Next Friday, FoodBev Media, in association with Plant Based World Conference & Expo, will present the World Plant-Based Awards (WPBA) 2020 live ceremony on FoodBev.com and on our FoodBev Media YouTube channel. The WPBA are in their inaugural year and are designed to celebrate excellence and innovation across every category of the global plant-based industry. This year, the judging panel considered 222 entries across 15 categories, from 24 different countries. FoodBev Media Marketing Manager, Matthew Rushton, said: “After witnessing the quality of entries in our first year hosting the World Plant-Based Awards, it is clear that innovation in this sector is booming. To see over 200 entries from around the world also confirms what we predicted, that not only is the plant-based market a truly international one, it is one that will continue to grow. “Our awards celebrate some of the most ambitious new plant-based products of 2020 from both established brands and start-ups. Whilst we would have loved to celebrate these successes at the Plant Based World Conference & Expo in New York, we can’t wait to watch the ceremony with you all on October 2.” The ceremony will premiere on our FoodBev Media YouTube channel, at 5pm BST on Friday 2 October. Don’t miss out! Subscribe to the FoodBev Media YouTube channel and turn notifications on. You can also stay in the loop by following FoodBev Media on our social media channels, and by subscribing to our range of industry newsletters.

UK start-up Re:Nourish has secured a ‘seven-figure’ investment to expand the distribution footprint of its on-the-go fresh soups. Founded in 2019 by former critical care nurse Nicci Clark, Re:Nourish claims to be the first soup brand in the world to have a heatable and fully recyclable bottle. The brand says that its range can be enjoyed hot or cold straight from the bottle, with no utensils required, or resealed and put back in a bag for later. The company says that it will look to use the new capital to increase marketing activity, including for an ad campaign at the end of September, as well as to fund growth into foodservice and major UK retailers. The brand will also be focusing on expansion into Europe. With the backing of this investment, Re:Nourish has already hired Steve Parsons to take on the position of head of foodservice and out of home. In this role, Parsons who previously held positions at Plenish, B.fresh and Pukka, will help with the export of Re:Nourish products into Europe. The brand’s latest capital raise was backed by Döhler Ventures and a private investment angel. “…we’ve secured a significant investment, which is a huge milestone for the business and I very much see this as an opportunity to further grow and disrupt the category,” said Re:Nourish founder, Nicci Clark. “With the help of Döhler Ventures and the private investment angel, we now have an exciting pipeline of activity to help expand the business, including entering foodservice and launching the products into Europe.” #ReNourish #UK

UK start-up Re:Nourish has secured a ‘seven-figure’ investment to expand the distribution footprint of its on-the-go fresh soups. Founded in 2019 by former critical care nurse Nicci Clark, Re:Nourish claims to be the first soup brand in the world to have a heatable and fully recyclable bottle. The brand says that its range can be enjoyed hot or cold straight from the bottle, with no utensils required, or resealed and put back in a bag for later. The company says that it will look to use the new capital to increase marketing activity, including for an ad campaign at the end of September, as well as to fund growth into foodservice and major UK retailers. The brand will also be focusing on expansion into Europe. With the backing of this investment, Re:Nourish has already hired Steve Parsons to take on the position of head of foodservice and out of home. In this role, Parsons who previously held positions at Plenish, B.fresh and Pukka, will help with the export of Re:Nourish products into Europe. The brand’s latest capital raise was backed by Döhler Ventures and a private investment angel. “…we’ve secured a significant investment, which is a huge milestone for the business and I very much see this as an opportunity to further grow and disrupt the category,” said Re:Nourish founder, Nicci Clark. “With the help of Döhler Ventures and the private investment angel, we now have an exciting pipeline of activity to help expand the business, including entering foodservice and launching the products into Europe.”

MyLife, an Australian plant-based food manufacturer, has launched a variety of vegan cheese products in Coles supermarkets under its BioCheese brand. Four new products – including a marinated cheese and a grated version of its vegan parmesan – have joined the brand’s existing range of plant-based cheddar blocks and slices, feta, halloumi, and dairy-free butter. Recommended on its own, on toast or in salads, BioMarinated retails for AUD 14 ($10) and is marinated in Australian Extra Virgin Olive oil, garlic and herbs. Meanwhile, BioCheese Grated Parmesano retails for AUD 7.50 ($5.40) and is described as having a hard, gritty texture and a fruity and nutty taste. MyLife’s Original BioCreamy is free-from additives and preservatives and is said to be light on the stomach and ideal on a bagel, in desserts or paired with strawberries. The dairy-free cheese spread retails for AUD 6.50 ($4.70). BioCheese Pizza Shred – which is made with coconut oil that provides a mild nutty flavour – is already currently listed in Woolworths but will now be available to purchase at Coles. According to MyLife, the vegan cheese melts and stretches easily and evenly, without going oily. According to MyLife, BioCheese was the first mover in the Australian plant-cheese market approximately five years ago. “During these unprecedented times, our customers and their dietary needs remain top priority, and we’re committed to continuing to provide Australians with the incredible plant-based products that they have come to expect from MyLife BioCheese,” said Terry Paule, CEO of MyCo, creators of MyLife. #BioCheese #MyLife #Vegancheese #Australia #MyCo

MyLife, an Australian plant-based food manufacturer, has launched a variety of vegan cheese products in Coles supermarkets under its BioCheese brand. Four new products – including a marinated cheese and a grated version of its vegan parmesan – have joined the brand’s existing range of plant-based cheddar blocks and slices, feta, halloumi, and dairy-free butter. Recommended on its own, on toast or in salads, BioMarinated retails for AUD 14 ($10) and is marinated in Australian Extra Virgin Olive oil, garlic and herbs. Meanwhile, BioCheese Grated Parmesano retails for AUD 7.50 ($5.40) and is described as having a hard, gritty texture and a fruity and nutty taste. MyLife’s Original BioCreamy is free-from additives and preservatives and is said to be light on the stomach and ideal on a bagel, in desserts or paired with strawberries. The dairy-free cheese spread retails for AUD 6.50 ($4.70). BioCheese Pizza Shred – which is made with coconut oil that provides a mild nutty flavour – is already currently listed in Woolworths but will now be available to purchase at Coles. According to MyLife, the vegan cheese melts and stretches easily and evenly, without going oily. According to MyLife, BioCheese was the first mover in the Australian plant-cheese market approximately five years ago. “During these unprecedented times, our customers and their dietary needs remain top priority, and we’re committed to continuing to provide Australians with the incredible plant-based products that they have come to expect from MyLife BioCheese,” said Terry Paule, CEO of MyCo, creators of MyLife.

Natural Balance Foods has expanded its Trek range with the introduction of plant-based Power bars, as it seeks to capitalise on consumer demand for protein-filled treats. Containing 15g of plant-based protein, the new bars are available in two variants: Peanut Butter Crunch and Millionaire Shortbread. Trek’s new sweet treat-inspired offering is reportedly free from gluten, as well as artificial sweeteners. The vegan bars are coated in a natural alternative to chocolate and are designed to provide slow-release energy, according to Trek. “This was the next step for Trek, as research has found that nearly two thirds of consumers (63%) said recognising the ingredients that go into a product had some impact on their purchasing decisions,” said Trek senior brand manager, Georgina Crook. “Providing natural, plant-based energy has always been at the heart of what the Trek brand does, and we have seen a real opportunity to fill a gap in the sports nutrition market as there is not currently a bar in the top 50 of the category which simultaneously provides plant-based protein and contains no artificial sweeteners.” Trek Power bars are launching in the UK this month, with an RRP of £1.75, and will be available from retailers including Sainsbury’s and from November, Tesco. Earlier this year, Lotus Bakeries agreed to acquire the majority of the remaining stake in Natural Balance Foods, taking its ownership to 97.9%. #LotusBakeries #NaturalBalanceFoods #Trek #UK

Natural Balance Foods has expanded its Trek range with the introduction of plant-based Power bars, as it seeks to capitalise on consumer demand for protein-filled treats. Containing 15g of plant-based protein, the new bars are available in two variants: Peanut Butter Crunch and Millionaire Shortbread. Trek’s new sweet treat-inspired offering is reportedly free from gluten, as well as artificial sweeteners. The vegan bars are coated in a natural alternative to chocolate and are designed to provide slow-release energy, according to Trek. “This was the next step for Trek, as research has found that nearly two thirds of consumers (63%) said recognising the ingredients that go into a product had some impact on their purchasing decisions,” said Trek senior brand manager, Georgina Crook. “Providing natural, plant-based energy has always been at the heart of what the Trek brand does, and we have seen a real opportunity to fill a gap in the sports nutrition market as there is not currently a bar in the top 50 of the category which simultaneously provides plant-based protein and contains no artificial sweeteners.” Trek Power bars are launching in the UK this month, with an RRP of £1.75, and will be available from retailers including Sainsbury’s and from November, Tesco. Earlier this year, Lotus Bakeries agreed to acquire the majority of the remaining stake in Natural Balance Foods, taking its ownership to 97.9%.

Alpro has unveiled a new five-year health and sustainability action plan, as well as plans to invest €30m in two of its production sites. The objectives laid out by the company, which is celebrating 40 years since its foundation, encompass measures to limit water use, reduce environmental impact and provide consumers with greater transparency. The report, titled ‘Feeding the Future With Plants’, includes the ambition to promote the transition to a circular economy with 100% recyclable Alpro packs (the company is currently at 76%). In addition, Alpro aims to introduce plant-based alternatives to yogurt in paper-based packaging. The plant-based producer also said that it would define clear action plans for a transition to regenerative agriculture, with a focus on biodiversity and water use, while reducing its water footprint per product by 60%. “The diets we have adopted are no longer sustainable for the planet, so we have to change the way we look at food production and consumption,” said Alpro general manager, Sue Garfitt. “Millions of people are more aware of the personal and environmental benefits of plant-based foods and our mission is to achieve a fundamental dietary shift to more plant-based eating by 2025. This new report translates this mission into concrete commitments.” Other objectives include bringing more diversity into the brand’s portfolio by using at least nine different plant-based ingredients, and applying transparent, easy-to-read front-of-pack nutrition labelling to 100% of Alpro products. Alpro said that its newly announced €30 million investment in its production facilities in Kettering, UK and Wevelgem, Belgium will support its ambitions for 2025. The UK site, which employs 200 people, will receive a significant proportion of the investment to develop a new high-speed packaging line to produce 75 million extra packs of soya, oat, rice and coconut drinks per year. According to Alpro, its products are regularly purchased by one in three UK households, and the investment reflects the rapidly growing demand for plant-based products. The brand recently expanded its Big Pot range in the UK with the addition of a 100% oat-based yogurt alternative. #Alpro #Belgium #Danone #UK

Alpro has unveiled a new five-year health and sustainability action plan, as well as plans to invest €30m in two of its production sites. The objectives laid out by the company, which is celebrating 40 years since its foundation, encompass measures to limit water use, reduce environmental impact and provide consumers with greater transparency. The report, titled ‘Feeding the Future With Plants’, includes the ambition to promote the transition to a circular economy with 100% recyclable Alpro packs (the company is currently at 76%). In addition, Alpro aims to introduce plant-based alternatives to yogurt in paper-based packaging. The plant-based producer also said that it would define clear action plans for a transition to regenerative agriculture, with a focus on biodiversity and water use, while reducing its water footprint per product by 60%. “The diets we have adopted are no longer sustainable for the planet, so we have to change the way we look at food production and consumption,” said Alpro general manager, Sue Garfitt. “Millions of people are more aware of the personal and environmental benefits of plant-based foods and our mission is to achieve a fundamental dietary shift to more plant-based eating by 2025. This new report translates this mission into concrete commitments.” Other objectives include bringing more diversity into the brand's portfolio by using at least nine different plant-based ingredients, and applying transparent, easy-to-read front-of-pack nutrition labelling to 100% of Alpro products. Alpro said that its newly announced €30 million investment in its production facilities in Kettering, UK and Wevelgem, Belgium will support its ambitions for 2025. The UK site, which employs 200 people, will receive a significant proportion of the investment to develop a new high-speed packaging line to produce 75 million extra packs of soya, oat, rice and coconut drinks per year. According to Alpro, its products are regularly purchased by one in three UK households, and the investment reflects the rapidly growing demand for plant-based products. The brand recently expanded its Big Pot range in the UK with the addition of a 100% oat-based yogurt alternative.

Kinnerton’s free-from chocolate brand Nomo is launching a vegan Caramel Filled Choc Bar in the UK. Nomo’s latest offering is made with a non-dairy alternative to milk chocolate and features a vegan caramel-flavoured centre. Free from dairy, gluten, egg and nuts, the bar is said to be made from sustainably sourced ingredients. Since Nomo launched in 2019, its portfolio has expanded, including with the recent launch of a nut-free ‘Hazelnot’ chocolate sharing bar. Caramel Filled Choc joins Creamy Choc, Caramel & Sea Salt and Fruit & Crunch variants in the brand’s range of individual-sized bars. “One of our aims at Nomo is to develop mainstream flavours that we know customers will love regardless of whether they are vegan or have a food allergy,” said Emma Perrett, senior innovation and brand manager of Kinnerton Confectionery. “We know caramel is a flavour that many vegan and free from consumers have been missing out on, so we are delighted that the Caramel Choc Bar will be available in Sainsbury’s from the end of September.” The bar will be available from Sainsbury’s from 28 September, and will then roll out to Tesco, Waitrose and Nomo’s online store in mid-October. #Nomo #freefrom #KinnertonConfectionery #UK #veganchocolate

Kinnerton’s free-from chocolate brand Nomo is launching a vegan Caramel Filled Choc Bar in the UK. Nomo’s latest offering is made with a non-dairy alternative to milk chocolate and features a vegan caramel-flavoured centre. Free from dairy, gluten, egg and nuts, the bar is said to be made from sustainably sourced ingredients. Since Nomo launched in 2019, its portfolio has expanded, including with the recent launch of a nut-free ‘Hazelnot’ chocolate sharing bar. Caramel Filled Choc joins Creamy Choc, Caramel & Sea Salt and Fruit & Crunch variants in the brand’s range of individual-sized bars. “One of our aims at Nomo is to develop mainstream flavours that we know customers will love regardless of whether they are vegan or have a food allergy,” said Emma Perrett, senior innovation and brand manager of Kinnerton Confectionery. “We know caramel is a flavour that many vegan and free from consumers have been missing out on, so we are delighted that the Caramel Choc Bar will be available in Sainsbury’s from the end of September.” The bar will be available from Sainsbury’s from 28 September, and will then roll out to Tesco, Waitrose and Nomo’s online store in mid-October.

US pizza maker American Flatbread has announced the launch of a new line of flash-frozen pizzas, Meatless Evolution, featuring vegan and vegetarian options. The company says that the new range is made with pea protein and provides consumers with a ‘healthy serving’ of both protein and fibre. Each pizza features homemade tomato sauce and fresh herbs, while hand-stretched dough made from 100% organic wheat is used to make the bases. The line offers two vegan options, featuring dairy-free mozzarella-style shreds: Vegan Pepperoni, topped with plant-based pepperoni; and Vegan Meat Lovers, with plant-based pepperoni and vegan sausage crumbles. The Meatless Evolution range also contains two vegetarian options: Plant-Based Pepperoni, featuring mozzarella, asiago and parmesan, as well as vegan pepperoni; and Plant-Based Supreme, with plant-based pepperoni, as well as broccoli, mushrooms, mozzarella, asiago and feta. Retailing at $8.99 per ten-inch pizza, the Meatless Evolution line is launching at select Harris Teeter locations, as well as on the brand’s website, in mid-September. The pizzas will also be available to purchase via American Flatbread’s Amazon storefront page starting in October. #AmericanFlatbread #US