LoveRaw launches at Albert Heijn and Shell in the Netherlands

© LoveRaw

LoveRaw Launches at Hundreds of Albert Heijn and Shell Stores Across the Netherlands

Fast-growing UK-based vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw has gained new listings at two Dutch retailers — Shell and the Netherlands’ largest supermarket chain, Albert Heijn. LoveRaw’s M:lk Choc Wafer Multipack will now be available at 250 Albert Heijn stores, while the brand’s Cre&m Wafer Bar will be available at 150 Shell locations in M:lk and White varieties. This is LoveRaw’s first nationwide listing outside the UK, though the brand was already available in the Netherlands at Holland & Barrett and Flink. Within the UK, LoveRaw is available at major national retailers such as Tesco, Co-op, Waitrose, and Ocado. The brand recently announced that it would be launching at SPAR stores internationally after joining the retailer’s Challenger Brand program, and has also just secured its first ever …

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Vegan Zeastar Coconut Shrimpz

© Vegan Zeastar

Vegan Zeastar Adds Crispy Coconut Shrimpz to Plant-Based Shrimp Range

Netherlands-based Vegan Zeastar, which claims to be the world’s largest supplier of plant-based shrimp, introduces the newest member of its family of 100% plant-based shrimp with Crispy Coconut Shrimpz. The NPD joins the lineup of Crispy Chili Shrimpz, Crispy Lemon Shrimpz, and Original Vegan Shrimpz, as introduced in November last year. So far in 2023, Zeastar has also launched the “world’s first” complete range of vegan sushi and poke bowl products and more recently, another “world’s first” in the form of a plant-based king crab product which it claims is cheaper than the conventional equivalent. The company, a brand of Vegan Finest Foods, offers a wide product range ranging from vegan Sashimi Salmon, No Tuna, Tasty Codd, Kalamariz, and Tuna Schnitzel. The market is ready …

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The Kraft Heinz Not Company Mac & cheese

© The Kraft Heinz Not Company

The Kraft Heinz Not Company Unveils First Ever Plant-Based KRAFT Mac & Cheese with NotCheese

This morning, The Kraft Heinz Not Company LLC, a joint venture between NotCo and Kraft Heinz, announces the first-ever plant-based version of the iconic KRAFT Mac & Cheese in the United States. The KRAFT Mac & Cheese line, already a convenience food mainstay in North America, was extended with a vegan iteration back in 2021, which appears to have been limited to the Australian market. KRAFT also owns the Philadelphia brand which debuted a vegan cream cheese in 2022 and rolled out nationally across the US this year after the success of its trial. This new launch marks the first KRAFT Mac & Cheese produced with NotCo and featuring the company’s NotCheese. The company cites that the growth of health-conscious mac & cheese alternatives has …

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Hooked plant-based seafood range launches in Germany

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Hooked Launches Plant-Based Seafood Range at Hundreds of German Stores

Swedish plant-based seafood brand Hooked has expanded beyond the Nordic countries for the first time, announcing a launch at hundreds of REWE West stores in Germany. The expansion has been made possible by a partnership with leading sales agent Ooha, which will allow Hooked to launch at anywhere between 250 and 500 REWE stores. The product range will include plant-based salmon, tuna, and seafood spreads, all made using high-moisture extrusion technology. The launch comes as Germany increasingly gains a reputation as Europe’s biggest plant-based market; data published earlier this year revealed that the country’s meat consumption is at a record low, while consumption of plant-based foods is at a record high. “A growing demand” Hooked raised the capital to fuel the expansion in June, through …

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Beyond Meat Pizza Hut pizza

© Beyond Meat

Pizza Hut and Beyond Meat Unveil Beyond Pepperoni Range Across the UK

Pizza Hut UK and Beyond Meat announce the introduction of the Beyond Pepperoni pizza range at Pizza Hut delivery locations across the UK. Beginning January 2024, the plant-based pepperoni will also be available at Pizza Hut dine-in establishments for a limited time, aiming to cater to the evolving dietary preferences of pizza consumers.  The Beyond Pepperoni range features the Big New Yorker, a 16” pepperoni and cheese pizza, Beyond Pepperoni Feast with mixed peppers, and Beyond Pepperoni Melt pizza. By default, these pizzas come with regular mozzarella cheese, but Violife’s vegan cheese is available on request (at no extra cost) to make them 100% vegan. Hazell White, Head of Brand & Innovation at Pizza Hut UK & Europe, expressed pride in the partnership with Beyond …

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Asda vegan turkey - part of the vegan Christmas range

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Asda Launches Extensive Vegan Christmas Range, Including Turkey With “Skin”

This year, UK supermarket chain Asda is offering an extensive vegan Christmas range featuring 57 products. Some of the highlights of the range are: Whole No Turkey — Made from a combination of wheat, pea, and soy protein, this turkey alternative features a unique crispy “skin” coating. Like conventional turkey, it also has a light-coloured “breast” and darker-coloured “legs”, with the two plant-based meats having different textures. Oyster & Porcini Mushroom Wellington — Designed for those who prefer a more vegetable-based option, this wellington contains white and oyster mushrooms with pea protein. The filling is topped with chestnut and porcini mushroom duxelles and wrapped in pastry. Mushroom Pigs in Smoky Aubergine Bacon — A plant-based version of traditional pigs in blankets (small sausages wrapped in …

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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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VFC unbreaded vegan chicken

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VFC Launches Vegan Chick*n Breasts & “First-to-Market” Chick*n Mince

UK-based brand VFC has launched a new range of “naked” unbreaded vegan chicken, with two products — Chick*n Mince and Chick*n Breasts — rolling out in the frozen aisle at supermarket chain Morrisons. The launch marks an expansion beyond VFC’s core range of southern-fried coated vegan chick*n. The brand hopes the products will reach a wider range of consumers, as they are suitable for multiple usage occasions. The new plant-based mince is claimed to be a first-to-market product, with 31g of protein per 100g and 65% less saturated fat than conventional chicken mince. It is also gluten-free. The chicken-style breasts are said to “replicate the shape, juicy texture, and taste of real chicken breasts”, making the swap to plant-based as easy as possible. “Our vegan …

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Upton's Naturals vegan hot dog

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Upton’s Naturals Announces Massive Retail Expansion, Cites Slow-Growth Strategy as Key to Trajectory of Success

Upton’s Naturals, a Chicago-based trailblazer in the plant-based meat industry, reveals it has secured a significant retail listing at Publix stores across the US, with founder Daniel Staackman citing the company’s slow growth strategy as the secret to the brand’s continued success. The self-funded company announces today that five of its SKUs are set to roll out onto shelves of over 1,300 Publix locations across the USA starting January 2024. The new listings entail Chorizo Seitan, Traditional Seitan, Updog Vegan Hot Dogs, Bar-B-Que Jackfruit, and Chili Lime Jackfruit. Upton’s Naturals has been operational for over 17 years, and despite the fluctuating dynamics of the plant-based market, the company has continued to thrive. The company reports that it has experienced a consistent upward trajectory in sales, …

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ZENB yellow pea lasagne

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Chicago’s ZENB Launches Yellow Pea-Based Lasagna and Cavatappi

Chicago-based food company ZENB announces its latest line expansion with ZENB Lasagna and ZENB Cavatappi. According to the company, the two new products are a first in the gluten-free, plant-based pasta category. The new products are said to offer the same mouthfeel as wheat pasta, but with more protein and fiber and no additives. According to the company, both ZENB Lasagna and ZENB Cavatappi are the first of their kind to have the same texture as wheat products, but with a clean label and made from just a single ingredient: whole yellow peas. The ZENB lasagna can be prepared in the oven like the original and enables the preparation of complex, multi-layered dishes. “This year was a unique year for ZENB as we entered retail …

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Palace Culture Kimcheeze

© Palace Culture

Organic Vegan Cheese Brand Palace Culture Gains First Major Retail Listing at Waitrose

Palace Culture, an organic vegan cheese producer based in London, UK, has gained a nationwide retail listing at supermarket chain Waitrose. Three of the brand’s cheeses are now available at Waitrose stores: Mouldy Goaty — An alternative to aged goat’s cheese, made from cashews and almonds for a creamy texture. The product received a Great Taste award earlier this year. Kimcheeze — Made from cashews combined with kimchi brine. Holy Smokes — Also made from cashews, with the addition of cayenne pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika. All the cheeses are fermented with live cultures, which are said to be beneficial for gut health. Palace Culture cheeses are also available at retailers such as Whole Foods, Planet Organic, Selfridges, Abel & Cole, and The Vegan Kind. …

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The Coconut Collab new barista milk lifestyle shot

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London’s Coconut Collab Launches “Game-Changing” Barista-Style M!LK

The Coconut Collab, founded in 2014 by entrepreneur James Averdieck, former founder of Gü, announces the addition of M!LK™ to its existing range of dairy-free yogurts, creams, and puddings. Initially launching at Ocado with a wider retailer rollout planned from January 2024, M!LK is said to offer a perfect froth while not altering the taste profile of tea or other beverages. The brand describes it as a “game-changing, barista-style M!LK™ that looks, tastes, and behaves just like its dairy counterparts”. The Coconut Collab has seen continued success over recent years and claims its natural yogurt is presently the UK’s leading dairy-free coconut yogurt. Its Double Cre&m has been served at the Wimbledon tennis championships for the last two years and is also available at Tesco …

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New York's Blackbird Foods announces the launch of a new plant-based pizza topped with Beyond Meat's plant-based pepperoni and vegan cheese.

Image courtesy of Blackbird Foods

Blackbird Foods Launches “Meatier” Plant-Based Pepperoni Pizza with Beyond Meat

New York’s Blackbird Foods announces the launch of a new plant-based pizza topped with Beyond Meat’s plant-based pepperoni and vegan cheese.  The brand’s Pepperoni Pizza, debuting in a new magenta packaging, is already available in the frozen aisle at The Fresh Market, Central Market, Earthfare, nationwide, and at select regions of Whole Foods across the USA. Blackbird Foods, which manufactures most of its own pizza toppings, launched a pepperoni pizza in 2022. However, the brand decided to “refresh” its recipe to satisfy pepperoni pizza enthusiasts. The company argues that Beyond Pepperoni is “meatier,” offering a “delectable” taste and crispy edges. “Pepperoni is one of the most popular pizza toppings, and we’re proud to provide Blackbird with a delicious, plant-based version that delivers the taste and …

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Better Balance on X

Better Balance Introduces 3 Plant-Forward Burgers in Spain, Including Patty Made Entirely with Garden Vegetables

Better Balance, a plant-based brand launched by the Sigma Group in 2022 and headquartered in Madrid for EU operations, Dallas for US operations, and Monterrey for Mexico, continues its expansion in the Spanish market with the launch of three plant-based burger SKUs. In line with the current trend for plant-forward, whole food products where the vegetables are the star, as a contrast to meat analogues with a focus on replicating the taste of animal products, the new launch entails the Huerta Burger, the Eggplant Burger, and the Spinach Burger, each featuring vegetables as the hero ingredient. The additions come as a line extension to the burger launched in Spain this April, allowing the company to offer the most complete and varied range of burgers on …

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Rügenwalder Mühle Paulled Pork

© Rügenwalder Mühle

Rügenwalder Mühle Launches “Paulled Pork” in Collab with Brand Abmassador Paul Ripke

Germany’s Rügenwalder Mühle, a meat manufacturer which became the German market leader in meat alternatives, is continuing its partnership with brand ambassador Paul Ripke, a German fashion and sports photographer and music video director, with a new product launch of the vegan snack “Paulled Pork”. The vegan pulled pork product, described as a “fluffy yeast dough roll filled with vegan pulled pork in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce”, with no added flavour enhancers or thickeners, will feature as part of Rügenwalder Mühle’s Veganuary campaign and integrated into the company’s social media activities in addition to shopper activation at the POS. Paul Ripke, known for his photographs and videos of athletes, celebrities and models, has been a brand ambassador for Rügenwalder Mühle since August 2023. …

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THIS plant-based chicken pieces new recipe

© THIS

THIS Upgrades Plant-Based Chicken Pieces, Cutting Ingredients List by 50%

THIS, a UK  company that describes itself as “a plant-based food brand for meat-lovers”, has launched a new and improved version of its plant-based chicken pieces. Developed after 18 months of R&D, the new recipe is described as “tender, succulent, and tasty”. It is also simpler than the original recipe, with the ingredients list cut by 50% and various additives removed. According to THIS, the chicken-style pieces have “the most fibrous texture yet”, while remaining low in saturated fat and high in protein and fibre. It comes after THIS previously upgraded its beef-style burgers in August, accompanying the relaunch with a campaign challenging Beyond Meat. “This recipe is now so similar to chicken, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mel Gibson wanted to do its voice-over,” …

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Crispy seaweed sticks made from French seaweed

© ZALG

ZALG Launches Crispy Seaweed Sticks Made From Locally Grown French Seaweed

ZALG, a French producer of algae-based food innovations, has launched a new product — crispy seaweed sticks. Based in Brittany, ZALG uses locally-grown seaweed and macroalgae to develop sustainable, healthy plant-based foods. The seaweed sticks consist of a light sea vegetable filling surrounded by a thin layer of crispy breadcrumbs, with two flavours available — lemon zest and onion. Intended for food service professionals, the crispy seaweed sticks can be prepared in a fryer in just 90 seconds. Suggested applications include sharing boards, sandwiches, and wraps. “We are creating a new realm of possibilities in the use of seaweed in cooking to meet the current demands for a healthy, delicious, and sustainable diet,” said Tanguy Gestin, co-founder of ZALG. “French culinary heritage” ZALG was founded …

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Daring Foods frozen entrees

© Daring Foods

Daring Foods Announces US Retail Launch of 5 New Plant-Based Frozen Entrees

Daring Foods has officially launched a new line of plant-based and gluten-free frozen entrees. With the launch, the company, known for its clean-label plant-based chicken made from simple ingredients, expands its product range with convenient, plant-based ready meals. Daring Foods originally debuted these entrees at Expo West in California in March of this year and announced plans for a retail launch, which has now materialized this week.  Ross Mackay, CEO and founder of Daring Foods, commented on the company’s mission, stating, “We’ve always been on a mission to transform the category by offering delicious plant-based options that embrace diverse tastes and dietary preferences.” Daring’s frozen entrees offer over 16 grams of protein per meal, ranging from 350 to 460 for the entire serving. The company says …

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Wicked Kitchen frozen entrees

© Wicked Kitchen

Wicked Kitchen’s Frozen Entrees Hit Shelves in Target Stores Nationwide

Global plant-based food brand Wicked Kitchen has announced the launch of its lineup of frozen entrees at nationwide Target stores in the US. This expansion comes just two years after the company’s entry into the US market in 2,500 stores across the country in what the company claims was the largest plant-based product rollout in US grocery history.  The news comes towards the end of a busy year for Wicked Kitchen, with the launch of several new product lines, company acquisitions, retail expansion in the UK, and notable investments. Pete Speranza, CEO of Wicked Kitchen, commented, “The launch at Target is another step towards giving more access to plant-based foods to consumers, and it’s especially exciting since we share the same hometown of Minneapolis. It is validating to have such …

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Bauer Zum Gluck range

© Bauer

EXCLUSIVE: Dairy Company Bauer & Kern Tec Launch ZUM GLÜCK! Alt Dairy Range Using Upcycled Apricot Kernels

German dairy group Bauer, founded in 1887, one of the leading dairy companies in Germany with a turnover of more than €600 million, announces to vegconomist it has partnered with Austria’s Kern Tec for the development of a range of dairy alternative products under the newly formed “ZUM GLÜCK!” brand, with an innovative flavour based on apricot kernels – an upcycled product from fruit cultivation. ZUM GLÜCK! (translating as “fortunately” or “luckily”) will launch in January 2024, offering a comprehensive range of plant-based indulgence products exclusively on the German market. “We are looking forward to launching our new plant-based Bauer brand “ZUM GLÜCK!”. With “ZUM GLÜCK!”, we are exclusively offering a top plant-based range with an innovative flavour based on upcycled apricot kernels. To this …

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