Non-GMO and organic ingredient supplier, Green Boy Group, has launched a protein powder that is designed for plant-based meat substitutes. Plant-Meat Protein is said to enhance mouthfeel and texture in meat alternatives. The powder can also be used to produce textured plant-based proteins (TPP) in the form of crisps or granules. Green Boy’s new plant-based offering is available in different variants, featuring protein derived either from pea, mung bean, fava bean or chickpea. "We are beyond excited to have launched Plant-Meat Protein because of the rapidly growing demand for plant-based meat by consumers," says Peter van Dijken, Green Boy Group co-founder. “Green Boy already supplies the leading brands in the plant-based meat industry, and with Plant-Meat Protein we hope to enlarge our footprint in the North American and European markets." Frederik Otten, co-founder of Green Boy Group, added: "Plant-based protein is a key ingredient in the formulation of a plant-based meat product. This market is evolving with lightning speed and plant-based meat products made with vital wheat gluten or soy protein are not as popular due to allergy concerns along with whey and casein proteins as they are of dairy origin. “With Plant-Meat Protein we offer a line of more functional, sustainable and healthier plant-based proteins as the building block for the next plant-based meat hit product on the supermarket shelves, in the fast-food chains or online.” Earlier this year, Green Boy Group acquired Sweet Nature, an importer and distributor of specialty sweeteners for an undisclosed sum.

The European Parliament has voted to reject the ban on plant-based products using names typically associated with meat products, but has voted in favour of a plant-based dairy ban. The ‘veggie burger ban’ would have restricted the use of terms such as ‘sausage’, ‘burger’ and ‘steak’ on labels for plant-based alternative products and could have seen them renamed as ‘veggie discs’ or ‘veggie tubes’. While companies can continue using such names on their products and menus, the parliament did vote in favour of banning plant-based dairy alternatives from using terms such as ‘yoghurt-style' and ‘cheese alternative’. This further extends existing EU bans of using terms such as ‘almond milk’ and ‘vegan cheese’. Both proposals were supposedly intended to avoid consumer confusion. ProVeg International – who set up a petition opposing the ban – says in the most extreme case, it could lead to a ban on the use of data to show what a product causes. This would mean the removal of phrases such as “half the carbon emissions of dairy butter” which has been said to ‘exploit the reputation’ of a dairy product. Jasmijn de Boo, vice president of ProVeg International, said: “Although we welcome the European Parliament’s vote against the introduction of naming restrictions on plant-based alternatives to meat, where common sense has prevailed, we deeply regret its vote in favour of far-reaching and entirely unnecessary restrictions on the descriptions of plant-based dairy products. “It is also a major blow to the plant-based dairy sector, one of the most innovative and sustainable in the wider European food industry. Plant-based dairy businesses could now be saddled with significant financial burdens and practical challenges around renaming, rebranding and remarketing of products and the potential of high legal costs. “This ban is also in direct contradiction of the EU’s stated objectives in the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy to create healthier and more sustainable food systems.” The European Dairy Association welcomed the vote to introduce naming restrictions for plant-based alternatives to dairy products, stating in a Tweet that the vote would protect terms such as milk, cheese, whey and butter, and that the vote represented "A good day for dairy, for European consumers and citizens and for Europe". Both proposals formed part of a wider vote on common agricultural policy (CAP) reform. The reforms were approved by European MEPs, with 425 MEPs voting for the adoption of the CAP, 212 voting against the reforms and 51 abstaining.

Organic, dairy-free beverages maker, Mooala, has introduced a line of shelf-stable plant-based milks and creamers. According to Mooala, its new non-perishable offerings contain no added sugar and each serving of plant milk is a source of calcium. All flavours are free from gluten and carrageenan, and are non-GMO. The new line features four milk alternatives: Original Bananamilk, a source of potassium made with bananas and sunflower seeds; Unsweetened Coconut Oatmilk, made with gluten-free oats and offering 0g of sugar per serving; Unsweetened Almondmilk in original and vanilla bean flavours. Mooala has also introduced three shelf-stable creamers: banana nut, oats ‘n’ crème and vanilla bean. Made with a base of coconut cream and almonds, the creamers’ plant-based composition doesn’t separate when mixed with hot coffee, according to Mooala. Mooala’s plant-based milks are available on Amazon as a six-pack of one-litre Tetra Paks, and the creamers are offered as a four-pack of 330ml Tetra Paks. In addition, all four milk alternatives and the oats ‘n’ crème and vanilla bean creamers are available at select Albertsons, Safeway and Central Market stores. Last year, Mooala completed an $8.3 million Series A funding round as it aimed to accelerate product development. #Dairyalternatives #Mooala #US

Organic, dairy-free beverages maker, Mooala, has introduced a line of shelf-stable plant-based milks and creamers. According to Mooala, its new non-perishable offerings contain no added sugar and each serving of plant milk is a source of calcium. All flavours are free from gluten and carrageenan, and are non-GMO. The new line features four milk alternatives: Original Bananamilk, a source of potassium made with bananas and sunflower seeds; Unsweetened Coconut Oatmilk, made with gluten-free oats and offering 0g of sugar per serving; Unsweetened Almondmilk in original and vanilla bean flavours. Mooala has also introduced three shelf-stable creamers: banana nut, oats 'n' crème and vanilla bean. Made with a base of coconut cream and almonds, the creamers’ plant-based composition doesn't separate when mixed with hot coffee, according to Mooala. Mooala's plant-based milks are available on Amazon as a six-pack of one-litre Tetra Paks, and the creamers are offered as a four-pack of 330ml Tetra Paks. In addition, all four milk alternatives and the oats 'n' crème and vanilla bean creamers are available at select Albertsons, Safeway and Central Market stores. Last year, Mooala completed an $8.3 million Series A funding round as it aimed to accelerate product development.

US plant-based company Califia Farms has announced the nationwide distribution of its line of plant butters, as it looks to capitalise on consumer demand for vegan butter alternatives. Known for its plant-based milk, creamers and cold brew coffee, the plant-based butter alternative marks the company’s first product outside the beverage category. The cashew and tiger nut-based butters are available in two flavours: sea salt with avocado oil, and sea salt with olive oil. They contain no canola or palm oil, soy or GMOs. Califia Farms launched the range earlier this summer but both varieties are now available nationally at Whole Foods Market, Kroger and Target, among other retailers. Each 8oz tub retails at $4.99. “With people of all generations – especially Gen Z – eating more plant-based foods, now is the perfect time to introduce more delicious, plant-based options that fit seamlessly into their lifestyle,” said Suzanne Ginestro, chief marketing officer at Califia Farms. “Our Plant Butters spread, melt and bake just like dairy butter, but have a clean label and high quality ingredients. We will continue to innovate and introduce products that are better for people and the planet.” #CalifiaFarms #dairyfree #plantbasedbutter #US

US plant-based company Califia Farms has announced the nationwide distribution of its line of plant butters, as it looks to capitalise on consumer demand for vegan butter alternatives. Known for its plant-based milk, creamers and cold brew coffee, the plant-based butter alternative marks the company’s first product outside the beverage category. The cashew and tiger nut-based butters are available in two flavours: sea salt with avocado oil, and sea salt with olive oil. They contain no canola or palm oil, soy or GMOs. Califia Farms launched the range earlier this summer but both varieties are now available nationally at Whole Foods Market, Kroger and Target, among other retailers. Each 8oz tub retails at $4.99. "With people of all generations – especially Gen Z – eating more plant-based foods, now is the perfect time to introduce more delicious, plant-based options that fit seamlessly into their lifestyle,” said Suzanne Ginestro, chief marketing officer at Califia Farms. “Our Plant Butters spread, melt and bake just like dairy butter, but have a clean label and high quality ingredients. We will continue to innovate and introduce products that are better for people and the planet."

Plant-based snacks maker, Biena Snacks, is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Keto Puffs in the US. Made from a simple list of ingredients, including chickpeas and lentils, the plant-based snacks are free from gluten, grains and dairy. According to Biena, its new non-GMO offering is made with pea hull fibre to bring down the net carb count, making the puffs ketogenic diet compliant. Biena Snacks CEO and founder, Poorvi Patodia, said: “We created this product for two reasons. First, the consumer response to our Chickpea Puffs launch last year was incredible – fans were drawn to the low-carb and high-protein content. And second, we saw a major void in the keto snack market – everything was meat and cheese. “Keto Puffs are a complimentary addition to the Puffs line, bringing a delicious option to consumers following a keto or low-carb diet. With this launch, we’re excited to continue our mission of reinventing the snack aisle by creating products that are made with the best plant-based nutrition.” Biena Keto Puffs will be available, for $3.99 per 2oz bag, at Whole Foods Market from 28 October, as well as via the company’s website, and the snacks launch on Amazon in January. The puffs will also be available in a six-count case on bienasnacks.com. Last year, Biena secured $8 million in Series B financing led by MAW Investments. #BienaSnacks #Keto #US

Plant-based snacks maker, Biena Snacks, is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Keto Puffs in the US. Made from a simple list of ingredients, including chickpeas and lentils, the plant-based snacks are free from gluten, grains and dairy. According to Biena, its new non-GMO offering is made with pea hull fibre to bring down the net carb count, making the puffs ketogenic diet compliant. Biena Snacks CEO and founder, Poorvi Patodia, said: “We created this product for two reasons. First, the consumer response to our Chickpea Puffs launch last year was incredible – fans were drawn to the low-carb and high-protein content. And second, we saw a major void in the keto snack market – everything was meat and cheese. "Keto Puffs are a complimentary addition to the Puffs line, bringing a delicious option to consumers following a keto or low-carb diet. With this launch, we're excited to continue our mission of reinventing the snack aisle by creating products that are made with the best plant-based nutrition.” Biena Keto Puffs will be available, for $3.99 per 2oz bag, at Whole Foods Market from 28 October, as well as via the company’s website, and the snacks launch on Amazon in January. The puffs will also be available in a six-count case on bienasnacks.com. Last year, Biena secured $8 million in Series B financing led by MAW Investments.

Finnebrogue Artisan, a UK producer of meat products including Naked nitrite-free bacon, is building a new factory for plant-based food. The Northern Ireland company says that it is investing £25 million in the project which will create 300 new jobs. According to Finnebrogue, the move comes amid “surging” demand for plant-based food from customers in Britain. Finnebrogue will be launching a portfolio of plant-based products in January, and it says that these are expected to fall under a more diverse Naked brand. A spokesman for the company said: “This state-of-the-art factory, combined with some extraordinary technological leaps in new product development, will enable us to make nutritionally balanced, delicious and sustainable plant-based food that’s virtually indistinguishable from the meat we will be imitating. It is a tantalising prospect for flexitarians up and down the United Kingdom.” The plant will be Finnebrogue’s fourth new factory in five years and will take the company’s head count to 1,200 by the end of 2021. George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “I am very pleased that Finnebrogue’s brand new investment will provide a valuable boost to local employment opportunities in Northern Ireland, advancing the company’s ambition to create and promote fantastic and affordable UK food.” #FinnebrogueArtisan #NorthernIreland #plantbased #UK

Finnebrogue Artisan, a UK producer of meat products including Naked nitrite-free bacon, is building a new factory for plant-based food. The Northern Ireland company says that it is investing £25 million in the project which will create 300 new jobs. According to Finnebrogue, the move comes amid “surging” demand for plant-based food from customers in Britain. Finnebrogue will be launching a portfolio of plant-based products in January, and it says that these are expected to fall under a more diverse Naked brand. A spokesman for the company said: “This state-of-the-art factory, combined with some extraordinary technological leaps in new product development, will enable us to make nutritionally balanced, delicious and sustainable plant-based food that’s virtually indistinguishable from the meat we will be imitating. It is a tantalising prospect for flexitarians up and down the United Kingdom.” The plant will be Finnebrogue’s fourth new factory in five years and will take the company’s head count to 1,200 by the end of 2021. George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “I am very pleased that Finnebrogue’s brand new investment will provide a valuable boost to local employment opportunities in Northern Ireland, advancing the company’s ambition to create and promote fantastic and affordable UK food.”

Plant-based egg substitute producer, Eat Just, has partnered with an investment consortium to establish a plant protein production facility in Singapore that will serve the Asian market. The consortium, led by Proterra Investment Partners Asia, will provide up to $100 million in funding to build and operate the factory, while Eat Just will invest up to $20 million. The resulting Eat Just subsidiary – Eat Just Asia – will serve Just Egg manufacturing and distribution partners across the continent. Just Egg is a plant-based, dairy-free product which reportedly mimics the properties of egg. The egg alternative is made with protein derived from mung beans and is available in pourable liquid and pre-baked patty formats. Eat Just also offers a mayonnaise substitute. The new factory, the company’s first in Asia, will generate thousands of metric tons of protein, according to Eat Just. “This partnership will further accelerate our path to become one of the world’s largest producers of eggs in the next decade,” said Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just. “Proterra’s experience across sourcing and manufacturing will be invaluable. Consumer demand, driven by health, food security and food safety, is creating an environment of extraordinary opportunity for this unique partnership.” Tai Lin, managing partner of Proterra Asia, added: “Proterra is excited to announce this collaboration to form a strategic alliance with Eat Just for Asia; we would like to help consumers across Asia get better access to the excellent plant-based egg product by establishing a fully integrated supply chain within Eat Just Asia.” Outside of the Just Egg protein partnership, Eat Just and Proterra Asia are said to be in discussions to expand their alliance to encompass the commercial production of cultured meat. Earlier this year, Eat Just partnered with Michael Foods, a subsidiary of Post Holdings, to scale up supply of Just Egg in the US. #ProterraInvestmentPartnersAsia #Just #Asia #Singapore #JustEgg

Nestlé has raised its full-year guidance after beating third-quarter expectations with 4.9% organic growth, driven by strong performance by its health products and pet food. While the company previously expected organic growth of 2-3% for the year, Nestlé has now signalled the top range with full-year organic sales growth guidance of around 3%. Strong momentum in the Americas, Nestlé Health Science and Purine PetCare helped offset a slump in the company’s out-of-home sales. For the nine month period, Nestlé’s organic sales grew by 3.5% to CHF 61.9 billion ($68.4 billion). Sales in the Americas zone stood at CHF 25 billion ($27.6 billion), representing 5.1% organic growth. Growth was also supported by the acceleration of Nestlé’s at-home coffee business in the third quarter, with particular demand for Starbucks products, Nespresso and Nescafé. The Swiss giant’s vegetarian and plant-based food products witnessed strong double-digit growth, as did its Nestlé Health Science business. Dairy grew at a high single-digit rate, based on increased demand for fortified milks and home-baking products. Meanwhile, sales of confectionery and water decreased due to their high exposure to out-of-home channels and on-the-go consumption. The maker of KitKat and Quality Street also saw its ecommerce sales grow by 47.6%, reaching 12.3% of total group sales. According to Nestlé, its current strategic reviews – including its North American water unit and Yinlu peanut milk and canned porridge businesses in China – are fully on track, with further progress in its portfolio management made. “We continue to develop our portfolio with speed and discipline. As an example, we are transforming Nestlé Health Science into a nutrition and health powerhouse through a combination of strong organic growth and targeted acquisitions. The recent additions of Zenpep, Vital Proteins and Aimmune Therapeutics are further steps in the expansion of our nutritional health offerings,” said Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO. #Nestlé #US #NestléHealthScience #Starbucks #plantbased