© Swizzels

Swizzels Launches Campaign Urging Retailers to Stock Vegan Sweets for Veganuary

UK-based confectionery brand Swizzels has launched a new campaign reminding retailers to stock up on its range of vegan sweets for Veganuary 2024. Featuring the tagline “All these, all vegan, all year”, the campaign aims to point out that the vegan confectionery is available year-round, not just in January. This is the fourth year that the company has launched a Veganuary-inspired campaign. Founded in 1928, Swizzels offers a range of classic British sweets. Many of the best-loved — such as Love Hearts, Refreshers, Parma Violets, and Drumsticks — are now suitable for vegans, after being reformulated in recent years. High demand For Veganuary 2023, Swizzels launched a range of six new vegan sweets, including three variety bags (Luscious Lollies, Scrumptious Sweets, and Curious Chews), along …

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© Loryma, Crespel & Deiters Group

“Eggscellent” plant-based ingredient for vegan baked goods

Ever-increasing sales of plant-based, baked goods are a strong incentive for the creation of innovative new product launches in the category. Here, a new compound from Loryma ensures optimal dough stability and volume without the need for eggs or milk. Top-quality, great-tasting muffins and sponge cakes are just two of the numerous product concepts made possible with Loryma’s latest ingredient innovation, Lory® Stab. While meat and dairy substitutes are now standard supermarket offerings, there is still a distinct lack of variety when it comes to vegan baked goods, despite increasing consumer demand. Here, compensating for the technological properties of hens’ eggs in dough can be a complex task, yet it’s one which can be easily addressed with a new stabilizing system in Loryma’s Lory® Stab …

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Kallo Veggie Thins

© Kallø

UK Healthy Snacking Leader Kallø Enters Cripbread Market with New Veggie Thins Innovation

Kallø, the UK’s leading jumbo rice cake brand, owned by Ecotone UK, is building on the success of its £25M1 snacking portfolio which includes its much-loved Veggie Cakes made from lentils and peas, with the launch of its first plant-based and gluten-free cracker, Kallø Veggie Thins. Entering the UK’s crispbread and crackers category, which according to Kallø is booming with a market value of £334M4, the new Kallø Veggie Thins are crunchy snacking flatbreads, made with chickpeas, baked not fried, and contain no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. The product debuts in three flavours: Kallø Veggie Thins Rosemary & Sea Salt; Kallø Veggie Thins Mixed Seeds; and Kallø Veggie Thins Beetroot & Mixed Seed. Younger consumers pay more for healthy innovations The crispbreads target the …

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© WNWN

Cocoa-Free Chocolate Brand WNWN Launches Globally for Wholesale & Food Service

WNWN Food Labs, a UK-based producer of cocoa-free chocolate, has announced that wholesale packs of its products are now available worldwide to supply food service outlets, bakeries, CPG companies, and more. WNWN already partners with several bakeries and restaurants across the UK and the EU, and recently entered a joint development agreement with leading European bakery and confectionery supplier Martin Braun-Gruppe. The supplier has customers in over 70 countries worldwide. WNWN’s dark and plant-based m•lk choc are now available as easy-melt buttons in 1.5kg pouches, 10kg packs, and pallets; both varieties are free of dairy, palm oil, caffeine, and theobromine. Since the products are made using plant-based fermentation techniques, they also do not contribute to the ethical issues (such as deforestation, child labor, and slavery) …

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A close shot of woman hands splitting in two a peanut chocolate bar

© LoveRaw

Vegan Chocolate Market to Be Worth $2Bn by 2032, Growing at 13.1% CAGR

According to a report by Allied Market Research, significant growth is expected for the vegan chocolate market over the coming decade, with the market value expected to rise from $585.8 million in 2022 to $2 billion in 2032 — a CAGR of 13.1%. Demand will be driven by an increased focus on sustainable and animal-friendly options, along with the perception of plant-based products as a healthier choice. However, the market could be restrained by a lack of production capacity, along with the difficulty of sourcing ingredients at a reasonable cost. Additionally, plant-based chocolate typically requires significant R&D due to the challenge of replicating the taste and texture of dairy-based products, and distribution is more limited than for conventional chocolate. To counter these challenges, the report …

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Mumbai’s Ode to Gaia Aims to “Flip the Script on Vegan Patisserie” in India

Ode to Gaia is a fully plant-based patisserie in Mumbai, India. The business aims to “flip the script on vegan patisserie”, offering luxury pastries and desserts that are free of dairy, eggs, and gelatin. Founded in 2019 by Chef Naimita Jagasi, Ode to Gaia uses innovative ingredients to make plant-based versions of complex desserts. This includes a specially developed potato protein-based egg substitute that can be used to stabilize cakes, mousses, and more. The patisserie has also created its own white chocolate alternative made from cashews and cacao butter. Ode to Gaia has a focus on sustainable sourcing, using Fair Trade and locally produced ingredients where possible. The patisserie also works to uplift women through equal-opportunity employment and upskilling. Additionally, Ode to Gaia caters for …

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Krispy Kreme Australia is celebrating World Vegan Day on November 1st with the launch of a vegan-friendly doughnut range.

Image courtesy of Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme Australia Joins World Vegan Day with New Chocolate and Apple Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme Australia is celebrating World Vegan Day on November 1st with the launch of a vegan doughnut range and the permanent addition of one of the vegan treats to the brand’s lineup.  Crafted in two flavours — Fudge Brownie Bliss and Apple Custard Crumble — the new sweets are available at the same price as regular doughnuts at Krispy Kreme and 7-Eleven locations nationwide and online at Krispy Kreme’s website.  Adam Jacka, marketing area lead at 7-Eleven Australia, said: “A growing number of our customers have a vegan or plant-based diet, so we are thrilled to be stocking the new Krispy Kreme vegan-friendly range.” “Incredible” flavours for all The new plant-based range will surprise and delight vegans and non-vegans alike, says the company, adding that the …

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WNWN cocoa-free chocolate bars

© WNWN

WNWN Launches Three Cocoa-Free Chocolate Bars That “Riff on UK Favourites”

UK-based cocoa-free chocolate producer WNWN Food Labs has launched three new bars that pay homage to some of the country’s most popular chocolate bars — both in taste and in packaging. They are: Choc Nut — Combines cocoa-free choc with layers of hazelnut paste. Choc Orange — Orange and grapefruit flavour choc. Vegan M•lk Choc — A classic plant-based milk choc bar. The cocoa alternative used in the bars is made using plant-based fermentation techniques, and is free of caffeine and theobromine. All packaging is either recyclable or compostable. WNWN aims to provide a more ethical alternative to conventional chocolate production, which has been associated with deforestation, slavery, and child labour. About a year ago, the company announced that it would be increasing its production …

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New vegan Fruit-tella chews

Image courtesy of Fruit-tella

Fruit-tella Launches Vegan-Friendly Version of Best-Selling Fruit Chews

Leading UK confectioner Fruit-tella announces that its best-selling fruit-flavored chews — Strawberry Mix, the Duo Stix, and the Berries & Cherries edition — will launch in a vegan-friendly version, with the original chews having included gelatine on the ingredients list. Having already launched a range of gelatine-free jellies in 2019, this new vegan Fruit-tella will roll out across stores throughout the UK this November, supported by social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, and sampling. Lauren Potter, senior brand manager at Fruit-tella, highlighted the effort to perfect a vegan recipe replicating the original taste and texture of Fruit-tella’s beloved chews. According to the company, the vegan recipe contains real fruit juice and all-natural colorings and flavors to “deliver fruity joy to an even bigger audience.” Plant-based Confectionery In …

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A woman with a transparent bag with many nucao chocolate bars inside

© the nu company

The Nu Company Secures Media Deal to Make Sustainable Chocolate the Norm in Germany

SevenAccelerator announces a media investment in the nu company, the German food tech behind the vegan chocolate brand, nucao, known for its organic and fair trade sourced chocolate and environmentally friendly packaging. An early-stage venture capital arm of the German mass media and digital company ProSiebenSat.1 Media and part of SevenVentures, a leading TV media investor, SevenAccelerator makes individually tailored investments in consumer-focused startups developing sustainable products.  The media deal will give nucao advertising exposure through ProSiebenSat.1’s TV and digital media to expand the brand’s awareness and distribution channels across Germany, stated the VC. Additionally, nucao will leverage the expertise of the digital group to reach and engage with specific target audiences to develop its marketing strategy. Becoming the standard Nucao’s advertising campaign on TV and …

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Culiraw vegan cheesecake

© Culiraw

New York-Based Culiraw Introduces Vegan Cheesecake Line Made from Raw Cashews

Culiraw, a New York-based vegan dessert maker, has unveiled a line of seven raw vegan cheesecakes, presenting a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional cheesecakes. The company’s vegan cheesecakes are crafted utilizing premium, whole, plant-based ingredients to deliver a “guilt-free” dessert experience. Raw cashews serve as the base for Culiraw’s cheesecakes, complemented by natural sweeteners such as dates, agave, and maple syrup. Silvia Vidova, the founder of Culiraw, told vegconomist, “I can never say no to a dessert. But only when I started to care more about nutrition and wellbeing I realized that eating conventional desserts often is not a way to go.” These plant-based creations come in seven flavors: Raspberry Chocolate, Strawberry, Mango, Blueberry, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter Chocolate, each carefully designed to mirror …

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Schouten has introduced an NPD for the plant-based snack segment: Vegetable Bites.

Image courtesy of Schouten

Schouten Launches Plant-Based Snack for Kids Packed with 46% Vegetables

As insufficient vegetable intake continues to be a growing problem, especially among children, Schouten, a pioneering Dutch company in plant proteins, has introduced an NPD for the plant-based snack segment: Vegetable Bites. Schouten’s new bites, packed with 46% vegetables, include corn, carrot, garden peas, onion, and red bell pepper. The nuggets are said to offer a crunchy texture. To make them appealing to children and adults alike, they come in heart, round, and star shapes. “80% of the children who tried the bites would like to eat them again. Adults also responded very positively to this introduction,” comments Kees Van den Heuvel, Trade Marketer at Schouten. The growing snacking category According to Van den Heuvel, the NPD addresses the increasing demand for plant-based snacks and the …

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Lindt vegan LINDOR truffles made from oatmilk

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Lindt USA Launches Vegan LINDOR Truffles Made From Oat Milk

Swiss chocolatier Lindt has expanded its dairy-free range in the US with vegan versions of the popular LINDOR truffles. The chocolates are available in two varieties — Oatmilk and Dark Oatmilk. They are described as providing a “smooth, melting chocolate experience in a finely crafted premium oatmilk chocolate shell”. “These chocolate candy truffles are the perfect chocolate indulgence for those who do not consume dairy products but still crave a premium chocolate experience,” says Lindt on its website. “Each plant-based, nondairy chocolate truffle is made with premium ingredients, including the finest cocoa and gluten-free oats. These individually wrapped Lindt LINDOR truffles are the perfect size to enjoy anytime, anywhere.” The truffles can be found US-wide at stores such as CVS Pharmacy, Albertsons, and Safeway, with …

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pink albatross

©pink albatross

Spain’s Pink Albatross Opens Funding Round, Aiming to Raise Over €1M

Pink Albatross, a 100% plant-based ice cream company based in Madrid, has opened a financing round with the aim of raising between 1 and 1.5 million euros. The company’s objective is to consolidate its growth after reaching more than 2,000 points of sale in Spain, Portuga,l and Germany. The four pillars on which it will focus are: Innovation and new products: Pink Albatross currently has a wide variety of flavours and formats and with this financing, the company intends to expand its product portfolio. New marketing and sales activities with the aim of increasing both brand awareness and distribution. Recruitment of personnel: due to its strong growth in recent months, the company plans to expand its team. Maintenance of working capital or working capital Robust …

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LoveRaw to launch at SPAR stores internationally

© LoveRaw

Plant-Based Chocolate Brand LoveRaw to Launch at SPAR Stores Internationally

LoveRaw, a plant-based chocolate brand based in the UK, is set to launch at SPAR stores internationally after being accepted into the retailer’s Challenger Brand program. SPAR is one of the world’s largest food retailers, with almost 14,000 stores in 48 countries and more than 14.7 million customers served daily. Through the program, SPAR will help LoveRaw gain access to new regions, facilitating the company’s overseas growth. Other challenger brands in the program include Oatly and ethical chocolate producer Tony’s Chocoloney. To qualify, companies must typically be growing faster than their established competitors, with a proven track record of success in at least one market. LoveRaw said it had worked hard to meet the strict criteria for entrance into the program, with the process taking …

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NOMO after dinner mints

© NOMO

NOMO Launches the “First Ever” Vegan & Free-From After Dinner Mint Chocolate

The UK’s leading vegan + free-from chocolate brand, NOMO, exclusively launches a new Mint Sharing Box into Tesco, stating the product marks the first ever vegan after-dinner mint that’s free from dairy, gluten, egg, and nuts.  Crucially, NOMO states that the new product highlights its “mission that vegan and free from consumers are not an afterthought and should not have to wait years for new flavours to be released in a format safe for them to consume”. The brand has been at the forefront of seasonal launches in the vegan and free-from market over recent years, consistently introducing offerings in the Easter and Christmas periods for those who choose not to consume dairy or those with food allergies. This April, NOMO revealed some impressive growth …

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The Bettering Company cannabis edibles

© The Bettering Company

The Bettering Company Secures $6.7 Million in for Luxury Vegan Cannabis Edibles

The Bettering Company, a Chicago-based luxury cannabis edibles brand, has announced the successful completion of a $6.7 million funding round, propelling its total funding to $11 million. Founded by Mark Cozzi and Drake Nickell, the company is set to launch its THC-infused gummies in the fall of 2023, with initial plans to hit dispensaries across Illinois.  The funding, which encompasses investments from experienced venture capitalists, cannabis industry specialists, and consumer packaged goods investors, will be allocated toward two primary objectives. Firstly, the completion of The Bettering Company’s state-of-the-art commercial kitchen facility in Rockford, Illinois, is a priority. Secondly, the company intends to bolster its management team by recruiting top-tier talent in sales, marketing, and food production. The cannabis market In 2022, Americans spent an estimated …

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Dr. Bronner's oat milk chocolate

© Dr. Bronner's

Dr. Bronner’s Launches New Oat Milk Chocolate Line Made with Regenerative Organic Ingredients

Dr. Bronner’s, the American producer of organic soap and personal care products, announces the launch of its new Oat Milk Chocolate line. The new line features three flavors: Crunchy Hazelnut Butter, Creamy Mocha Latte, and Golden Milk Chai. In 2021, Dr. Bronner’s entered the vegan chocolate market as a result of its efforts to support ethical practices for palm and cocoa farmers in eastern Ghana. The new chocolate is made with a blend of Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients, including cocoa from Ghana and Ivory Coast, coconut sugar from Indonesia, and cocoa butter from Congo, according to the company. “Our new plant-based Oat Milk Chocolate offers the smooth, creamy texture and sweetness milk chocolate lovers desire,” said Michael Bronner, president of Dr. Bronner’s.  In addition to its commitment …

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Crave secures Sainsbury's listing

© Crave

CRAVE Secures Listing at Sainsbury’s for Recently Relaunched Vegan Snacks

UK challenger brand CRAVE, winner of TV pitch show Aldi’s Next Big Thing, announces this week it has achieved a listing at selected Sainsbury’s stores for recently re-launched snacks Pickled Onion Noughties and Hot & Spicy Hot Dawgs. The free-from producer recently faced legal challenges when the names of three of its products were deemed too similar to those made by major brands, in a now altogether too familiar situation in the plant-based space. In response to the cease and desist letters, CRAVE agreed to rename its products. Following these tumultuous times for the startup, it comments this week that the new Sainsbury’s listing shows that perseverance has paid off and that the free-from and vegan market is very much in demand. Created by food …

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OGGS Mega Cupcakes

© OGGS

OGGS Launches Vegan Mega Cupcakes as Study Finds Most Brands Use Non-Free-Range Eggs

Plant-based bakery brand OGGS has launched a new product, caramel and vanilla Mega Cupcakes, after commissioning research into the types of eggs most commonly used in bakery products. The study, carried out by the Hen Welfare Trust, shows that major brands such as Mr. Kipling, Cadbury’s, and McVities mostly use eggs from barn-raised or sometimes even caged chickens. While 92% of consumers say they buy free-range shell eggs, 67% were not aware that most eggs used in baked goods are not free-range. When informed of this, 89% said they would be more likely to choose different bakery products in future. OGGS’ baked goods are entirely plant-based, using aquafaba as an egg alternative. The new Mega Cupcakes consist of large vanilla sponges with a caramel and …

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