Simple Root Cream Cheese

©The Simple Root

Food & Beverage

The Simple Root, Backed by McCain Foods, is Launching Potato-Based Creamy Spreads and Dips in US

The Simple Root, a new plant-based brand backed by frozen potato giant McCain Foods, is bringing its vegetable-forward line of dips, cream cheese and artisan-style cheese spreads to the US this fall. The brand’s refrigerated products will first appear in major and specialty retailers in the Northeast.  Through an innovative process, Simple Root uses potatoes, sweet potatoes and parsnips to create a creamy product base, then blends in wholesome ingredients like vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices. All of its products are free from soy, nuts, gluten and artificial additives.  The products launching this fall include:  Dips Salsa Con Queso Sweet & Spicy Mango Sweet Potato Spinach, Artichoke & Kale Artisan Cheese-Style Spreads Sun-dried Tomato Caprese Smoked Gouda Cream Cheese-Style Spreads Original Plain Garlic & Herb …

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Sam Dennigan Strong Roots

Sam Dennigan © Strong Roots

Investments & Finance

Strong Roots Announces a $55M Investment From McCain to Expand Globally

Strong Roots announces a $55 million investment from McCain Foods in what is reportedly one of the largest deals in plant-based from a European competitor. The Dublin based company has a strong presence in mainstream US retail, is the fastest-growing food brand in the UK, and one of the few food brands to have received a B Corp certification. Young entrepreneur Samuel Dennigan launched Strong Roots in 2015 on a mission to “redefine frozen” and just three years later secured $18.3 million in a Series A funding. This year saw a widespread rollout into US retail including Kroger stores as well as Walmart and Wholefoods. Speaking to vegconomist in 2020, Dennigan said that the products’ simplicity is the secret to the brand’s success: “You break …

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Nugg

©Nuggs

Company News

Nuggs Raises $4.1M, Says “Food System is in Need of Complete Reinvention”, is Already Reinventing the Hot Dog

According to Food Dive, the plant-based chicken startup Nuggs received $4,1 million in investments and has founded its new parent company Simulate to expand the product range beyond the plantbased chicken nugget. By taking this step, Nuggs wants to prove itself as an alternative meat brand known for new and innovative products.

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