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.