Plant-based producer Sol Cuisine has introduced soy-free and non-GMO Spinach Chickpea Bites in Canada. The brand says that the newest addition to its portfolio can be enjoyed as an appetiser or snack. The Spinach Chickpea offering joins Spicy Black Bean and Crispy Chick’n variants in the company’s range of Bites. “This is the perfect product for those seeking a healthy and great-tasting veg-forward option,” said Sol Cuisine founder, Dror Balshine. “Our Spinach Chickpea Bites feature a delicious blend of vitamin-loaded spinach and high-in-protein chickpeas. Being soy free, non-GMO and a good source of iron, these tasty bites are great for appetisers, snacks and make a perfect side dish for any meal. “Partnering with Costco is very exciting. We think these Spinach Chickpea bites can be enjoyed by the entire family. They are simple, healthy and easy to prepare as the fall gets busy for everyone.” Sol Cuisine’s Spinach Chickpea Bites are available at all Costco locations in Western Canada. Earlier this month, Sol Cuisine announced that it had closed a $7.6 million approx. equity financing round led by BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund. #Canada #SolCuisine

Plant-based producer Sol Cuisine has introduced soy-free and non-GMO Spinach Chickpea Bites in Canada. The brand says that the newest addition to its portfolio can be enjoyed as an appetiser or snack. The Spinach Chickpea offering joins Spicy Black Bean and Crispy Chick’n variants in the company’s range of Bites. “This is the perfect product for those seeking a healthy and great-tasting veg-forward option,” said Sol Cuisine founder, Dror Balshine. “Our Spinach Chickpea Bites feature a delicious blend of vitamin-loaded spinach and high-in-protein chickpeas. Being soy free, non-GMO and a good source of iron, these tasty bites are great for appetisers, snacks and make a perfect side dish for any meal. “Partnering with Costco is very exciting. We think these Spinach Chickpea bites can be enjoyed by the entire family. They are simple, healthy and easy to prepare as the fall gets busy for everyone.” Sol Cuisine's Spinach Chickpea Bites are available at all Costco locations in Western Canada. Earlier this month, Sol Cuisine announced that it had closed a $7.6 million approx. equity financing round led by BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund.

Natural food and beverage start-up Grounded has announced the launch of a new range of plant-based protein milkshakes in September. The dairy-free RTD shakes contain 20g of plant-protein and are available in two flavours: chocolate and mint choc. Each carton features a blend of organic sunflower protein, fair-trade organic cocoa powder and coconut cream, while the mint choc variant also includes peppermint oil. Made with 100% natural ingredients, Grounded claims its products don’t compromise on anything and that each carton contains 40% less sugar than most chocolate milk drinks. “As a space synonymous with health and fitness, it’s mind boggling how many products sacrifice real, quality ingredients, for ‘too-good-to-be-true’ nutritional info. The market is crying out for a clean, genuinely natural, plant-based option. Our m*lkshakes have come just at the right time,” said Gabriel Bean, founder of Grounded. The London-based start-up uses 100% recyclable paper-based cartons, produced by Sig, to package its vegan shake, which is also free-from gluten, soya, nuts and GMOs. Bean added: “Impact on the planet is something that is as close to us as the ingredients we use, it goes hand in hand with our ethos. We’re not claiming to save the world, but we can do our part by continuing to be mindful about the materials we use, where they come from, where they go, and working with the most sustainable options and partners we can.” From 3 September, the new RTD shakes will be available to purchase online and in select retailers across the UK for an RRP of £2.75 per 490ml carton. #Grounded #plantbaseddairy #RTD #UK

Natural food and beverage start-up Grounded has announced the launch of a new range of plant-based protein milkshakes in September. The dairy-free RTD shakes contain 20g of plant-protein and are available in two flavours: chocolate and mint choc. Each carton features a blend of organic sunflower protein, fair-trade organic cocoa powder and coconut cream, while the mint choc variant also includes peppermint oil. Made with 100% natural ingredients, Grounded claims its products don’t compromise on anything and that each carton contains 40% less sugar than most chocolate milk drinks. “As a space synonymous with health and fitness, it’s mind boggling how many products sacrifice real, quality ingredients, for ‘too-good-to-be-true’ nutritional info. The market is crying out for a clean, genuinely natural, plant-based option. Our m*lkshakes have come just at the right time,” said Gabriel Bean, founder of Grounded. The London-based start-up uses 100% recyclable paper-based cartons, produced by Sig, to package its vegan shake, which is also free-from gluten, soya, nuts and GMOs. Bean added: “Impact on the planet is something that is as close to us as the ingredients we use, it goes hand in hand with our ethos. We’re not claiming to save the world, but we can do our part by continuing to be mindful about the materials we use, where they come from, where they go, and working with the most sustainable options and partners we can.” From 3 September, the new RTD shakes will be available to purchase online and in select retailers across the UK for an RRP of £2.75 per 490ml carton.

Nestlé is making its first move into the growing market for plant-based seafood alternatives with the launch of a vegan tuna in Switzerland. Sensational Vuna, which will be launched under the Garden Gourmet brand, is made from a blend of six plant-based ingredients. Described as having a “flaky texture and rich flavour” like its seafood counterpart, Nestlé says its Vuna can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, sandwiches and pizzas. The initial launch of Sensational Vuna will feature both the chilled product, which is available in a glass jar, and within ready-made sandwiches in select stores across Switzerland. “Sustainably produced plant-based seafood alternatives can help to reduce overfishing and to protect the biodiversity of our oceans. Our plant-based tuna alternative is delicious, nutritious and high in protein, while also being mercury-free,” said Stefan Palzer, Nestlé chief technology officer. The tuna alternative, which was developed within nine months, will join other plant-based products in the Garden Gourmet range including vegan mince, soy-based sausages, and a plant-based burger, recently renamed to Sensational Burger following a court order filed by Impossible Foods. Eugenio Simioni, market head for Nestlé Switzerland, added: “We are delighted to launch this strategic expansion of Nestlé’s plant-based offerings in the Swiss market first. It is another example of the innovation strength of Nestlé in Switzerland, and the exceptional capabilities and expertise we have in this country in the area of food and nutrition.” According to Nestlé, further roll out of the product will be announced in due time, while other plant-based fish and shellfish alternatives are also under development. #Nestlé #GardenGourmet #vegan #Switzerland #Plantbasedseafood

Nestlé is making its first move into the growing market for plant-based seafood alternatives with the launch of a vegan tuna in Switzerland. Sensational Vuna, which will be launched under the Garden Gourmet brand, is made from a blend of six plant-based ingredients. With a pea-protein base, the plant-based tuna alternative contains essential amino acids and is free from artificial colourings or preservatives. Described as having a “flaky texture and rich flavour” like its seafood counterpart, Nestlé says its Vuna can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, sandwiches and pizzas. The initial launch of Sensational Vuna will feature both the chilled product, which is available in a glass jar, and within ready-made sandwiches in select stores across Switzerland. "Sustainably produced plant-based seafood alternatives can help to reduce overfishing and to protect the biodiversity of our oceans. Our plant-based tuna alternative is delicious, nutritious and high in protein, while also being mercury-free,” said Stefan Palzer, Nestlé chief technology officer. The tuna alternative, which was developed within nine months, will join other plant-based products in the Garden Gourmet range including vegan mince, soy-based sausages, and a plant-based burger, recently renamed to Sensational Burger following a court order filed by Impossible Foods. Eugenio Simioni, market head for Nestlé Switzerland, added: "We are delighted to launch this strategic expansion of Nestlé’s plant-based offerings in the Swiss market first. It is another example of the innovation strength of Nestlé in Switzerland, and the exceptional capabilities and expertise we have in this country in the area of food and nutrition." According to Nestlé, further roll out of the product will be announced in due time, while other plant-based fish and shellfish alternatives are also under development.

Kellogg plans to invest $43 million into a manufacturing facility in Ohio, which produces plant-based products for its MorningStar Farms line. Located in Zanesville, Ohio, the current facility will be expanded from 40,000 to 50,000 square-feet. The announcement was made by Zanesville Muskingum County Port Authority which said that the investment will solidify Kellogg’s place as the anchor of the Northpointe Business Park. As part of the expansion, $25 million will used to upgrade equipment, while $18 million will be invested in the new facility. The move will reportedly add 40 full-time jobs to its current workplace this Autumn. “We are excited to see a company grow and invest. This project will also offer good opportunities for local contractors to be involved,” said Matt Abbot, executive director for the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority. Kellogg spokesperson Kris Bahner told the Zanesville Time Recorder: “The Zanesville manufacturing plant is home to MorningStar Farms products. Expanding the facility will help us continue to meet consumer demand for their favourite plant-based products.” In May, Kellogg announced that it will delay the launch of several product lines – including the launch of MorningStar Farms’ Incogmeato range of plant-based meat alternatives – until the end of the year, due to Covid-19. The project which will begin in September and is expected to be completed by December 2021. When approached by FoodBev, Kellogg did not wish to comment. #Kellogg #meatalternatives #Ohio #plantbased #MorningStarFarms

Kellogg plans to invest $43 million into a manufacturing facility in Ohio, which produces plant-based products for its MorningStar Farms line. Located in Zanesville, Ohio, the current facility will be expanded from 40,000 to 50,000 square-feet. The announcement was made by Zanesville Muskingum County Port Authority which said that the investment will solidify Kellogg’s place as the anchor of the Northpointe Business Park. As part of the expansion, $25 million will used to upgrade equipment, while $18 million will be invested in the new facility. The move will reportedly add 40 full-time jobs to its current workplace this Autumn. "We are excited to see a company grow and invest. This project will also offer good opportunities for local contractors to be involved,” said Matt Abbot, executive director for the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority. Kellogg spokesperson Kris Bahner told the Zanesville Time Recorder: “The Zanesville manufacturing plant is home to MorningStar Farms products. Expanding the facility will help us continue to meet consumer demand for their favourite plant-based products." In May, Kellogg announced that it will delay the launch of several product lines – including the launch of MorningStar Farms' Incogmeato range of plant-based meat alternatives – until the end of the year, due to Covid-19. The project which will begin in September and is expected to be completed by December 2021. When approached by FoodBev, Kellogg did not wish to comment.

Global venture capital fund, Lever VC, has announced the first close of its new fund focused on the global alternative protein space. The Lever VC Fund I currently has $23 million in committed capital and a portfolio of ten startups across the US, Europe and Asia. Lever VC – whose partners were investors in Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Memphis Meats and other sector leaders – is investing in a range of early stage plant-based and cell-cultivated meat and dairy companies. “The alternative protein market is continuing to grow quickly, and with our deep experience and proven record of returns in the sector, as well as preeminent deal flow across North America, Europe, Asia and beyond, Lever VC is perfectly positioned to deliver value to investors looking for financial or strategic exposure to alternative protein,” said Lawrence Chu, Lever VC partner and founder of Lever VC GP Venture Smart Financial Holdings Limited. The Fund’s portfolio includes: TurtleTree Labs, which produces cow’s milk and human breast milk from cell cultivation; Better Meats Co, whose plant-based meat protein blend is featured in Perdue Farms products at over 7,000 grocery stores across the US; Good Planet Foods, which supplies plant-based cheese to Walmart, Albertsons, Kroger, Costco, White Castle and others; Mission Barns, which creates cell-cultivated bacon products; The Good Spoon, a plant-based condiments brand; and Bond Pet Foods, which creates real meat protein from fermentation. “We decided to invest in alternative protein in 2018, and started approaching a few VCs,” said Benny Pei, Lever VC partner and chief investment officer of Lever VC GP DFP Capital. “We were most impressed with the Lever VC founders’ long investment experience and track record in this exciting field, so we joined them to start strategically deploying assets in this fast-growing global sector.” #BetterMeatsCo #TurtleTreeLabs #meatalternatives #ImpossibleFoods #BeyondMeat #TheGoodSpoon #GoodPlanetFoods #plantbased #MissionBarns #MemphisMeat

Global venture capital fund, Lever VC, has announced the first close of its new fund focused on the global alternative protein space. The Lever VC Fund I currently has $23 million in committed capital and a portfolio of ten startups across the US, Europe and Asia. Lever VC – whose partners were investors in Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Memphis Meats and other sector leaders – is investing in a range of early stage plant-based and cell-cultivated meat and dairy companies. “The alternative protein market is continuing to grow quickly, and with our deep experience and proven record of returns in the sector, as well as preeminent deal flow across North America, Europe, Asia and beyond, Lever VC is perfectly positioned to deliver value to investors looking for financial or strategic exposure to alternative protein,” said Lawrence Chu, Lever VC partner and founder of Lever VC GP Venture Smart Financial Holdings Limited. The Fund's portfolio includes: TurtleTree Labs, which produces cow's milk and human breast milk from cell cultivation; Better Meats Co, whose plant-based meat protein blend is featured in Perdue Farms products at over 7,000 grocery stores across the US; Good Planet Foods, which supplies plant-based cheese to Walmart, Albertsons, Kroger, Costco, White Castle and others; Mission Barns, which creates cell-cultivated bacon products; The Good Spoon, a plant-based condiments brand; and Bond Pet Foods, which creates real meat protein from fermentation. “We decided to invest in alternative protein in 2018, and started approaching a few VCs,” said Benny Pei, Lever VC partner and chief investment officer of Lever VC GP DFP Capital. “We were most impressed with the Lever VC founders’ long investment experience and track record in this exciting field, so we joined them to start strategically deploying assets in this fast-growing global sector.”

New US wellness brand Dose has released a line of four functional wellness shots for your liver, soreness, immunity and skin. Each 2oz shot is made with 100% all-natural ingredients, contains no GMO’s, no caffeine and no preservatives. The functional beverages also contain zero sugar, zero calories and are packed in sustainable glass. Dose For Immunity features elderberry and echinacea, as well as 1150 mg of fruits that have vitamin C. According to the brand, these ingredients work together to support a body’s natural defences. Meanwhile, Dose for your Liver contains a blend of turmeric and milk thistle which is said to regulate the body and help maintain long-term liver health. Dose for Soreness is full of antioxidants and adaptogens such as green tea catchetin and berries, with claims of helping bodies react well to soreness and help boost muscle strength and stamina. Through aloe vera extract and centella, Dose for your Skin claims to support a body’s collagen production, promote hydration, elasticity and overall skin health. “At Dose, our formulations are clinically-studied to work best for your body as we believe everyone should have access to nutritious ingredients that help them pursue healthier, happier and more balanced lives,” said founder Vasu Goyal. He added: “Working with our scientific team with over 15 years of distinguished experience, we are setting the right standard for better-for-you products. Each ingredient in Dose is in the optimal level of quantity and delivers a punch that is vital to helping the functionality.” Dose is available online for nationwide delivery and in retailers such as Erewhon, Jensen’s and Jimbo’s for an RRP of $3.99 per unit, with plans to expand into more retailers throughout the year.

Plant-based producer Sol Cuisine has closed a CAD 10 million ($7.6 million approx.) equity financing round led by BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund. Other participants in the round included existing investors EDC, New Acres, InvestEco, Planted Power, chairman Mike Fata and CEO John Flanagan. Founded in 1996, Sol Cuisine claims to have launched one of the first organic tofu products in Canada. The company, which supplies both retail and foodservice channels, has a manufacturing facility and research and development (R&D) lab in Mississauga, Ontario. The company’s portfolio includes burgers, balls, bites, sausages, fillets and roasts, and can be found at over 4,000 locations, including Whole Foods, Albertsons, Metro and Loblaws stores. According to Sol Cuisine, the capital raised in its latest funding round will enable it to continue expanding its product innovation and distribution. “Sol Cuisine is thrilled to partner with BDC Capital,” said CEO John Flanagan. “This investment combined with our talented management team and newly expanded SQF GFSI certified manufacturing facility will enable us to share Sol Cuisine’s exceptional products with more consumers, or as we like to say, our Sol Mates.” Jonathan Goodkey, principal with the BDC Capital Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, will be joining the Sol Cuisine board of directors. His colleague Joe Regan, managing partner, Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, said: “BDC Capital is excited to invest in Sol Cuisine. Consumers’ interest in plant-based protein foods continues to increase and we believe that Sol Cuisine is well positioned for continued rapid growth.” #Canada #SolCuisine