Ice Cream

Plan(e)t Foods functional plant-based ice cream

© Plan(e)t Foods
Investments & Acquisitions

Greece’s Plan(e)t Foods Raises €1.05M to Scale Its Functional Plant-Based Ice Cream

Greek brand Plan(e)t Foods, which claims to be the world’s first plant-based and carbon-negative ice cream company, has raised €1.05 million. The funding comes from Southeast Europe’s first impact fund, SPOROS Platform. It will support Plan(e)t Foods’ expansion into other European countries, with the first exports expected to take place this year. Additionally, the investment will fuel the company’s product development strategy, helping it expand further into functional ice cream innovations. Plan(e)t Foods was founded in 2021, and already claims to be one of Greece’s most recognizable ice cream brands. It has gained nationwide distribution at all major retailers in the country, and runs a flagship Plan(e)t Ice Cream store at the foot of the Acropolis. Since its launch, Plan(e)t Foods has reportedly more than …

more

Organisations and brands:

Kind Kones

© Kind Kones
Investments & Finance

Kind Kones Secures Funding from Epic Angels to Accelerate Growth in Asia and Middle East

Singapore-based plant-based frozen dessert brand Kind Kones has secured new funding from Epic Angels, a female-only investment collective active in Asia Pacific and Latin America. The investment round also attracted participation from angel investors with backgrounds in food and beverage retail. Eyeing Dubai and beyond Kind Kones plans to use the capital to grow its presence in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, specifically targeting markets in Dubai. Growth will be pursued through a combination of company-operated stores and franchised locations. Kind Kones was founded by Serina and Ishpal Bajaj, who began by creating small batches of ice cream using nut and coconut milk. The company now offers a portfolio of more than 150 flavors, all free from dairy, eggs, and artificial ingredients. Some examples …

more

Organisations and brands:

Prodotti Rubicone

© Prodotti Rubicone
Ingredients

Prodotti Rubicone Launches Vegan Açai-Based Ingredients for Gelato and Beverage Markets

Prodotti Rubicone, an Italian company specializing in gelato and pastry ingredients since 1959, has launched two açai-based products aimed at the growing demand for natural, functional ingredients in food and beverage applications. The new offerings, Top Fruit Açai concentrated paste and Soft Açai powder, are designed for use in both artisanal gelato and soft-serve production, as well as in beverages like smoothies and milkshakes. Açai’s superfood power Açai, a berry native to Brazil, is known for its health benefits, including anti-aging and detoxifying properties, and has gained popularity worldwide for its “superfood” status. Prodotti Rubicone’s new ingredients incorporate these benefits while providing convenient solutions for product makers. The Top Fruit Açai paste is a ready-to-use concentrated product with a high percentage of fruit purée, requiring …

more

Organisations and brands:

Magnum vegan ice cream

© Magnum/Unilever
Sweets & Snacks

Magnum Moves Away From Pea Protein With Reformulated Vegan Ice Creams

Unilever-owned ice cream brand Magnum is reformulating its vegan range in the UK, dropping pea protein from some flavours in favour of soy. The new recipe will be used for three products — Vegan Classic, Vegan Almond, and Blueberry Cookie. The brand says the use of soy protein will enhance the flavour of the range, after consumer testing found that participants enjoyed the updated recipe. A new pack design for the ice creams has also been introduced to reflect the changes. “Indulgence without compromise” Magnum first introduced its vegan Classic and Almond ice creams in 2018. They were initially launched in Finland and Sweden, before expanding into various European countries and other global markets such as the US and Australia. More flavours such as Vegan …

more

Organisations and brands:

rice milk

© chandlervid85 - stock.adobe.com
Milk & Dairy

Tokyo’s Kinish Raises $800,000 USD to Scale Rice-Based Casein Production

Tokyo-based food tech startup Kinish Inc. has secured $800,000 USD (¥120 million) in a seed funding round to advance its rice-based dairy alternative technology. The funding was led by Genesia Ventures, Lifetime Ventures, Full Commit Partners, and Mitsubishi UFJ Capital. Kinish is working to develop a rice-based source of casein, the key protein found in milk, using plant molecular agriculture. The company’s goal is to create plant-based dairy alternatives that closely replicate conventional dairy in taste and texture, while also addressing environmental concerns tied to livestock farming. CEO Hiroya Hashizume explained that the company’s mission is rooted in both sustainability and food enjoyment. “We believe that ‘small moments of excitement’ are essential to human life, and delicious food plays a key role in that. However, …

more

Organisations and brands:

Kaiser frozen snacks

© Kaiser
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Kaiser Launches Oat-Based Frozen Desserts in Quebec, Plans National Rollout

Kaiser, a new brand specializing in frozen oat-based desserts, has launched across select retailers in Quebec. The brand was developed by Nathan Kaiser, a Canadian farmer with extensive experience in small-batch oat production. Kaiser’s products cater to the increasing demand for oat-based alternatives in the dessert market, offering a range of vegan and gluten-free options, with a nationwide rollout planned by 2025. The range includes family-sized tubs and chocolate-dipped bars, with flavors such as Salted Caramel, Mint Chip, and Cookies & Cream. All the offerings are vegan, the majority of which are also gluten-free. These desserts are currently available at retailers, including Maxi, Magasin Pasquier, and Les 5 Saisons in Quebec. The brand aims to expand its availability to the Greater Toronto Area by the …

more

Organisations and brands:

Sales of plant-based Melona ice cream bars in H1 2024 in Europe exceeded three times last year's sales.

© Melona
Sweets & Snacks

Binggrae’s Plant-Based Melona Ice Cream Bars Achieve Triple Sales Growth in Europe

South Korea’s Binggrae, a manufacturer of ice cream, milk products, and snacks since 1967, has developed a dairy-free version of its iconic honeydew Melona ice bars, aiming to expand to other dynamic markets besides the USA. Australia, Canada, and Europe maintain high non-tariff barriers for imported dairy products, posing significant challenges to foreign companies. To streamline its entry into these markets, Binggrae revamped Melona’s recipe by using oats to replace skimmed milk while maintaining the sweet’s unique flavor. Binggrae expanded overseas in 1995, first arriving in Hawaii and becoming a household brand. However, it was not until 2016 that the company opened a US branch in San Francisco, selling ice cream bars, pints, and mochi. According to the manufacturer, Melona is America’s favorite Korean ice …

more

Organisations and brands:

Italy's Comprital has launched a new product line called of PURE VEGAN for ice cream manufacturers that believe vegan and lactose intolerance consumers should not have to compromise on taste.

Image courtesy of Comprital

Sweets & Snacks

Comprital Unveils PURE VEGAN Line for Ethical and Lactose-Free Ice Cream

Italy’s Comprital, a leading innovator in the ice cream and pastry ingredients market, has launched a new product line called PURE VEGAN for ice cream manufacturers who believe that vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers should not compromise on taste. The range includes three clean-label, lactose-free bases: PURE VEGAN P.Z., designed to be flavored with only sugar pastes; PURE VEGAN P.G., intended to be flavored only with fat pastes; and PURE VEGAN CHOCOLATE, a base with high percentages of chocolate powder and low-fat cocoa powder. PURE VEGAN features natural ingredients such as cane sugar and fibers, including chicory, citrus, and bamboo, and contains zero artificial flavorings. According to the company’s R&D team, the line’s three technically different bases were designed to ensure an “authentic and satisfying experience” …

more

Organisations and brands:

Urban Dessert Lab

Courtney and Zan © Urban Dessert Lab
Sweets & Snacks

“World’s First Oat-Milk Ice Crème Shoppe,” Urban Dessert Lab, Debuts New Plant-Based Desserts

Urban Dessert Lab (UDL), the “World’s First Oat-Milk Ice Crème™ Shoppe,” has announced the expansion of its dessert menu with the introduction of several new plant-based desserts. The shop, owned by sisters Courtney Blagrove and Zan B.R., has gained recognition for its unique dessert offerings and was recently named one of ESPN’s Champion Black Businesses for 2024. The first UDL location opened in New York City’s Lower East Side in 2020. The shop quickly garnered attention from food enthusiasts and celebrities, leading to high demand for additional locations. Responding to customer requests, the founders chose West Hollywood, Los Angeles, for their second establishment, which opened in February of this year.  New summer menu UDL’s new summer menu includes a variety of plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, …

more

Organisations and brands:

McDonald's vegan ice cream

© McDonald's
Fast Food

McDonald’s Trials Vegan Ice Cream in the UK

McDonald’s has announced it is trialling a new “deliciously smooth and creamy” vegan ice cream in the UK, available in two flavours — Choco and Strawberry. Called the Vegan Scoop, the ice cream costs £1.59 and is served in a tub like a McFlurry. It has been certified as vegan by The Vegetarian Society, though McDonald’s warns that it may not be suitable for those with milk allergies as it is made in a facility that handles dairy. Initially, the ice cream will only be available at 52 locations in the North West of England, including several restaurants in Manchester and Stockport. The trial will run until September 3, and if successful, the Vegan Scoop may launch UK-wide next year. McDonald’s is also trialling another …

more

Organisations and brands:

Pink Albatross mango ice cream stick

© Pink Albatross

Company News

Spain’s Pink Albatross Announces “New Category” of Ice Creams Following International Growth

Pink Albatross, the Spanish company specialising in 100% plant-based ice cream, has announced what it claims is a new category of ice creams with “creamy ice creams that are 100% natural and scrumptious”. Under the slogan “Ahora vamos de este palo” (a play on words which translates as ‘Now we’re going this way’ but with palo also meaning stick, referring to the ice cream sticks), the new innovations include mango & passion fruit and strawberry & raspberry fruit bars alongside mini Belgian chocolate sticks in double chocolate and hazelnut flavours. Pink Albatross already has a solid presence in the Spanish market; the company secured a presence in 500 new points of sale, including new chains such as Alcampo, Carrefour Market, Dinosol, Upper, Sorli, and Valvi. …

more

Organisations and brands:

Germany's Planteneers has introduced a range of plant-based desserts — pudding, fermented oat dessert, tiramisu, cheesecake, and soft ice cream.

Image courtesy of Planteneers
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

​​Planteneers Unveils Indulgent Desserts Including Vegan Cheesecake, Tiramisu & Fermented Oat Dessert

Germany’s Planteneers, a leading developer and provider of customized plant-based products, has introduced a range of plant-based desserts —  tiramisu and cheesecake, fermented oat dessert,  pudding, and soft ice cream — catering to the growing demand for “healthy but indulgent” alternatives to dairy-based products. According to Linda Eitelberger, Product Manager at Plantenneers, “More and more customers want products that focus more on enjoyment, in addition to health aspects.” Tiramisu and cheesecake Planteneers has introduced an advanced solution for creating plant-based mascarpone: a blend of starch, plant proteins, plant fibers, pectin, and emulsifiers transformed into a smooth, rich base with water and fats. The plant-based mascarpone is said to have a neutral taste and rich mouthfeel. Planteneers says it can be marketed as a standalone product …

more

Organisations and brands:

Crème de la Crème ice cream

© Crème de la Crème
Investments & Acquisitions

Greenyard Acquires Belgian Plant-Based Ice Cream Producer Crème de la Crème

Global fresh produce supplier Greenyard has announced the acquisition of Crème de la Crème, a Belgian food tech company producing plant-based ice cream and frozen desserts. Crème de la Crème has 25 years of experience in the sector and has developed hundreds of plant-based ice creams, including for major companies such as Alpro and Carrefour. The products are sold as far afield as the Middle East and East Asia. Last year, Greenyard acquired Italian plant-based ice cream producer Gigi, which has developed a unique method of replacing cream with plant fibres. Through the acquisitions, Greenyard says it aims to offer a range of plant-based products “for any moment of the day”. “We are happy to integrate the Crème de la Crème team into the Greenyard …

more

Organisations and brands:

Eclipse Foods bonbons

© Eclipse Foods
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 …

more

Organisations and brands:

KLIMON Cherry Bomb Ice Cream

©KLIMON
Market & Trends

Vegan Ice Cream Market to Grow With 12.8% CAGR as Consumers Adopt More Ethical Values

A new report by USD Analytics has predicted that the vegan ice cream market will grow with a CAGR of 12.8% through to 2032. The market will be driven by the increased adoption of plant-based lifestyles, along with a shift in consumer values towards more ethical and sustainable products. Furthermore, many consumers now perceive vegan ice cream as healthier than dairy options, and growing awareness of lactose intolerance is also boosting sales. Markets across the Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas are all expected to see significant growth. To capitalize on this market growth, the report suggests that manufacturers should offer a diverse range of flavors and textures, using ingredients such as nut butters, coconut milk, and fruit purees. This will help vegan ice creams …

more

Organisations and brands:

Magnum Vegan Blueberry Cookie Ice cream

© Unliever
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Magnum Launches Vegan Blueberry Cookie Ice Cream With Sorbet Centre

Unilever-owned ice cream brand Magnum has expanded its plant-based range with new Chill Blueberry Cookie ice cream sticks. The product launches in the UK and according to Unilever it will also be available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Said to be inspired by the feeling of relaxation, the product consists of vanilla biscuit flavour ice cream with cookie pieces and a blueberry sorbet core. The ice cream is encased in vegan milk chocolate and is available both as individual sticks and as a pack of three. The product is part of a new “mood-inspired” range that also includes a Euphoria Pink Lemonade flavour; however, this variety is not suitable for vegans. “After two years in the making, we are thrilled to introduce our revolutionary mood-inspired …

more

Organisations and brands:

Plan(e)t Foods carbon-negative plant-based ice cream

© Plan(e)t Foods
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Plan(e)t Foods Pitches Carbon-Negative Plant-Based Ice Cream on Dragons’ Den Greece

Plan(e)t Foods, a Greek company producing what is claimed to be the world’s first carbon-negative plant-based ice cream, has made an appearance on the business pitching TV show Dragons’ Den Greece. The pitch was so successful that the Dragons competed to invest in Plan(e)t Foods, with the company successfully gaining a funding deal. A clip of the show can be viewed on Plan(e)t Foods’ YouTube channel. “Having spontaneous (unsponsored) reviews of your product being aired on a prime time TV show = priceless,” said founder Greg Bograkos on LinkedIn. “We’re replacing old-fashioned dairy ice cream, taking one step at a time.” Plan(e)t Foods now plans to launch a range of four ice cream bars at major supermarket chains across Greece. The company previously gained listings …

more

Organisations and brands:

Oatly x Carvel

© Oatly

Products & Launches

Oatly Partners With Carvel to Launch Oat Desserts in Nearly 300 US Stores, Oatly Stock Rises by 12%

Oatly, a global leader in oat milk production, has announced a new partnership with Carvel, one of America’s most beloved classic ice cream stores. Recently, the company partnered with Insomnia Cookies to serve Oatly’s Original and Chocolate Oatmilks in 250+ locations across North America, which prompted a stock surge of over 30% following the announcement. Similar trends follow this partnership announcement with Carvel, evidenced by a 12% rise in Oatly’s stock in the past 24 hours. An Oatly twist on classic favorites The collaboration introduces Oatly’s non-dairy frozen desserts in nearly 300 Carvel locations across 18 states, giving Carvel’s traditional dairy-centric offerings a plant-based upgrade. Drew Martin, EVP of Commercial Sales, Oatly North America, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “With ice cream traditionally being …

more

Organisations and brands:

One Planet Pizza and Ben and Jerry's offer Veganuary meal deal

© One Planet Pizza
Company News

One Planet Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s Partner to Offer Exclusive Veganuary Meal Deal at Asda

UK-based vegan pizza brand One Planet Pizza has joined forces with ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s to offer a Veganuary meal deal at Asda. Available online only, it is the retailer’s first ever frozen vegan meal deal, allowing shoppers to order One Planet’s Peppernomi Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s new Oat of this Swirled sundae for a total of £5. Ordinarily, the pizza costs £4 and the ice cream costs £5.50. The Peppernomi Pizza consists of a wood-fired sourdough base topped with Italian tomato sauce, plant-based cheese, and hyperrealistic plant-based pepperoni. It is One Planet Pizza’s bestselling product, and was made permanently available at 400 Asda stores a year ago following a successful trial. “Veganuary is undoubtedly the best time of the year to …

more

Organisations and brands:

EatKinda cauliflower ice cream

© EatKinda
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

“World’s First” Cauliflower Ice Cream Launches at 90+ Woolworths Stores in New Zealand

EatKinda, maker of what is said to be the world’s first cauliflower ice cream, has announced its first supermarket listing at over 90 Woolworths stores across New Zealand. Woolworths is New Zealand’s second-largest supermarket group, owning the chains Countdown, SuperValu, and FreshChoice. EatKinda has launched at Countdown stores, which are currently in the process of being rebranded to Woolworths; the transition is expected to be completed early next year. EatKinda’s vegan ice cream is made from cauliflower that would otherwise be wasted because it is cosmetically imperfect — 40% of New Zealand-grown vegetables do not make it to stores for this reason. The cauliflower is combined with ingredients such as coconut oil and pea protein to make three flavours of ice cream — Strawberry Swirl, …

more

Organisations and brands:

load more