sales

VFC Foods has agreed to acquire Clive's Purely Plants, a UK plant-based manufacturer of pies, quiches, rolls, and nut roasts.

Image courtesy of VFC
Investments & Acquisitions

VFC Foods Acquires Clive’s Purely Plants, Set to Increase Annual Sales by 30%

Vegan fried chicken company VFC Foods acquires Clive’s Purely Plants, a UK plant-based manufacturer of pies, quiches, rolls, and nut roasts.  Clive’s Purely Plants is the second brand to join the VFC Foods family this year, less than four months after the successful acquisition of Meatless Farm in June. VFC states that this strategic move marks a substantial expansion that promises to increase the group’s annual sales by an “impressive” 30%.  In 2021, Veg Capital, the UK vegan investment fund launched by Veganuary and VFC founder Matthew Glover, acquired a majority share in the plant-based pies producer that aimed to reach £10 million in sales. “Clive’s perfectly complements our portfolio and enhances our ability to meet this growing demand,” says Dave Sparrow, CEO of VFC Foods. Expansion into the UK …

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© Hancocks
Sweets & Snacks

Hancocks Depot Sees 40% Sales Boost After Installing Vegan & Vegetarian Aisle

A Bradford-based depot for UK confectionery wholesaler Hancocks has installed a 50ft aisle dedicated to vegan, vegetarian, and halal products. It is the first Hancocks depot in the country to introduce this type of aisle, with 200 products on offer. According to Talking Retail, the response from customers has been extremely positive, with sales for the store reported to be up by about 40% since the change was made. Some of the bestselling products in the new aisle are the Assorted Fizzy Mix, Jelly Blue Babies, and Blue Raspberry Bonbons — all made by Kingsway and suitable for vegans. It is not clear whether Hancocks’ remaining 13 depots UK-wide have plans to install similar aisles. However, the wholesaler says it is always working to meet …

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magnum sea salt caramel

© Magnum/Unilever
Facts & Figures

Unilever Aims for €1.5Bn in Sales From Plant-Based Products by 2025

Multinational consumer goods producer Unilever has revealed that it aims to achieve €1.5 billion in sales from plant-based products by 2025. The target is part of Unilever’s goals to reduce its carbon emissions and sustainably feed a growing population. At the recent BusinessWorld Economic Forum, Kristine A. Go — general manager for nutrition at Unilever Southeast Asia — outlined a food technology wheel developed by the company’s Netherlands-based Food Innovation Centre. The wheel is made up of six health and sustainability strategies: Natural and nutritious food — Fortifying Unilever products with nutrients, which will be tailored to the dietary needs of specific countries. Microstructure and textures — Creating plant-based products that replicate the texture of animal products. Culinary experiences — Ensuring vegan products taste like …

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HEURA-chorizo on baguette

© Heura
Studies & Numbers

European Plant-Based Food Sales Grow by 22%, Reaching a Record $5.7Bn

According to a report by GFI, European plant-based food sales have increased by 22% since 2020, taking the total value of the category to a record $5.7 billion. The research analysed sales figures from 13 countries — Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. It found that while plant-based sales have increased significantly, the prices of these foods have been much less affected by inflation than conventional animal products. Plant-based meat sales grew by 21% between 2020 and 2022, while conventional meat sales decreased by 8%. Growth was significantly slower in 2022 than in 2021, but still positive; this is supported by recent market research, which found that growth is expected for the global alt meat …

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Sherene Jagla

©Impossible Foods
Company News

Impossible Foods Appoints Sherene Jagla as Chief Demand Officer, Reports 50% Retail Growth in 2022

Impossible Foods announces it has hired CPG industry leader Sherene Jagla as its first-ever Chief Demand Officer. In her new role, Jagla will integrate Impossible’s sales, marketing, insights and product development teams as the company prepares for its next phase of growth.  In addition, Impossible reports it achieved record growth in 2022, and continues to rank as the fastest-growing plant-based meat brand in US retail. Jagla joins Impossible with over 25 years of sales, marketing, and management experience at Fortune 500 companies in the CPG and food and beverage industries. Most recently, Jagla served as the Senior Vice President and General Manager at Newell Brands, where she oversaw a $2 billion business across 50 brands in 18 categories.  Previously, Jagla has also held senior leadership …

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© Hilton Food Group
Facts & Figures

Hilton Food Group Sees Vegan & Vegetarian Category Increase 40%

Hilton Food Group recently reported that its vegan and vegetarian category grew 40% in the first half of 2022. Over a three-year period, Hilton’s total revenue rose 20.4% to £2,038.7M. Hilton Foods is a company that processes, packs, and distributes meat and other protein products to UK and supermarkets, including Tesco.  According to the company, the rise in plant-based sales has been fuelled by flexitarian and vegetarian trends demanding alternative protein options. But with the continued disruption in global supply chains and rising inflation, Hilton says it has concerns for future profits. “In the first half of the year, Hilton has further strengthened its position as the international protein partner of choice. We have continued to focus on our strategy of diversification and differentiation, driving a further …

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