Alpha Foods has announced a new partnership with KFC that will see its plant-based Chik’n Nuggets available in KFC stores across Hong Kong. The launch forms part of KFC’s “New Era” plant-based series. The fast food chain has been leading trials for incorporating more plant-based and flexitarian items on its menu on a global scale. It has previously teamed up with Beyond Meat to explore its US audience and Cargill to explore the potential of plant-based options in China. Cole Orobetz, president of Alpha Foods, told FoodBev: “KFC Hong Kong turned to Alpha Foods to further grow and expand the plant-based movement in Asia and globally. The pandemic has given rise to a number of people looking to adopt more flexitarian lifestyles, and we’re happy to provide a convenient and better-for-you path to get there. “Our delicious plant-based products are made using a blend of high-quality ingredients that meet the needs of consumers looking for approachable and convenient meal options.” Each set of Alpha Foods’ Chick’n Nuggets contain 12g of non-GMO plant-based protein and is free-from cholesterol or synthetic hormones. Alpha Foods’ recent partnership with KFC forms part of its efforts towards its expansion overseas. Orobetz told FoodBev about its future plans: “We are working with the Green Monday team to enter a number of countries including Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and China in both food service and retail. There is a lot of opportunity here for a large population base that is increasing their consumption of plant-based foods and we want to be part of the solution.” The partnership comes a few months after Alpha Foods secured $28 million in a Series A funding round led by venture capital fund AccelFoods. Alpha Foods’ Chick’n Nuggets are available to purchase at select locations across Hong Kong.

Burton’s Biscuit Company has announced a change to its Jammie Dodgers recipe which means it is 100% plant-based and suitable for vegans. The updated recipe involves the removal of dairy yet the brand claims the biscuit “still tastes just as good”. With its new recipe, the UK biscuit has returned to its original vegan-friendly status as dairy was only added ‘some years ago’. In line with its vegan upgrade, which was made in response to customer feedback, the brand has unveiled a new packaging design. Kate Needham, marketing director at Burtons Biscuits, said: “We have listened to our biscuit fans and are pleased to announce that we’ve moved once again to a dairy-free recipe. “Family fun is at the Jammie heart of our brand, so it’s important to us that the whole family – and families of all lifestyles – can share a pack. Thanks to the new recipe, we’re happy that will now be more possible. “But that’s not all, with our household classic seeing a surge in popularity, you can expect to see lots more fun and mischief coming from the UK’s favourite Jammie biscuit brand going forwards.” The new vegan-friendly biscuit will be available to purchase in stores across the UK from 13 July. The recipe upgrade will be applied to both the standard sized and Jammie Dodgers minis. Earlier this year, Burton’s Biscuit Company teamed up with Mars to launch Maltesers Biscuits. #BurtonsBiscuitCompany #JammieDodgers #UK #vegan

Burton’s Biscuit Company has announced a change to its Jammie Dodgers recipe which means it is 100% plant-based and suitable for vegans. The updated recipe involves the removal of dairy yet the brand claims the biscuit “still tastes just as good”. With its new recipe, the UK biscuit has returned to its original vegan-friendly status as dairy was only added ‘some years ago’. In line with its vegan upgrade, which was made in response to customer feedback, the brand has unveiled a new packaging design. Kate Needham, marketing director at Burtons Biscuits, said: “We have listened to our biscuit fans and are pleased to announce that we’ve moved once again to a dairy-free recipe. “Family fun is at the Jammie heart of our brand, so it’s important to us that the whole family - and families of all lifestyles - can share a pack. Thanks to the new recipe, we’re happy that will now be more possible. “But that’s not all, with our household classic seeing a surge in popularity, you can expect to see lots more fun and mischief coming from the UK’s favourite Jammie biscuit brand going forwards." The new vegan-friendly biscuit will be available to purchase in stores across the UK from 13 July. The recipe upgrade will be applied to both the standard sized and Jammie Dodgers minis. Earlier this year, Burton’s Biscuit Company teamed up with Mars to launch Maltesers Biscuits.

Plant-based snack brand Outstanding Foods has raised $5 million in a financing round led by SternAegis Ventures. Los Angeles Laker JaVale McGee is also joining Outstanding Foods’ cohort of celebrity investors, which currently includes names such as Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (Snoop Dogg). The LA-based company produces PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds, a ‘guilt-free’ vegan alternative product, which launched earlier this year. The brand says it is preparing to expand its portfolio following this latest funding round. The capital raised will be used to facilitate faster R&D and support retail expansion, team development, and nationwide marketing. “This funding provides us with the opportunity to reach more consumers and give them more ways to snack on great-tasting, healthy, plant-based snacks,” said Bill Glaser, CEO and co-founder of Outstanding Foods. “Consumers have been freaking out over our PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds that are addictively delicious and have the same protein content as beef. Soon they’ll be able to experience other Outstanding snacks that we feel will be game changers.” JaVale McGee added: “PigOut Rinds are one of the best snacks I’ve tried. You’d never know they’re plant-based and packed with clean protein to keep you fuelled. I’m excited to join their team.” #OutstandingFoods #US

Plant-based snack brand Outstanding Foods has raised $5 million in a financing round led by SternAegis Ventures. Los Angeles Laker JaVale McGee is also joining Outstanding Foods’ cohort of celebrity investors, which currently includes names such as Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (Snoop Dogg). The LA-based company produces PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds, a ‘guilt-free’ vegan alternative product, which launched earlier this year. The brand says it is preparing to expand its portfolio following this latest funding round. The capital raised will be used to facilitate faster R&D and support retail expansion, team development, and nationwide marketing. “This funding provides us with the opportunity to reach more consumers and give them more ways to snack on great-tasting, healthy, plant-based snacks,” said Bill Glaser, CEO and co-founder of Outstanding Foods. “Consumers have been freaking out over our PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds that are addictively delicious and have the same protein content as beef. Soon they'll be able to experience other Outstanding snacks that we feel will be game changers.” JaVale McGee added: “PigOut Rinds are one of the best snacks I've tried. You'd never know they're plant-based and packed with clean protein to keep you fuelled. I'm excited to join their team.”

With the deadline for the 2020 World Plant-Based Innovation Awards less than a month away, on Friday 24 July, FoodBev takes a look back at some of the top new innovations on the plant-based market. Here, we have gathered a handful of some of the most popular new plant-based products featured on our website in 2019 and 2020, to provide a breakdown of the current industry landscape. Country Crock dairy-free plant butter September 2019 saw the launch of US-based Country Crock’s dairy-free plant butter, offering an alternative to its original buttery spread. Country Crock claim this offering bring ‘the taste of butter, made from plants’. According to the American company, production of plant-based butter results in less than half the greenhouse gas emissions as the production of dairy butter and its packaging is recyclable. This alternative to a classic dairy product is made using plant-based oils, such as olive, avocado and almond oil. Burger King plant-based Impossible Whopper Burger King partnered with California-based Impossible Foods to launch a plant-based version of its Whopper burger in the US, named the ‘Impossible Whopper’. This meat alternative offering was only available for a limited time in August 2019 and featured a flame-grilled patty made from plants topped with sliced tomatoes and onions, lettuce, plant-based mayonnaise, ketchup and pickles on a toasted sesame seed bun. One Brands line of plant-based protein bars Protein bar maker One Brands released its first range of plant-based protein bars called One Plant, which were available in US retailers from October. These bars contain a range of plant-based proteins including pea protein, rice protein and almond protein, and each bar is non-GMO, gluten-free and dairy-free. The One Plant range consists of two flavours, chocolate peanut butter and banana nut bread, each containing 12g of protein and 1g of sugar. Asda own-label vegan range At the beginning of 2020, UK supermarket Asda launched a range of plant-based products from ready meals to sides, in a move to provide inexpensive meat alternative options. The 100% plant-based range was released under its ‘Asda Plant Based’ label and is approved by The Vegan Society. The products host the company’s new ‘live better’ logo to signpost the healthiest choices in its range. The launch was made following a recent research programme, which revealed that 52% of 18-34-year olds plan to reduce their meat intake in 2020. Incogmeato plant-based sausage alternatives Kellogg added to its Incogmeato range in February with plant-based alternatives to bratwurst and Italian sausages, made with non-GMO soy and feature 100% plant-based protein. Incogmeato, which is part of Kellogg’s MorningStar Farm brand, announced its plant-based line back in 2019. According to Kellogg, the “next-generation” Incogmeato plant-based protein line “looks, cooks and tastes just like meat”. Nestlé plant-based Nescafé Gold coffee mixes Nestlé has launched a new range of plant-based instant white coffees in summer 2019 under its Nescafé Gold brand, as it responded to a growing demand for non-dairy products. The blends are made with 100% arabica coffee and have been specially crafted to mix with the plant-based ingredients to create “smooth, creamy-tasting lattes”. The three flavours include oat, almond and coconut. Gato & Co vegan gluten-free cookie sandwiches UK dessert brand launched a vegan and gluten-free twist on classic cookie sandwiches earlier this year. Available in four different flavours: choc vanilla, choc peanut butter, choc hazelnut butter and salted caramel. The product is completely dairy, gluten and palm oil-free and is made using nut butters and coconut oil to replace butter. According to the plant-based bakers, the cookies are high in fibre and contain half the sugar of similar sweet snacks. Knorr vegan stock pot range Unilever-owned Knorr recently launched a range of vegan stock pots, to tap into the growing demand for flexitarian diets. The stock pots come in a variety of flavours including smoked chilli and tomato, paprika and sundried tomato, and kaffir lime and ginger variants to make it easier for shoppers to recreate these flavours at home. Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Burger In early 2020, Conagra Brands expanded its Gardein meat-free portfolio in the US with a new plant-based burger patty: the Ultimate Plant-Based Burger. According to Conagra, the burger is made with no soy ingredients and is said to look, cook and smell like real meat. Created from pea protein, the 4oz patties feature 19g of protein per serving. Earlybirds vegan-friendly ‘snacking drinks’ UK brand Earlybirds launched a range of vegan-friendly “snacking drinks” in summer 2019. The drinks are packaged in compostable bottles, have no added sugar, contain 20-30% of a consumer’s recommended intake of fibre and are available in two flavours: berry bircher, and mango and oats. Earlybirds claims they aim to make mornings easier by providing a healthy and convenient solution for breakfasts and snacking. Have you got a new plant-based innovation that you think is award-worthy? Enter our World Plant-Based Awards 2020 before Friday 24 July! #Food #plantbased #WorldPlantBasedAwards #WorldPlantBasedAwards2020

With the deadline for the 2020 World Plant-Based Innovation Awards less than a month away, on Friday 24 July, FoodBev takes a look back at some of the top new innovations on the plant-based market. Here, we have gathered a handful of some of the most popular new plant-based products featured on our website in 2019 and 2020, to provide a breakdown of the current industry landscape. Country Crock dairy-free plant butter September 2019 saw the launch of US-based Country Crock’s dairy-free plant butter, offering an alternative to its original buttery spread. Country Crock claim this offering bring ‘the taste of butter, made from plants’. According to the American company, production of plant-based butter results in less than half the greenhouse gas emissions as the production of dairy butter and its packaging is recyclable. This alternative to a classic dairy product is made using plant-based oils, such as olive, avocado and almond oil. Burger King plant-based Impossible Whopper Burger King partnered with California-based Impossible Foods to launch a plant-based version of its Whopper burger in the US, named the ‘Impossible Whopper’. This meat alternative offering was only available for a limited time in August 2019 and featured a flame-grilled patty made from plants topped with sliced tomatoes and onions, lettuce, plant-based mayonnaise, ketchup and pickles on a toasted sesame seed bun. One Brands line of plant-based protein bars Protein bar maker One Brands released its first range of plant-based protein bars called One Plant, which were available in US retailers from October. These bars contain a range of plant-based proteins including pea protein, rice protein and almond protein, and each bar is non-GMO, gluten-free and dairy-free. The One Plant range consists of two flavours, chocolate peanut butter and banana nut bread, each containing 12g of protein and 1g of sugar. Asda own-label vegan range At the beginning of 2020, UK supermarket Asda launched a range of plant-based products from ready meals to sides, in a move to provide inexpensive meat alternative options. The 100% plant-based range was released under its ‘Asda Plant Based’ label and is approved by The Vegan Society. The products host the company’s new ‘live better’ logo to signpost the healthiest choices in its range. The launch was made following a recent research programme, which revealed that 52% of 18-34-year olds plan to reduce their meat intake in 2020. Incogmeato plant-based sausage alternatives Kellogg added to its Incogmeato range in February with plant-based alternatives to bratwurst and Italian sausages, made with non-GMO soy and feature 100% plant-based protein. Incogmeato, which is part of Kellogg’s MorningStar Farm brand, announced its plant-based line back in 2019. According to Kellogg, the “next-generation” Incogmeato plant-based protein line “looks, cooks and tastes just like meat”. Nestlé plant-based Nescafé Gold coffee mixes Nestlé has launched a new range of plant-based instant white coffees in summer 2019 under its Nescafé Gold brand, as it responded to a growing demand for non-dairy products. The blends are made with 100% arabica coffee and have been specially crafted to mix with the plant-based ingredients to create “smooth, creamy-tasting lattes”. The three flavours include oat, almond and coconut. Gato & Co vegan gluten-free cookie sandwiches UK dessert brand launched a vegan and gluten-free twist on classic cookie sandwiches earlier this year. Available in four different flavours: choc vanilla, choc peanut butter, choc hazelnut butter and salted caramel. The product is completely dairy, gluten and palm oil-free and is made using nut butters and coconut oil to replace butter. According to the plant-based bakers, the cookies are high in fibre and contain half the sugar of similar sweet snacks. Knorr vegan stock pot range Unilever-owned Knorr recently launched a range of vegan stock pots, to tap into the growing demand for flexitarian diets. The stock pots come in a variety of flavours including smoked chilli and tomato, paprika and sundried tomato, and kaffir lime and ginger variants to make it easier for shoppers to recreate these flavours at home. Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Burger In early 2020, Conagra Brands expanded its Gardein meat-free portfolio in the US with a new plant-based burger patty: the Ultimate Plant-Based Burger. According to Conagra, the burger is made with no soy ingredients and is said to look, cook and smell like real meat. Created from pea protein, the 4oz patties feature 19g of protein per serving. Earlybirds vegan-friendly ‘snacking drinks’ UK brand Earlybirds launched a range of vegan-friendly “snacking drinks” in summer 2019. The drinks are packaged in compostable bottles, have no added sugar, contain 20-30% of a consumer’s recommended intake of fibre and are available in two flavours: berry bircher, and mango and oats. Earlybirds claims they aim to make mornings easier by providing a healthy and convenient solution for breakfasts and snacking. Have you got a new plant-based innovation that you think is award-worthy? Enter our World Plant-Based Awards 2020 before Friday 24 July!

US ‘better-for-you’ brand Caulipower has unveiled a new range of microwaveable Riced Cauliflower pots. The ‘nutritious’ rice substitute is available in three flavours: Baja Style, packed with corn, black beans, and red spices; Sesame Citrus, with a sesame flavour base and red pepper, edamame, and onion; and Curried, curry-flavoured with a ‘subtle kick’ of turmeric and green herbs. According to Caulipower, each variant in its new range contains 100-160kcal per pot and is packaged in a reusable, recyclable and dishwasher-safe container. The Los Angeles-headquartered brand says its Riced Cauliflower can be enjoyed as a snack, healthy side dish or convenient meal, and can be eaten as it comes or with the addition of toppings. The vegan rice alternative reportedly contains only 3-5g net carbs per serving, no added sugar, and is free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. “I said we’d never do riced cauliflower unless we could truly make it better-for-you, better tasting, and more convenient,” said Gail Becker, founder and CEO of Caulipower. “Through this latest innovation, that’s exactly what we’ve been able to do… all in category-busting packaging.” Caulipower Riced Cauliflower is available in the US, on Amazon and from retailers including Gelson’s, Dierbergs and Busch’s, with a further roll out planned for this summer. The US brand introduced several new products to its portfolio in 2019, including cauliflower-coated frozen chicken tenders and a line of frozen cauliflower tortillas. #Caulipower #US

US ‘better-for-you’ brand Caulipower has unveiled a new range of microwaveable Riced Cauliflower pots. The ‘nutritious’ rice substitute is available in three flavours: Baja Style, packed with corn, black beans, and red spices; Sesame Citrus, with a sesame flavour base and red pepper, edamame, and onion; and Curried, curry-flavoured with a ‘subtle kick’ of turmeric and green herbs. According to Caulipower, each variant in its new range contains 100-160kcal per pot and is packaged in a reusable, recyclable and dishwasher-safe container. The Los Angeles-headquartered brand says its Riced Cauliflower can be enjoyed as a snack, healthy side dish or convenient meal, and can be eaten as it comes or with the addition of toppings. The vegan rice alternative reportedly contains only 3-5g net carbs per serving, no added sugar, and is free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. “I said we'd never do riced cauliflower unless we could truly make it better-for-you, better tasting, and more convenient,” said Gail Becker, founder and CEO of Caulipower. “Through this latest innovation, that's exactly what we've been able to do… all in category-busting packaging.” Caulipower Riced Cauliflower is available in the US, on Amazon and from retailers including Gelson's, Dierbergs and Busch’s, with a further roll out planned for this summer. The US brand introduced several new products to its portfolio in 2019, including cauliflower-coated frozen chicken tenders and a line of frozen cauliflower tortillas.

Finnish food group Fazer has developed two new chocolate bars, one which is plant-based and vegan-friendly, and another which is made with xylitol and contains no added sugar. The limited-edition Fazer Oat Choco and Karl Fazer Crispy Mint with no added sugar bars will initially be available from Fazer outlets, but the company has announced that it intends to fully release the products in 2021 or 2022. The plant-based Fazer Oat Choco bar was created by pairing Finnish oats with responsibly-sourced cocoa, and the product is suitable for people who are lactose-intolerant, as well as vegans who want to avoid dairy products for reasons other than allergies Meanwhile, the Karl Fazer Crispy Mint milk chocolate with no added sugar bar contains no white sugar and is sweetened with xylitol. Fazer claims that, in future, the company will use oat-based xylitol from Fazer’s new xylitol plant in Lahti, Finland, which is currently under construction. Fazer Group’s head of research, Jussi Loponen, said: “Our talented chocolate technologists managed to develop delicious solutions to two challenges: a plant-based product and a chocolate with no added sugar.” Loponen added: “We are investing in expertise and technology related to oats. We have mills in Finland and Sweden. In addition to our beloved classics, we want to introduce new plant-based options in all our categories. “We have now taken our first step towards oats in our confectionery business, and we can also make use of this new innovation in other products.” #chocolate #Fazer #Finland

Finnish food group Fazer has developed two new chocolate bars, one which is plant-based and vegan-friendly, and another which is made with xylitol and contains no added sugar. The limited-edition Fazer Oat Choco and Karl Fazer Crispy Mint with no added sugar bars will initially be available from Fazer outlets, but the company has announced that it intends to fully release the products in 2021 or 2022. The plant-based Fazer Oat Choco bar was created by pairing Finnish oats with responsibly-sourced cocoa, and the product is suitable for people who are lactose-intolerant, as well as vegans who want to avoid dairy products for reasons other than allergies Meanwhile, the Karl Fazer Crispy Mint milk chocolate with no added sugar bar contains no white sugar and is sweetened with xylitol. Fazer claims that, in future, the company will use oat-based xylitol from Fazer’s new xylitol plant in Lahti, Finland, which is currently under construction. Fazer Group’s head of research, Jussi Loponen, said: “Our talented chocolate technologists managed to develop delicious solutions to two challenges: a plant-based product and a chocolate with no added sugar." Loponen added: “We are investing in expertise and technology related to oats. We have mills in Finland and Sweden. In addition to our beloved classics, we want to introduce new plant-based options in all our categories. "We have now taken our first step towards oats in our confectionery business, and we can also make use of this new innovation in other products."

The Tofoo Co. has expanded the production capacity at its factory in Yorkshire, UK, by approximately 70% following the installation of new equipment at the site. The Malton-headquartered tofu producer has installed a new soy milk cooker at the plant, which will enable to company to produce an additional 50 tonnes of plain tofu per week. The firm has also added new packing and pressing machinery to meet increased demand. The Tofoo Co. was acquired by its current owners in 2016, and the company’s annual turnover has increased from £600,000 to £14 million in this time. While the company solely produced plain block tofu prior to its takeover, The Tofoo Co. now produces tofu products containing Nigari, a natural ingredient which reportedly enhances the texture and taste of tofu products. The Tofoo Co. has released several new products this year, including Sage & Onion tofu Sizzlers in April and a range of Crispy Bites in March. A statement from the company claims that this latest expansion will allow it to meet the increasing demand for its products, driven by the increasing number of consumers following meat-free diets. David Knibbs, managing director of The Tofoo Co. said: “The arrival and installation of the new milk cooker marks a further one million pound investment at the Tofoo factory. “The new piece of equipment will support the business to increase its monthly turnover that currently sits at over £1 million. We’re also expanding our operational output with packing hall machinery and pressing to ensure we have enough capacity to meet the anticipated high demand. “Trends suggest that interest in trying tofu has increased, and with cafés and restaurants currently closed, people are experimenting more with what they can cook at home. “The tofu category penetration is continuing to increase, up 40% compared to two years ago, and its share in meat-free is growing month on month. The category has also added over 500,000 households in one year, however there are currently 5.8 million households eating meat-free who aren’t trying tofu. The opportunity for growth within the sector is significant.” #manufacturing #TheTofooCo #Tofu #UK