Brazil

Nude. and Mae Terra launch oat milk range for children with carbon footprint labels

© Nude.
Products & Launches

Brazil: Nude. and Mãe Terra Introduce Oat-based Drinks for Kids with Carbon Footprint Labels

Brazilian oat specialist Nude. and Mãe Terra Produtos Naturais e Orgânicos have partnered to create a line of sustainable oat-based children’s drinks that display the product’s carbon footprint on the packaging. The new Nude. Zooreta oat milk range comes in three flavors: cocoa, red fruit, and vitamin (banana, apple, and papaya). The initiative marks the first time for Mãe Terra, though carbon footprint labels are already part of Nude.’s climate-transparent message. Both companies are B Corp Certified. The new vegan drink range will be part of Mãe Terra’s Zooreta portfolio, which includes snacks, granola, and cookies for children. Suitable for vegans and lactose-intolerants, the drinks are gluten-free, without added sugar or additives to offer a clean-label alternative. Lower environmental impact  Nude. was founded in 2020 by Giovanna Meneghel and Alexander Appel in …

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Naturinni and Mini Kalzone launch vegan calzone with provolone cheese

Image credit: Mini Kalzone FB

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Brazil: Naturinni’s Provolone Cheese Hits the Mass Market with Mini Kalzone’s First Vegan Offering

Brazilian food tech Naturinni Plant-Based has partnered with Mini Kalzone to launch the first vegan offering of the restaurant chain: a calzone filled with Naturinni Provolone and vegetables.  Mini Kalzone, a casual dining restaurant specializing in calzones, juices, and smoothies, is a franchise beloved by Brazil’s surfing community with over 125 stores across Brazil. The chain offers a wide range of calzone flavors, including whole wheat and vegetarian, but until now its menu did not include a vegan option. The market for plant-based foods is rapidly increasing in Brazil. Fazenda Futuro has been expanding its product line entering the plant-based milk category, NotCo has launched NPDs, such as its AI-powered chickpea-based cream, and Grano Alimentos (Grano Foods), a leader in the frozen vegetable sector in Brazil, has …

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Grounded People Shoes

©Grounded People
Shoes

Canada’s Grounded People Launches Vegan Suede and Leather Shoes, Produced in “World’s Only” 100% Vegan Factory

Grounded People Apparel Inc. of Vancouver, Canada (CSE: SHOE), today announces the launch of its first-ever cruelty-free leather and suede shoes, which are produced in what the brand claims is the world’s only 100% vegan factory, located in Brazil. The Oli is a grey cruelty-free suede shoe while the Mika features vegan white leather and an outsole made from all-natural gum. Grounded People says that its iconic Lee shoe, made from 100% recycled cotton and rubber from rubber trees, is now available again due to popular demand. Also noteworthy is its collection launched in the US and Canada this March, composed of footwear crafted from recycled materials such as used car tires and volcanized natural rubber. Grounded People’s products are 100% PeTA-approved vegan and are manufactured …

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A plant-based burger by Geronimo Foods

© Gerônimo Foods
Investments & Finance

Grano Alimentos Acquires Vegan Brand Gerônimo Foods to Capitalize on Growing Flexitarian Market

Grano Alimentos (Grano Foods), a leader in the frozen vegetable sector in Brazil, has announced the acquisition of Gerônimo Foods, a vegan meat and snack brand, to continue its expansion in the plant-based category. Despite the rumors of the sector’s demise, the frozen food giant has made two investments in the sector in a short period. Last year, the company purchased Mr. Veggy, a vegan frozen food brand, to expand to other categories with a convenient and healthy food offer. InfoMoney recently reported that the company intends to capitalize on flexitarian demand to reach its revenue goals (half a billion in sales by 2025).  “The difference is that it’s a core product for us. We are a plant-based company and have no intention of being a meat analog. We also …

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OCA Low Sneakers

©Cariuma
Shoes

This World Ocean Day, Cariuma Partners with Coral Vita to Launch “Coral Saving” OCA Low Sneakers

In honor of World Ocean Day, sustainable sneaker brand Cariuma announces it is partnering with Coral Vita to launch a special collection of OCA Low shoes. Through their collaboration, Cariuma will support Coral Vita’s work to restore degraded coral reefs, and help save 10cm² of coral reef for every pair purchased. Featuring a design of churning waves, the new OCA Low sneakers are meant to evoke the energy and strength of the world’s oceans. The 100% vegan style is made with organic cotton canvas and natural rubber for comfort and fit. The show also offers a unique cap toe design and a fully-stitched lightweight outsole for a more durable shoe. Based in Brazil, Cariuma is known for its “better-for-the-earth materials” that offset carbon emissions and utilize …

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PlantPlus Foods' products

© PlantPlus Foods FB
Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Meat Giant Spinoff Predicts Resurgence of the Plant-Based Meat Sector

After an initial period of rapid, over-hyped, VC-backed growth, plant-based meat sales have slowed in many markets, in line with the current economic environment. Still, PlantPlus Foods, a joint venture between Marfrig (the second-largest beef producer in Brazil after JBS) and US agribusiness ADM, predicts that demand for alt meat will grow as food inflation relaxes and vegan products become more affordable, tastier, and offer more variety. To reignite the trend, companies must invest in developing better and more varied products in terms of taste, nutrition, and price. Alt meats have struggled to compete with animal meat products due to their higher price and waning consumer curiosity, John Pinto, CEO of PlantPlus Foods, told Bloomberg. $30 billion in a decade PlantPlus expects global plant-based food sales to …

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Future Farm Plant-Based Burger

©Future Farm

Products & Launches

Future Farm to Launch Oat Milk in Brazil, Reveals Plans for Plant-Based Cheese and Honey

Brazil’s Future Farm, also known as Fazendo Futuro, says it will launch its first-ever plant-based milk, Future Oat, to Brazilian consumers starting in May. The company also revealed it plans to enter several new CPG categories, including plant-based honey, cheese and Brazilian-style meat snacks, reports Food Dive.   According to CEO Alexandre Ruberti, Future Oat will be available in chocolate, vanilla, barista, oat and cooking varieties. He states the company will use lower prices and its familiar branding to help the product stand out against competition.  In addition to Brazil, Ruberti reports the company is currently focused on marketing the product in the US, UK, and Germany. Noting Future Farm as a “huge innovation pipeline” and strong manufacturing capabilities, Ruberti states the company is now looking …

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grilled chicken breast with rice and fries

Vitor - stock.adobe.com
Cultivated Meat

Brazil’s State-Owned Embrapa Develops Cultivated Chicken & Cell Biobank

The Swine and Poultry Unit of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), which is carrying out a study about cultivated chicken, has announced it is developing a chicken breast fillet prototype that should be ready for nutritional and sensory analysis by the end of 2023.   Embrapa, established by the country’s federal government in 1973 for the sustainable development of Brazilian agribusiness, has been essential in Brazil’s poultry and swine production.  With the new challenges for sustainable development, food safety, meat quality, production traceability, restriction on antimicrobials, environmental protection, and animal welfare, the research organization is embracing cultivated meat R&D as part of its agenda. A biobank and a boneless chicken fillet Embrapa considers chicken meat one of the most versatile proteins consumed throughout the country and …

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Cashew fruit meat

©Caju Love
Products & Launches

Cajú Love Debuts Organic, Upcycled Cashew Fruit Meat in Retail and Food Service

Upcycling startup Cajú Love announces it is launching its novel cashew fruit meat in US retail and food service. The brand’s organic fruit meat can now be found at BESTIES Vegan Paradise, Los Angeles; Food Fight! Grocery, Portland; Orchard Grocer, New York, and also on Amazon. Made from Brazilian cashew apples, the discarded byproduct of the country’s cashew nut and juice industries, Cajú Love is a meatless alternative that cooks and shreds like chicken, pork or tuna. Previously only available online, the brand’s 200g cashew fruit meat pack is now sold at select retail outlets, while a new 800g pack is now available for food service.  “Customers have been very excited to try Cajú Love,” shared Beth Sullivan, owner of Food Fight! Grocery. “We have …

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Veganuary France

© Veganuary
Charity & Campaigns

A Hundred French Companies Are Already Mobilised to Promote Veganuary 2023

At time of writing, around a hundred companies have committed to participate in Veganuary 2023 in France. An impressive increase; in 2022 there were 85 in 2022 and in 2021 there were only 30. For the third consecutive year, the French animal rights organization L214, which has been defending animals used as food resources since 2008, is supporting the French edition of Veganuary. Last week, the association organised the official launch of the 2023 edition of this challenge, in the presence of numerous participating companies such as Monoprix, Planet Sushi, Eatic, TyK Affinage, Heura, Jay&Joy and many others. The 629,000 registered participants for the 2022 edition came from 193 different countries. In terms of participation, France came in 12th place, so L214’s goal is to …

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OZO_ChickenCutlets_GarlicHerb_3DPkg_Front (002)

©Planterra Foods
Company News

Meat Giant JBS Discontinues US Plant-Based Business Planterra Foods

Brazilian meat processor JBS is ending its US plant-based food business after about two years, the company said on Monday. JBS in the US includes Planterra Foods with its plant-based brand OZO. In July 2021, Planterra announced the expansion of its operations to the UK, Australia and New Zealand. At Anuga 2021, the OZO brand was still represented with a stand. JBS now wishes to focus on its plant-based activities in Brazil and Europe, said Nikki Richardson, spokesperson for JBS USA. The European and Brazilian operations “continue to gain market share and expand their respective customer bases,” she commented. In Europe, JBS acquired vegan brand Vivera in spring 2021 for more than €300m. In Brazil, JBS has been marketing plant-based products under the SEARA brand …

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vegan butcher section at Carrefour

© Verdali
Company News

Brazilian Verdali and Carrefour Open New Vegan Butcher Section

Brazilian plant-based meat specialist, Verdali has partnered with hypermarket giant Carrefour to offer its products at a designated vegan butcher section next to the fresh meat counters at one of the supermarket’s locations in São Paolo. The company claims to be the first company with plant-based certification in Brazil. In the last two years, it has launched a range of plant-based meat alternatives made with peas, soy, and chickpeas. The company describes its products as the new natural flavour of vegetal meat, nutritious and healthy. It is worth mentioning that the company says its packaging uses bio-based recyclable plastic. Verdali commented on the new vegan butcher section: “This innovative proposal aims to serve consumers who prefer plant-based proteins focusing on democratization by having the products exposed …

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NotCreme-NotCo

© NotCo
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

NotCo Launches ‘NotCreme’ Chickpea-Based Milk Cream During Masterchef Brazil

NotCo officially launched its latest innovation, NotCreme — a plantbased milk cream crafted from chickpeas — on a recent episode of Masterchef Brazil, and has become the official sponsor of the TV show’s ninth series. The prime-time show is being used to showcase and launch new products; NotMilk was launched on the programme a few months back and now the Unicorn startup has brought its newest cream to the Brazilian airways, as a way to enter the mainstream consciousness. NotCo’s Chief Marketing Officer, Vanessa Giangiacomo, explains that the brand’s main purpose is to work on these concepts and present them to the public. “Our goal is to create awareness not only through brand awareness; we want to work for the future, “ she says. NotCo …

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©Future Farm
Retail & E-Commerce

Brazil’s Future Farm Expands US Retail at Amazon Fresh and Sprouts Farmers Markets

Brazilian alt-protein brand Future Farm announces it is expanding its premium plant-based meats at two new US retailers, Amazon Fresh and Sprouts Markets.  At Amazon Fresh, the brand’s Future Burger, Future Beef, and Future Sausage are now available nationwide, while select products are launching at two Sprouts Market locations in southern California. The company says both retailers will be serviced by KeHE distributors, making its products available to even more consumers across the country.  Valued at $400M, Future Farm is one of Latin America’s leading plant-based meat startups. Since launching in 2019, the startup has raised US $89M, including $58M in 2021 to enter plant-based dairy and accelerate expansion into the US and Europe. Last year, the company also appointed Alexandre Ruberti, the former head …

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Mr. Veggy Sausages in Brazil

©Mr. Veggy
Investments & Finance

Grano Foods Acquires Mr. Veggy to Popularize Plant-Based Meat in Brazil

Frozen vegetable company Grano has acquired Mr. Veggy, a leading provider of plant-based meats in Brazil, for an undisclosed amount, reports Estadao. Grano says it aims to popularize alt-proteins in the region by making them more affordable and easier to consume outside the home.  Founded in 2004, Mr. Veggy produces a frozen line of flavored burgers, sausages, kibbeh and more. Through the acquisition, Grano expects to more than double its revenue in three years, from R$250M (US $47.5M) to R$600M (US $114M). The deal would also increase its market share from 40% to 56%, Grano says.  Emerging industry Brazil’s emerging alternative protein industry continues to see impressive growth. In July, global businesses Givaudan, Bühler, and Cargill announced plans to open a Tropical Food Innovation Lab …

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plant-based pork crackling

© Naturinni
Products & Launches

Brazil’s Naturinni Launches Plant-Based Pork Crackling

Brazilian alt-meat brand Naturinni Produtos Plant-Based has developed a new product — plant-based pork crackling. Made with sesame oil, the crackling is also suitable for those eating ketogenic diets. Naturinni was founded in 2017 by Thiago Zion and Natalia Crespi. The company is best known for its vegan bacon, which is made from hand-smoked starches and has been called the best of its kind on the market. The bacon is available for retail and is also on the menu at several restaurants in the cities of São Paulo, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, and Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, Naturinni offers soy-free plant-based Provolone Cheese, as well as Vegan Pesto Sauce and Smoked Dry Tomato Antipasto. The company’s expansion and new product launches have largely been made possible …

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© Givaudan
Facts & Figures

Givaudan, Bühler, and Cargill to Open Tropical Food Innovation Lab in Brazil

Global companies Givaudan, Bühler, and Cargill have announced they will jointly be opening a Tropical Food Innovation Lab in Campinas, Brazil. The city of Campinas was chosen as it is widely regarded as Brazil’s tech hub. The three companies will work with the FoodTech HUB Latam and the Food Technology Institute (ITAL) to establish a 1,000-square-metre lab on ITAL’s premises. “Superior sustainable solutions” The new site will focus on the development of sustainable foods and beverages, featuring facilities such as wet and dry alt-protein extrusion systems. A range of professionals, including food scientists, consumers, chefs, and marketers, will be able to access the facilities to work on new products. “The Tropical Food Innovation Lab brings a diverse and complementary group of strategic partners working together …

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Andre Carvalho

©The New
Company News

Brazil’s ‘The New’ Appoints Former Meat Industry Exec André Carvalho as CEO

Brazilian alt-protein brand The New (formerly The New Butcher), announces it has selected André Carvalho, a former executive at global meat company Minerva, to lead the company as CEO. Founder Bruno Fonseca will continue to head R&D and new product development, as well as serve on the board of directors. The announcement comes as The New reports strong 20% quarter-over-quarter sales growth for Q1 and the launch of a popular pork product earlier this year.  At Minerva, which ranks as one of the world’s top 20 meat companies, Carvalho served as Country Sales and Marketing Director, where he managed US$1bn in revenue, oversaw a team of 400, and created one of the largest protein B2B e-commerce platforms in Brazil. Carvalho has previously held senior positions …

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Brazilian brand Conví Foods

© Conví Foods
Investments & Acquisitions

Veg Capital Invests BRL 1 Million in Female-Led Brazilian Brand Conví Foods

UK-based vegan investment fund Veg Capital has invested BRL 1 million in plant-based Brazilian brand Conví Foods. The investment took place through Vegan Business, Brazil’s only dedicated plant-based equity crowdfunding platform. Founded by Bárbara Andrade, Conví is a foodtech company developing plant-based products such as hamburgers, meatballs, cheese bread, falafel, and nuggets. The products are made with minimally processed ingredients, including mushrooms, oilseeds, and chickpeas. Conví will use the funding to scale its presence within Brazil. Vegan Business Conví is the fourth startup to raise funding via Vegan Business, and has secured the highest sum so far. The other companies are vegan sunscreen brand Chameleon Sun, plant milk producer Purifica, and cashew cheese company Novah!. In total, startups have raised BRL 3 million on the …

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OZO Plant-Based Bacon Launch

©OZO
Market & Trends

JBS Claims Plans to “Foster and Develop” Alt Protein Through Multiple Investments & Acquisitions

In a new podcast with Food Manufacture, the largest meat processing company in the world, JBS SA, has revealed plans for its alt protein future. JBS claims it intends to “foster and develop” alt protein innovation with multiple investments and acquisitions across plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated sectors. Citing expected levels of population growth and increased demand for proteins, the Brazilian conglomerate says it has a responsibility to increase alt proteins in its portfolio. Eduardo Noronha, JBS’s global head of innovation and operational excellence, also spoke of changing consumer habits, needs, and trends across the globe that will influence the company’s alt protein direction.  As part of this alt protein expansion, JBS recently completed the acquisition of Spanish cultivated meat leader BioTech Foods. The acquisition also …

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