Organic hydration brand, Cure Hydration, has raised $2.6 million in a seed funding round led by venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau. Headquartered in New York, Cure offers a range of drink mixes made with ‘clean’ plant-based ingredients and no added sugar. The brand says that its formula is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for oral rehydration solution. Lauren Picasso, founder and CEO of Cure Hydration, said: “Whether I was training for a triathlon or sweating it out in hot yoga, recovery was always a challenge. I decided to create a solution that could hydrate effectively but used plant-based ingredients.” According to Cure, the funds raised in this round will be used to expand the company’s workforce, build customer awareness and develop new functions and flavours. As well as Lerer Hippeau, the brand’s latest financing push was backed by M3 Ventures, Litani Ventures, a number of sports stars and celebrities, Thrive Market CEO Nick Green, and others. Cure has also announced its expansion to 4,200 retail stores nationwide in the US and the launch of new variants, including Ruby Riot Grapefruit and Laser Focus Matcha. “Now, more than ever, consumers are prioritising health in their daily lives and looking for products that are not only effective, but better-for-you,” said Caitlin Strandberg, principal at Lerer Hippeau. “Lauren is an exceptional operator and we’ve been impressed with her ability to bring a WHO-approved formulation to market without compromising on product quality or efficacy. With this cash infusion and retail expansion, we’re excited to see Cure get into even more hands.” #CureHydration #hydration #sportsdrinks #US

Organic hydration brand, Cure Hydration, has raised $2.6 million in a seed funding round led by venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau. Headquartered in New York, Cure offers a range of drink mixes made with ‘clean’ plant-based ingredients and no added sugar. The brand says that its formula is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for oral rehydration solution. Lauren Picasso, founder and CEO of Cure Hydration, said: “Whether I was training for a triathlon or sweating it out in hot yoga, recovery was always a challenge. I decided to create a solution that could hydrate effectively but used plant-based ingredients.” According to Cure, the funds raised in this round will be used to expand the company's workforce, build customer awareness and develop new functions and flavours. As well as Lerer Hippeau, the brand’s latest financing push was backed by M3 Ventures, Litani Ventures, a number of sports stars and celebrities, Thrive Market CEO Nick Green, and others. Cure has also announced its expansion to 4,200 retail stores nationwide in the US and the launch of new variants, including Ruby Riot Grapefruit and Laser Focus Matcha. “Now, more than ever, consumers are prioritising health in their daily lives and looking for products that are not only effective, but better-for-you,” said Caitlin Strandberg, principal at Lerer Hippeau. “Lauren is an exceptional operator and we've been impressed with her ability to bring a WHO-approved formulation to market without compromising on product quality or efficacy. With this cash infusion and retail expansion, we're excited to see Cure get into even more hands.”

Plant-based meat producer, Modern Meat, has announced a co-packing agreement with California-based Real Vision Foods. The Canadian company says that “it has long been a goal to produce and sell… products in the US”. Co-manufacturer Real Vision reportedly has the capability to produce up to a wholesale value of $25 million worth of Modern Meat products per year through its facility. The level of production will depend on retail and wholesale demand for Modern Meat products in the US. Production of the company's products through Real Vision is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021. Campbell Becher, head of finance, and mergers and acquisitions for Modern Meat, said: “Modern Meat's growth has always been an issue of available production capacity. By moving to the USA, our company has taken a significant step in the right direction to access production capacity that should support significant growth. “By partnering with a strong co- manufacturer, it will allow Modern Meat to leverage its brand and amazing products to get placement in as many west coast retailers as possible. “While growing Modern Meat in the USA we will continue our mandate to look for high-quality brands with distribution that fit our company principles.” Modern Meat recently bought a number of healthy, vegan snack brands from JDW Distributors. The acquisition marked Modern Meat’s first step as part of its US expansion, and the company says that the deal includes a robust sales and distribution network.

Plant-based meat producer, Modern Meat, has announced a co-packing agreement with California-based Real Vision Foods. The Canadian company says that “it has long been a goal to produce and sell…[Modern Meat] products in the US”. Co-manufacturer Real Vision reportedly has the capability to produce up to a wholesale value of $25 million worth of Modern Meat products per year through its facility. The level of production will depend on retail and wholesale demand for Modern Meat products in the US. Production of the company’s products through Real Vision is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021. Campbell Becher, head of finance, and mergers and acquisitions for Modern Meat, said: “Modern Meat’s growth has always been an issue of available production capacity. By moving to the USA, our company has taken a significant step in the right direction to access production capacity that should support significant growth. “By partnering with a strong co- manufacturer, it will allow Modern Meat to leverage its brand and amazing products to get placement in as many west coast retailers as possible. “While growing Modern Meat in the USA we will continue our mandate to look for high-quality brands with distribution that fit our company principles.” Modern Meat recently bought a number of healthy, vegan snack brands from JDW Distributors. The acquisition marked Modern Meat’s first step as part of its US expansion, and the company says that the deal includes a robust sales and distribution network. #US #Canada #meatalternatives #ModernMeat #plantbased

Organic superfood brand Nutiva has introduced a new organic vegan ghee, which it claims is ideal for high-heat cooking, baking and spreading. Available across the US, Nutiva claims its new product is the first versatile, dairy-free ghee alternative. The brand says the plant-based ghee can be used in sauces and baked goods, and for grilling, sautéing and slow-cooking. Nutiva’s organic vegan ghee is made using a blend of steam-refined coconut oil, avocado oil, vegan ghee flavouring – which is derived from a blend of sunflower and naturally fermented plants –and turmeric extract. The new cooking oil is described as a “rich and creamy” plant-based alternative to traditional dairy-based ghee, which is also Non-GMO Project verified, keto-friendly and gluten-free. “Organic culinary oils have been a staple within our portfolio since we launched our first coconut oil in 2002,” said Steven Naccarato, CEO of Nutiva. He added: “With the launch of our new Organic Vegan Ghee, we’re extending into a new space and are looking forward to bringing a clean, plant-based alternative to the market as a swap for the beloved dairy-based culinary oil.” The cooking oil joins Nutiva’s line of USDA Certified organic coconut, chia, hemp and avocado superfoods. Nutiva’s organic vegan ghee is currently available for an RRP of $13.99 across the US at Sprouts Farmers Market, Wegmans and Thrive Market, with additional retailers to follow. #Nutiva #US #organic #dairyfree #plantbased

Organic superfood brand Nutiva has introduced a new organic vegan ghee, which it claims is ideal for high-heat cooking, baking and spreading. Available across the US, Nutiva claims its new product is the first versatile, dairy-free ghee alternative. The brand says the plant-based ghee can be used in sauces and baked goods, and for grilling, sautéing and slow-cooking. Nutiva’s organic vegan ghee is made using a blend of steam-refined coconut oil, avocado oil, vegan ghee flavouring – which is derived from a blend of sunflower and naturally fermented plants –and turmeric extract. The new cooking oil is described as a “rich and creamy” plant-based alternative to traditional dairy-based ghee, which is also Non-GMO Project verified, keto-friendly and gluten-free. “Organic culinary oils have been a staple within our portfolio since we launched our first coconut oil in 2002,” said Steven Naccarato, CEO of Nutiva. He added: “With the launch of our new Organic Vegan Ghee, we’re extending into a new space and are looking forward to bringing a clean, plant-based alternative to the market as a swap for the beloved dairy-based culinary oil.” The cooking oil joins Nutiva’s line of USDA Certified organic coconut, chia, hemp and avocado superfoods. Nutiva’s organic vegan ghee is currently available for an RRP of $13.99 across the US at Sprouts Farmers Market, Wegmans and Thrive Market, with additional retailers to follow.

Food tech start-up ChickP Protein is launching a native starch developed from chickpea for food and beverage applications. The launch follows the company’s introduction last year of a line of chickpea protein isolates; the starch is a co-product of ChickP’s protein process, therefore avoiding food waste. The ingredient is said to offer better gelling and thickening properties when compared with pea and potato starches. It also has a neutral taste and no aroma, according to ChickP. The starch can be used as a thickening/binding agent in applications such as soups, sauces, confectionery, baked goods and plant-based meat analogues. ChickP’s native starch can also be used to make extruded snack products, or as an anti-caking agent for powdered blends, such as instant soups and spices. “The inspiration for developing a native chickpea starch was to offer another purified fraction from chickpea – similar to ChickP's isolated protein, which contains 90% protein,” said Ram Reifen, MD, founder and CSO of ChickP. “We've extended the purity approach by introducing our pure native chickpea starch, with more than 98% starch content.”

Food tech start-up ChickP Protein is launching a native starch developed from chickpea for food and beverage applications. The launch follows the company’s introduction last year of a line of chickpea protein isolates; the starch is a co-product of ChickP’s protein process, therefore avoiding food waste. The ingredient is said to offer better gelling and thickening properties when compared with pea and potato starches. It also has a neutral taste and no aroma, according to ChickP. The starch can be used as a thickening/binding agent in applications such as soups, sauces, confectionery, baked goods and plant-based meat analogues. ChickP’s native starch can also be used to make extruded snack products, or as an anti-caking agent for powdered blends, such as instant soups and spices. “The inspiration for developing a native chickpea starch was to offer another purified fraction from chickpea – similar to ChickP’s isolated protein, which contains 90% protein,” said Ram Reifen, MD, founder and CSO of ChickP. “We’ve extended the purity approach by introducing our pure native chickpea starch, with more than 98% starch content.” #ChickPProtein #chickpeas #Israel

Plant-based startup Gâto & Co has launched a new range of Protein ‘n’ Cream cookies. The company claims that its range offers the “world’s first” vegan, low carb protein cookie. The range includes the following flavours: chocolate orange, salted caramel, peanut caramel and vanilla cream. Co-founder Kim Lamza said: “At Gâto, we set out to bake the ultimate cookies and here they are: our childhood faves, but better for you and the planet. Our latest range is so exciting as it’s a world-first – a protein packed cookie with 70%+ less sugar and carbs versus similar biscuits.” “Our treats are also vegan and packed with natural ingredients – sweeteners are a no go for us. We’re thrilled to be launching our new Protein ‘n’ Cream range to Boots, it seems fitting as the Aberdeen Boots was the first to give me a summer job when I was back at school.” Gâto’s cookies will be available in Boots stores nationwide with an RRP of £2.19 per 50g snack pack of two. #Gato #protein #GatoampCo #cookies #plantbased

Plant-based startup Gâto & Co has launched a new range of Protein 'n' Cream cookies. The company claims that its range offers the "world's first" vegan, low carb protein cookie. The range includes the following flavours: chocolate orange, salted caramel, peanut caramel and vanilla cream. Co-founder Kim Lamza said: “At Gâto, we set out to bake the ultimate cookies and here they are: our childhood faves, but better for you and the planet. Our latest range is so exciting as it’s a world-first – a protein packed cookie with 70%+ less sugar and carbs versus similar biscuits." "Our treats are also vegan and packed with natural ingredients – sweeteners are a no go for us. We’re thrilled to be launching our new Protein ‘n’ Cream range to Boots, it seems fitting as the Aberdeen Boots was the first to give me a summer job when I was back at school.” Gâto's cookies will be available in Boots stores nationwide with an RRP of £2.19 per 50g snack pack of two.

Ingredients distributor Univar Solutions has secured a deal with Evergrain Ingredients to distribute the company’s portfolio of plant-based ingredients in multiple regions. Evergrain produces sustainable and functional ingredients – derived from barley grains – which are used in food, beverages and nutraceutical products. With the agreement, Univar will distribute Evergrain’s products in the US and Canada, as well as various countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa. The deal will see Evergrain benefit from Univar's extensive market access and customer reach, while expanding Univar’s offerings of plant-based food and nutraceutical products. The strategic agreement covers a range of products including EverPro – a highly soluble pure protein isolate used in applications such as ready-to-drink beverages and plant-based milks and bars – EverVita Pro and EverVita Fibra, which are used in baked goods applications, such as bread, cakes, pasta and pizza crusts. Suitable for vegan recipes, Evergrain’s portfolio of ingredients are reportedly rich in protein, dietary fibre and are minimally processed to meet clean label requirements. “We believe the functionality of these ingredients will resonate with the needs of our food and beverage customers in the US, Canada, and EMEA," said Kevin Hack, vice president of global food ingredients at Univar Solutions. He continued: "We look forward to helping Evergrain expand the reach of their innovative, plant-based solutions and working together to help bring additional value to customers across a greater geography."

Ingredients distributor Univar Solutions has secured a deal with Evergrain Ingredients to distribute the company’s portfolio of plant-based ingredients in multiple regions. Evergrain produces sustainable and functional ingredients – derived from barley grains – which are used in food, beverages and nutraceutical products. With the agreement, Univar will distribute Evergrain’s products in the US and Canada, as well as various countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa. The deal will see Evergrain benefit from Univar’s extensive market access and customer reach, while expanding Univar’s offerings of plant-based food and nutraceutical products. The strategic agreement covers a range of products including EverPro – a highly soluble pure protein isolate used in applications such as ready-to-drink beverages and plant-based milks and bars – EverVita Pro and EverVita Fibra, which are used in baked goods applications, such as bread, cakes, pasta and pizza crusts. Suitable for vegan recipes, Evergrain’s portfolio of ingredients are reportedly rich in protein, dietary fibre and are minimally processed to meet clean label requirements. “We believe the functionality of these ingredients will resonate with the needs of our food and beverage customers in the US, Canada, and EMEA,” said Kevin Hack, vice president of global food ingredients at Univar Solutions. He continued: “We look forward to helping Evergrain expand the reach of their innovative, plant-based solutions and working together to help bring additional value to customers across a greater geography.” #US #Univar #Europe #EvergrainIngredients #plantbased #UnivarSolutions