US frozen pops producer, Chloe’s, is adding three new products to its range of oat milk varieties and introducing its first no-added-sugar pop. The brand’s new brownie batter, chocolate peanut butter and cookies & cream Oatmilk Pops are plant-based as well as kosher, and are free from gluten. “Oat milk’s popularity continues to surge and with such enthusiastic feedback from our customers, doubling down on our oat milk offerings with delicious, rich new varieties was the obvious choice,” said Chloe Epstein, co-founder and president of Chloe’s. “The better-for-you, plant-based ingredient profiles of our new Oatmilk Pops prove that it’s possible to make a decadent frozen treat while still being mindful of ingredients and being environmentally responsible – qualities that are meaningful to us and our customers.” The three new offerings join salted caramel, mint chip and raspberry chip variants as part of the brand’s oat milk-based range. At only 40 calories, the new Chloe’s No Sugar Added Strawberry Pop is also plant-based, gluten free and kosher, and uses allulose and monk fruit as natural sweeteners. Commenting on the launch of the pop, Epstein said: “With so many looking to limit sugar intake, we wanted to specifically respond to the need for a delicious, no-sugar-added option without the artificial substitutes.” The No Sugar Added Strawberry Pop will be available from this month at Big Y, Fresh Direct, Gelson’s, King Kullen and Market Basket, along with other retailers. The new brownie batter, chocolate peanut butter and cookies & cream Oatmilk Pop varieties will begin rolling out to retailers this month, including Big Y, Fresh Direct, Jewel Osco and Save Mart. #Chloes #Dairyalternatives #US

UK-based online vegan retailer TheVeganKind (TVK) has raised £3.5 million in a Series A funding round led by investment firm Literacy Capital. Founded in 2013 as a vegan subscription delivery box service, TheVeganKind launched an online supermarket in 2016. The firm now offers almost 6,000 plant-based products for next-day delivery in the UK across its two retail websites, and the company moved into a new 35,000 square-foot warehouse in October 2020. A statement from TheVeganKind claims that the investment represents ‘the largest funding round for a vegan retail company’. The company states that the funding will accelerate its growth plans, as additional retail and consumer experience will be added to the business in the near future. TheVeganKind co-founders, Scott and Karris McCulloch, said: “We are so excited to now finally announce the conclusion of this investment round, signalling the start of a new chapter for Team TVK. “While we have moved mountains in the last seven years, helping take veganism mainstream, this raise will allow us to ramp up considerably, investing in our people, inventory, infrastructure, marketing and more. “At TheVeganKind we all know that the world needs more people to go vegan or plant-based, and we want to show them just how easy it can be. We have lots of exciting developments in the works such as TVK Health, and hundreds of new brands and products waiting to be listed.” Richard Pindar, CIO of Literacy Capital, added: “We are really pleased and excited to have the opportunity to work with Scott, Karris and the rest of the TVK team. “The tailwinds in the sector, as well as the health, welfare and environmental benefits that TVK is providing are really encouraging. The aims and objectives of the founders resonate really well with our own charitable and business objectives. We look forward to assisting the team and helping them to expand TVK even further”. #TheVeganKind #vegan #plantbased #onlineretail #retail

Danone-backed plant-based food company, Forager Project, is introducing a new line of organic dairy-free ice creams made with cashew milk. Launching in the US, the range comes in five flavours: vanilla bean, bittersweet chocolate, cookies & cream, salted caramel and mint chip. According to Forager Project, the new vegan line is free from lactose, soy and gluten. “Our expansion into dairy-free ice cream is another step toward achieving our goal to make delicious, organic, plant-based food that leaves people amazed,” said Forager Project co-founder and CEO, Stephen Williamson. “With our hero ingredient, organic cashews, we’ve created our ice creams to give consumers a delicious dairy-free treat that’s full of flavour and taste, and free of pesticides, chemicals and GMOs.” Priced at $6.99, Forager Project’s new ice cream line will be available at retailers nationwide this spring, including Whole Foods Market, Natural Grocers, Market Basket and Earth Fare. Forager Project recently unveiled a new range of dairy-free cheeses, made using its probiotic cashew milk yogurt. #ForagerProject #US #Dairyalternatives #icecream #Danone

Nestlé has inaugurated a new plant-based meal solutions manufacturing facility in Malaysia, following an investment of MYR 150 million ($36.3 million approx.). The facility, which marks the first in ASEAN and second in Asia, will cater to the rising local demand for plant-based food, as well as exports. It joins the company’s plant-based food facility in Tianjin, China. Located in Selangor, the new factory will produce plant-based burgers, schnitzels, chargrilled pieces and mince under the new Harvest Gourmet brand. The facility has the capacity to produce 8,000 tonnes of halal certified plant-based food per year and will supply both food service and retail. According to Nestlé, Harvest Gourmet has already inked deals to supply global and regional restaurant chains including Element Fresh in China, KyoChon in Malaysia and Carl’s Jr in Singapore. “We are confident that with this new facility we will be able to capture the exciting growth opportunity for plant-based products in this region, which is a very important growth priority for the Nestlé Group worldwide,” said Chris Johnson, Nestlé CEO for Asia, Oceania and Africa. Juan Aranols, CEO of Nestlé Malaysia, said: “In the same way as it is happening in other parts of the world, Malaysians are becoming interested in exploring alternatives to meat consumption, either because of health reasons or for environmental considerations. “For them, we have developed an exciting range of new products that provide an excellent nutritional alternative supporting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.” #Nestlé #HarvestGourmet #NestléMalaysia #plantbased #Malaysia

Nestlé-owned Sweet Earth Foods is expanding its meatless Mindful Chik’n Strips line with the introduction of three new ready-to-eat offerings. Featuring globally inspired marinades, the new vegan products are said to be perfect for snacking or adding to recipes, and contain at least 13g of protein and 4g of dietary fibre per serving. Sweet Earth Shredded Seasoned Chik’n is a shredded chicken alternative tossed in a carnitas-style marinade, while Sweet Earth Shredded Korean Style BBQ is made with a Korean BBQ marinade. The new offerings also include Sweet Earth Seasoned Chipotle Chik’n Strips, featuring plant-based strips tossed in a chipotle marinade. “We’re eager to meet the growing consumer demand for quick and flavourful plant-based alternatives,” said Sara Wheeler, Sweet Earth general manager. She continued: “Given the rise in consumers cooking from home this past year and their craving for new twists to recipes they know and love, the chik’n options are a key way for flexitarians to incorporate plant-based options into their at-home cooking. “These latest products are really versatile, in that they can be incorporated hot or cold into a variety of meals, including salads and appetisers, pasta, pizzas, rice bowls and sandwiches.” With an SRP of $7.99, the new Sweet Earth Mindful Chik’n products will roll out this month to retailers across the US, including Whole Foods. Last year, Sweet Earth Foods launched a new ‘first-of-its-kind’ plant-based burger infused with vegan bacon bits in the US. #meatalternatives #Nestlé #plantbased #SweetEarth

Ingredion has expanded its speciality ingredients portfolio with the acquisition of KaTech, a German provider of advanced texture and stabilisation solutions. Headquartered in Lübeck, KaTech is a privately held company that offers a variety of solutions that assist food and beverage manufacturers with product formulation, ingredient functionality and technical assistance. The German firm is said to have application expertise in areas such as stabilisation, texture enhancement, protein enrichment and emulsification; with a strong focus on plant-based, dairy and dairy alternatives, meat and fish, savoury and bakery products. Founded in 2010, KaTech operates two locations in Germany, one in the UK and one in Poland. It has approximately 95 employees. Ingredion says the acquisition will expand its Food Systems platform with stabilising and texturising solutions and broaden its customer base. “KaTech has deep food formulation expertise which complements our leading texture business in Europe,” said Jim Zallie, Ingredion’s president and CEO. “The addition of KaTech enhances our ability to formulate customised, complete food solutions leveraging Ingredion’s expanded ingredients portfolio. It also expands the geographic footprint of our Food Systems growth platform complementing our positions in the US and Asia,” he added. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Last November, Ingredion agreed to acquire the remaining stake in Verdient Foods, taking its ownership of the plant-based protein joint venture to 100%. #Ingredion #ingredients #KaTech #stabilisers #Germany

Vegan confectionery firm LoveRaw has expanded its Cre&m Wafer Bar range with a new white chocolate variety. Cre&m Wafer Bar White Choc will join Love Raw’s milk chocolate edition from last year, which it claims was the world’s first vegan hazelnut cream filled wafer bar in the UK. The new bar is coated in a layer of Love Raw’s branded white chocolate and is also free from palm oil. Cre&m Wafer Bar White Chocolate is available from today via the brand’s website for an RRP of £1.69 and will be launching into retailers such as Londis and Holland & Barret. #LoveRaw #UK #veganchocolate

Plant-based brand Cauldron Foods has entered into the free from category with the introduction of new vegan Greek-style cubes across the UK. Made from organic and sustainably-sourced soya beans, Cauldron Greek-Style Cubes in Mediterranean Herbs offers a plant-based alternative to traditional feta cheese. The mini dairy-free cubes are infused with basil and oregano and said to be high in protein, low in saturated fat and a good source of calcium. Cauldron’s new offering aims to meet the rise of meat-free and at-home lunches and the brand says its healthy plant-based option will transform dishes such as salads, pasta or BBQ spreads. “Cauldron’s Greek-Style Cubes are a great new versatile dairy-free option to traditional feta cheese,” said Holly Roper, registered associate nutritionist and healthcare professional communications officer at Cauldron Foods. “It will definitely be reassuring for vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians alike that whilst these cubes will power up their meals from a taste perspective, they will also provide a great source of protein and calcium, whilst being low in saturated fat – an all-round win-win,” she added. The brand is well-known for its meat free options such as tofu, falafel and vegetarian sausages. Cauldron Greek-Style Cubes in Mediterranean Herbs will launch first in Waitrose on 14 April, followed by Sainsbury’s on 9 May. The product will retail for £2.50 per 250g pack. #CauldronFoods #dairyfreecheese #UK #vegan

UK meat-free brand Better Nature has raised £1.6 million in crowdfunding to bolster its marketing and product development efforts. The brand says that it raised £1.35 million within three hours of its private launch on Seedrs last week. This was followed by a public crowdfunding round on the platform. Headquartered in London, Better Nature makes tempeh-based products such as mince, rashers and bites, which are stocked in more than 200 retailers. The brand says that the new funds will support its marketing efforts and new product development roadmap, which includes a new meat alternatives range set to launch in June. Ascension Ventures Good Food Fund, as well as Kale United – a backer of plant-based brands including This and Livia’s – were among the supporters of Better Nature’s latest funding push. Kirst Grant, chief investment officer at Seedrs, said: “Sustainability is at the forefront of most people’s minds as we are increasingly aware of how our choices impact the environment. Consumers’ growing environmental consciousness is translating into everyday investors looking for sustainable businesses to support and help grow. “Better Nature has built a solid business with an impressive track record across sales and marketing, offering consumers something different and exciting in the natural meat-free category. We’re really excited to see what the future holds for them.” #BetterNature #meatalternatives #tempeh #UK

Livekindly Collective has closed a $335 million growth funding round, as it looks to accelerate its expansion across the US and China. The total includes $135 million converted from a prior round, which was led by Blue Horizon Corporation in October. The new round was led by The Rise Fund – a global impact investment platform managed by TPF – and joined by Rabo Corporate Investments, S2G Ventures and other existing investors. Livekindly’s recent investment brings its total funding to more than $535 million since it launched 12 months ago, which it claims makes it one of the top three highest-funded and fastest-growing plant-based food companies. Livekindly is a collection of start-up brands focused predominantly on meat alternatives, including Oumph, The Fry Family Food, LikeMeat and recently-purchased Iceland Foods’ No Meat brand. The capital will be used to accelerate Livekindly’s expansion into growth categories such as the US and China, as well as fuel future acquisitions, key partnerships and investments in plant-based innovation. “Our mission is to make plant-based living the new norm, creating a healthier, more sustainable global food system through our international portfolio that meets local tastes,” said David Knopf, CFO of Livekindly Collective. “With the close of this funding round, we are ideally positioned to rapidly scale our model and lead the global consumer shift toward healthy, delicious and sustainable plant-based alternatives,” he added. Roger Lienhard, founder and executive chairman of Blue Horizon Group and founder of Livekindly Collective, said: “In just one year, we have raised a significant amount of capital, which testifies to the urgency of our mission and the enormous investment opportunity it represents. We believe the momentum behind plant-based living will continue to grow in both the private and public markets”. Livekindly Collective marks The Rise Fund’s second major investment in the global plant-based ecosystem. Steve Ellis, co-managing partner of The Rise Fund, has joined the Livekindly Collective board of directors. #LivekindlyCollective #meatalternatives #plantbasedfoods #TheRiseFund

Condiments brand Vadasz has released a duo of fermented super condiment pots in Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. The new range includes Raw Kimchi and Raw Garlic & Dill Sauerkraut and comes amid the driving interest in both fermented and Korean food. The Vadasz products are being launched as part of the supermarket’s Future Brands initiative, which aims to meet demand for new and authentic products. Vadasz Raw Kimchi pots feature a mix of Chinese cabbage, carrots, spring onions, chilli, ginger and garlic. Meanwhile, each sauerkraut pot contains a mixture of white cabbage, cucumber, garlic, black peppercorns and caraway seeds. Both products are naturally fermented, containing live cultures to boost gut health and immunity. The condiments are also suitable for vegans. Charlie Holland, senior marketing manager for Vadasz, said: “Vadasz Raw Kimchi and Raw Garlic and Dill Sauerkraut make it easy to add a burst of colour, taste and texture to the meals we love – as well as create new and inspired recipes such as kimchi pancakes. “The characteristic fresh crunch makes the brand’s products stand out from ambient options that fermented food lovers may have tried before. We’re excited to take Sainsbury’s shoppers on a journey through global flavours as the pots become a staple in the fridge – adding a boost to every meal through the power of plants.” The two fermented condiments will be available in 407 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. #Vadasz #UK #vegan #Sauerkraut #kimchi

Winterbotham Darby-owned Squeaky Bean has introduced Chargrilled Mini Fillets, a vegan alternative to ready-cooked chicken. The new plant-based offering aims to mimic the texture of real chicken and is marinated to deliver a smoky taste “that is reminiscent of the grill”. Made with wheat and pea protein, the ready-to-eat chargrilled pieces can be enjoyed straight from the pack or incorporated into salads, sandwiches and burgers. Sarah Augustine, co-creator of Squeaky Bean, said: “We wanted to create more intense flavour in a totally unique mini fillet shape. As vegan food moves away from simple substitutes, there’s no reason for plant-based food lovers to miss out on tasty grilled flavours and realistic meaty alternatives. “Consumer demand for quick and delicious lunchtime meals will no doubt increase during the summer months – whether for post-lockdown picnics or to eat at your desk – so these ready-to-eat Mini Fillets will have you well prepared for the tastiest wraps, tacos, the most epic salads, or whatever you fancy.” With an RRP of £2.75 per 120g pack, Squeaky Bean Chargrilled Mini Fillets are available from Asda. Last year, Squeaky Bean added vegan Roast Chicken Flavour Sandwich Slices to its portfolio. #meatalternatives #UK #SqueakyBean #plantbased #WinterbothamDarby