Singapore-based food-tech firm Sophie’s Bionutrients claims that it has developed the world’s first microalgae-based milk alternative. The new product concept was made with microalgae protein flour, which reportedly contains the same essential amino acids as microalgae itself. The flour is then homogenised with water to create the dairy-free product. According to Sophie’s Bionutrients, the protein value can be elevated by up to 50% by altering ratios in the water-soluble microalgae flour. However, it can be further refined to mimic the creamy texture of dairy. The company’s microalgae solutions have already been used to develop meat alternatives such as burger patties, and the company claims that microalgae ‘can be used to develop almost any food’. Sophie’s Bionutrients cultivates its microalgae in protected environments as opposed to conventional ponds, and ‘feeds’ its algae with food waste such as spent grains, molasses and okara. The company claims that this process allows for output ‘ten times higher than conventional sunshine pond operations’, and that the process is a sustainable, circular production method. Eugene Wang, co-founder & CEO of Sophie’s Bionutrients, said: “We believe in harnessing the power of nature to build a sustainable, greener future through environment-friendly alternate food solutions. We believe that micro-algae is the best place to help us achieve this. “It is the superfood of the future. Through further refinement with food and beverage producing partners developments like this one, the world’s first allergen-free micro-algae milk, we believe we can transform the way we live, produce and consume food for the better.” #microalgae #SophiesBionutrients #algae #Singapore #milkalternatives

Carbery’s Synergy Flavors has announced the acquisition of US-based savoury flavour and ingredient supplier, Innova Flavors, from Griffith Foods Worldwide. Based in Illinois, Innova Flavors specialises in creating customised meat and savoury flavours for a variety of applications. The deal – which was made for an undisclosed sum – will see Synergy Flavours expand its savoury capabilities to support further product development in meat alternatives, sauces, side dishes and snacks. Last year, Synergy launched a Paired to Perfection flavour range for plant-protein bases. “This acquisition offers significant benefits to Synergy customers by providing them access to a proven range of flavours to meet the growing demand for natural flavourings and savoury ingredients,” said Rod Sowders, president and CEO of Synergy Flavors. “In addition, these products complement Synergy’s current offerings for rapidly growing plant based alternative food and beverages globally. Synergy’s global footprint and history of investment in acquisitions will allow Innova customers to benefit from the deep flavour expertise and global reach of the Synergy organisation.” Synergy was built by cheese producer Carberry through a series of acquisitions in the UK, the USA, Europe, South America and Asia. Jason Hawkins, CEO of Carbery Group, added: “We know acquiring Innova Flavors will make sense for our US flavour customers, will enhance our global business in Asia and Central and South America, and bring opportunities right across our platforms of dairy, taste and nutrition. This deal is a strategic opportunity to grow our business, to strengthen our offerings for our customers and maximise what we can deliver for our shareholders.” #US #InnovaFlavors #meatalternatives #savoury #Carberry #SynergyFlavours #flavours

Malt loaf brand Soreen has released a new range of plant-based snacks for children called Fruit & Veg Mmms. The individually wrapped snacks are available in two flavours: Blackberry & Beetroot and Orange & Rainbow Carrot, both of which are vegan-friendly. Both variants feature 40% fruit and vegetable content per bar, contain approximately 100 calories per serving, and are low in saturated fat. The brand also claims that the snacks ‘contain 50% less sugar than the average cake bar’. Mark Simester, managing director at Soreen said: “We know how hard it can be for parents to find quick and healthy snacks for their kids, especially ones that can include fruit and veg, as well as deliver on that essential taste test. “That’s why we’re so excited to launch this brand new range. A range that allows parents to easily provide their children with an on-the-go snack option that is packed full of fruit and veg goodness and doesn’t compromise on taste. “What’s more we’ve ensured that our new bakes still retain that squidgy Soreen deliciousness to provide a perfect go-to snack to satisfy little ones after or between meals, whilst also being nutritious.” Soreen’s Fruit & Veg-Mmms are available nationwide from UK retailers including Tesco, The Co-Op and Ocado. #childrensfood #plantbasedsnacks #Soreen #UK

House Foods America plans to invest $146.3 million to establish a new 350,000-square-foot tofu production facility in Kentucky, US. Construction work is expected to begin next year on the new plant, which will be located in Louisville Riverport Authority’s Phase 5 development. House Foods America’s first Kentucky facility will produce tofu and other food products and create 109 full-time jobs. Work on the project is expected to be completed by 2025. “I’m proud to welcome House Foods to Kentucky. This company truly has its eye on the future, producing healthy food products and creating a significant number of high-paying jobs in the process,” said Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear. The state is seeking to encourage House Foods’ investment through various tax incentives. Beshear continued: “The diversity of our state’s food and beverage sector is one of its greatest strengths, and House Foods is the latest company to contribute to the rapidly growing industry. Louisville will be a great fit as the company continues to grow and expand its presence in the US marketplace.” House Foods America is a subsidiary of Japan-based House Foods Group that was founded in 1983 to introduce the company’s tofu, shirataki and other food products to the US market. #Japan #US #HouseFoodsGroup #HouseFoodsAmerica #Tofu

Flavour and fragrance company Firmenich has opened a new SmartProteins innovation hub in Singapore to meet demand for plant-based alternatives in the Asia region. The Culinary and SmartProteins Innovation Center will enable Firmenich to deliver ‘breakthrough integrated solutions’ in alternative proteins for meat and dairy analogues. Located in Tuas, the centre will serve as a regional R&D hub for Asia and marks another move in Firmenich’s effort to strengthen its presence in the region – coming after it opened a taste creation facility in the Philippines and a culinary discovery centre in Thailand in 2018. The centre is aligned with the company’s Savory vision to deliver plant-based alternative solutions that combine the technical expertise of Campus and Firmenich in the areas of aroma, flavour, taste, unami and texture. “Leading the industry in alternative protein solutions is a key focus for Firmenich and this is an important milestone in our global expansion of capabilities. The centre will allow us to partner closely with our customers to serve a fast-growing number of flexitarian consumers with delicious food and beverage options,” said Emmanuel Butstraen, global president, taste & beyond at Firmenich. “We are proud to have Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) as a partner in this investment. This new facility will be home to some of the best talent in the industry across several disciplines to deliver truly innovative, consumer-focused integrated solutions.” Jun Saplad, Firmenich taste & beyond’s regional president for Asia, added: “Firmenich’s comprehensive portfolio of Smart Proteins capabilities include ingredients and delivery technologies designed to create great-tasting plant-based food and beverages. “By harnessing our deep regional and local understanding and our expertise in taste and plant-based proteins, the Innovation Center will allow us to tailor solutions to the unique needs of the Asian market and explore new angles for meat-free dishes.” Over the past year, Firmenich has opened its new West Coast Innovation Center in California and a new pilot plant and laboratory within its Geneva production site. #Firmenich #Dairyalternatives #meatalternatives #Singapore #plantbased

Nestlé has made its largest foray into plant-based drinks in Europe with the introduction of Wunda, a new pea-based milk alternative. The drink is made from yellow peas sourced in France and Belgium and Nestlé says it offers strong nutritional value compared to similar plant-based beverages on the market – high in fibre, low in sugar and fat, enriched with calcium and a source of vitamins D, B2 and B12. According to Nestlé, the neutral taste and high protein content of the pea-based beverage allows it to be fully versatile for many uses including over cereal, in hot beverages, in cooking or drunk straight. The Wunda range will come in original, unsweetened and chocolate varieties and will be available first in France, Portugal and the Netherlands, before rolling out to other European markets. The pea-based beverage is also carbon neutral from launch – certified by the Carbon Trust – which has been achieved through using renewable energy in production and reducing emissions during distribution. Stefan Palzer, Nestlé chief technology officer, said: “This truly versatile, delicious pea-based beverage is an excellent source of protein and fibre. Its great neutral taste, the ability to use it for different applications and the fact that it is carbon neutral make it an ideal plant-based alternative to milk.” Wunda was initially developed as part of the company’s plant-based dairy R&D accelerator programme in just six months. “Our young intrapreneurs created this great product based on their own consumer needs by leveraging our longstanding expertise in plant-proteins and dairy,” added Palzer. Nestlé says the brand is already working on other innovations within the dairy alternatives space. #Nestlé #Europe #Wunda #Dairyalternative #Milkalternative #peaprotein

US food company Tattooed Chef has agreed to acquire Foods of New Mexico for approximately $35 million, as it looks to boost its Mexican plant-based foods offerings. Foods of New Mexico is comprised of New Mexico Food Distributors and Karsten Tortilla Factory, and the deal will give Tattooed Chef access to two manufacturing facilities totalling 118,000 square-feet. Founded in 1987, Foods of New Mexico produces ready-to-eat Mexican food products for both retail and food service. The company’s facility in Albuquerque currently manufactures quesadillas, burritos and sauces; while its second factory in Karsten is not yet in operation but will produce tortillas. The deal will see Tattooed Chef boost its manufacturing capacity and accelerate its expansion outside of frozen food into snacks, and refrigerated and ambient products. Upon completion, the prepared food company will be able to offer Mexican plant-based foods under its Tattooed Chef brand, which will join its current portfolio of ready-to-cook vegan and vegetarian bowls, zucchini spirals and cauliflower crust pizzas. “We have seen tremendous growth in the Tattooed Chef brand and these two facilities will allow us to diversify our product lines and significantly increase our manufacturing capabilities to capitalise on the $20 billion Hispanic/Southwest Food sector and beyond,” said Sam Galletti, president and CEO of Tattooed Chef. “We will be immediately addressing the $1 billion Frozen Mexican Food category once the transactions close. At full capacity, we believe Foods of New Mexico can contribute up to $200 million annually in revenue in the next two to three years and create significant value for all our stakeholders.” Tattooed Chef says it has a pipeline of different and innovative ideas for the coming months such as alternative tortillas using plant-based ingredients. Sarah Galletti, founder and chief creative officer of Tattooed Chef, said: “Foods of New Mexico has many of the qualities we were looking for in the next potential target: capacity, expanding product portfolio capabilities, and entering new categories.” Dennis Carpenter, president of New Mexico Food Distributors, added: “Tattooed Chef has a reputation for innovation, quality, safety and great leadership and we are excited about the future growth prospects of the business. We trust the direction Tattooed Chef will be taking the company and we wish them success in the future.” The deal is expected to be completed in early May, subject to customary closing conditions. #FoodsofNewMexico #frozenfood #TattooedChef #US

Tyson Foods has expanded its range of plant-based meat alternatives under its Raised & Rooted brand with four new products. Available across the US, the new offerings aim to meet the increased demand for plant-based protein options that are suitable for cooking at-home on the grill. The new products include plant-based burger patties, Bratwurst and Italian sausages, and ground. Made from pea protein, the soy-free options contain between 17-21g of protein per serving. According to Tyson Foods, the new plant-based meat products contain 75% less saturated fat than traditional options. “Our products are plants made meatier, and deliver the same delicious flavours, in a better-for-you alternative,” said David Ervin, vice president of marketing, Raised & Rooted. The four new meat alternative products join the Raised & Rooted brand portfolio which includes nuggets, spicy nuggets and whole-grain tenders. “We are excited about the momentum we’ve built over the past year, fuelled by our growth at retail, and our ability to continue to meet consumer’s demands,” added Ervin. “Raised & Rooted was created to provide plant-based options for everyone, and our new products are the next step toward meeting that goal while remaining steadfast to our commitment to providing great tasting alternative options.” The new products are available in grocery stores nationwide, retailing between $4.99 and $7.99 per package. #TysonFoods #US #RaisedampRooted #meatalternatives #plantbasedmeat

Britvic has expanded into plant-based nutrition with the acquisition of Plenish, a UK plant-based drinks business, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2012, Plenish offers a range of plant-based milks – including almond, coconut, oat and cashew – cold-pressed juices and functional shots, as well as a series of cleanse programmes. The brand’s products – which are certified organic, low in calories and free from added sugar and preservatives – are sold through the brand’s D2C website and in major grocery retailers nationwide. The deal is aligned with Britvic’s mission to access new spaces in the soft drinks sector and strengthens its offerings in the ‘high-growth’ plant-based milks and organic juices categories. Britvic also says the acquisition will strengthen its Healthier People, Healthier Planet sustainability agenda – as Plenish is an accredited B-Corporation and a certified carbon negative business. Following the transaction, Plenish joins Britvic’s portfolio of brands such as Fruit Shoot, Robinsons, MiWadi and J20; in addition to the PepsiCo soft drinks brands which its produces and sells under an exclusive PepsiCo bottling agreement. “In only a short time, Plenish has built a hugely impressive brand offering a fantastic range of products that cater to the growing demand for healthy and nutritious juices and plant-based milks,” said Simon Litherland, CEO of Britvic. He added: “At Britvic, we have a long history of building successful brands and we see tremendous potential in Plenish that we look forward to realising in the years ahead.” Kara Rosen, founder of Plenish, said: “I started Plenish nine years ago in my kitchen to help make it easy and delicious for people to improve their health and make a positive impact for the planet. Our plant-based drinks are still made like I originally made them at home – with best in class ingredients sourced from sustainable, organic farms and no additives. “I’m so excited for Plenish to join forces with Britvic, who I’ve long admired as a brilliant builder of brands and shares similar values, particularly around healthier people and planet. Together we can reach more people in more places with products and programmes that help you feel good, made in a way that you can feel good about.” #Plenish #Britvic #UK #Nondairymilk #plantbaseddairy

Nuud – a new plant-based, plastic free and biodegradable chewing gum – has launched into Waitrose stores across the UK. The new brand aims to highlight the plastic waste issues associated with regular gum and offer a natural, sustainable alternative. Nuud gum is also sugar free – naturally sweetened with xylitol – and comes in two flavours: peppermint and spearmint. With its biodegradable chewing gum, the brand is on a mission to rid the world of plastic gum, as well as educate consumers about the amount of single-use plastic used in regular gum – which Nuud claims is ‘as much as a drinking straw in one piece’. “Most people don’t know that regular chewing gum is made of single-use plastic and isn’t compostable,” said Keir Carnie, founder of Nuud. “The government spends around £100 million a year cleaning up gum from our streets. We want to tackle this and effect a whole scale change in behaviour when it comes to chewing gum.” Instead of using plastic in the gum base, Nuud uses ‘sustainably’ harvested tree sap called Chicle, which it says helps gum to biodegrade naturally like banana skin. Nuud gum is available to buy nationwide at Waitrose stores for £1.50 per single pack, as well as on the brand’s website in packs of 12. #sugarfree #Nuud #chewinggum #biodegradable #UK #vegan

Real Food From The Ground Up is adding a new vegetable base to its portfolio with the introduction of Purple Carrot Crackers. Launching next month, the new offering is vegan, non-GMO and gluten free. Made with purple carrot – the latest vegetable to be included in the brand’s line-up – the new crackers come in sea salt and ranch flavours. “We’re excited about purple carrot joining cauliflower and butternut squash vegetable bases for our growing snack brand,” said Deb Holt, CMO of Real Food From The Ground Up. “We love being able to offer plant-based versions of classic snacks and our Purple Carrot Crackers, a nod to the original orange squares, are as good as they look.” Purple Carrot Crackers will be available at retailers across the US such as Whole Foods Market, as well as via the brand’s website and Amazon. Earlier this year, Real Food announced the launch of two new plant-based snacks: Cauliflower Chips and Cauliflower Snacking Crackers. #plantbased #RealFoodFromTheGroundUp #US

May is Celiac Awareness Month, and Absolutely Gluten-Free is helping to spread the words of health, hope, and solidarity. Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease in which people cannot eat gluten because it will damage their small intestine. Sources of gluten come from wheat, rye, barley and some oats. If not properly managed, celiac disease makes the body vulnerable to other diseases, such as type one diabetes, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, anaemia, infertility, migraines, and in extreme cases, intestinal cancer. However, people who suffer from this disease are looking ahead with determination and motivation in hopes of finding a cure. There are many ways to help spread awareness of celiac disease and contribute to the ongoing research to develop treatments and a cure. Many people may not be familiar with celiac disease or may not even know it exists. Therefore, sharing infographics, videos and links on social media can help boost awareness. People can also help by hosting or contributing to fundraisers to assist in the need for continued, extended research. Absolutely Gluten-Free is a food product brand that offers snack items that are 100% certified gluten-free, all-natural and vegan, as well as OU certified kosher, grain-free and free from corn and rice. Absolutely Gluten-Free is dedicated to providing high-quality, healthy snacks and treats to those who suffer from celiac disease, as well as those who simply opt for a gluten-free lifestyle. “Absolutely Gluten-Free is the must-have product line for people who seek delicious snacks and products and choose to eat gluten-free products,” said Laura Morris, associate marketing director for the brand. “Absolutely Gluten-Free is ‘proof of the pudding’ that gluten-free can also mean delicious.” Absolutely Gluten-Free’s signature products are the perfect addition for any occasion. The brand’s crackers and flatbreads are crisp and crunchy, with a wide range of flavours – including original, toasted onion, everything and cracked pepper – and they make the ideal addition to any charcuterie board. The company says its chocolate drizzled coconut chews are soft and moist, perfect for when you need that something sweet. The line comes in four flavours: cranberry, chocolate and new key lime and blueberry. Meanwhile, Absolutely Gluten-Free’s macaroons come in chocolate and coconut varieties. In addition to these sweet and savoury snacks, Absolutely Gluten-Free also offers a pizza made with a light cauliflower crust, tomato sauce and creamy cheese. The best part is that there is no need to feel guilty when eating this gluten-free pizza, which is made with natural ingredients – Absolutely Gluten Free makes you feel good about what you are eating. For more information, visit http://absolutelygf.com/ #US #AbsolutelyGlutenFree #partnercontent #glutenfree #snacks