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Kale United acquires Lily & Hanna's

© Lily & Hanna's

Investments & Acquisitions

Kale United Acquires Over 95% of Swedish Vegan Ice Cream Brand Lily & Hanna’s

May 8, 2023

Plant-based holding company Kale United has announced its acquisition of Lily & Hanna’s, a vegan ice cream brand based in Sweden. Kale United said it had agreed to purchase just under 70% of the shares in Lily & Hanna’s from the founder, and had also offered to purchase all other shares in the company from the remaining shareholders. As a result, Kale United will acquire over 95% of the business. The holding company said the acquisition would increase its turnover by more than 50% at group level, and increase its net asset value by around 10%. Lily & Hanna’s products are available at all major retailers in Sweden and are also sold in several other European countries. The coconut-based ice creams come in flavours such …

Organisations and Brands:Kale United Lily & Hanna's

yoga-urt two scoops

©Yoga-urt

Yoga-urt Now Offering Franchise Opportunities in the USA

May 3, 2023

After eight successful years of operation, Yoga-urt, a 100% vegan and gluten-free soft-serve dessert chain, reveals it is now launching its franchise concept. The Los Angeles-based dessert company states that the franchise opportunities make it the first 100% vegan and gluten-free soft-serve ice cream chain in the area. Yoga-urt differentiates itself from other providers by using only organic and natural plant-based ingredients with no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. “Customers love our soft serve ice cream and given the high demand and growth, we are proud to take the next step in developing the brand through franchising,” said Melissa Schulman, founder of Yoga-urt. “We hope to inspire a new generation of business owners who want to cement their legacy in the organic food and wellness …

Organisations and Brands:Yoga-urt

Vegan Fudgsicle Ice Pops

©FudgyPop

Products & Launches

Two Innovative Vegan Frozen Treats – FudgyPops and Frooze Balls – Arrive in US Retail

March 29, 2023

As the US dairy-free ice cream market continues to expand, two brands are innovating new frozen treats to reinvent classic favorites or offer healthier plant-based snacking. Here, we present the latest from FudgyPop and Frooze Balls. LA-based, women-owned Fruitful Brands recently launched FudgyPop – a dairy-free take on classic Fudgsicle frozen chocolate treats. Made with coconut cream and premium dutch cocoa, FudgyPops offer a clean-label, modern version of the nostalgic ice cream favorite, with 90 calories per serving. Created by Fruitful co-founders Nicole Cardone and Deborah Gorman, FudgyPops are available in three flavors – Fudgy, Berry and Minty – and offer a “rich, creamy, super-fudgy experience” for adults, says the brand. When compared to traditional Fudgsicles, FudgyPops are also said to have a denser taste …

Organisations and Brands:Frooze Balls FudgyPops

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Wicked Ice Cream, Stew and Mac & Cheeze

©Wicked Kitchen

Products & Launches

Wicked Kitchen Expands Grocery Line with Birthday Cake Ice Cream, Heat-and-Eat Stews and Mac & Cheeze

March 7, 2023

Global plant-based brand Wicked Kitchen announces it is expanding its US grocery range with several varieties of heat-and-eat stews, mac ‘n cheeze and an all-new Birthday Cake ice cream pint. The company will be sampling its latest offerings at the upcoming Expo West in Anaheim, CA. According to Wicked, it is expanding its lineup during a time of “high growth” for the brand, as it continues to rapidly increase nationwide retail distribution points. The new ice cream, stews and mac & cheezes add to the 50+ products Wicked already sells in the frozen and grocery categories. The latest offerings include: Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sweet “ice dream” with vegan cake pieces and rainbow sprinkles. Heat & Serve Stews Tuscan Style White Bean Stew …

Organisations and Brands:Wicked Kitchen

Hemp Milk Ice Cream

©Planet Based Foods

Products & Launches

Planet Based Foods Enters Frozen Dessert Category with Organic Hemp Milk Ice Cream

March 3, 2023

Planet Based Foods, maker of innovative hemp-based meat, announces it is expanding into non-dairy frozen desserts with new organic hemp-based vegan ice cream. Available in three flavors, the company will debut the new ice cream to retail and food service buyers at the upcoming Expo West in Anaheim, CA. According to Planet Based, the new ice cream is an allergen-friendly dessert that is free from soy, gluten, dairy and GMO ingredients. Made with an organic hemp milk base and other premium plant-based ingredients, the product was developed by Chief Innovation Officer Robert Davis, who drew on his years of experience in the non-dairy foods category. The company’s “exceptionally creamy” formulations are available in four flavors: Butter Pecan – Featuring a creamy, buttery taste with lightly …

Organisations and Brands:Expo West Planet Based Foods

Valsoia_Gelato

© Valsoia

Products & Launches

Valsoia Launches Vegan Gelato “Unlike Any Other Plant-Based Ice Cream on the Market”

February 28, 2023

Valsoia, Italy’s leading producer of plant-based products, launches a new line of Italian vegan gelato for consumers across Europe. New flavours such as Espresso Cones with Chocolate Chips, and Triple Pistachio Mini Sticks join an extensive non-dairy range which includes Cocoa Swirl and Roasted Almond Cones, and vegan ice cream sandwiches. The company states that its factory is 100 % dairy-free to avoid risk of cross-contamination with dairy products, and claims the “gelato is unlike any other plant-based ice cream on the market, thanks to expertly selected cashews, oats, rice, and soy, which provide the perfect canvas for a rich and delicious flavours experience.” The company produces a wide range of plant-based milks, yogurts, ice creams, puddings, cream cheeses, burgers and cutlets, pizzas, snacks, and …

Organisations and Brands:Valsoia

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EatKinda ice cream

© EatKinda

Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

EatKinda: Innovative Dairy-Free Ice Cream Made From Upcycled Cauliflower

February 22, 2023

EatKinda is a New Zealand company making plant-based ice cream with an unusual key ingredient — cauliflower. The brand was founded in 2020 by longtime vegan Jenni Matheson and food technology student Milli Kumar. To make the ice cream, cauliflower that would otherwise be wasted is combined with ingredients such as coconut oil, pea protein, and chickpea flour to give a rich, creamy texture. The product is currently available in three flavours: Strawberry Swirl, Chocolate Swirl, and Mint Choco Bikkie. In blind taste tests, it is said to have performed equally to conventional dairy ice cream. Lost crops EatKinda’s journey so far has not been without its challenges — 460kg of cauliflower earmarked for use in the ice cream was lost in floods earlier this …

Organisations and Brands:EatKinda

Seitan wraps, image from AGRANA

Image supplied by AGRANA

AGRANA to Showcase Vegan Ice Cream & Wheat-Based Alt Meat at BIOFACH Fair

February 13, 2023

Fruit, starch, and sugar group AGRANA is set to attend the BIOFACH fair, the world’s largest trade fair for organic foods. AGRANA will exhibit a range of organic products at the event in Nuremberg, Germany. These will include some plant-based options, such as a new coconut-based ice cream with red berries and chai spices. The company will also display grain proteins such as vital wheat gluten, which can be used to make meat alternatives. Gluten is said to be an excellent protein source, with remarkable water absorption and viscosity properties that can improve the texture of plant-based meats. Available to sample BIOFACH visitors will be able to sample AGRANA’s meat alternatives in the form of a BBQ wrap with spicy pepper-onion sauce and a chicken-style …

Organisations and Brands:AGRANA

Breyers Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream

©Unilever

Products & Launches

Unilever Adds Breyers Oat Milk and Talenti Dairy-Free Gelato to US Ice Cream Line

January 20, 2023

CPG giant Unilever, the world’s largest ice cream manufacturer, is expanding its US dairy-free ice cream offerings with a new range of innovations from Breyers and Talenti gelato. Legacy ice cream brand Breyers is rolling out Breyers Non-Dairy Vanilla – its first all-vanilla plant-based ice cream flavor. Featuring an upgraded formula made with real oat milk, Breyers Non-Dairy Vanilla is one of the first dairy-free ice creams to be offered in a large 1.5 quart tub. Since 2015, Breyers has sold a separate line of plant-based ice creams made with almond milk. Better gelato Another Unilever brand, Talenti, reveals it is adding a new selection of dairy-free gelato to its lineup. Crafted from cashew butter and oat milk, the Dairy-Free gelatos are said to match …

Organisations and Brands:Breyers Talenti Unilever

Ben & Jerry's Vegan Oatmeal Ice Cram

©Ben & Jerry's

Products & Launches

After 10 Years, Ben & Jerry’s ‘Most Requested’ Oatmeal Ice Cream Re-Launches with Partake Cookies

January 12, 2023January 10, 2023

Ben & Jerry’s announces it is bringing back its long-sought-after ice cream flavor, Oatmeal Cookie Chunk, as an all-new non-dairy dessert: Oatmeal Dream Pie. Created in collaboration with Partake Foods, the new ice cream features Partake Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies and will soon appear in US stores as a full-time dairy-free addition. Ben & Jerry’s discontinued the fan favorite Oatmeal Cookie Chunk in 2012; since then, the Vermont-based company has reported it as its most commonly-requested flavor by fans. The new Oatmeal Crème Pie features Partake’s allergy-friendly oatmeal cookies combined with marshmallow swirls. The dessert is certified vegan and will retail for an MRSP of $5.99 – $6.49 per pint. “Foodie fans can rejoice this new version of our nostalgic offering,” said Flavor Guru, Chris Rivard, …

Organisations and Brands:Partake

Vegan Butter Toffee Ice Cream

©Frankie & Jo's

Food & Beverage

Miyoko’s Creamery and Frankie & Jo’s Bring Back Exclusive Holiday Ice Cream

December 5, 2022December 2, 2022

Miyoko’s Creamery and Seattle ice cream shop Frankie & Jo’s announce the return of their exclusive holiday ice cream collaboration featuring Miyoko’s award-winning butter. Toffee and more Launching December 1st, the new vegan Butter Toffee and Chocolate Ice Cream includes caramel ice cream swirled with bite-sized butter toffee bars dipped in dark chocolate. The unique flavor is made from Miyoko’s cultured vegan butter, a premium dairy-free butter used by top chefs throughout the country. The new pint collaboration, which runs through the month of December, will be available at all Seattle locations of Frankie & Jo’s as well as through nationwide US shipping on Miyoko’s website. Artisan ice cream Frankie & Jo’s is a popular plant-based ice cream shop with three store locations in Seattle, …

Organisations and Brands:frankie & jo's

chickp's vegan ice cream prototype in a scoop

© Nimrod Genisher

ChickP Develops Plant-Based Ice Cream Prototype with ‘Dairy’s Full Sensory Experience’

November 30, 2022

ChickP, the Israeli food tech company specializing in chickpea protein, has introduced protein isolates customized for dairy-free ice cream. The company claims to have developed a creamy plant-based ice cream prototype that offers the full sensory experience of dairy. ChickP states that its protein isolates will help manufacturers overcome the challenges of texture, flavour, and use of additives when making dairy-free ice cream. The development follows the successful use of the company’s isolates in creating a nutritious chickpea-based creamer for cappuccino and an egg replacement for vegan mayonnaise. Creating dairy-free ice cream The plant-based ice cream prototype was developed in collaboration with VANIGLIA, a premium international ice cream chain headquartered in Israel that uses 100% natural ingredients without artificial colors or preservatives. According to ChickP, …

Organisations and Brands:Food Ingredients Europe

Unilever Dairy Proteins

©Unilever

Unilever May Launch Its First Animal-Free Dairy Ice Cream in 2023

November 23, 2022November 22, 2022

Multinational food giant Unilever reveals it is currently using precision fermentation techniques to develop its first animal-free dairy ice cream. The company might launch its first precision-fermented ice cream product sometime next year, reports Bloomberg. Unilever is the world’s largest ice cream manufacturer and owns top-selling brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Magnum, and Klondike. Andy Sztehlo, Unilever’s head of research and development, says the company is working with several startups on animal-free versions of its ice cream, and if successful, would likely launch fermented dairy proteins in one of its major brands in 2023. He also noted he had recently tasted prototypes. The entry into animal-free dairy is part of Unilever’s environmental stategy, which seeks to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions produced by its …

Organisations and Brands:Perfect Day Unilever

Sophie's Vegan Ice Cream

©Sophie's BioNutrients

Algae, Microalgae & Seaweed

Sophie’s BioNutrients Develops Chlorella Ice Cream with More Iron and B12 Than Cow’s Milk

November 10, 2022

Sophie’s BioNutrients, a B2B food tech company, has collaborated with the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) to produce its first chlorella-based ice cream. Made with Sophie’s dairy-free Chlorella Protein Concentrate, the new vegan ice cream boasts a complete nutritional panel, with more B12 and iron than most dairy and plant-based alternatives. Sophie’s Chlorella Protein is a neutral-hued microalgae flour naturally cultivated from Chlorella vulgaris. The company states the Chlorella vulgaris strains it uses are US GRAS and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved as food ingredients. More nutrients To create the ice cream, the team at Sophie’s worked with DTI’s technical experts to perform an initial screening of the ingredient’s potential, before combining it with functional ingredients that mimicked ice cream’s natural texture. The finished product …

Organisations and Brands:Sophie's Bionutrients

© Plan(e)t Foods

Investments & Acquisitions

Plan(e)t Foods Raises €400K For “World’s First” Vegan & Carbon Negative Ice Cream

October 4, 2022October 4, 2022

Plan(e)t Foods, which claims firstly to be the first vegan startup ever launched in Greece, and secondly to have developed the world’s first vegan and carbon-negative ice cream, has raised €400K in its first funding round led by Greek angel investors. Founded in 2021 by Greg Bograkos, Plan(e)t Foods’ portfolio is currently available in more than 500 outlets across Greece. “In under 18 months of operations, we are already distributing our plant-based – and indistinguishable from dairy – ice cream through all major supermarket chains in Greece, currently available in 500+ stores,” says Bograkos. The new funds will be used to increase the company’s domestic presence through expansion into the supermarket channel. “We are proud of our impressive unit economics and growth (on track for …

Organisations and Brands:planet foods