My/Mochi Ice Cream has announced the launch of new Oat Milk Frozen Desserts, which will be available in five different flavours. The new non-dairy line-up is said to offer a similar taste and texture to traditional dairy ice cream and includes strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, Neapolitan and salted caramel flavours. The swap from cashew cream to oat milk in My/Mochi’s vegan offerings aims to cater for those concerned with nut allergens. “Oat milk continues to grow in popularity, overtaking soy to become one of the most popular plant-based dairy options,” said Craig Berger, CEO of My/Mochi Ice Cream. “My/Mochi Oat Milk Frozen Dessert reinforces our commitment to revolutionising the world of snacking with oat milk ranking high on protein and fibre while being allergy friendly. We are constantly looking to mesmerise mouths and we couldn’t be more excited to announce this updated offering that all can enjoy.” The new line will be rolling out across the US this summer. #mochi #MyMochiIceCream #Oatmilk #US

Work has begun on a new £6 million facility at Branston’s site in Lincolnshire, UK, that will be used to extract high-grade protein from potatoes. Potato supplier Branston is working alongside agri-tech research and development company, B-hive Innovations, as part of a collaborative project which aims to improve potato crop utilisation. The new facility will convert low-value potatoes into clean-label functional protein that can be used in vegetarian and plant-based foods. The factory will also produce starch-based products for a range of manufacturing applications. According to Branston, the facility will be the first of its kind in the country and will incorporate bespoke technologies and capabilities to meet increasing demand for UK-grown plant-based ingredients. “We’re delighted to be working with B-hive Innovations on this new venture. Most people are aware of potato starch and fibre in potatoes, but they don’t consider the highly nutritious protein fraction,” said managing director of Branston’s prepared foods division, Richard Fell, who is heading up the project. “B-hive Innovations has been honing this technology for a number of years, working with a group of academic and industry partners and supported by Innovate UK. They have developed a process to gently extract and isolate high-grade proteins from potatoes. “This means we have the potential to meet the growing requirements from food manufacturers for 100% plant-based protein that is free from allergens and is fully traceable from our UK-grown crops.” #BhiveInnovations #UK #plantprotein #plantbased #BranstonLtd

Cargill has announced that it is investing in Bflike, a start-up created by Blue Ocean Xlerator with a portfolio of solutions for meat and fish alternatives. Based in the Netherlands, Bflike has developed a range of technologies and premix ingredient solutions for meat and fish analogues. The company’s portfolio includes patent-pending vegan fat and blood platforms, which reportedly enable manufacturers to create plant-based alternatives that look, feel and cook like their animal-based counterparts. Cargill is investing in Bflike through a joint venture with BOX, a Dutch private incubator and accelerator focused on sustainable innovations in the food sector. Bflike also receives technical support from Top, a food technology service provider and subsidiary company of BOX. The partnership with Bflike combines Cargill’s food ingredient solutions with the start-up’s recipes and technology, and will aim to support companies in bringing plant-based products to market quickly and affordably. Bflike will license its proprietary technology and ingredient solutions to food manufacturers and retailers which are commercialising their own meat and fish alternative products. Cargill says that the collaboration will allow customers to scale up quickly, using their own production process and machinery, while being supported by its supply of ingredients. “BOX and Top have spent years developing a pipeline of diet enrichment solutions, allowing manufacturers and retailers to offer affordable meat and fish alternatives that truly mirror the sensory experiences of traditional animal-based products,” said Koos van Haasteren, CEO of Bflike. “Now together with Cargill as a development partner, we can help expand the possibilities with a new generation of nutritious products that will continue to revolutionise the plant-based marketplace.” Belgin Köse, segment director enrichment & renewability for Cargill starches, sweeteners & texturisers Europe, added: “This joint venture is another way in which Cargill is enabling plant-based alternatives that exceed consumer expectations and enrich consumer diets with responsible, sustainable and affordable options in various geographies.” #Bflike #meatalternatives #fishalternatives #BlueOceanXlerator #Cargill

ADM has opened a new plant-based innovation lab within its Biopolis research hub in Singapore, as it looks to advance protein innovation. ADM says the lab will develop ‘next-level, on-trend and nutritious’ plant-based products, tailor-made for the Asian consumer palate. The company first inaugurated the Biopolis research hub in Singapore in 2018, which houses a number of labs – including a food and flavour analytics hub, a beverage and dairy applications lab, a bakery and confectionery lab, a meat and savoury lab, and a customer innovation centre. The new facility will feature a combination of experts in proteins and texturing ingredients, alongside flavour specialists – who will test flavours, textures, fats and binding characteristics in-house and accelerate product development for customers. ADM says the lab can also provide medium-scale sampling through forming and freezing capabilities to support market evaluation of new solutions. “ADM is a pioneer in plant-based nutrition innovation, and this new facility will enhance our ability to meet rapidly growing consumer demand in the Asia-Pacific region and bring exciting new products and solutions to the market,” said Leo Liu, ADM president, Asia-Pacific. “Protein continues to be a focus for consumers who are experimenting with plant-based options to meet their health and nutrition, sustainability and convenience preferences, and with Asia being home to 60% of the world’s population, Singapore is a critical hub of innovation and growth around plant-based alternatives.” Marie Wright, chief global flavourist and president for creation, design and development at ADM, said: “The lab will help us capture key insight and learnings to help drive exciting new solutions for the Asian market, but also help us better serve customers around the world looking to incorporate Asian flavours and preferences into their latest plant-based food and beverage innovations.” #ADM #innovations #plantbased #Singapore

Plant Based World Expo’s Industry Voices series – launching Tuesday 27 April – will allow professionals to connect with and learn from plant-based industry experts, such as Kerry Foods, Eat Just, Sodexo and more. Industry Voices has been created with retailers, foodservice providers, plant-based brands, investors and industry members in mind to explore opportunities, trends and gain actionable insights into the plant-based food industry. Each conversation will focus on a dedicated subject, allowing buyers and industry members to select topics that will help them get up to speed on the plant-based market. The sessions cover many areas from retail to foodservice, local to global markets, as well as investments and the supply chain. Upcoming sessions include: 27 April – Plant-based market update with Julie Emmett, senior director of retail partnerships at Plant-Based Foods Association 4 May – Plant-based menu makeover with Alison Rabschnuk, director of business development plant protein at Kerry Foods 11 May – Keeping the momentum growing in retail with Ann Beaty, ecommerce business director at Kroger 18 May – Supplier diversity as a business opportunity with Michael Alexander, supplier diversity business lead at Target Procurement Hosted by Benjamin Davis, VP of content at Plant Based World Expo, participants will be invited to ask questions to create a truly collaborative learning environment. “At Plant Based World Expo, we pride ourselves on being the go-to source of information for buyers of plant-based products,” said Davis. “At our physical shows, we provide education, networking and business opportunities by helping industry members stay on top of key market trends.” “The Industry Voices series will keep industry members up-to-date with this vastly growing market from the comfort of their own living room, ready for the return of our live, in-person events this autumn,” he added. Each session in the Industry Voices series will be available as a recording after the live session to access via the Plant Based World website. Attendance is free but pre-registration is required and spaces are given on a first-come, first-served basis. To read the full session overview and learn more about the speakers, click here. #EatJust #KerryFoods #PlantBasedWorldExpo #plantbased

Kellogg has launched new plant-based Chick’n Tenders as part of its Incogmeato line by its MorningStar Farms brand. Hitting US shelves this month, Incogmeato Chik’n Tenders come in original and sweet BBQ flavours and claim to offer a “just-like-meat” tear. MorningStar Farms says it uses plant-based tear technology that creates fibres to replicate the texture of real chicken. Both Chick’n Tender varieties are made with non-GMO soy and contain no artificial flavours. The product launch was delayed alongside several other Kellogg products due to Covid-19. According to Kellogg, compared to real chicken, the vegan tenders contain more grams of protein per serving and 27% less fat. “Our new Incogmeato Chik’n Tenders are a game changing experience for the flexitarian chicken-loving consumer who wants to try plant-based but isn’t finding an option that stacks up to the real thing,” said Sara Young, general manager, plant-based proteins at Kellogg Company. Incogmeato Chick’n Tenders will be available in grocers nationwide such as select Walmart, Kroger and Meijer stores. The vegan meat alternative will also be available to foodservice operators. #Incogmeato #US #Kellogg #plantbasedmeat #MorningStarFarms

Nestlé has recorded 7.7% organic sales growth in the first quarter, driven by a boost in coffee sales and a gradual recovery in out-of-home channels. The Swiss food giant posted Q1 net sales of CHF 21.09 billion ($23.02 billion), compared to CHF 20.8 billion at the same time last year. Coffee was the largest contributor to growth thanks to strong demand for Nespresso, Nescafé and Starbucks products. Nestlé also benefitted significantly from its dairy and pet care products. The company’s Nespresso unit grew organically by 17.1%, reflecting the continued expansion of its Vertuo system and strong demand for its Original system. In March, Nespresso announced a $126 million investment in the expansion its Avenches production and distribution centre in Switzerland to meet growing consumer demand. In the three months, growth was broad-based across most geographies. Sales in the Americas stood at CHF 8.24 billion ($8.99 billion), representing 7.2% organic growth led by pet food, coffee, dairy and infant nutrition. Frozen and chilled food was the largest growth contributor in North America supported by its Stouffer’s, Lean Cuisine and Life Cuisine brands. Nestlé’s newly acquired Freshly business also posted strong growth, helped by expanded distribution. The company witnessed a 4.4% organic sales rise in the EMENA zone to CHF 5.2 billion ($5.67 billion), with coffee and Purina PetCare as key growth drivers. Each region posted positive growth with strong momentum in Russia, Turkey, Italy and the UK. Sales in AOA grew organically by 9.1%, with China recording double-digit growth thanks to recovery in out-of-home channels. While infant nutrition returned to positive growth in China, this was more than offset by sales declines in other markets. Nestlé Health Science built upon a strong first quarter last year with 9.5% organic growth, reflecting increased demand for vitamins, minerals and supplements and healthy-ageing products. Water recorded negative growth due to its high exposure to out-of-home channels. On 31 March, Nestlé completed the sale of its North American water business; following its acquisition of Essentia Water as part of its portfolio management. “We are pleased with Nestlé’s strong organic sales growth in the first quarter, building on broad-based contributions from most geographies and product categories. Retail sales saw solid growth and out-of-home channels saw signs of improvement,” said Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider. Nestlé confirmed its 2021 full-year outlook, expecting a continued increase in organic sales growth towards a mid-single-digit rate. #coffee #financialresults #Nespresso #Nestlé

Winterbotham Darby-owned Squeaky Bean is launching its new plant-based Chicken Style Bites into Sainsbury’s stores today. Made from seasoned wheat and pea protein, and featuring a saucy centre, the new snacks can be eaten straight from the pack or heated in the oven for eight minutes. The bites are available in two varieties: Smokey BBQ, featuring oak-smoked tomatoes and smoked paprika for a ‘sweet grilled flavour’; and Spicy Sriracha, which combines a habanero chilli kick with creamy vegan mayo. The new offerings are being launched into Sainsbury’s alongside the brand’s recently released Chargrilled Mini Fillets. Sarah Augustine, co-creator of Squeaky Bean, said: “Our new Chicken Style Bites are designed to deliver taste bud satisfaction for plant-based food lovers when they hit the fridge. “Delicious hot and cold, the Chicken Style Bites are a convenient way to experience plant-based flavour – fast. By showing just how easy it is to tuck into tasty, we’re pushing people’s perceptions of vegan food.” With an RRP of £2.50 per 144g pack, Squeaky Bean Chicken Style Bites will be available at 232 Sainsbury’s stores throughout the UK. #meatalternatives #UK #SqueakyBean #plantbased #WinterbothamDarby

Kitu Life is expanding its Super Coffee portfolio with the introduction of a new limited-edition blueberry latte variant, containing 10g of protein. Marking the Super Coffee brand’s first seasonal flavour for spring and summer, the new ready-to-drink coffee-based beverage contains MCT oil “for sustained energy and focus”, as well as 200mg of caffeine, and is naturally sweetened with monk fruit. Made with pea protein, Super Coffee’s latest offering is an extension of its new line of plant-based products which launched last month. The 12oz seasonal beverage will be available at retailers nationwide in the US. Last year, celebrity couple Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez invested in Kitu Life, the maker of Super Coffee, becoming minority owners of the company. #KituLife #SuperCoffee #US

German ingredients manufacturer Loryma has unveiled a new plant-based bacon concept, following the development of a new wheat-based formula. According to a statement from Loryma, the new plant-based bacon concept replicates the mouthfeel and sensory characteristics of traditional bacon thanks to the combination of the company’s wheat-based Lory Bind binding component and a bacon spice blend. Loryma states that the wheat-based binder provides an irreversible internal structure, meaning that when prepared in a pan, the vegan bacon concept behaves like its traditional meat counterpart; becoming crispy on the outside while retaining a delicate, fibrous texture. The plant-based bacon concept can be used for a variety of foodservice, catering or convenience applications, and can be used in the same manner as traditional bacon. Loryma’s Lory Bind’s functional starch blends are odourless and neutral in taste, which makes them suitable for a number of vegan and vegetarian meat alternatives, which can then be seasoned to achieve similar taste characteristics to the products they seek to replicate. Henrik Hetzer, managing director of Loryma, said: “Our raw materials combine naturalness with maximum functionality. “In addition to uncomplicated handling, they offer manufacturers the opportunity to create healthy and sure-fire products that perfectly meet the current consumer trend for meat-free convenience foods.” #Loryma #meatalternatives #plantbasedbacon #wheat

Brazilian meat manufacturer JBS has agreed to acquire plant-based meat producer Vivera in a deal worth approximately €341 million. Netherlands-based Vivera is the third-largest manufacturer of plant-based food products in Europe. The company sells meat alternative products such as burgers, chicken alternatives and mince alternatives in 25 countries across the continent, including The Netherlands, the UK and Germany. The acquisition includes three manufacturing units and a research and development centre located in The Netherlands. In a statement, JBS claimed that it plans to manage Vivera “as a standalone business unit”, with Vivera’s current leadership team remaining in place. This purchase comes as JBS seeks to enhance its presence in the plant-based food category, which is estimated to grow exponentially due to increasing consumer demand for plant-based products such as meat alternatives due to the increase of flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan eating habits. JBS has already released a number of plant-based products to meet this demand, notably through its Seara subsidiary’s Incrível range in Brazil, while the firm’s Planterra unit has debuted a number of plant-based products through its Ozo brand in the US. Gilberto Tomazoni, global CEO of JBS, said: “This acquisition is an important step to strengthen our global plant-based protein platform. “Vivera will give JBS a stronghold in the plant-based sector, with technological knowledge and capacity for innovation”. Willem van Weede, CEO of Vivera, added: “Joining forces with JBS gives us access to significant resources and capabilities to accelerate our current strong growth trajectory and Vivera brand expansion. #Vivera #meatalternatives #plantbasedmeat #plantbased #JBS

US plant-based meat company, Hungry Planet, has closed an oversubscribed $25 million Series A financing round, as it looks to increase its production capacity. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Hungry Planet supplies consumers and the foodservice sector with a wide range of plant-based meats. The company’s portfolio includes alternatives to chicken, pork, beef, lamb, turkey, crab, chorizo, breakfast sausage and Italian sausage. Post Holdings led Hungry Planet’s latest financing round and was joined by Singaporean investment group Trirec, as well as other ‘plant-forward’ investors. The new funds will be used to build capacity for Hungry Planet’s plant-based meats and accelerate the company’s growth across the retail, foodservice and e-commerce channels, both domestically and internationally. “Over the past several years, we’ve been quietly piloting our full range of chef-crafted, nutritious plant-based meats in select foodservice and retail markets domestically and internationally,” said Hungry Planet CEO Todd Boyman, who co-founded the company with his sister Jody Boyman. “With over 4 million servings sold globally, we’ve validated that our full range works perfectly in any cuisine, any recipe, any venue and any geography.” He continued: “By delivering on taste, health and variety, we have seen tremendous success in foodservice and are now developing a deeply loyal and enthusiastic following in retail. Our broader retail launch is currently rolling out across the USA and Singapore, and we are excited for the additional growth opportunities this funding provides.” #HungryPlanet #plantbasedmeat #PostHoldings #US