The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Alt-dairy start-up Climax Foods has rebranded to Bettani Farms; has appointed former Califia Farms CFO, Sandeep Patel, as CEO and chairman; and has raised $6.5 million in Series A funding.

Modern Baker, an innovative UK-based start-up focused on redefining ultra-processed foods (UPFs), has successfully raised £2.5 million in Series A funding led by impact investor network Adjuvo.

US-based hummus brand Little Sesame has successfully closed an $8.5m Series A funding round, led by InvestEco Capital.

The Ryl Company, owner of functional iced tea brand Ryl Tea, has secured $15m in Series B funding to fuel its innovation and expansion across the US.

Yeastup, a Swiss yeast-based ingredients company, has raised CHF 8.9m (approx. $9.9m) to support a new large-scale production site.

Gavan Technologies has raised $8m in Series A funding to support commercialisation of its plant-based fat solution, Fatrix.

US energy drink company Lucky Energy has closed an oversubscribed $11.75m Series A funding round led by Brand Foundry Ventures.

Seaweed packaging company Notpla has completed a £20m Series A funding round to accelerate innovation and its expansion into the US.

ZBiotics, a US-based probiotics company, has raised $12m in a Series A funding round.