Group International has completed a $7.3 million Series A financing round, as it aims to popularise plant-based eating in China. The round was led by Trirec, a Singapore-based investment firm that has also invested in plant-based meat company Hungry Planet. The round also received participation from Thibault Villet, co-founder and former CEO of Mei.com, as well as a number of individual investors from China and Asia. Founded in 2019, YouKuai ultimately aims to offer plant-based alternatives in all categories currently using animal protein, as well as create charismatic brands with widespread consumer appeal. The company’s first brand Zrou, which offers plant-based ground pork, sources all of its ingredients in China and is also manufactured in the country. Zrou partners with Michelin restaurants and renowned chefs to create visually appealing dishes and has also built a community of influencers and culinary artists to help expand its reach. The brand is served in more than 100 outlets across China, including over 25 international schools and corporate cafeterias, according to YouKuai. “This round of financing is a recognition of our unique model of popularising alternative protein in China,” said Franklin Yao, founder and CEO of YouKuai Group International. “It allows us to expand our partnership and strengthen our loyal fanbase through tasty, healthy, sustainable products and creative presentations. We believe our model tailored for local culinary art and early adopters will power YouKuai into a leading alternative protein company.” Melvyn Yeo, co-founder of Trirec, said: “YouKuai’s plant-based protein provides a great alternative for the consumer to shift away from animal protein and directly reduce their carbon footprint in an easy and delicious manner. “Moreover, YouKuai’s flagship Zrou products taste great, are versatile across a diverse set of cuisines, and are locally produced in China for the Chinese palette. Trirec is proud to be a partner in YouKuai’s endeavor, and we believe this new round of financing is only the beginning of an exciting journey.” #Zrou #YouKuaiGroupInternational #China #meatalternatives #plantbased

Mars-owned snack bar manufacturer Kind has expanded its entry into the plant-based, frozen treat aisle with its new range of frozen pints. Available in US retailers nationwide, Kind Frozen Pints come in seven flavours: dark chocolate almond sea salt, dark chocolate peanut butter, cherry cashew, coffee hazelnut, caramel almond sea salt, strawberry, and pistachio. The new plant-based products are described as a ‘creamy’, frozen treat and are made up of ingredients such as pear juice, almonds, dried tapioca syrup, sugar and coconut oil. Each serving offers 4-6g of protein. The non-dairy pints further the brand’s intentions to become the leader in healthy snacking and build on its recent entry in the frozen treat category with its Kind Frozen Bars and frozen smoothie bowls. Kind founder, Daniel Lubetzky, said: “We tried to think differently about what we would want in a frozen treat. We discovered what was missing was an offering that tasted delicious, and delivered premium, plant-based ingredients that we can feel good about putting in our body. “While we’re best-known for nutrition bars most often consumed on-the go, we’re continuing to prioritise innovation that cuts across categories and day-parts. As we look to close the taste gap in health-focused aisles and the health gap in taste-focused aisles, we will stay true to how we’ve always created new products – with an eye to elevate people’s overall experience, while adhering to our Kind Promise.” #frozendessert #KIND #US #nondairy #plantbased

Nestlé-owned Sweet Earth Foods has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of Vegan Jumbo Hot Dogs. Made using a pea and potato protein base, the new offering is said to deliver “an authentic hot dog experience” and can be grilled or cooked in a skillet. Sweet Earth also claims that its Vegan Jumbo Hot Dogs are 23% bigger than top competitors’ products. The brand has also reformulated its Awesome Burger, which will now feature a mix of hemp and protein from fava beans, in addition to pea protein. The use of these proteins aims to deliver a beefier texture and “more authentic burger experience”. “Our relentless approach to innovation allows us to offer consumers tasty, nutrient-diverse protein options they can feel good about incorporating into their diets,” said Sara Wheeler, Sweet Earth Foods general manager. “With more people eager to try delicious plant-based options, we’re excited to bring an even greater variety of favourites to consumers’ backyards and kitchens this summer.” With an SRP of $6.99, Sweet Earth Vegan Jumbo Hot Dogs are available at select Ahold grocery stores in the US, including FreshDirect, with a further roll out planned for August. Meanwhile, the Sweet Earth Awesome Burger 2.0 has an SRP of $5.99 and will be available nationwide this summer. Sweet Earth Foods recently announced the launch of its first shelf-stable snacking product: plant-based jerky. #Nestlé #SweetEarth #US

Plant-based chicken brand Daring has raised $40 million in a Series B funding round led by D1 Capital Partners. Headquartered in Los Angeles, US, Daring says that its chicken alternative products are made with non-GMO ingredients and contain 14g of protein per serving. The brand’s range includes Original, Lemon & Herb, Cajun and Original Breaded Pieces. Alongside D1 Capital Partners, the round also received participation from existing investors Maveron and Palm Tree Crew, as well as musician Aubrey Drake Graham, known as Drake. Daring will use the new funds to triple its internal team by the end of the year, accelerate its growth in the retail and foodservice channels, and support further product development. Last year, Daring secured $8 million in a Series A funding round led by Maveron. Since then, the company has added more than 1,000 retail locations to its distribution footprint, with further expansion planned for the coming months. “Daring has demonstrated impressive product-market fit in a short period of time,” said Michael Tully of D1 Capital Partners. “The brand has a significant growth runway ahead of it as the chicken market remains underpenetrated by plant-based products. Ross and his team are best-in-class leaders, and we are excited to be a part of Daring’s continued success.” Daring CEO and co-founder, Ross Mackay, added: “This is so much more than an investment in Daring, it’s an investment in the future of food. “This past year has been transformative for us—from launching new products and growing our presence in retail and foodservice to expanding our market share. We are so fortunate to have such visionary investors fuelling our company’s future and furthering our mission.” #Daring #meatalternatives #plantbased #US

Nestlé-owned Sweet Earth Foods has announced the launch of its first shelf-stable snacking product: plant-based jerky. Containing 13g of plant protein per serving, the new offering is said to deliver the same meaty taste and texture as traditional jerky and comes in two flavours. Spicy Kung Pao Jerky is made with the ‘flavours of the Szechuan province’, including savoury and spicy ginger and cracked red peppercorns. Spicy Kung Pao Jerky launches this month. Starting this month, the snack will be available at select retailers across the US, including Hyvee and Kroger, as well as via Amazon. Available later this year, Sweet Earth Foods’ Sweet Korean BBQ Jerky features soy sauce and gochujang peppers. The launch of Sweet Earth’s new jerky marks the company’s entry into the snacking aisle and follows the recent expansion of the brand’s Mindful Chik’n Strips line. “We are going beyond the bun to provide consumers [with] a variety of flavour-forward plant-based offerings for various occasions,” said Sara Wheeler, Sweet Earth general manager. “Our new plant-based Jerky addresses flexitarian consumers’ need for a convenient, on-the-go source of plant protein, with bold flavours and the same authentic mouth-watering meaty taste and texture of traditional jerky that they crave.” #Nestlé #plantbased #SweetEarth #US

Conagra Brands is expanding its Gardein meat alternatives offering in Canada with the introduction of a new Suprême Plant-Based Burger. The new Gardein burger offers 20g of plant-based protein and is said to look, cook and smell just like real meat. “As a leader in the plant-based category in Canada, it’s essential that we provide consumers with a delicious burger as part of our product lineup,” said Ian Roberts, vice president and general manager at Conagra Brands Canada. “Burgers are the point of entry for many consumers into the meat alternative category, so creating a quality product that delivers on taste, texture and that burger-like experience was crucial for us to get right – we can’t wait for Canadians to finally try it this summer.” The Gardein Suprême Plant-Based Burger will be rolling out in the frozen section of grocery stores across Canada starting this month. Last year, Conagra Brands added new plant-based soups to its Gardein offering in the US. #Canada #ConagraBrands #Gardein #meatalternatives

Above Food has announced its acquisition of Farmer Direct Organic Foods (FDO), a Canadian certified-organic speciality legume and grain business. Launched in 2018, FDO aims to provide organic and traceable, single-origin, family-farmed legumes and kitchen staples. With facilities in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the company has a distribution footprint spanning 2,000 retail locations across North America, and is projected to increase this to 10,000 within a year. FDO co-founder and CEO Jason Freeman will continue to lead the company and will also become the director of organic supply for Above Food. The acquisition includes a portfolio of dozens of branded and private label products, as well as an established, “sophisticated” organic supply chain. The brand and its ‘rigorous’ supply chain – which is monitored using a track and trace system – will form the foundation of Above Food’s organic consumer packaged goods platform. The partnership is also expected to bring synergies for the companies’ organic plant proteins and ancient grains supply, by marrying FDO’s organic supply chain and product portfolio with Above Food’s certified-organic terminal. “From the first conversation with the Above Food team, we had great philosophical alignment on the ethics and responsibilities of food producers and the role that truly sustainable and traceable practices can play in the plant-based protein supply chain,” said FDO’s Freeman. “With Above Food’s pedigree in scaled production and advanced ingredient processing, the combination of our companies and cultures will be synergistic.” Martin Williams, president and chief innovation officer of Above Food Brands, said: “FDO’s distribution and retail relationships add a completely new dimension to our portfolio approach for Above Food Brands, including the ability to deliver differentiated branded and private label solutions across many product segments, all with a Regenerative Organic foundation. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Jason and his team.” Regenerative Organic is a new measure for organically grown food and other ingredients in which the farms and products meet high standards for soil health and sustainability. #AboveFood #Canada #FarmerDirectOrganicFoods #organic

Nomad Foods Europe-owned Birds Eye is expanding its meat-free Green Cuisine range with the addition of three new chicken alternative products. Birds Eye says that the new Chicken-Free offerings – which include Crispy Grills, Southern Fried Grills and Burgers – emulate the most popular products in its chicken portfolio. “Our Green Cuisine Chicken-Free products have gone from strength to strength since our first launches in 2020,” said Jess Ali, marketing manager at Birds Eye. “This extension of the Green Cuisine Chicken-Free range will continue to play off recognisable formats that shoppers already enjoy, but that are powered by plant protein.” Ali continued: “By recreating mealtime classics using plant power, these new additions to our Green Cuisine range will continue to help shoppers to add meat substitutes to their plates, showing them that plant-based meals can be just as tasty and convenient.” The Birds Eye Green Cuisine Chicken-Free Southern Fried Grills are available at Tesco. The Chicken-Free Crispy Grills and the Chicken-Free Burgers will start to roll out into Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons from mid-May. #BirdsEye #meatalternatives #NomadFoods #UK

Hain Daniels’ meat-free brand Linda McCartney’s has entered into the beverage aisle with the launch of a new line of dairy-free milks across the UK. Located in the chiller aisle, the four drinks include barista-style organic oat and coconut variants, as well as organic soya and rice. All varieties are organic and contain no added sugar. The brand says its new plant milk range is suited for all usage occasions such as smoothies, coffees and baking. The brand is well known for its frozen and chilled vegan and vegetarian foods such as vegetarian sausages, roast, meatballs and fishcakes. “Linda McCartney’s is incredibly excited to be entering into the plant-based drinks category and a new phase for the brand. We recognise the need for versatility and variety and we feel confident that our new range of four plant-based drinks offers something for everyone’s usage needs,” said Nadine Maggi, managing director at Linda McCartney’s. “We’re particularly looking forward to helping people with choice and we hope to become a household favourite as consumers embrace Linda McCartney at this moment. With the brand celebrating its 30th year anniversary this year, it feels like the perfect moment for such a pioneering innovation.” The plant-based drinks will be available from UK supermarkets from May and June for an RRP of £1.99 per 1 litre carton. #LindaMcCartneys #HainDaniels #UK #dairyfree #plantbased #milkalternatives

Winterbotham Darby-owned Squeaky Bean has released a new line of vegan dips into Co-op stores nationwide. The dairy-free range includes Supercharged Garlic, Spicy Firecracker and Smooth Avocado dips. With its latest launch, Squeaky Bean aims to elevate plant-based eating this summer – particularly picnics and barbecues. Featuring a ‘smooth, creamy’ consistency, the brand claims the dips are also great for spreading in burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Sarah Augustine, co-creator of Squeaky Bean, said: “With lockdown ending, we couldn’t be more excited about summer eating in 2021. The new Squeaky Bean range of dips are a convenient way to make snacks more exciting and to add a punch of flavour to your lunch. All you need to do is pop the lid and get ready to tuck into tasty!” Squeaky Bean dips will join the brand’s vegan portfolio of Chicken Style Bites, Chargrilled Cajun Mini Fillets, tortilla and sandwich slices. The dips will be available to purchase in 139 Co-op stores nationwide for £1.60 per 150ml pot. #UK #SqueakyBean #vegan #plantbased #WinterbothamDarby

Mrs Crimble’s, a gluten-free brand owned by Ecotone UK, has added a new vegan snack made with oats to its portfolio. Featuring gluten-free oats and vegan Belgian chocolate, Mrs Crimble’s Soft Oaty Bakes with Chocolate contain just 155 calories each and are a source of fibre. “Customers are now selecting free from out of choice to support their lifestyle rather than for medical needs,” said Vicki Hazel, Mrs Crimble’s brand controller at Ecotone UK. “The Mrs Crimble’s brand speaks to both lifestyle consumers and coeliac sufferers – turning the outdated view of gluten-free food on its head with tasty, high-quality bakes that all can enjoy. “Our mission is to offer inclusive indulgence, which is why we’re innovating with vegan-friendly ingredients and creating lower-calorie options. We’re confident our new Oaty Bakes will have strong appeal for new and existing consumers, fulfilling those mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack occasions.” The individually wrapped bakes are launching into Tesco in multi-packs of four (RRP £2.25) in time for Coeliac Awareness Week. Last year, Mrs Crimble’s announced the launch of new plant-based coconut macaroons, which marked its second vegan offering. #Ecotone #glutenfree #MrsCrimbles #UK

Blendtopia has added three new keto-friendly varieties to its line of organic ‘superfood-packed’ frozen smoothie kits. The new Keto Certified offerings aim to provide a convenient ready-to-blend smoothie option that cuts out the time-consuming tasks of measuring and prepping ingredients. Keto Berry claims to have immune boosting benefits and is made with organic ingredients, including avocado, flax seeds, chia seeds, coconut oil and MCT oil. The new product offers 5g of sugar, 7g of net carbs and 13g of fat. Meanwhile, Blendtopia says that its ‘immune and brain boosting’ Keto Chocolate Chai kit contains 3g of sugar, 5g of net carbs and 17g of fat, and features ingredients such as avocado, flax seeds, cacao powder, coconut oil, MCT oil and spices. Claiming ‘detoxifying’ benefits, the new Keto Green variant offers 3g of sugar, 6g of net carbs and 13g of fat, and is made with avocado, hemp seeds and flax seeds, coconut oil, MCT oil, ginger and more. “Whether the consumer is a novice or a veteran, our new keto smoothie line-up is an easy and convenient choice for those living a ketogenic or low-carb, low-sugar lifestyle,” said Tiffany Taylor, Blendtopia founder and CMO. “We’re thrilled to offer the same easy, delicious and nutrient-rich superfood smoothie kits in three keto-friendly varieties that consumers are going to love.” Blendtopia says that all its products are plant-based, gluten and soy free, certified-organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. The new Keto Green and Keto Chocolate Chai varieties are available across the US at Whole Foods Market stores, and all three varieties can be purchased via the brand’s website. #Blendtopia #Keto #smoothies #US