Tesco claims to have become the first UK retailer to set a sales target for plant-based meat alternatives, as it commits to a 300% sales increase by 2025. The target, which was set using a 2018 baseline figure, stands alongside a wider set of sustainability commitments which Tesco has developed with its partner the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The retailer has set out a range of measures centred around availability, affordability, innovation and visibility to help it reach its sales target. These include introducing, and expanding the availability of plant-based meat alternatives across all its stores, with products across 20 different categories including ready meals, sausages, burgers and party food. In addition, the retailer says that it will ‘invest in value’ so that affordability is not a barrier to buying meat alternative products, while it will also work with suppliers to bring new innovations to customers. In an effort to boost the visibility of plant-based meats, Tesco says that it will display a meat alternative where a meat product is featured. Tesco has also committed to publishing the sales of plant-based proteins as a percentage of overall protein sales every year to track its progress. As part of their partnership, Tesco and WWF previously introduced the ‘sustainable basket metric’ as the retailer aims to halve the environmental impact of the average UK shopping basket. The metric measures environmental impacts of food across seven different categories, such as climate change, deforestation, marine sustainability and packaging waste. So far, the retailer says that it has achieved 11% of its target. “Our transparency on protein sales and our new sales target for meat alternatives gives us the platform to become more sustainable and will provide customers with even more choice,” said Tesco CEO, Dave Lewis. “These measures are just part of the work we’re doing with WWF, bringing together for the first time a host of sustainability metrics to help us halve the environmental impact of food production. “We can’t accomplish the transformational change needed for a truly sustainable food system on our own, so we’re calling on the whole industry to play its role, starting with increased transparency on its sustainability impacts.”

Next Gen, a foodtech start-up that produces plant-based meat, has launched in Singapore after raising $2.2 million in seed funding. The investors in the funding round were not disclosed. Since the funding round, Next Gen has established its headquarters, leadership team and research and development (R&D) centre in Singapore. Here, the start-up aims to build a global consumer brand, with anticipated expansion to China, USA and Europe over the next three years. Next Gen said it had chosen Singapore as its global headquarters because of its innovation ecosystem, as well as its centrality to Asia. According to data from Technavio, cited by Next Gen, Asia will see significant growth in the global meat substitutes market and estimates it to reach a value of $12.75 billion by 2030. According to Next Gen, it aims to launch its consumer brand within the next six months and is also preparing for a Series A financing round in 2021 to drive its global expansion, technology and R&D. The start-up is co-founded by Andre Menezes and Timo Recker, the previous founder and CEO of German plant-based meat company LikeMeat, which was acquired by The Livekindly Co earlier this year. Meanwhile, Menezes was previously the general manager of Country Foods Singapore, where he was involved in making Impossible Foods a household name in the country. Recker said: “Our plant protein production and distribution are being built around a network of partners, who bring capacity, expertise and resources that can be scaled quickly. For example, we have manufacturing capacity of over 5,000 tons per year in place. Based on current average consumption, that means we expect we could serve 9,000 restaurants.” For the start-up, Singapore offers a strong infrastructure to support food technology innovations like alternative protein. “The city offers a fantastic entrepreneurial ecosystem, private equity and venture capital, and an enviable legal and support environment. It also has a vibrant dining scene and some exceptionally talented chefs, who will help us to introduce our brand to the people of Singapore, and from here to those across Asia and around the world,” said co-founder Andre Menezes. He added: "The two big brands – Impossible and Beyond – have done a great job bringing out beef burgers, but globally, the big and unmet opportunity is plant-based chicken."

Nestlé has rolled out a plant-based alternative of its Nesquik chocolate milk drink in Europe, made from a combination of oats and peas with sustainably-sourced cocoa. The launch in Europe follows the introduction of Nesquik GoodNes in the US this January, which is also based on oats and peas. The new ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage will be launched first in Spain, Portugal and Hungary followed by other European countries. It will feature a different name depending on the market. With 100% natural ingredients, the new beverage is naturally lactose free and certified by the Vegan Society. According to Nestlé, it is lower in sugar than regular milk-based Nesquik. Yasser AbdulMalak, head of dairy products for Europe, Middle East and North Africa at Nestlé, said: “What better way to bring more plant-based products into people’s everyday lives than with much-loved brands like Nesquik. We’re really proud of this new drink – it really hits the spot with that familiar Nesquik cocoa taste.” The new launch marks another step in its expansion of dairy alternatives, following the first alternative for children earlier this year under its Ninho brand in Brazil. Nestlé currently offers a variety of plant-based beverages made from rice, oat, soy, coconut and almonds including a vegan Carnation condensed milk, a vegan-friendly Milo and Starbucks non-dairy creamers. “More and more people are looking for tasty and nutritious plant-based options. That is why we are adding them to our global line-up through some of our most trusted brands such as Nesquik, Milo, and Ninho. There is more to come, so watch this space,” said Mayank Trivedi, head of the dairy strategic business unit at Nestlé. This week, Nestlé also announced the inauguration of a new R&D accelerator programme at its Konolfingen centre, where start-ups, students and scientists can leverage the company’s dairy and plant protein expertise to bring innovative products to consumers. #Dairyalternative #Europe #Nesquik #Nestlé

Nestlé has rolled out a plant-based alternative of its Nesquik chocolate milk drink in Europe, made from a combination of oats and peas with sustainably-sourced cocoa. The launch in Europe follows the introduction of Nesquik GoodNes in the US this January, which is also based on oats and peas. The new ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage will be launched first in Spain, Portugal and Hungary followed by other European countries. It will feature a different name depending on the market. With 100% natural ingredients, the new beverage is naturally lactose free and certified by the Vegan Society. According to Nestlé, it is lower in sugar than regular milk-based Nesquik. Yasser AbdulMalak, head of dairy products for Europe, Middle East and North Africa at Nestlé, said: "What better way to bring more plant-based products into people's everyday lives than with much-loved brands like Nesquik. We’re really proud of this new drink – it really hits the spot with that familiar Nesquik cocoa taste." The new launch marks another step in its expansion of dairy alternatives, following the first alternative for children earlier this year under its Ninho brand in Brazil. Nestlé currently offers a variety of plant-based beverages made from rice, oat, soy, coconut and almonds including a vegan Carnation condensed milk, a vegan-friendly Milo and Starbucks non-dairy creamers. "More and more people are looking for tasty and nutritious plant-based options. That is why we are adding them to our global line-up through some of our most trusted brands such as Nesquik, Milo, and Ninho. There is more to come, so watch this space," said Mayank Trivedi, head of the dairy strategic business unit at Nestlé. This week, Nestlé also announced the inauguration of a new R&D accelerator programme at its Konolfingen centre, where start-ups, students and scientists can leverage the company’s dairy and plant protein expertise to bring innovative products to consumers.

Plant-based beverage maker Elmhurst 1925 has expanded its creamers portfolio with three new seasonal variants. Available in pumpkin spice, apple pie spice and gingerbread flavours, the new creamers are made with ‘simple ingredients’, such as hemp cream and whole grain oats. According to New York-based Elmhurst, they contain no more than 20kcal and 1g of sugar per serving. The new seasonal additions join unsweetened, hazelnut, French vanilla and chai spice variants in the brand’s existing range of creamers. All Elmhurst creamers are Non-GMO Project verified, OU kosher certified and free from gluten and artificial flavours. According to Elmhurst, its HydroRelease method separates the components of a nut, grain or seed before reassembling them as a creamy, ‘beverage-ready’ emulsion. The process – which it uses to make all its products – uses only water, and the company’s portfolio is therefore free from added gums or emulsifiers. “Autumn and winter are quickly approaching, so now is the perfect time to bring fun seasonal flavours to life,” said Heba Mahmoud, VP of marketing at Elmhurst. “More and more people are experimenting in the kitchen these days, and our team wanted to make sure there was a flavour-packed, never diluted, plant-based option to help spice up coffee routines. “With a quick shake and pour, anyone can recreate the taste of their local café favourites right from the comfort of home.” Pumpkin spice and apple pie spice creamers are available, for an RRP of $5.99 per 16oz carton, via the company’s website, with gingerbread set to launch in early October. Earlier this year, Elmhurst 1925 expanded its portfolio of single-serve oat milk with the launch of three new flavours. #Elmhurst1925 #US

Plant-based beverage maker Elmhurst 1925 has expanded its creamers portfolio with three new seasonal variants. Available in pumpkin spice, apple pie spice and gingerbread flavours, the new creamers are made with ‘simple ingredients’, such as hemp cream and whole grain oats. According to New York-based Elmhurst, they contain no more than 20kcal and 1g of sugar per serving. The new seasonal additions join unsweetened, hazelnut, French vanilla and chai spice variants in the brand’s existing range of creamers. All Elmhurst creamers are Non-GMO Project verified, OU kosher certified and free from gluten and artificial flavours. According to Elmhurst, its HydroRelease method separates the components of a nut, grain or seed before reassembling them as a creamy, 'beverage-ready' emulsion. The process – which it uses to make all its products – uses only water, and the company’s portfolio is therefore free from added gums or emulsifiers. “Autumn and winter are quickly approaching, so now is the perfect time to bring fun seasonal flavours to life,” said Heba Mahmoud, VP of marketing at Elmhurst. “More and more people are experimenting in the kitchen these days, and our team wanted to make sure there was a flavour-packed, never diluted, plant-based option to help spice up coffee routines. “With a quick shake and pour, anyone can recreate the taste of their local café favourites right from the comfort of home.” Pumpkin spice and apple pie spice creamers are available, for an RRP of $5.99 per 16oz carton, via the company’s website, with gingerbread set to launch in early October. Earlier this year, Elmhurst 1925 expanded its portfolio of single-serve oat milk with the launch of three new flavours.

Irish food manufacturer Swift Fine Foods has launched a range of premium vegan ready meals in the UK, under a new brand called Cook Republic. The Cook Republic line includes four variants: Tofu, Garlic & Bok Choy Noodles; Black & Red Lentil Casserole; Roast Aubergine & Couscous; and Cauliflower & Chickpea Tagine. The new range was created by Simon Maddrell, founder of UK-based innovation consultancy Orbit&Anchor. According to data from Toluna, cited by Irish food board Bord Bia, 24% of consumers are actively looking for vegan or vegetarian products, and 14% of people now identify as flexitarian. The new range is said to have been developed to capitalise on growing demand for fresh, healthy and convenient vegan meal options. “At Swift Fine Foods, we’re continuously researching and innovating to meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers,” said Eddie Warke, national accounts manager UK & Ireland at Swift Fine Foods. “We know consumers are increasingly on the look out for convenient meat-free meal options and we worked hard with Orbit&Anchor, a team of retailers, nutritionists and chefs to develop four high-quality, well-balanced recipes, which are fresh, healthy and deliver on flavour. “Everything we do is anchored in research and insight, so we’re confident these products will be well received by a wide range of customers, from vegans and vegetarians, to the growing number of flexitarians who are making a conscious effort to cut down on their meat consumption.” Cook Republic ready meals are available nationwide in the UK, for an RRP of £4.49, from Nisa, Costcutter, SuperValu, Mace and Centra. #CookRepublic #BordBia #SwiftFineFoods #UK #Ireland

Irish food manufacturer Swift Fine Foods has launched a range of premium vegan ready meals in the UK, under a new brand called Cook Republic. The Cook Republic line includes four variants: Tofu, Garlic & Bok Choy Noodles; Black & Red Lentil Casserole; Roast Aubergine & Couscous; and Cauliflower & Chickpea Tagine. The new range was created by Simon Maddrell, founder of UK-based innovation consultancy Orbit&Anchor. According to data from Toluna, cited by Irish food board Bord Bia, 24% of consumers are actively looking for vegan or vegetarian products, and 14% of people now identify as flexitarian. The new range is said to have been developed to capitalise on growing demand for fresh, healthy and convenient vegan meal options. “At Swift Fine Foods, we’re continuously researching and innovating to meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers,” said Eddie Warke, national accounts manager UK & Ireland at Swift Fine Foods. “We know consumers are increasingly on the look out for convenient meat-free meal options and we worked hard with Orbit&Anchor, a team of retailers, nutritionists and chefs to develop four high-quality, well-balanced recipes, which are fresh, healthy and deliver on flavour. “Everything we do is anchored in research and insight, so we’re confident these products will be well received by a wide range of customers, from vegans and vegetarians, to the growing number of flexitarians who are making a conscious effort to cut down on their meat consumption.” Cook Republic ready meals are available nationwide in the UK, for an RRP of £4.49, from Nisa, Costcutter, SuperValu, Mace and Centra.

Australian plant-based manufacturer, MyLife, has announced the national launch of its vegan tzatziki in Woolworths stores. According to MyLife, BioTzatziki is the first-of-its-kind and will retail for an RRP of AUD 7 (approx. $5). Described as creamy and zingy, the dairy-free product is recommended as a Greek staple on crackers, wraps or alongside grilled vegetables. With a coconut-oil base, the tzatziki also features cucumber, garlic, dill and herbs. The launch closely follows MyLife’s release of a variety of vegan cheese products under its BioCheese brand, including a marinated cheese, a grated version of its vegan parmesan and a dairy-free spread. BioTzatziki expands MyLife’s range in Woolworths supermarkets across Australia and joins the likes of BioCheese Pizza Shred and BioCheese Cheddar Flavour blocks. “Since we launched our first product some six years ago now, we have seen a convergence – the world is greening. Australians in particular are consuming more consciously than they ever have before, be it for their health, the environment or for animal welfare,” said Vicky Pappas, CEO of MyCo, creators of MyLife. She added: “These new products don’t compromise on flavour, texture or cooking experience. They uphold MyLife’s commitment to tasty and authentic plant-based food.” The company also announced that its BioCheese Grated Parmesano – currently available in Coles supermarkets – will be launched into Woolworths stores nationwide. #Australia #Dairyalternative #MyCo #MyLife

Nestlé has inaugurated a new research and development (R&D) accelerator programme, in an effort to boost innovation for sustainable dairy products and plant-based dairy alternatives. The accelerator – which is located at the company’s R&D centre in Konolfingen, Switzerland – will provide a platform for start-ups, students and scientists to leverage Nestlé’s dairy and plant protein capabilities for the rapid development of ideas to commercial products. Internal, external and mixed teams will leverage Nestlé’s expertise in the field to bring novel ideas from concept to test shop in only six months. In addition to its expertise, they will also be given access to a fully equipped test kitchen, small to medium scale production equipment, as well as a co-working office space. Nestlé’s Konolfingen centre is the company’s largest research and development centre for dairy products and plant-based dairy alternatives. Product concepts for the company’s infant nutrition businesses are also developed here. Nestlé’s latest announcement forms part of its global R&D Accelerator initiative, which first launched last year with a R&D accelerator programme in Lausanne, Switzerland. “Our goal is to provide start-ups, students and Nestlé scientists with key resources to quickly explore new ideas through a six-month test and learn approach,” said Thomas Hauser, head of global product and technology development at Nestlé. He added: “By tapping into our expertise in food science, food safety, regulatory, manufacturing processes, and packaging, they can rapidly upscale and test new products in real market conditions.” This year, Nestlé has unveiled a series of plant-based dairy alternatives such as a vegan condensed milk under its Carnation brand and a plant-based version of its signature Milo malt beverage powder. “Innovation in milk products and plant-based dairy alternatives is core to Nestlé’s portfolio strategy, as well as our sustainability agenda. As a company, we have set ambitious climate goals. This is part of our promise to develop products that are good for you and good for the planet,” said Mark Schneider, CEO of Nestlé. #accelerator #Dairyalternatives #Nestlé #Switzerland

Australian plant-based manufacturer, MyLife, has announced the national launch of its vegan tzatziki in Woolworths stores. According to MyLife, BioTzatziki is the first-of-its-kind and will retail for an RRP of AUD 7 (approx. $5). Described as creamy and zingy, the dairy-free product is recommended as a Greek staple on crackers, wraps or alongside grilled vegetables. With a coconut-oil base, the tzatziki also features cucumber, garlic, dill and herbs. The launch closely follows MyLife’s release of a variety of vegan cheese products under its BioCheese brand, including a marinated cheese, a grated version of its vegan parmesan and a dairy-free spread. BioTzatziki expands MyLife’s range in Woolworths supermarkets across Australia and joins the likes of BioCheese Pizza Shred and BioCheese Cheddar Flavour blocks. “Since we launched our first product some six years ago now, we have seen a convergence – the world is greening. Australians in particular are consuming more consciously than they ever have before, be it for their health, the environment or for animal welfare,” said Vicky Pappas, CEO of MyCo, creators of MyLife. She added: “These new products don’t compromise on flavour, texture or cooking experience. They uphold MyLife’s commitment to tasty and authentic plant-based food." The company also announced that its BioCheese Grated Parmesano – currently available in Coles supermarkets – will be launched into Woolworths stores nationwide.

Nestlé has inaugurated a new research and development (R&D) accelerator programme, in an effort to boost innovation for sustainable dairy products and plant-based dairy alternatives. The accelerator – which is located at the company’s R&D centre in Konolfingen, Switzerland – will provide a platform for start-ups, students and scientists to leverage Nestlé’s dairy and plant protein capabilities for the rapid development of ideas to commercial products. Internal, external and mixed teams will leverage Nestlé's expertise in the field to bring novel ideas from concept to test shop in only six months. In addition to its expertise, they will also be given access to a fully equipped test kitchen, small to medium scale production equipment, as well as a co-working office space. Nestlé’s Konolfingen centre is the company’s largest research and development centre for dairy products and plant-based dairy alternatives. Product concepts for the company's infant nutrition businesses are also developed here. Nestlé’s latest announcement forms part of its global R&D Accelerator initiative, which first launched last year with a R&D accelerator programme in Lausanne, Switzerland. "Our goal is to provide start-ups, students and Nestlé scientists with key resources to quickly explore new ideas through a six-month test and learn approach,” said Thomas Hauser, head of global product and technology development at Nestlé. He added: “By tapping into our expertise in food science, food safety, regulatory, manufacturing processes, and packaging, they can rapidly upscale and test new products in real market conditions." This year, Nestlé has unveiled a series of plant-based dairy alternatives such as a vegan condensed milk under its Carnation brand and a plant-based version of its signature Milo malt beverage powder. "Innovation in milk products and plant-based dairy alternatives is core to Nestlé's portfolio strategy, as well as our sustainability agenda. As a company, we have set ambitious climate goals. This is part of our promise to develop products that are good for you and good for the planet,” said Mark Schneider, CEO of Nestlé.