John Hopkins College Studnents Alt Protein

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Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

USDA’s First Cultivated Meat Center “NICA” Opens Applications for Research Grants

The first US government-funded center for cultivated meat, the USDA’s National Institute of Cellular Agriculture (NICA) at Tufts University, has announced the opening of applications for its Seed Grant Program 2024.  Seed-level funding grants of $25,000 or $50,000 will be awarded to support fundamental or applied research in cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, and alternative proteins. Only primary investigators not associated with NICA are eligible to submit proposals. The new projects must align with NICA’s objectives and demonstrate a self-sufficient approach that can be completed within one year. In addition, the research aims described in the proposal must be new and not currently under investigation by the submitting person or entity. The initial review of proposals will be conducted by NICA industry advisory board members, and the …

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Oatly and Barry's

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Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Oatly and Barry’s Partner to Launch Unsweetened Oatmilk in Fitness Studios Nationwide

Oatly has partnered with boutique fitness brand Barry’s to introduce one of its latest products, Unsweetened Oatmilk, to Fuel Bar offerings within Barry’s studios across the United States. This is the first of Oatly’s products available at Fuel Bars, which serves muscle-building and recovery shakes to Barry’s patrons, along with on-the-go snacks. Starting from March 18 and extending to April 22, customers of the 40 Barry’s locations nationwide will have the opportunity to customize their shakes with Oatly’s Unsweetened Oatmilk. Additionally, a special post-workout shake named “That Shake with Oatly In It” will be available. Crafted with a newly developed proprietary oat base, which was initially launched in January, this unsweetened version of Oatly’s oat milk contains no sugar and has only 40 calories per …

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Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Califia Farms Launches Plant-Based Creamers in Lavender, Brown Sugar and Vanilla

Califia Farms, based in Bakersfield, California, announces the launch of plant-based creamers in three flavors: lavender, brown sugar, and vanilla. The creamers are USDA-certified and made with simple ingredients without gums or oils. The almond-based creamers, available in a 25.4-ounce refrigerated format, debuted at this week’s Natural Products Expo West Show in Anaheim, California. The creamers are the latest addition to the brand’s organic line, following Organic Almond Milk and Organic Oat Milk, which launched in January 2023. Most recently the company launched Califia Farms Complete, a plant-based milk designed to match the nutritional profile of dairy milk while containing 50% less sugar, just this week. The range will soon be expanded to include organic coconut milk and organic vanilla almond milk. Califia Farms was …

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7th Heaven peanut butter cups

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Products & Launches

7th Heaven Chocolate Unveils New Oat Milk Peanut Butter Cups to Rival Reese’s

7th Heaven Chocolate, a vegan chocolate brand based in Israel and New Jersey, is expanding its presence in the US dairy-free confectionery market by introducing oat milk peanut butter cups, a new addition to its vegan chocolate bar lineup. The product aims to offer a competitive alternative to Reese’s oat milk peanut butter cups, produced by Hershey’s, which were launched in the US last year. The company claims the formulation of these peanut butter cups is the result of extensive research and development by the company’s founders, Daniel Bareket and Elya Adi, along with chief food technologist Dan Brom. Originally launched in Israel under the brand name “Panda,” 7th Heaven’s products are currently available at over 700 retail locations across the United States, including Wegmans, …

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Bored Cow launches animal-free yogurt, announced B-Corp status

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Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Bored Cow Launches “First of its Kind” Animal-Free Yogurt Made with Fermented Proteins

In response to its most consumer-requested product; Tomorrow Farms‘ animal-free dairy brand, Bored Cow, announces that it has developed the “first of its kind” range of drinkable yogurt made with milk protein from fermentation, coconut cream, and cane sugar.  Bored Cow’s new yogurt alternative comes in 7 oz bottles in three flavors: strawberry, vanilla, and passion fruit mango. Each bottle provides 8 g of complete protein per bottle, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and live probiotic cultures. Furthermore, they are free from milk’s lactose, cholesterol, hormones, and antibiotics. The new animal-free yogurt range will launch in New York City this month, with a suggested competitive retail price of $2.99 to $3.99.  The brand states, “Bored Cow offers everything consumers love about conventional dairy and nothing they …

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Sandy De Houwer, Cargill

Sandy De Houwer, image courtesy of Cargill

veg+ Interviews

Cargill: “We Take the View That We Need All Forms of Protein on the Table”

Minneapolis headquartered agribusiness giant Cargill, the largest privately held company in the United States in terms of revenue, has been active in the plant-based and alternative protein space for several years. As a platform concerned solely with the plant- and cell- based business niche (not to say we are unconcerned as a team about well-documented issues of ethics or sustainability, but these are not the focus areas of this publication), that encourages the entrance of conventional protein producers into the production of plant-based meat, we are interested in reporting on such a company’s work in the space to keep our readers informed of the activities of key players. Some of said activities undertaken by Cargill in recent years include, in reverse chronological order: Signs commercial …

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The Cultivated B Canada, a subsidiary of Germany’s The Cultivated B, has been renamed as n!Biomachines.

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Company News

The Cultivated B Canada Rebrands to n!Biomachines, Pioneering Fit-for-Purpose Bioreactors

The German biotech The Cultivated B. announces that its subsidiary The Cultivated B Canada has been rebranded to n!Biomachines to reflect its mission in bioreactor engineering for successful biomanufacturing. (The notation ‘n!’ represents ‘factorial’, hence the name can be read as ‘factorial biomachines.’) n!Biomachines, located in Burlington, Ontario, develops and manufactures fit-for-purpose, affordable, and automated bioreactors, to enable the commercial scalability of cellular agriculture-derived ingredients for for food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and more. The Cultivated B. opened its bioreactor facility in 2022, as part of a strategic partnership with Ontario Genomics, a government-funded non-profit, to develop the economic potential of the cell ag industry.  Hamid Noori, CEO of n!Biomachines and The Cultivated B., comments: “The mathematical term, ‘n!’, or n factorial, acknowledges the core of our mission: scalability and …

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Impossible Foods new branding

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Packaging

Impossible Foods Unveils Bold New Branding With Red Packaging to Target Meat Eaters

Impossible Foods has officially unveiled a bold new brand identity and packaging strategy at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. The company’s strategic shift aims to leverage the “craveability of meat” to appeal to meat eaters at every touchpoint, including both on-shelf packaging and the company’s digital identity. Marking a notable departure from its previous teal and white branding, Impossible Foods has embraced a vibrant red aesthetic. This decision aligns with multiple insights suggesting that meat-eaters are more receptive to plant-based products when presented in red, as red is associated with flavor and taste. A recent study conducted by ProVeg International found that the color of packaging plays an instrumental role in shaping consumer preferences and behaviors, with red packaging being particularly effective …

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Eclipse Foods bonbons

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Products & Launches

Eclipse Foods Launches Plant-Based Ice Cream Bonbons in US, “eclipseco” Debuts in Japan

Plant-based ice cream brand Eclipse Foods has announced the launch of a new product line, Eclipse Bonbons. This new addition to its portfolio introduces a series of non-dairy ice cream bonbons, developed by an award-winning chef to mimic the creamy texture and rich flavors traditionally associated with dairy-based ice cream. These bonbons combine ultra-creamy non-dairy ice cream with a velvety chocolate shell and a variety of crunchy toppings, designed to provide a luxurious taste experience. The launch will feature three flavors: Chocolate Hazelnut Truffle, Peanut Butter Pretzel, and Coffee Almond Crunch, which are scheduled for release in March 2024 in select US grocery stores. Thomas Bowman, the co-founder and CTO of Eclipse Foods, commented on the company’s dedication to producing plant-based alternatives that replicate the …

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Two Opalia product mockups

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Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Opalia Receives Investment from Dairy Supplier Hoogwegt Group for “Cow-Free” Cell-Based Milk

Opalia, previously BetterMilk, reportedly the only company developing cell-based milk in Canada, has secured CAD$2 million to accelerate the development of its first milk product and establish a commercial strategy. The financial round was led by the Netherlands-based Hoogwegt Group, the world’s largest independent supplier of dairy products and ingredients, operating since 1965 and with a presence in over 130 countries. Other investors including Ahimsa Foundation, Box One Ventures, Cycle Momentum, Kale United, and the Québec government’s Impulsion PME program, also backed the cell-based milk startup. Opalia has received additional funding from Natural Products Canada through its Proof of Concept Program. Jennifer Côté, Opalia’s CEO, shared: “With Hoogwegt leading our round, we’ve not only gained essential customer validation but also tapped into their extensive network and global market expertise, setting …

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The Kraft Heinz Not Company KD mac & cheese

© The Kraft Heinz Not Company

Products & Launches

Daiya and The Kraft Heinz NotCompany Both Launch Vegan Mac & Cheese in Canada

Two major, noteworthy brands in the alternative foods space have launched vegan mac & cheese products this week in Canada, a country known for its love of the traditionally dairy-heavy dish. The Kraft Heinz Not Company, a joint venture between Kraft Heinz — the name most closely associated with packet mac and cheese — and Chile’s NotCo, has today debuted KD NotMacandCheese in Canada, marking the first plant-based addition to its Canadian product line. Concurrently, Daiya, known for its dairy-free cheese alternatives, announced the introduction of a new line of Dry Powdered Mac & Cheese. Canada as biggest market for mac & cheese In November of last year, The Kraft Heinz Not Company debuted the plant-based Mac & Cheese in the United States. However, the …

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Bezos Earth Fund to establish Centers for Sustainable Protein

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Sustainability / Environment

Bezos Earth Fund Commits $60M to Establish Centers for Sustainable Protein

The Bezos Earth Fund, launched in 2020 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has pledged $60 million to establish several Bezos Centers for Sustainable Protein. The Centers will address technological challenges facing the alternative protein industry, with the aim of reducing costs, increasing nutritional benefits, and improving quality. The latter may involve enhancing flavor and texture through cell biology and engineering innovations, according to a media alert from the organization. The announcement was made at Aspen Ideas: Climate by Lauren Sánchez, Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund and Jeff Bezos’ fiancée. She said technological innovations would be necessary to find solutions for climate change. The investment is part of the Bezos Earth Fund’s $1 billion commitment to improving the sustainability of the food system, which …

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hemp

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Protein

Protein Industries Canada Announces $6.9M Project for Novel Hemp and Sunflower Protein Ingredients

Protein Industries Canada unveils a new initiative aimed at bolstering the nation’s supply of protein-rich ingredients derived from hemp and sunflower. This venture, backed by a collaboration with Burcon NutraScience, HPS Food & Ingredients, and Puratos Canada, aims to bolster the supply of plant-based protein ingredients in Canada and offer food manufacturers an expanded array of protein alternatives focused on both functionality and taste. This project is notable in its approach to acknowledging the applications of hemp and sunflower flour, through which Burcon seeks to extract hemp protein isolate, sunflower protein isolate, and sunflower protein concentrate. These ingredients, novel to the market, are anticipated to cater to the needs of food and beverage manufacturers striving to provide Canadian consumers with nutritious, sustainable, and flavor-neutral protein …

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OmniFoods mushroom steak

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Products & Launches

OmniFoods Debuts Lion’s Mane Steak as “New Generation of Fungi Innovation”

Plant-based food producer OmniFoods is set to introduce the latest advancements in its plant-based cuisine offerings at the upcoming Expo West 2024 in California. The new lineup includes a series of sweet baos and the launch of the OMNI Garden product line, which notably includes the debut of the company’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak. At this year’s event, OMNI is unveiling the OMNI Garden series, a new collection of bowls, patties, and various plant-based delicacies focused on whole-vegetable ingredients. The Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak is the standout product of this series, showcasing the versatility and appealing taste of lion’s mane mushrooms and offering attendees of Expo West the first opportunity to sample them. In addition, the company will expand its sweet offerings, following the success …

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Alt Protein Careers

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Sustainability / Environment

Alt Protein Careers Launches Resources for Professionals Following Increase in “Climate Quitting”

According to career services and recruiting firm Alt Protein Careers, there has been a significant increase in the number of workers who are “climate quitting” — leaving their jobs to find positions where they can make a meaningful positive impact on the planet. The phenomenon is said to be particularly prevalent among younger demographics, with KPMG figures indicating that a third of 18-24-year-olds have turned down job offers due to a company’s ESG performance. Furthermore, research commissioned by Paul Polman (the former CEO of Unilever) indicates that 76% of job-seekers want to work for companies that have a positive impact, while over a third have left a job that was not aligned with their values. Working in alt proteins While many professionals are opting for …

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Mellody hot honey

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Products & Launches

MeliBio’s Mellody Unveils Spicy Habanero, Expanding Plant-Based Honey Range

Mellody, a plant-based honey brand under the umbrella of MeliBio, has introduced Spicy Habanero, a new addition to its lineup. This month, the product will be showcased at the National Products Expo West in California and the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. According to the company, plant-based hot honey is the first vegan hot honey available on the market and will join Mellody’s inaugural product, Golden Clover Plant-Based Honey, launched exclusively for food service last year. The product made its debut at Eleven Madison Home in New York and has since expanded its availability across the United States and in select international markets. MeliBio, Inc., the sole owner of Mellody, has positioned itself as a leader in the market for bee-free honey production. The …

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Future of Foods podcast with Celeste Trujillo of Better Butchers

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Cultivated Meat

Future of Foods Podcast: Celeste Trujillo, Food Science, Product Development at The Better Butchers

Alex Crisp of the Future of Foods podcast here interviews The Better Butchers, a Canadian company headed by Mitchell Scott previously of The Better Food Company, which intends to create hybrid cultivated meat products. The interview with Celeste Trujillo from The Better Butchers was carried out in September 2023. Since then the following updates have taken place and are reported by the company. We have launched a new line of products to start generating revenue and build our brand: three mycelium-based crumble SKUs, an original unflavoured, a chorizo and an Italian. We launched just two weeks ago and we have sold out and are scaling to grow and meet demand. We have a minimal ingredient list, we season with spices and herbs and don’t add …

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Image courtesy of Swan Neck Bio

Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Swan Neck Bio Launches FlexCell for Fast and Affordable Fermentation Scaling

Swan Neck Bio, a spin-off from White Labs Copenhagen, a global leader in fermentation since 1995, has officially entered the market to unlock the biomanufacturing capacity of precision fermentation and biomass companies. Headquartered in Copenhagen, with supporting labs and production capabilities in the USA (California and North Carolina), Swan Neck Bio leverages a patented “breakthrough” technology developed by White Labs.  Called FlexCell, the technology allows companies to trial, validate, and scale microorganisms from the lab to 1,000 L more quickly and affordably. Fábio Faria-Oliveira, CSO of the company, shares: “Our dream is a world where there are no constraints to the innovative biosolutions our world urgently needs if we’re going to support a constantly growing population.”  Scaling without risks Troels Prahl, a microbiologist with over 20 …

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TIME GreenTech Companies 2024

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Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

TIME’s Top GreenTech Companies of 2024 Recognizes The Better Meat Co., Rebellyous Foods, Prime Roots & More

TIME Magazine together with Statista, a leading statistics portal, recently unveiled America’s Top GreenTech Companies in 2024, recognizing 250 firms leading the charge in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Among these, FoodTech companies have a notable presence, with a total of 19 making the list, showcasing their pivotal role in advancing green technologies within the food industry. This high profile list is the result of an in-depth analysis aimed at identifying companies that are not only financially robust but also innovatively reducing their environmental impact. Statista’s methodology included a comprehensive review of various data points. Key metrics such as the value of a company’s intellectual property portfolio, revenue, funding, and industry-specific environmental contributions like carbon capture, use of renewable energy, and efforts to offset carbon emissions …

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Beyond Meat stock chart on mobile phone

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Stock market

Examining the Beyond Meat Stock Surge After the Earnings Call

It is too early to say if Beyond Meat is bouncing back, but the brand did enjoy a small rally since its earnings call last week. Far from being out of the woods, why did The Street respond positively to CEO Ethan Brown’s call?  Here are VegTech™ Invest CEO Elysabeth Alfano and Chief Investment Officer Sasha Goodman’s comments on analysts’ response to Beyond Meat, including a bit of the stock’s history. Wild Ride IPO Beyond Meat IPO’d during an exuberant time in 2019 with the stock rising 163% in one day, the largest rise of an IPO stock since 2008.  It was exciting, to say the least.  The valuation back then, however, was more aligned with the tech companies of the DotCom bubble than with …

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