Spotlight: Plant-Based Foods News Highlights
#SeeingGreen - Plant-Based Foods news highlights: Plant-based food sales growth at Kroger. Snapshot of new plant-based foods coming to grocery retail. Mondelez leads plant-based snacks. Plant-based standouts at the National Restaurant Assn Show. PLNT Burger / Mind Blown partnership. Largest dairy company launches plant-based milk brand. And much more...
Brands in the news: Kroger, Kraft Heinz, Mondelēz International, PLNT Burger, Mind Blown™ by The Plant Based Seafood Co., Blackbird Foods, Dr. Praeger's, Plant Based Foods Association, Califia Farms, Perry's Ice Cream, The Hershey Company, Kellogg Company, Carvel, Oatly, Heura Foods, Lactalis Canada, chunk foods, Before the Butcher and many more.
Nearly 40 Percent of Shoppers Increased Spending on Plant-Based Food in 2023
“Despite speculation of a slowdown, a new report shows significant growth in the plant-based food industry, with nearly 40 percent of Kroger shoppers increasing their spending last year.”
All the Hot New Plant-Based Products Are Coming From 100-Year-Old Brands
“It’s often the fresh-faced startups that grab the spotlight with their innovative takes on plant-based cuisine. However, some of the most groundbreaking advancements in the realm of plant-based foods are coming from brands with roots dating back over a century.”
The Best New Plant-Based Products in Grocery Stores This Year
“The five winners of the PEOPLE Food Awards include a veggie-forward frozen meal and a decadent dairy-free coffee creamer. Whether you're fully plant-based or just trying to cut back, all of these items will become fast-favorites no matter your vegan-status.”
Oreo Parent Mondelez Is Leading a Plant-Based Snack Aisle Makeover
“In order to give the people what they want, Mondelēz International (aka, one of the largest snack companies in the world), is looking to mentor, and ultimately partner with companies, that can take its snack portfolio to the next level in terms of health and sustainability. So potentially, this means more nutritious, plant-based options are on the way from the $36 billion snack giant.”
6 surprising plant-based standouts from the Restaurant Show
“The sheer number of plant-based products on display at the National Restaurant Association Show this year could be overwhelming at first glance. However, products on the show floor provide valuable insight into trends in the foodservice industry. It’s clear that plant-based fare isn’t going anywhere, but it’s continuing to change and evolve.”
Plant-Based Food Is Finally Going Mainstream in France, Thanks to the Paris Olympics
“60% of all meals served at the Games will be plant-based.”
PLNT Burger Reintroduces Mind Blown Plant-Based Crab Cake Sandwich at All Locations
“Mind Blown by The Plant Based Seafood Co. and PLNT Burger have announced the introduction of ‘The Happy Crabby’ Sandwich ahead of World Ocean Month, bringing the plant-based crab cake back to PLNT Burger menus following its limited-time success last year in the DMV area.”
The World’s Largest Dairy Company Just Launched A Plant-Based Milk Brand
“In a huge sign of the plant-based industry’s potential amid middling returns, the world’s largest dairy company has made a move into the non-dairy space with a new brand. The Canadian arm of French dairy giant Lactalis, which turned over $31.4B in 2023, has launched Enjoy, a plant-based milk brand skewed towards health-conscious individuals.”
Vegan Nutella Is Being Launched Very Soon
“Nutella is a hugely popular hazelnut chocolate spread that’s sold all over the world. It’s thought that a jar is sold every 2.5 seconds, and the launch of a vegan version has been hugely anticipated. A spokesperson for Ferrero has now confirmed to Plant Based News that Nutella Plant-Based will be released in autumn 2024.”
Blackbird Foods launches crowdfunding campaign, explores plant-based opportunity in school lunches
“Plant-based comfort food brand Blackbird Foods launched a crowdfunding campaign on Start Engine to grow its business, including a bigger push into school lunch programs, company CEO Emanuel Storch told FoodNavigator-USA in a Startup Spotlight interview.”
Fueling the Plant-Based Revolution from Platform to Plate
“In 2018, Indian-American entrepreneur Vikas Garg launched Abillion — a mobile appthat helps users find and promote vegan products. In 2021, Abillion raised $10 million in a highly successful Series A investment round — a solid endorsement for the growing online community dedicated to changing the world’s consumption habits for the better.
Heura Launches Plant-Based Butcher’s
“Plant-based brand Heura has announced the launch of a pop-up butcher’s shop selling only vegan meat.
The shop will be opening in various locations in France. It will be at three Paris E-Leclerc hypermarkets at the end of May and early June, before moving to other venues in the coming weeks.”
Chunk Foods expands plant-based meat line
“Chunk Foods, maker of plant-based products that mimic whole cuts of meat, showcased two new products at the National Restaurant Association Show. The plant-based meat maker recently added Chunk Cubes and Chunk Slabs to its product line. The company began its line with a 4-oz steak, a 6-oz steakhouse cut, and a pulled meat product.”
Before the Butcher expands plant-based meat production