Coffee

Food Brewer cocoa

© Food Brewer
Investments & Finance

Food Brewer Raises Over $11M with Backing from Lindt & Sprüngli and Sparkalis

Zurich-based food-tech startup Food Brewer has secured new investment from Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli and Sparkalis, the corporate venture arm of Puratos, as part of a CHF 5 million ($5.6 million) seed extension round. The investment brings the company’s total funding to CHF 10 million ($11.1 million), according to AgFunderNews. Food Brewer specializes in producing cocoa and coffee alternatives using plant cell culture, a process that involves selecting and cultivating plant cells in bioreactors. The startup aims to provide a climate-resilient alternative to traditional cocoa and coffee production, which faces increasing challenges due to climate change and rising raw material costs. In a statement on social media, Food Brewer said that Lindt & Sprüngli’s involvement would support its go-to-market strategy and product development …

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Nespresso x oatly

© Nespresso
Beverages

Oatly and Nespresso Partner to Launch Limited-Edition Coffee Blend

Oatly Group AB (Nasdaq: OTLY) and Nestlé Nespresso have announced a collaboration to introduce a new coffee blend tailored for oat drink consumers. The limited-edition Oatly Barista Edition Coffee has been designed to complement the flavor and texture of Oatly’s oat-based beverage and is available exclusively for Nespresso Vertuo coffee machines. The partnership between the Swedish oat drink producer and the Swiss coffee company aims to cater to the growing number of consumers opting for plant-based milk alternatives. According to ProVeg data, 50% of consumers in the US and Europe, and two-thirds of consumers in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions, now use plant-based milk products. Karsten Ranitzsch, global head of coffee at Nespresso, commented, “At Nespresso, we’re all about taste, and we’re on a …

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Minus Coffee

© Minus Coffee
Products & Launches

Minus Coffee Launches Beanless Instant Oat Milk Latte Made With Upcycled Ingredients

US company Minus Coffee has announced the launch of a new beanless coffee alternative, Minus Instant Vanilla Oat Milk Latte. The latte uses upcycled plant-based ingredients such as date seeds and grape seeds to replicate the taste of coffee with a lower impact on the environment. It contains just half the amount of caffeine found in a regular cup of coffee, along with L-theanine to aid alertness and six grams of plant-based protein. An oat milk base provides creaminess without the need for dairy. The coffee alternative is said to provide a gentler energy boost without cortisol spikes or energy crashes. It has been designed by female scientists with the intention of benefiting women’s wellness and cortisol balance. The product is also claimed to generate …

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Jake Berber of Prefer

Investment Climate Podcast
Investments & Finance

Investment Climate Podcast: Jake Berber of Prefer, How to Get Funded in 2024

In this podcast series, Alex Shandrovsky interviews investors about benchmarks for funding alt proteins in 2024 and uncovers the investment playbooks of successful climate tech CEOs and leading VCs. Podcast Host Alex Shandrovksy is a strategic advisor to numerous global food tech accelerators and companies, including alternative proteins and cellular agriculture leaders. His focus is on investor relations and post-raise scale for agrifood tech companies. Series 2, Episode 7: Jake Berber of Prefer In this episode, Alex talked to Jake, co-founder and CEO of Prefer, a Singapore-based producer of more affordable and sustainable food & beverages, starting with coffee. The talk focuses on investment outreach and strategies to attract funding or expand business opportunities. The discussion highlights real-world examples of successful outreach efforts and offers insights …

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Oatly becomes official oat milk partner for Black Sheep Coffee

© Black Sheep Coffee
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Oatly Becomes Official Oat Milk Partner for Black Sheep Coffee

Oatly has announced a multi-year collaboration with British coffeehouse chain Black Sheep Coffee, becoming the company’s official oat milk partner. Oatly Barista Edition is now available at all 100 Black Sheep Coffee locations UK-wide. To celebrate, the coffee chain has launched several drinks with Oatly as the named default option, including the Berry Protein Shake, Coffee & Banana Shake, and matcha drinks in the flavours Blueberry and Strawberries & Cream. Oatly will also be available across the menu for use in coffees, teas, and other hot drinks. Black Sheep Coffee has chosen the new larger format of Oatly Barista Edition, which comes in a 1.5L carton. The product was launched in June to provide an option for cafés and coffee shops that use large quantities …

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Voyage Foods bean-free coffee

© Voyage Foods
Beverages

Voyage Foods Launches Bean-Free Coffee for Food Service & CPG, Underpricing Traditional Coffee

Voyage Foods, a US company developing future-proof alternatives to the world’s favorite foods, has launched bean-free coffee for food service and the food manufacturing industry. The coffee alternative is made from roasted chickpeas and rice hulls, with similar caffeine levels to traditional coffee (achieved using caffeine derived from green tea). It is also more than 40% cheaper than regular coffee, providing manufacturers with price stability and better margins. The bean-free coffee is available in several varieties, including roast and ground, liquid, liquid concentrate, and instant. Several flavor profiles are available, along with decaffeinated varieties. The launch comes after the price of robusta coffee beans reached a record high, increasing by 63% this year. The price rise has been partly driven by climate change, which is …

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The EVERY Co. has partnered with Canada’s Landish Foods, to launch FERMY, a new line of ready-to-mix protein powders featuring its precision fermentation-derived egg white protein.

Image provided
Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

The EVERY Co. and Landish Unveil FERMY Functional Coffee & Latte Mixes with Fermented Egg Proteins

US biotech The EVERY Co. announces it has partnered with Canada’s Landish Foods, a nutritional wellness products leader in North America, to launch FERMY, a new line of ready-to-mix protein powders for beverages featuring its precision fermentation-derived egg white protein. The new products under the new brand FERMY — Protein Coffee Enhancer and Protein Matcha Latte — offer 8 grams of digestible egg protein, as well as other brain-boosting ingredients such as MCT oil and lion’s mane mushroom. The products cater to consumers looking to maintain health-focused lifestyles with products that integrate seamlessly into their morning routines without sacrificing taste or convenience. Daniel Novak, CEO of Landish Foods, comments, “So many of us with rushed mornings are not getting enough protein to start the day, …

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Atomo Coffee

© Atomo Coffee
Beverages

Atomo Coffee Expands Upcycled, Beanless Coffee Availability Through Bluestone Lane Partnership

Seattle-based Atomo Coffee, which produces a beanless coffee alternative, has partnered with specialty coffee chain Bluestone Lane to distribute its espresso across all 58 of the chain’s locations in the United States. This new development marks a significant market expansion for Atomo, whose products were previously available exclusively at Gumption Coffee near Times Square in New York City. Atomo’s beanless coffee utilizes upcycled ingredients such as date pits, chicory root, and grape skin to replicate the molecular structure of traditional coffee. This method reportedly uses 94% less water and generates 93% fewer carbon emissions than conventional coffee production. Additionally, Atomo Coffee offers health benefits, including high antioxidant content and lower acidity. Ed Hoehn, Atomo’s chief operating officer, expressed the company’s approach to its distribution strategy …

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Investments & Finance

Food Brewer Secures Over CHF 5M for Cell Cultured Cacao & Coffee

Food Brewer AG, a biotech startup leveraging plant cell culture headquartered in Campus Horgen, Zurich, Switzerland, has raised over CHF 5 million in a seed round.  Various investors, including family offices from Switzerland and the USA, the Zürcher Kantonalbank, and chocolate manufacturer Max Felchlin AG, backed the startup’s biotechnological approach to making alternatives to cocoa, coffee, and sustainable fats.  With the new funds, Food Brewer will invest in R&D for its cell lines, expand to a production facility, and develop its business model, reported Startupticker. The challenges of agriculture Founded in 2021 by Yannick Senn, Géraldine Senn, Christian Schaub, Corinne John, Stefan Bingisser, and Klaus Kienle, the startup focuses on developing a platform for large-scale production of key commodities harnessing the potential of plant cell culture. By utilizing new …

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Pluri develops cell-based coffee at industrial scale

© Pluri
Plant Cell Cultivation

PluriAgtech Introduces Cell-Based Coffee to Provide an Alternative to Traditional Production

Israeli biotechnology firm Pluri, formerly Pluristem, (Nasdaq, TASE: PLUR) has launched PluriAgtech, a subsidiary leveraging plant cell culture to grow sustainable coffee and break away from traditional farming methods.  As global warming continues to impact the coffee industry, shrinking viable land for cultivation and increasing demand leads to higher prices and less production.  According to the company, by 2050, land for coffee production will be reduced by half, and 30% must shift to higher altitudes since Arabica plants are temperature-sensitive. Moreover, the rising demand for coffee significantly impacts the environment, resulting in deforestation and increased water and pesticide use.  PluriAgtech claims it can produce high-quality “real” coffee at scale while reducing water usage by 98% and growing areas by 95%, thus preventing deforestation and making …

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Prefer bean-free coffee

© Prefer
Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Prefer Raises $2M for Bean-Free Coffee Made With Upcycled Ingredients & Fermentation

Singapore-based startup Prefer has raised $2 million to scale up the production of its bean-free coffee. The round was led by Forge Ventures, with participation from Better Bite Ventures, Sopoong Ventures, SEEDS Capital, Entrepreneur First, and Pickup Coffee. Prefer’s coffee alternative is made by using microbes to ferment upcycled ingredients such as waste bread, soy milk pulp, and spent brewer’s grain. The resulting mixture is then roasted and ground, using a proprietary process that provides a similar taste and aroma to conventional coffee. Sustainable and affordable The aim is offer a more sustainable alternative to coffee, which has a high carbon footprint and is heavily affected by climate change. Changing weather patterns and increased demand are expected to drive up coffee prices in the coming …

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A 3D printer lays down used coffee grounds to make a flower pot

© University of Colorado / Michael Rivera
Printed Technology

3D Printing with Used Coffee Grounds to Reduce Waste & Help Eliminate Plastic

In a novel initiative led by Michael Rivera, an Assistant Professor at the ATLAS Institute and the Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, researchers are working on leveraging coffee grounds to reduce waste in 3D printing. Rivera and his team have devised a method for 3D printing various objects using a paste comprising recycled coffee grounds, water, and other sustainable components. The project is perceived as an initial step towards the exploration of alternative eco-friendly 3D printing materials, which could potentially replace conventional plastics. Rivera expounded that the majority of consumer 3D printers in today’s market utilize thermoplastics, with polylactic acid (PLA) being the most prevalent. While PLA is theoretically compostable, only a limited number of composting facilities accept it. “If …

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Coffee brand Kenco launches plant-based lattes

© Kenco
Beverages

Kenco Targets Younger Consumer Group with New Plant-Based Oat & Almond Lattes

British coffee brand Kenco is diversifying its range with the launch of plant-based lattes, available in two varieties — oat and almond. Sold in boxes of six sachets, the products are said to offer a coffee shop-style frothy latte described as “rich and creamy”. They are low in fat and sugar, complying with the UK’s HFSS nutrition regulations. The lattes have been introduced in response to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives among younger shoppers, along with a trend towards making barista-quality coffee at home. Figures suggest that one-fifth of consumers now choose plant-based milks in cafés, while one in three consume them at home. “Big opportunity” The launch comes as consumers worldwide increasingly demand plant-based coffee products, leading creamer brand Coffee mate to introduce …

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Silk Creamer

©Silk
Market & Trends

Global Non-Dairy Creamer Market to Be Worth $2.38Bn by 2027, Growing With 7.3% CAGR

A report by Allied Market Research has predicted that the non-dairy creamer market will grow with a CAGR of 7.3% through to 2027, reaching a value of $2.38 billion. Demand will be driven by increasing desire for plant-based products and a growing vegan population. New opportunities will be provided by the rising number of consumers with dairy allergies and the introduction of different flavors. However, the high cost of non-dairy creamers could pose a challenge, along with competition from low-fat conventional creamers. North America currently has almost two-fifths of the total market share, and is expected to continue to lead due to growing health awareness, successful marketing strategies, and new product launches. The Asia-Pacific region will see the largest CAGR at 8.6%, as consumers increasingly …

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Peet's spring menu

© Peet's Coffee
Food Service

Peet’s Coffee Announces Plant-Based Spring Menu, Will Drop Alt Milk Surcharge for Earth Month

US chain Peet’s Coffee has revealed its spring menu for 2023, which is focused on plant-based ingredients. The menu features new drinks such as the Lavender Vanilla Almond Latte and Lavender Cold Brew Oat Latte, along with a popular option that was previously off-menu — the Vanilla Almond Matcha Latte. The Plant-based Mediterranean Flatbread wrap, first offered as part of last year’s spring menu, will return for 2023. Additionally, Peet’s will drop its surcharge on plant-based milks during April to celebrate Earth Month. The chain reports that 21% of the beverages it sells are now customised with plant-based milks, while over 34% of the total amount of milk it uses is non-dairy. “With higher-than-ever demand for plant-based milks in customer orders, Peet’s recognizes the importance …

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©THIS PKN
Products & Launches

Pecan Specialist THIS PKN Launches ‘New Generation’ of Coffee Creamers Made From Pecanmilk

THIS PKN, a dairy-free brand owned by sustainable foods company Lifestock, announces it is launching a ‘new generation’ of plant-based creamers made from pecanmilk. In March 2023, the brand will debut two creamer varieties in Original and Vanilla on its website, followed by a rollout in Sprouts Farmers Markets.  Described as a creamy, flavorful addition to coffee and tea, PKN uses the naturally occurring richness and fats found in pecans to complement coffee’s acidity and the tannins in tea. In addition to hot beverages, the pecanmilk can be added to cereals, smoothies, granola or morning oats.  Available in Original and Sweet Vanilla, PKN’s new creamers made without added sugar or oil and contain Omega-3s, antioxidants, calcium, zinc; as well as vitamins A, B, and E. …

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MILKLAB almond barista plant based beverage

© MILKLAB
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Aussie Plant-Based Brand MILKLAB Seeks Growth Opportunities in SEA Markets

MILKLAB, an Australian barista plant-based milk brand currently available in 19 countries across Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, says it has further expansion plans in Southeast Asia (SEA). Last December, as part of its first regional marketing campaign in Southeast Asia, the global alternative milk brand kicked off a series of pop-ups in Singapore called MILKLAB Oat Float for consumers to taste coffee blended with its MILKLAB Oat Milk. In addition, the company implemented MILKLAB Coffee Run, a month-long promotional event to create brand awareness that offered one-for-one beverages at 16 prominent cafes in the city. Peter Brown, Regional Sales Director for Asia, Middle East, told FoodNavigator-Asia: “By combining brand activations targeting both trade partners and consumers, we aim to increase brand awareness and …

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product of the year 2023 winners

Image: vegconomist
Fairs & Events

Product of the Year 2023: 17 Vegan Winners in Multiple Categories Chosen by UK Consumers

*Updated 2/2 to remove Starbucks Chilled Classics Multiserve which is not vegan* The Product of the Year, the largest consumer survey of product innovation in the UK, has revealed the winners of its 2023 awards, with 17 vegan products chosen by consumers across multiple categories. According to organisers, this year, nearly a fifth of consumers said plant-based was the most important factor when buying or trying a new product and plant-based products made the “greatest imprint” across multiple categories, ranging from big brands to startups. Consumer led The annual Product of the Year Awards is the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation and serves as a benchmark for predicting top interests and trends in the year ahead. In its 19th edition this year, 8,000 adult UK consumers …

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Caribou JUST Egg Vegan Sandwich

©Caribou Coffee
Gastronomy & Food Service

Caribou Coffee Adds JUST Egg Flatbread to Permanent Menu at Nearly 400 Locations

Just in time for Veganuary, US coffee chain Caribou Coffee announces its first plant-based breakfast sandwich, the JUST Egg Roasted Tomato & Pesto Flatbread, is now part of its permanent menu. The move comes after the item’s sales reportedly outperformed the chain’s vegetarian breakfast option by 45%. Now available at nearly 400 Caribou locations across the US, the Flatbread features a folded JUST Egg, roasted tomato, vegan pesto and Violife dairy-free Provolone cheese.  Caribous previously launched the sandwich, its first 100% plant-based breakfast offering, for a limited time in May 2022.  But the sandwich proved extremely popular, easily outselling the chain’s vegetarian, plant-based meat breakfast option. In addition, Caribou is rolling out a new Oat Milk Cold Foam, which the chain describes as a “cloud …

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Gastronomy & Food Service

NotCo and Dunkin’ Chile Launch Plant-Based NotDonuts and NotMilk At All Locations

Food tech phenomenon NotCo announces it has joined with Dunkin’ Chile to launch two new plant-based donuts –  the Boston NotManjxr and the Sugar NotManjxr. Along with the donuts, Dunkin’ Chile is also debuting NotCo’s NotMilk, which customers can order hot or iced in any drink or coffee.  Now available at all Dunkin’ locations across Chile, the launch includes NotManjxr donuts – with “Manjxr” referring to the popular “manjar” sweet flavoring found in Latin America desserts. Dunkin’ customers can order the donuts in Boston NotManjxr, Sugar NotManjxr, and Double Boston NotManjxr flavors.  The collaboration also includes Dunkin’s introduction of NotMilk, which NotCo says customers can order for any frothy or creamy drink. Big year The news closes out a blockbuster year for NotCo, which recently partnered …

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