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Designer Princess Maja von Hohenzollern has launched the “Royal Kids Collection” of children’s furniture exclusively for the leading furniture manufacturer finori GmbH. The collection is the first PETA approved children’s furniture collection on the market. The range is unisex grey, with all furniture fronts upholstered in velour velvet, and is described as bringing a ” warm feel for well-being.” The Princess, a vegan for many years, is an animal rights activist and designs her collections for children’s toys, furniture, Royal Household, bathroom accessories, and carpets to be free from animal suffering. For her design achievements, the Princess was awarded the “Designer of the year 2020” Powerhouse Global Award and received the “Asia Design Award Gold”/Shanghai as the best designer in Asia. Speaking in interview with vegconomist last December, she explained why her designs are considered unique: “In my products I combine modern design with ethics and a good price-performance ratio. Authenticity is most important to me, as a vegan lifestyle brand. People know that I design all products myself, that I bring in innovative product ideas and that I have been a vegan myself for many years. My collections always have a story, emotions, my own design signature and a clear unique selling point. These are important success factors for sales.” Vegan interior design is a growing category with several emerging designers seeing success and increased demand globally. There is even a newly launched Vegan Interior Design Week taking place this month November 2021, featuring over 30 global speakers, panel ...

Award-winning confectionery brand Free From FellowsTM announces that its vegan marshmallows will debut in Sainsbury’s this Sunday 17th October, in time for Halloween and Guy Fawkes night festivities. Three new products will be available – large mallows in vanilla and strawberry flavours and mini pink and white mallows in vanilla flavour, all retailing at £1.50. The demand for vegan-friendly confectionery continues to soar in international markets. As we reported in January, the UK’s largest confectionery retailer, Hancock’s, added 300 lines of vegan sweets to its 14 cash and carry stores across the UK, to keep up with demand. In May, Hancocks expanded its vegan offerings even further, commenting that the country’s vegan market was growing at an “exponential rate”. In line with Free From Fellow’s focus on the avoidance of allergens, the mallows are free from dairy, soy, nuts, gelatine free and absolutely all animal ingredients. Other products in the Free From Fellows range include sugar-free gummy bears, midget gems, cola bottles, pear drops, rhubarb and custard and mixed flavour lollipops. Co-Founder at Bravura Foods, Karl Morris comments: “This was a natural progression for the brand as we look to satisfy the needs of more vegans in the UK with our successful and popular growing range.” Co-founder Lisa Gawthorne adds, “These mallows taste totally amazing and the launch is timed perfectly for Halloween and bonfire activities to make sure nobody is left out at those key occasions.” ...

Oatly, the world’s largest oat drink company, has launched a new vegan ice cream flavour in the UK. The oat-based Mint Chocolate dessert launches at Sainsbury’s and Ocado this month, followed by Tesco in November. The ice cream is described as “fresh” and “leafy green”, with dark chocolate chunks and no synthetic ingredients. The new flavour is the latest in Oatly’s plant-based ice cream range, which also contains the flavours Fudge, Strawberry, and Salted Caramel. As plant-based eating continues to surge in popularity, Oatly is seeing success across the globe — its Q2 results forecast a 64% annual revenue increase. In August, the company announced plans to open its biggest North American factory yet, which will produce up to 150 million litres of oat milk per year. Earlier this year, Oatly celebrated a successful IPO which left it with an enterprise value of almost $13 billion. Following the IPO, it expanded further into China, entering into a partnership to manufacture its products outside of Europe and North America for the first time ever. “The introduction of our new Mint Chocolate ice cream is another instance of us making it easier for people to take the leap to plant-based,” said Ishen Paran, General Manager at Oatly UK. “We’ve put an Oatly spin on a flavour everyone’s been asking for – and we think it will go down a treat with ice cream lovers.” ...

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “Global Dairy Alternatives Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Source (Soy, Almond), by Product (Milk, Ice Cream), by Distribution Channel (Supermarket & Hypermarkets, Online Retail), and Segment Forecasts, 2021-2028” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. The global dairy alternatives market size is expected to reach USD 52.58 billion by 2028 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.5% The rise in demand for plant-based alternatives and changing consumer diets utilizing milk alternatives are driving the demand for dairy alternatives. Increasing occurrence of milk allergies or cases of lactose intolerance is expected to drive the market further. People with lactose intolerance are increasingly opting for milk alternatives, which has made beverage manufacturers adopt dairy alternatives to appeal to the respective consumer base, further propelling the demand for dairy alternatives. Changing consumer preferences caused by environmental or moral concerns resulting in the mass adoption of vegan or similar diets are expected to positively impact the market growth over the forecast period. Europe has a well-established food and beverages industry and has seen significant growth in the vegan population, resulting in the high market growth in the region. Moreover, consumers are opting for more variety in their food and beverage products such as almond milk coffee or coconut panna kotta. Similar dishes with dairy alternatives are becoming available across major industries such as hotels, restaurants, and cafes as well as in packaged foods. The increased availability of the products has made it easier for consumers to ...

Day 2 at Anuga: This year, in addition to the numerous exhibitors of vegan products, the trade fair also holds a comprehensive supporting program for the alternative protein industry. A highlight of the show on the second day was the launch of the New Food Conference organized by ProVeg, which this year focuses on cellular agriculture. The Dutch meat alternative brand Vivera, one of Europe’s leading brands now part of the JBS food group, is also presenting new vegan product innovations at Anuga this year. The fledgling alternative brand Heura Foods from Spain will also be present this year with its innovative range of plant-based meat alternatives. And some vegan brands have also found their way to Anuga from Asia. These include the meat alternative brand UNLIMEAT from South Korea. Exclusively at Anuga, KARAVELA from Latvia, one of the leading manufacturers of canned fish in Europe, will be presenting new products from its young fish alternative brand “Fish Peas”. Italian pasta specialist de Angelis Food is showcasing its fast-growing vegan product range at Anuga. The traditional Swabian company Settele from Germany presents a range of vegan pasta specialties. The young Finnish brand Meeat Food Tech wants to conquer the European market with its plant-based meat alternatives. There is also a lot to see in the snack sector at Anuga. Among others, from the German influencer Pamela Reif with her brand PAM. Bunte Burger from Cologne, Germany, is also represented at Anuga with its plant-based burger creations. Colorado-based plant-based food manufacturer ...

Karavela, one of Europe’s largest producers of canned fish, has presented a plant-based canned seafood product range under a new brand; Fish Peas. Developed from the highly sustainable yellow pea, the new range has been unveiled at the ongoing Anuga global trade fair.  “With the launch of our vegan products, we plan to become trendsetters in the plant-based fish product market” The Fish Peas plant-based range will come in three product types: salads, spreads, and flakes, and have been developed following more than a year of in-depth market research and investments of around €2.5 million. One of the Fish Peas products; Fishly Italiano Salad, has already been recognized as Top Innovation 2021 at the Anuga taste innovation show. With €66.3 million turnover in 2020, Latvia-based Karavela is one the largest producers of canned fish and preserves in Europe, and becomes just the latest in a long list of global fish companies moving into alt seafood. As overfishing, environmental destruction, and climate change take their toll on the oceans, seafood companies are increasingly diversifying into alt protein, most notably Thai Union and Century Pacific Food.  “Currently, there is a lack of understanding about how plant-based seafood products should taste. We are planning to change that, combining our extensive experience as a canned fish producer with sustainable innovation in the realm of plant-based ingredients. With the launch of our vegan products, we plan to become trendsetters in the plant-based fish product market leading the way for other brands that want to create ...

On a mission to inspire, educate and empower future and rising female leaders in food tech, Vegan Women Summit (VWS) is an events and media organization building a global community of strong and ambitious female-identifying change makers.  Founded by tech and communication leader Jennifer Stojkovic, Vegan Women Summit was born as Jennifer became aware of the inequities facing female founders in the food tech industry, blending her passion for change in the food system with her experience and network in Silicon Valley. We had the chance to speak with Jennifer – following her recent epic trip to Mount Kilimanjaro – to get to know more about VWS and its roles and goals in the plant-based sphere.  What is the mission and vision of the Vegan Women Summit?  Vegan Women Summit (VWS) is a global platform dedicated to empowering women to build a kinder, more sustainable world. We strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable future for plant-based and animal alternatives across food, fashion, beauty, and biotechnology. What particular factors contribute to women being underrepresented specifically in the plant-based business landscape?  The plant-based landscape, in many ways, mirrors the issues of the greater business ecosystem — women continue to be underfunded, underrepresented, and under supported. While our industry may be mission-driven, these issues are pervasive in society as a whole. In our 2020 study of women founders and CEOs in the food tech industry, we found that nearly half of all founders had experienced bias from investors with 75% citing gender bias specifically. ...

One of Europe’s fastest-growing plant-based companies, Heura, has entered retail giant Walmart with an expansion into Mexico. The Spanish plant-based meat company will launch into more than 220 stores across the country.  Offering Mexican consumers one of the plant-based market’s healthiest options with short labels and high nutrition profiles, Heura’s new retail partners in the country include Walmart, City Market, Fresko, and La Comer.  With four SKUs on offer – plant-based chicken bites and strips, burgers, and meatballs – Heura’s expansion to Mexico marks the latest step in the vegan brand’s continued growth. The Barcelona-based company is currently present in 4,000 points of sales in 16 countries around the world.  Rapid Expansion The activism-first start-up recently hit the news by taking over a Spanish bullfighting ring to launch its latest products, as well as securing a €16 million investment round earlier this year, with international football players such as Chris Smalling, Sergi Roberto and Cesc Fábregas all investing. “With nearly 130 million people living in Mexico, we recognize the power of its people to change the food system into one that’s designed to protect the things we all love: the planet, people and animals,” stated Food Activist and Heura CEO Mark Coloma.  “Our goal is to provide a product that allows kitchens across Mexico to remain the heart of the house that embraces and celebrates traditions, but in a new and improved way that promotes a healthier and more sustainable future,” he added.   ...

Earlier this year, Indian alt-meat company Blue Tribe launched plant-based chicken keema in various Indian cities. Now, Mumbai-based restaurant chain Charcoal Eats has introduced a vegan biryani made with the keema. According to the chain, the biryani is “tasty and deeply comforting” and has the same taste, texture, and mouthfeel as the conventional variety. It will be available at Charcoal Eats’ 29 restaurants across Mumbai, which serve over 50,000 customers a month. Blue Tribe’s plant-based chicken keema was initially launched in August, along with vegan chicken nuggets. The products debuted in Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali, three Indian cities famous for the dishes Chicken Tikka, Butter Chicken, and Mutton Champ. Last month, the company also launched plant-based pork and chicken sausages. Blue Tribe says it has already helped meat-eating customers across ten Indian cities to eat more plant-based foods. It emphasises that it wants to offer more sustainable alternatives to everyone, not just vegetarians. “The 100% plant-based Chicken Keema Biryani is aimed at discerning consumers who love the taste of meat, but want to consciously cut down on their meat consumption for ethical, religious, environmental, or health reasons,” said Charcoal Eats in a statement. “This creation resolves the age-old question of whether a biryani can be vegetarian with a resounding Yes!” ...

Hummii is a healthy vegan snack brand from the US with a focus on sustainability. The company has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for its mini muffins, which aim to take on existing products that are similar but less healthy. The chickpea-based muffins were developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred pastry chef Bethany Costello and various top food scientists. They are free of gluten and the eight most common food allergens, as well as being low in sugar and high in plant-based protein. But the most notable thing about the muffins is that they are made with highly sustainable ingredients. Hummii uses Outcast Foods’ upcycled fruit powders to flavour its products, and it has also partnered with Nutriati Artesa to source ultra-sustainable chickpea protein and flour. These chickpea products are made using a waterless process, which saves 20 gallons of water per kilogram of protein isolate. Last year, Whole Foods predicted that both chickpeas and upcycled foods would trend in 2021, and its predictions have been borne out. Companies have developed chickpea-based pizza, chocolate spread, and tofu, along with plant-based foods made from fruit pits and milk alternatives with upcycled sweeteners. “At Hummii, we truly want to incorporate a sustainable mindset from the ground up with our product development process,” said Tyler Phillips, Founder and Chief Edible Officer. “We are always analyzing what “waste products” can be converted into usable ingredients either with our own production process or that of like-minded brands. We have really been inspired to grow into a ...