Proper Snacks has launched a trio of new chickpea-powered ProperChips with flavours inspired by popular global cuisines. The new chickpea range is under 100 calories per serving and is HFSS compliant, as well as being vegan, gluten-free and seasoned with natural flavours. The three new flavours are spicy Ghost Chilli & Yuzu, tangy Jerk Sauce and mild Katsu Curry. They have been crafted to bring new bold and diverse flavours to the snacking category, especially for consumers who are looking for healthier options that do not compromise on taste. Founder of Proper Snacks, Cassandra Stavrou, said: “These flavours seriously deliver and I’m so proud of the team for once again creating snacks that don’t compromise. This is what we mean by ‘done properly’. I can’t wait for everyone to try them." The new chips are available to purchase across the UK from today (7 March) for an RRP of £2.

Hosted by Protein Industries Canada, Pulse Canada and Plant-Based Foods of Canada, the Plant Forward conference returns to Toronto, Canada from 16-18 April 2024. Join industry leaders as we accelerate the innovation and adoption of plant-based foods to support the global food system shift. • Hear from leading experts on agri-food innovation and sustainability • Learn more about Canada’s integrated value chain • Gain valuable perspectives on what’s required to meet the needs of an increasingly discerning and growing population • Connect with key industry stakeholders with added networking opportunities Plant Forward's last event gathered one of the most concentrated groups of leading decision-makers from around the world in one room. The conference will once again be a premier event to make meaningful connections and gain tangible insights as we move forward toward a plant-centred future. Registration is open, and tickets and hotel rooms are going fast. Be sure to secure your spot. Register now!

Protein Industries Canada has announced a new CAD 13.2m (approx. $9.7m) co-investment into advancing the Canadian fava bean ecosystem. The industry consortium will bring together partners Prairie Fava, DL Seeds and Three Farmers to test the functionality of new fava bean varieties for use in consumer-facing products, particularly snack foods. Of the total CAD 13.2 million committed to the project, Protein Industries Canada is investing CAD 5.4 million (approx. $4m) with the partners investing the remainder. The project aims to strengthen the supply of fava beans in the Canadian market and help to meet rising demand for new sources of sustainable protein. Prairie Fava is growing DL Seeds’ fava varieties and utilising them in its patented processing methods, testing them for functionality and feeding information back to DL Seeds to inform new variety development. The agri-food ingredients companies will then supply snack brand Three Farmers with fava ingredients for functionality testing in the brand’s line of products. Protein Industries Canada’s CEO, Bill Greuel, said: “Prairie Fava, DL Seeds and Three Farmers have taken a full value chain approach to strengthening the fava bean supply chain and market in Canada – an approach that’s needed if we’re going to make Canada truly competitive in the global plant protein space”. He added: “By working together across the ecosystem, crop breeders, ingredient manufacturers and food processors can capture the growing global protein opportunity while providing consumers with a variety of healthy, high-protein snack options”. Through the investment, each company will be able to scale its product offerings and operations, including at Three Farmers’ recently opened facility in Saskatoon.

GoodPop, a manufacturer of fruit drinks and frozen treats has announced the release of two new flavours to its Junior Pops range – mango and strawberry. The new additions to the Junior Pops line, which already includes flavours such as Cherry n’ Lemonade and Orange Cherry Grape, are crafted from 100% fruit juice and are free from high fructose corn syrup, alternative sweeteners and artificial flavours and dyes. Recognising that children often exceed recommended sugar intake; the company has committed itself to offering families convenient access to sugar-free treats. The mango and strawberry pops feature a fresh flavour attained by using fruit picked at its peak. Each box of mango pops contains two whole mangoes, and each box of strawberry pops contains eleven whole strawberries. Daniel Goetz, CEO and founder of GoodPop, outlined the company's mission to recalibrate children's taste preferences, aiming to help families appreciate the natural sweetness of fruit. Additionally, he hopes to raise awareness about misleading claims on some products marketed as healthy, despite containing large amounts of unnecessary sugar. The new pops, available in 6-packs for $6.99, are currently being sold online and select retailers across the US with a larger rollout in April.

Hidden Valley Ranch has expanded its ranch line-up in partnership with Kellogg's' Cheez-It brand, with the launch of a new cheesy ranch dressing. Combining real cheese and zesty ranch sauce, the new combination is designed to be drizzled over nachos or used as a dipping sauce for various foods. CC Ciafone, marketing director at Hidden Valley Ranch, said: "When we caught wind of combining the irresistible flavours of Hidden Valley Ranch with Cheez-It crackers, we were blown away. We couldn't be more thrilled to make this collaboration a reality.” Cara Tragseiler, senior brand director for Cheez-It, added: “Hidden Valley Ranch and Cheez-It fans share the same obsession with our delicious food, so bringing them together made perfect sense. For the first time ever, our fans can drizzle the cheesy deliciousness they know and love on just about anything! That’s why we’re so excited to partner with Hidden Valley Ranch to bring this craveable, cheesy combo to all kinds of snacks.” Cheezy Ranch will be available for purchase at Walmart and Kroger grocery stores across the US from March for an RRP of $5.99.

Nestlé Australia has announced an AUD 32 million (approx. $20.8 million) investment in its factory in Smithtown, Australia, which manufactures Milo. Milo is a chocolate-flavoured malted powder, fortified with vitamins and minerals and produced by Nestlé – it is typically mixed with milk or hot water. The funding will upgrade the Milo manufacturing line, bringing new technology to the factory and supporting increased production capacity. The latest capital brings total investment in the site to approximately AUD 80 million (approx. $52 million) over the last decade. Factory manager James Garley said the investment in the site reflects Nestlé’s commitment to support local manufacturing. "We’re committed to investing in continuous improvements and upgrades to our Smithtown factory so we can continue to proudly make iconic brands like Milo right here,” Garley said. He continued: "Over the next 12 months, the project will inject an estimated AUD 20 million into the local economy and support almost 200 jobs as we construct a new building to house Milo production. It’s a complex project, but the team will work to ensure the facilities continue to deliver the choc-malt crunch of Milo Australians have loved for generations." The Smithtown factory has been in operation for more than a century and produces more than 200,000 cans of Milo, as well as Nesquik, Nescafé mixes and Malted Milk, annually. The upgrade is due to be completed by end of 2024.

Premier Foods is expanding its Bisto gravy range with its latest launch, Bisto For Sausages Gravy Granules. Stepping away from its traditional range for roast dinners, the new sausage gravy variant is looking to enhance Bisto’s appeal and bring convenience to mid-week meals. According to Bisto, sausage-based meals are a popular choice for families, with ‘sausages and mash’ holding its place as one of the top three dishes consumed in the UK. Bisto has developed this richer, thicker gravy, specifically crafted to provide a savoury and slightly sweet flavour profile, designed to to compliment the meaty taste of sausages and enhance sausage-based dishes. Mark Alldred, marketing director for flavours and seasonings at Premier Foods, said: “Sausages are the star of many mid-week meals, but consumers have struggled to find a gravy that perfectly complements them. Our new Bisto For Sausages Gravy Granules provides the perfect mid-week solution, helping consumers to enjoy tasty weekday dinners.” “By expanding the range, retailers can tap into a new opportunity and drive incremental sales by meeting demand for more time-efficient and flavourful mealtimes.” Bisto For Sausages Gravy Granules is available to purchase now in UK retailers for an RRP of £2.99. You might also be interested in: Bisto introduces new seasoning range Bisto unveils limited edition ‘lighter’ gravy Oxo expands stock pot range with new aromatic flavour

Lancashire, UK-based fourth-gen family cheesemaker Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses has acquired Hampshire Cheese Company. Founded in 2005, Hampshire Cheese Company’s handcrafted, continental-style soft cheeses Tunworth and Winslade will join the Butlers portfolio. Butlers has invested in its soft cheese capacity in the last two years, and under the deal, will become the largest independent soft cheesemaker in the UK. Matthew Hall, fourth-generation owner at Butlers, said: “Bringing two incredible cheeses like Tunworth and Winslade into our family is super exciting and consistent with our soft cheese strategy. The quality and reputation that Stacey and her team have established for Tunworth and Winslade is something we will be proud to nurture with their loyal customers.” He continued: “Over the years, Stacey has shared our mission to drive the British cheese renaissance in the UK and we are privileged to bring Tunworth and Winslade into our family, continue on that journey and get more of the amazing cheeses being made in Britain, to more people”. Butlers’ ownership of Hampshire Cheese Company is effective immediately. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

FrieslandCampina Ingredients has introduced two new docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ingredients tailored for the adult nutrition market. Biotis DHA FlexP 15 and Biotis DHA FlexP 20 are specialised DHA powders derived from algae, offering a sustainable and vegan-friendly alternative to cater to the escalating demand for plant-based options in the food and supplement industries. These microencapsulated powders ensure enhanced stability and sensory properties. These ingredients are designed to deliver high levels of DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain health and overall wellbeing. According to FrieslandCampina, consumers are increasingly prioritising their long-term health, particularly cognitive wellbeing. Despite the recognised importance of omega-3 fatty acids in supporting brain health – acknowledged by 53% of Europeans and 63% of Americans according to FrieslandCampina's data – global consumption remains low due to limited availability of palatable vegan or vegetarian options. DHA offers a myriad of benefits for brain, eye, and heart health, as well as aiding in exercise recovery. Biotis DHA Flex Powders provide producers with a versatile algae-derived DHA solution in powder form. The range includes Biotis DHA FlexP 15, ideal for vegan formulations with a consistent 15% DHA content, and Biotis DHA FlexP 20, a vegetarian variant incorporating dairy proteins in the powder matrix, offering a 20% DHA content. The plant-based DHA oil is encapsulated in a powder matrix with 4g of vitamin C per 100g, providing additional immune health benefits. This encapsulation process not only shields the DHA from oxidation but also eliminates any undesirable 'fishy' tastes or odours. Furthermore, these ingredients seamlessly integrate with various nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, pre- and probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. This adaptability facilitates the creation of products that meet consumer expectations for both effectiveness and taste. Auke Zeilstra, managing director of FrieslandCampina Ingredients North America, said: “The superior sensory properties also open the door to a wide range of innovative new formats, such as functional breakfast drinks, gummy supplements and RTD beverages so consumers can seamlessly incorporate these vital nutrients into their daily routines.”

Del Monte Foods has announced plans to close plants in Toppenish, Washington and Markesan, Wisconsin, to “align and streamline operational capacity with consumer demand”. Production at both of the sites will end on 26 April this year, with labelling and distribution activities forecasted to continue until Q3. Reports state that there are currently 90 people employed at the Wisconsin plant and 127 in Washington. According to reports, the closure of the plants comes in response to a realignment of buying habits at pre-Covid levels that has led the company to assess its manufacturing network and, in turn, reduce the number of facilities. As a result of the pandemic, US food manufacturers saw a surge in demand for cereal, pasta, broths and canned goods – however, as consumers have returned closer to their pre-pandemic routines of spending more time outside the home, demand has fallen. Del Monte Foods’ Wisconsin location is a fruit and vegetable canning facility, while the Washington plant handles canned corn and peas. Del Monte Foods is working with a union in Toppenish over the effects of the closure and says it plans to provide affected employees with resources and support.

Richard Williams has been appointed as the new CEO of Müller Yogurt & Desserts in the UK & Ireland, as announced by Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller today (4 March). Williams brings over 20 years of senior experience in marketing, commercial, and general management within the dairy and wider FMCG sector. Prior to his appointment, Williams served as an executive committee member and VP of Saputo's cheese business, where he spearheaded a successful turnaround strategy for the company's cheese portfolio. Williams replaces ex-Jacobs Douwe Egberts MD Justin Cook, who has been chief executive of Müller Yogurt & Desserts since March 2021. With experience in the yogurt and desserts category, Williams previously held the position of business unit director for Yoplait Europe at General Mills and spent seven years in Danone’s US dairy division, including four years as marketing director. Williams said: “I can’t wait to meet the team and get started at Müller Yogurt & Desserts. It’s one of the most recognisable and loved brands in the UK, with an impressive private label business and products that are found in over half of the nation’s fridges.” He continued: “By working hard to be the dairy partner of choice for our customers and focusing on innovation, marketing, quality and sustainability, we are in a good place to continue our growth journey and help put a smile on the nation’s face”. Manfred Weiß, group CCO for Branded Dairy at Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller, commented: “We are excited to welcome Richard to the team. Müller Yogurt & Desserts has restored momentum and we see huge opportunities for growth. With Richard in position, we are looking forward to fuelling category growth and driving more sales for our customers, which in turn benefits the whole supply chain.” Müller UK & Ireland, wholly owned by Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller, employs over 32,000 people throughout Europe. In the UK, Müller develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of branded and private label dairy products made with milk from 1,300 farmers in Britain, alongside a designated plant-based range.

Innocent Drinks is making up to £1 million available in grants through its Farmer Innovation Fund, aiming to support regenerative fruit and vegetable farming within its supply chain. The fund was first launched in March 2021 to improve funding options for commercial farmers, helping them to cover losses associated with trialling new innovative farming practices. Now, as the soft drinks company advances plans to decarbonise its supply chain, it has announced the latest £1m support package as part of the enhanced initiative. The fund provides support to Innocent’s ingredient suppliers for projects that help enable the transition to low-carbon farming, higher biodiversity and fairer farming practices. Nick Canney, CEO at Innocent Drinks said: “We see the Farmer Innovation Fund as a great opportunity to weave a strong connection from our drinkers to our farmers by working with our suppliers to safeguard the future supply of fruit and vegetables”. The funding will be offered to all innocent ingredient suppliers with a special focus on those providing ‘priority’ fruits, such as apples and oranges. These fruits produce the highest levels of Innocent’s Scope 3 emissions. With over half of the company’s carbon footprint coming from its ingredients, investing in sustainable farming practices is expected to play a key role in achieving a 50% reduction of its Scope 3 emissions by 2030. Within the total £1m, grants will be made available between £20,000-£500,000, with those over £500,000 considered on a case-by-case basis. In the long term, the fund will also cover grants for advocacy, education and collaboration beyond Innocent’s supply chains. Innocent will share its learnings throughout the process to accelerate the transition to sustainable farming within the wider sector. To support the project, Innocent has brought together a group of industry experts as part of an external advisory board to ensure funding is allocated effectively. Previous winners of the fund include Döhler, which is using the fund to map out how to reduce the carbon footprint in its apple and mango supply chains, and Agrarias Manchegas, which is using the fund to optimise farm inputs via data management and precision agriculture technology. Dominik Klauser, regenerative agriculture director, SAI Platform and chair of the external advisory board for the Farmer Innovation Fund, said: “We need to see more investment in supporting farmers on their journey towards de-risking and embracing regenerative farming practices. It’s great to see businesses like Innocent Drinks committing to support the farmers within their supply chain to make this transition.”