Gathered Foods, maker of Good Catch plant-based seafood, has opened a new production plant in Heath, Ohio. The 42,500 square foot facility features ‘state-of-the-art’ processing equipment and is designed to ‘dramatically increase’ production of Good Catch’s plant-based offerings. As well as its flagship vegan tuna, the brand recently launched a line of frozen entrees and appetisers, including fish cakes and burgers. Since breaking ground on the Ohio site in 2018, Gathered Foods says that it has created employment opportunities in the local Ohio market. The new facility currently has a workforce of 52 employees and is expected to expand to full capacity with up to 80 positions by the end of the year. "We are incredibly proud to establish a strong manufacturing footprint in the US as we grow our product portfolio,” said Christine Mei, who was recently appointed as CEO of Gathered Foods. “With Good Catch's rapid expansion and the launch of our new line of frozen plant-based entrees and appetisers, having our own production facility enables us to optimise productivity and efficiency. “We are fully committed to delivering high-quality plant-based seafood products which delight and satisfy our consumers each and every time.” In the last year, Gathered Foods closed a $36.8 million Series B funding round, with backing from General Mills’ venture arm and Maple Leaf Foods subsidiary, Greenleaf Foods. The company has since expanded its distribution footprint through forming a joint distribution venture with US-based seafood company Bumble Bee Foods and by launching in Tesco in the UK.

Plant-based beverage brand Koia has released a new line of adaptogenic drinks, Koia Thrive. Koia says that the ‘allergen-free’ offering is made with oat milk, functional adaptogenic herbs and nine of the essential amino acids for a complete plant-based protein. The beverages are also said to contain potassium and C8 MCT oil. Koia Thrive is available in three flavours: Miracle Matcha, with matcha powder, spirulina and moringa; Chill Chocolate, containing ashwagandha extract and l-theanine; and Golden Turmeric, featuring turmeric powder, ground ginger and black pepper. According to Koia, Golden Turmeric offers gut and anti-inflammatory-supporting benefits. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles-based brand claims that the Chill Chocolate ingredients help increase cognitive performance and aid with relaxation and sleep. “Now more than ever consumers are stressed, overwhelmed and facing new challenges on a daily basis,” said Chris Hunter, co-founder and CEO of Koia. “Koia Thrive was created to help manage today’s ever-changing environment, with three functional flavours to meet today’s many demands.” All Koia products are reportedly Non-GMO Project Verified and free from dairy, soy and gluten. The beverages are available, for an RRP of $3.99, at Whole Foods, Sprouts and other natural and specialty locations. #Koia #US

Plant-based beverage brand Koia has released a new line of adaptogenic drinks, Koia Thrive. Koia says that the ‘allergen-free’ offering is made with oat milk, functional adaptogenic herbs and nine of the essential amino acids for a complete plant-based protein. The beverages are also said to contain potassium and C8 MCT oil. Koia Thrive is available in three flavours: Miracle Matcha, with matcha powder, spirulina and moringa; Chill Chocolate, containing ashwagandha extract and l-theanine; and Golden Turmeric, featuring turmeric powder, ground ginger and black pepper. According to Koia, Golden Turmeric offers gut and anti-inflammatory-supporting benefits. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles-based brand claims that the Chill Chocolate ingredients help increase cognitive performance and aid with relaxation and sleep. “Now more than ever consumers are stressed, overwhelmed and facing new challenges on a daily basis,” said Chris Hunter, co-founder and CEO of Koia. “Koia Thrive was created to help manage today’s ever-changing environment, with three functional flavours to meet today’s many demands.” All Koia products are reportedly Non-GMO Project Verified and free from dairy, soy and gluten. The beverages are available, for an RRP of $3.99, at Whole Foods, Sprouts and other natural and specialty locations.

Danone-owned plant-based brand Silk has expanded its beverage portfolio in the US with the introduction of new Pumpkin Spice products. Silk Almond 0g Sugar Unsweet Pumpkin Spice Creamer is a limited-edition offering which blends the flavour of pumpkin spice with almond milk. The sugar-free coffee add-in retails at $3.29 per pint. Also available for a limited time only, Silk Almond Hint of Pumpkin Spice Beverage combines the brand’s Almondmilk with notes of pumpkin spice. The drink retails at $3.29 per half gallon. The new Silk products will be available from grocery stores nationwide starting this month. Silk recently entered the ready-to-drink coffee category with two new lattes, released a new dairy-free half and half alternative, and a dairy-free whipped cream alternative. The brand has also expanded its line of yogurt alternatives in the US with a range of new Almondmilk Mix-Ins Yogurt Alternatives, offering an all-in-one plant-based snacking option in four vegan combinations. #Danone #Silk #US

Danone-owned plant-based brand Silk has expanded its beverage portfolio in the US with the introduction of new Pumpkin Spice products. Silk Almond 0g Sugar Unsweet Pumpkin Spice Creamer is a limited-edition offering which blends the flavour of pumpkin spice with almond milk. The sugar-free coffee add-in retails at $3.29 per pint. Also available for a limited time only, Silk Almond Hint of Pumpkin Spice Beverage combines the brand’s Almondmilk with notes of pumpkin spice. The drink retails at $3.29 per half gallon. The new Silk products will be available from grocery stores nationwide starting this month. Silk recently entered the ready-to-drink coffee category with two new lattes, released a new dairy-free half and half alternative, and a dairy-free whipped cream alternative. The brand has also expanded its line of yogurt alternatives in the US with a range of new Almondmilk Mix-Ins Yogurt Alternatives, offering an all-in-one plant-based snacking option in four vegan combinations.

Plant-based meat alternative producer This has raised £3.5 million following the launch of a Seedrs campaign, as it aims to accelerate growth and expand its innovation function. The company says it will use its investment to boost its manufacturing capabilities through a new plant-based innovation centre, as well as expand its portfolio. Since going live on the 10 August, the UK company has surpassed its £2 million target which was secured before the campaign was fully launched to the public. This reportedly marks the fastest FMCG business to hit its target and the fastest ever campaign to hit over £1.5 million. The round still has 39 days remaining. Venture capital firms involved in the investment round include Backed, Five Seasons Ventures, Idinvest Partners, Seedcamp and Manta Ray Ventures, who also backed the business earlier this year when it raised £4.7 million. Vegan investment fund Veg Capital also invested in the latest Seedrs campaign, alongside professional footballer Chris Smalling. With its funding, This plans to invest £1 million in a London-based innovation centre, housing sensory, textural and other processing equipment. A team of food-scientists, engineers and flavourists will staff the centre. The company also intends to launch 10 products per year for three years across a number of categories. Since launching in June 2019, the business has achieved approximately 700% growth and its products are now available in over 2000 stores and restaurants. Later this year, This is launching its products in two more of the ‘big four’ supermarkets. “This is capitalising on the most important trend in nutrition: strong demand for tasty plant-based meat alternatives, for all those who are increasingly conscious about the detrimental health, climate change and animal welfare impacts of mass meat production,” said Andre de Haes, founder of Backed VC. He added: “This macro trend alone doesn’t explain This’ success; it is unprecedented to see a start-up food product achieve widespread supermarket distribution right after launching. The team at This blend executional hyper-efficiency with both ground-breaking R&D and innovative marketing.” #meatalternatives #plantbasedmeat #This #UK

Plant-based meat alternative producer This has raised £3.5 million following the launch of a Seedrs campaign, as it aims to accelerate growth and expand its innovation function. The company says it will use its investment to boost its manufacturing capabilities through a new plant-based innovation centre, as well as expand its portfolio. Since going live on the 10 August, the UK company has surpassed its £2 million target which was secured before the campaign was fully launched to the public. This reportedly marks the fastest FMCG business to hit its target and the fastest ever campaign to hit over £1.5 million. The round still has 39 days remaining. Venture capital firms involved in the investment round include Backed, Five Seasons Ventures, Idinvest Partners, Seedcamp and Manta Ray Ventures, who also backed the business earlier this year when it raised £4.7 million. Vegan investment fund Veg Capital also invested in the latest Seedrs campaign, alongside professional footballer Chris Smalling. With its funding, This plans to invest £1 million in a London-based innovation centre, housing sensory, textural and other processing equipment. A team of food-scientists, engineers and flavourists will staff the centre. The company also intends to launch 10 products per year for three years across a number of categories. Since launching in June 2019, the business has achieved approximately 700% growth and its products are now available in over 2000 stores and restaurants. Later this year, This is launching its products in two more of the ‘big four’ supermarkets. “This is capitalising on the most important trend in nutrition: strong demand for tasty plant-based meat alternatives, for all those who are increasingly conscious about the detrimental health, climate change and animal welfare impacts of mass meat production,” said Andre de Haes, founder of Backed VC. He added: “This macro trend alone doesn't explain This’ success; it is unprecedented to see a start-up food product achieve widespread supermarket distribution right after launching. The team at This blend executional hyper-efficiency with both ground-breaking R&D and innovative marketing."

UK milkshake brand Shaken Udder has entered the plant-based market with the introduction of a dairy-free sister brand, Shaken Other. Made using coconut milk, Shaken Other is described as smooth and creamy and is currently available in two flavours: chocolate and strawberry. Each 330ml bottle is under 200 calories, contains less than 5% added sugar and is gluten free. The product is also high in calcium, vitamin D and is free-from artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Shaken Other plans to launch more flavours, larger formats as well as enter other product categories in the dairy and plant-based sector. According to Andy Howie, co-founder of Shaken Other, the inspiration for the name came from the challenge that ‘Udder’ is so strongly associated with milk and Shaken Other is a play on words. He added: “We wanted to reassure our loyal consumers of our commitment to flavour whilst also being clear that this is a milk alternative. We believe that dairy-free drinks shouldn’t compromise on taste or choice. “Packed with real ingredients and a yummy coconut-milk base, our exciting range of dairy-free drinks deliver uncompromising taste for anyone who can’t drink dairy, chooses not to, or just fancies a change.” Shaken Other’s new chocolate and strawberry dairy-free shakes are available from Tesco for an RRP of £1.60, with other major retailers to follow. Established in 2004, Shaken Udder milkshakes are available from several UK retailers offering a variety of flavours in 330ml bottles, 750ml bottles and kids cartons. #dairyfree #ShakenOther #ShakenUdder #UK

UK milkshake brand Shaken Udder has entered the plant-based market with the introduction of a dairy-free sister brand, Shaken Other. Made using coconut milk, Shaken Other is described as smooth and creamy and is currently available in two flavours: chocolate and strawberry. Each 330ml bottle is under 200 calories, contains less than 5% added sugar and is gluten free. The product is also high in calcium, vitamin D and is free-from artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Shaken Other plans to launch more flavours, larger formats as well as enter other product categories in the dairy and plant-based sector. According to Andy Howie, co-founder of Shaken Other, the inspiration for the name came from the challenge that ‘Udder’ is so strongly associated with milk and Shaken Other is a play on words. He added: “We wanted to reassure our loyal consumers of our commitment to flavour whilst also being clear that this is a milk alternative. We believe that dairy-free drinks shouldn’t compromise on taste or choice. “Packed with real ingredients and a yummy coconut-milk base, our exciting range of dairy-free drinks deliver uncompromising taste for anyone who can’t drink dairy, chooses not to, or just fancies a change.” Shaken Other's new chocolate and strawberry dairy-free shakes are available from Tesco for an RRP of £1.60, with other major retailers to follow. Established in 2004, Shaken Udder milkshakes are available from several UK retailers offering a variety of flavours in 330ml bottles, 750ml bottles and kids cartons.

Upfield Group has debuted a new plant-based butter brand in the US, with the launch of Flora Plant Butter. Available in salted and unsalted varieties, Flora Plant Butter is free from gluten and non-GMO, as well as vegan. Upfield’s latest plant-based offering is made from a blend of ‘responsibly sourced’ palm, sunflower and canola oils and reportedly contains no artificial flavours or preservatives. The ‘rich and creamy’ product can be used like dairy butter 1:1 in cooking and baking, or for spreading, and is packaged in plastic-free FSC-certified parchment paper. “Flora is a culinary-inspired premium brand that brings a rich heritage of chef experience from markets around the world, and it is a thrill to bring this new brand to American consumers,” said Bernice Chao, brand lead, Flora, Upfield North America. “We are a product loved by chefs that can be used by home cooks and bakers who are looking to put a twist on traditional recipes with a dairy-free and great-tasting ingredient. “We are deeply passionate about creating new foods that will change our world because they are better for you and better for our planet. With Flora Plant Butter we have done just that. “First, as a plant butter that is a vegan and non-dairy product that offers a suitable option to help consumers meet their dietary or lifestyle needs. Second, as an environmentally conscious brand that is leading the way with 100% plastic-free paper packaging.” Flora Plant Butter is available, for an RRP of $3.49 per 8.8oz pack, from select Kroger stores. Earlier this year, Upfield Group unveiled plans to invest €50 million in a new plant-based research and development (R&D) facility, which will be located in Wageningen, the Netherlands. #Flora #UpfieldGroup #US

Upfield Group has debuted a new plant-based butter brand in the US, with the launch of Flora Plant Butter. Available in salted and unsalted varieties, Flora Plant Butter is free from gluten and non-GMO, as well as vegan. Upfield’s latest plant-based offering is made from a blend of ‘responsibly sourced’ palm, sunflower and canola oils and reportedly contains no artificial flavours or preservatives. The ‘rich and creamy’ product can be used like dairy butter 1:1 in cooking and baking, or for spreading, and is packaged in plastic-free FSC-certified parchment paper. “Flora is a culinary-inspired premium brand that brings a rich heritage of chef experience from markets around the world, and it is a thrill to bring this new brand to American consumers,” said Bernice Chao, brand lead, Flora, Upfield North America. “We are a product loved by chefs that can be used by home cooks and bakers who are looking to put a twist on traditional recipes with a dairy-free and great-tasting ingredient. “We are deeply passionate about creating new foods that will change our world because they are better for you and better for our planet. With Flora Plant Butter we have done just that. “First, as a plant butter that is a vegan and non-dairy product that offers a suitable option to help consumers meet their dietary or lifestyle needs. Second, as an environmentally conscious brand that is leading the way with 100% plastic-free paper packaging.” Flora Plant Butter is available, for an RRP of $3.49 per 8.8oz pack, from select Kroger stores. Earlier this year, Upfield Group unveiled plans to invest €50 million in a new plant-based research and development (R&D) facility, which will be located in Wageningen, the Netherlands.

UK free-from brand Livia’s has raised £1 million in a funding round, prior to the campaign’s public launch on crowdfunding platform Seedrs today. The round is said to have already attracted over 400 new investors, as well as met its £1 million investment target, and will now continue into overfunding. According to Livia’s, the new funds will help the brand to launch new products, develop its direct-to-consumer platform, grow its marketing and sales teams, and scale its operations. Livia’s offers a range of cookies, dips, and other ‘treats’ catering for those with allergies and intolerances. Lest year, Livia’s unveiled a new brand positioning, created in response to growing consumer demand for better-for-you indulgence, as well as to appeal to a more mainstream audience. As part of this, strong visuals and brighter graphics were introduced to create greater stand out on shelf. Commenting on the brand’s latest funding push, founder and CEO Olivia Wollenberg said: “I’ve always wanted to bring our customers and community on board as we continue to grow. “From day one, our community has been at the heart of everything we do, and every decision we make, and now is the time for them to be involved in a more meaningful way. “With this raise, we will be able to accelerate our growth in the UK and beyond while continuing to revolutionise sweet snacking through product innovation.” Among the private investors backing the brand are Andy Weston-Webb, who was previously president at Mars, and Vegetarian Butcher founder Jaap Korteweg. “Livia’s combination of fabulous tasting free-from sweet treats with a genuinely values-led business rightly has a passionate consumer following,” said new investor and advisor, Weston-Webb “The growth to date has been impressive enough to capture the attention of the UK’s key retailers. Still, the brand has huge headroom with store expansion, further exciting innovation and by building on the existing fanbase. I’m looking forward to helping Olivia and her impressive team further unlock this.” By 2025, the brand aims to be distributed throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US, as well as to almost quadruple its product range. #freefrom #Livias #UK