vegconomist - the vegan business magazine

Mighty plant-based milk has raised £8 million in new capital as the fast-growing UK alt dairy brand looks to invest in international expansion. Mighty will also launch its new cutting-edge fermentation technology as it looks to lead the next generation of plant-based milks.  Pea-based pioneers Originally known for its pea-based milks, Mighty has expanded its product range which now features oat-based products, vegan protein powders, and shakes. Mighty has the goal of simplifying and democratising the plant-based milk segment, with the brand’s research showing over 70 different types of plant milk on the market, from soy- to potato-based. This complexity of choice, Mighty believes, can prove a barrier to entry for first-time buyers.  The Yorkshire-based brand now has its sights set on expanding into EU markets with the £8 million total now raised. Founded by two young brothers, Tom and Nick Watkins, Mighty’s new manufacturing technology is set to launch in January, using exclusive fermentation tech to mimic the texture and viscosity of milk.  The brand has previously received investment from the UK Government’s Future Fund, and its current stockists include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and ASDA amongst others.  “We believe that simplification of the category is the future of plant milk and by 2030 50% of dairy can and should be replaced. Through democratisation of the category, it’s our vision to convert one million new consumers to try plant milk. “This will have a significant impact on individuals’ carbon footprint whilst also aiming to drive real action on the levelling ...

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “Europe Meat Substitute Market by Product Type, Source, And Category: Regional Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2027” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. Europe is regarded as a potential market for meat substitute products. This is essentially attributable to the increase in vegan & flexitarian consumer base and rise in awareness among consumers regarding animal welfare. In addition, consumers are opting for food products that are ethically sourced, healthy, cause low environmental impact, and are cost-effective, which boosts the demand for meat substitutes. Furthermore, consumers are gradually analyzing their meat consumption, owing to the health risks associated with red meat such as alarming rise in prevalence of cardiac diseases, high blood cholesterol, and other conditions. These factors have propelled the demand for meat substitutes in the European region. In addition, increase in social media influence majorly contributes toward the market growth. For instance, netizens uploading appealing images of meat-free meals alongside conscious and health-affirming hashtags (such as #veganfit and #consciouseating) on social media platforms has enabled to establish an online vegan community. Hence, the spread of knowledge through social media platforms has been another crucial factor that augments the growth of the Europe meat substitute market. However, specialty meat substitute products are priced comparatively higher than their meat counterparts, which acts as a key restraint of the market. On the contrary, manufacturers are developing technology to reduce the cost of plant-based meat ingredients and the process of extracting plant-based proteins, and are trying to improve the texture ...

Treeline substantially expands its product range with four new flavors of slices and shreds plus vegan goat cheese Treeline Cheese, one of the earliest purveyors of artisanal plant-based cheese, has introduced a breakthrough line of slices, shreds and vegan goat cheese. Based in Hudson Valley, New York, Treeline helped forge the concept of “artisan” vegan cheese a decade ago by grinding and fermenting cashews into soft French-style spreads. The company steadily grew in popularity and distribution, and can now be found at Kroger, Target and Whole Foods Markets nationwide. In 2019 the company hired former PepsiCo executive Justin Lambeth as new CEO, and has since moved to capture the mainstream market by offering more popular and versatile forms of cheese.   Goat cheese variety The new goat cheeses are crafted from sustainably sourced Brazilian cashews and are available in Original, Garlic Basil, and Blueberry, the product joins Spero as one of the only plant-based goat cheeses on the market.  Slices and shreds The new cheese slices and shreds are available in Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, American, and Cheddar, and are meant to easily replace dairy in pizza, nachos, grilled cheese, or any favorite cheesy dish. Also created from cashews, the Non-GMO cheeses are gluten and soy-free, made with sunflower oil, and contain half the saturated fat found in conventional cheese.  New branding targets everyday consumers Treeline’s range marks a major new path for the company as it adapts its “gourmet” branding to appeal to everyday consumers looking to enjoy dairy in a healthier ...

Being adequately supplied with creatine can be made easy for vegans and vegetarians. Namely, by fortifying plant-based substitutes with Creapure® (creatine monohydrate). Besides meat substitutes, Creapure® also works in milk alternatives. Innovative milk alternatives containing Creapure® provide an optimal supply of creatine to support energy metabolism; for health, performance, and vitality. Creatine is a natural component in animal products, especially in meat and fish, but also in traces in dairy products. However, plant foods do not contain any creatine. Individuals who consume little or no creatine, especially vegans and vegetarians, have lower creatine levels compared to omnivores. Creatine is essential for the proper functioning of cells in the human body. To ensure a healthy energy metabolism, dietary creatine intake is important for these individuals. Milk alternatives can be brought into line with the animal product in terms of their nutritional profile by adding creatine. The advantage for vegans and vegetarians is that they are already supplied with creatine while eating, without having to supplement. Creatine monohydrate is the best exogenous source of creatine for the body. Creapure® is a high quality creatine monohydrate and is suitable for food fortification. About Creapure®: premium creatine monohydrate made in Germany high level of quality due to continually monitored manufacturing and analytical controls. IFS FOOD certified free of any animal based products/raw materials and vegetarian and vegan friendly. For more information: Verena Löber, Business Development Manager https://www.alzchem.com/en/brands/creapure/creapure-food/ ...

Animal agriculture is unprepared for the transition to a more sustainable food system, according to a new report by collaborative investor network FAIRR. The report shows that of the 60 publicly-listed animal protein companies assessed, only 18% track any of their methane emissions — and their figures are often only partial. Additionally, very few take responsibility for the deforestation caused by their activities, and even those with a zero-deforestation commitment often do not have full visibility of their third-party suppliers. These findings are a blow for the recent commitments made at the COP26 summit to slash methane emissions and tackle deforestation. This has led the new report to conclude that animal agriculture is unprepared for the greener future most countries are attempting to move towards. However, there are some signs of change. 28 out of the 60 companies in the Index — almost half — now have some form of involvement in alternative proteins, up from 15 in 2019. Of these, seven have investments in cultivated meat — for example, Thai Union has partnered with Aleph Farms and BlueNalu. A FAIRR report published in October declared 2021 the “Year of Cultivated Meat”, after a record $506 million was invested in the sector. Another report by the network, analysing which companies have been most proactive in promoting plant-based changes, ranked Kerry — formerly best known as a dairy producer — high on the list. “The post-COP26 era leaves large parts of the meat and dairy supply chain looking outdated and unattractive. ...

Rapper Cardi B has collaborated with brand consultancy Starco Brands to develop vodka-infused vegan whipped cream. It is available in three flavours — caramel, vanilla, and mocha. Called Whipshots, the whipped cream is 10% vodka and is shelf-stable, meaning it can be stored alongside spirits with no need for refrigeration. Starco Brands says it took four years of research and development to perfect the product. Since its launch at the beginning of the month, the vodka-infused vegan whipped cream has already sold out several times, with 500 more cans being made available each day. While Cardi B does not describe herself as vegan, the rapper began eating more plant-based foods while pregnant with her first child in an attempt to be healthier. She also launched an affordable vegan fashion line in 2019. Vegan alcoholic beverages In 2018, liqueur brand Baileys made headlines when it launched a cream liqueur made with almond milk instead of dairy. The product was a huge success. More recently, Coca-Cola launched a vegan-friendly alcoholic drink called Topo Chico Hard Seltzer. Cardi B isn’t the only celebrity to have recently entered the vegan alcohol market — earlier this year, model Cara Delevigne and her sisters launched vegan prosecco. “I’m so excited to join Starco Brands with this incredible opportunity,” said Cardi B in a statement. “Whipshots matches my style—over the top, sexy, unique. Together we’re completely innovating whipped cream and giving it an extra pop. Whipshots is Cardi in a can.” ...

Sustainable Italian fashion brand Miomojo has been recognised by animal rights group PETA for its apple leather handbag. Known as Giorgia, the bag is made with waste produced locally by the juice industry. PETA Germany named the bag Best Handbag of 2021 at its annual Vegan Fashion Awards. Previously, this award has been won by major brands such as Giorgio Armani, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood. Giorgia is a “bucket bag” that can be transformed into a backpack by adjusting the handles. The body is made entirely from Appleskin vegan leather, while the inner lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. Alongside its apple leather handbag range, Miomojo also offers products made from other sustainable materials such as bamboo, hemp, cactus leather, and recycled plastic waste like abandoned “ghost” fishing nets. The company is not the first to receive a PETA award for using sustainable vegan leather — in August, Mexican cactus leather producer Desserto was recognised in the Materials category at the PETA Vegan Homeware Awards in the UK. At the same event, Canadian home furnishings designer Gus*Modern received an award for its innovative apple leather designs. “PETA, the largest animal rights organization in the world, has honoured us with the award that celebrates the labels, style icons, and forward-thinking designers that have made big statements for animals in 2021,” said Miomojo in a statement. “Exactly what Miomojo stands for: respect for the animals, the planet and the people.” ...

US brand Wonderlab’s Doozy Pots has launched vegan gelato made with oats and hemp hearts. It comes in four flavours — Chocolate Mint Chip, Chocolate Raspberry Swirl, Banana Cinnamon Date Swirl, and Smooth Coffee. While most vegan ice creams get their creamy texture from coconut milk or vegetable oils, these ingredients can be unsustainable and high in saturated fat. Wonderlab’s Doozy Pots uses oats and hemp to create a healthy, planet-friendly base, which it combines with other organic, regenerative, and fair trade ingredients. The product’s packaging is also sustainable, made from 35% post-consumer recycled fibers. The company was co-founded by Kirsten Sutaria, a food scientist who spent almost a decade developing flavours for Ben & Jerry’s, and her partner Karl Sutaria. While other companies have launched ice creams with unusual base ingredients like chickpeas, fava beans, sunflower butter, and bananas, hemp hearts stand out as a unique choice. Last year, trends analyst Nicola Spalding told vegconomist that Wonderlab’s Doozy Pots was a plant-based dessert brand to watch. Wonderlab’s gelato is now available nationwide at Sprouts Farmers Market and several independent grocers, including Heinen’s in Ohio and both Erewhon and Jimbo’s Naturally in California. “Using our versatile hemp and oat blend allows us to make a frozen dessert that is just sweet enough and reminiscent of old-world Italian gelato without the saturated fat from dairy or coconut,” said co-founder Kirsten Sutaria. ...

Good Catch Co-Founders Chris Kerr and Chad Sarno have been selected as UBS Global Visionaries. The vaunted list includes entrepreneurs and innovators who endeavor to solve one or more major environmental or social challenges chosen by the UN. Kerr and Sarno received the honor for their bold work creating sustainable alternatives to seafood, which will provide them new speaking opportunities, and connections and support from UBS’ global network of business experts. Bringing plant-based seafood to new heights Under Kerr and Sarno’s leadership, Good Catch has brought plant-based seafood to new heights while achieving astonishing rates of growth in just under five years.This April the company secured $26.35 million in a B-2 bridge funding round to propel its plant-based seafood to the forefront of the industry, and extend the international retail footprint for its portfolio which ranges from shelf-stable tuna to frozen crab cakes, fish burgers, and breaded fish sticks. Throughout 2020 and 2021, Good Catch’s overseas distribution expanded healthily, launching successively into major supermarkets in the UK, Canada, Spain and the Netherlands. Most recently, its crab cakes entered BJ’s Wholesale Club, while the new breaded line arrived at Sprouts locations nationwide.  Visionary honorees Kerr and Sarno both have long and illustrious backgrounds in food and business innovation. Chris Kerr helped fund and launch a host of highly influential plant-based brands including Beyond Meat, Daiya, Alpha Foods, and NUMU, and serves as Chief Investment Officer for Unovis Asset Management, which oversees New Crop Capital.  “I am incredibly honored to be represented on ...

Hyderabad’s first vegan market is taking place this Sunday, December 5 in the Indian city. The pet-friendly event is at the Phoenix Arena in Hitech City, as veganism continues to grow in the country.  Organised by Indian vegan startups Alt Mart – a vegan ecommerce marketplace – and alt dairy brand Enya, the market will feature Indian plant-based brands as well as Beyond Meat. Plant-based eating is on the rise in the country well known for its vegetarian population, with the nascent oat milk market emerging strongly.  Research has found that 63% of Indians were willing to replace meat with plant-based options, with Amazon India recently working with the Good Food Institute to introduce and promote alt-meat in the country, with Indian plant-based producer Blue Tribe’s products being sold at huge discounts of up to 97%.  ...