Dutch ingredients company Vivici has announced that it has successfully closed its seed funding round, with support from founding investors DSM-Firmenich and Fonterra. The company’s aim is to meet the world’s growing need for sustainable, nutritious and great tasting proteins through bringing animal-free dairy proteins made with precision fermentation to market. In a statement announcing its successful closing of the round, Vivici said that global demand for protein will nearly double by 2050 and current ways of producing protein cannot be scaled sustainably to meet that demand. Vivici is leveraging “decades of experience” in developing and scaling bioprocesses, with specialist knowledge in the isolation and application of dairy proteins. Fermentation-produced dairy proteins can provide functional benefits in a wide array of applications. Based in the Netherlands, Vivici has its headquarters at the Biotech Campus Delft and a dairy protein application lab in the Food Valley at NIZO food research. Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici, said: “I'm thrilled to work with such an experienced team, that knows what it takes to not only develop, but manufacture, register and commercialise great ingredients. Together, we will build Vivici into a precision fermentation leader that contributes to a future-proof food system.” Pieter Wolters, managing director of DSM-Firmenich Venturing, commented: “We are thrilled to be a founding investor in Vivici BV's Series Seed capital raise. Vivici has the foundation for success and builds on multiple years of joint technology and application development and is now well-positioned as an agile startup company."

FrieslandCampina is launching a new meat-free chicken alternative brand, Tender’lish. The range includes Chik’n Cheese Escalope, Cripsy Chik’n Fillet Burger, Crunchy Chik’n Tenders and Cripsy Chik’n Fillets, which will be available in UK stores in early October. Tender’lish chicken is made with up to 60% skimmed milk to form the base of the protein. The high dairy content is said to provide a reliable and trusted source of high-quality protein and calcium, as well as a source of fibre and iron. The dairy base delivers a succulent and moist mouthfeel, replicating the fibrous layers found in real chicken. It delivers a firm bite, with a bright white interior and crispy golden crumb exterior. Alison Lees, UK marketing lead for Tender’lish, said: “After several years of successive double-digit growth, performance in the meat-alternative category has been challenging over the past six months. However, at a time when some manufacturers are withdrawing from the UK market, FrieslandCampina is confidently investing for future growth, offering something genuinely new, different and superior within the key growth subset of chicken alternatives.” Chik’n Cheese Escalope, 180g, will be available for an RSP of £3.25, Crispy Chik’n Fillet Burger, 180g, for an RSP of £3, Crunchy Chik’n Tenders, 160g, for an RSP of £3 and Cripsy Chik’n Fillets, 160g, for an RSP of £3.

D’Amelio Brands has raised $5 million in funding led by media and tech firm Fifth Growth Fund (FGF). Founded in 2022 by TikTok stars Charli and Dixie D'Amelio and their parents, entrepreneurs Marc and Heidi, D’Amelio Brands creates products across diverse sectors such as consumer packaged goods, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. The funding will be used to drive the company's growth into the F&B industry, paving the way for the upcoming introduction of D’Amelio Foods. D’Amelio Foods said it will offer a diverse selection of "high-quality, flavourful and accessible snacks". The first product is scheduled for a nationwide release this autumn. The D’Amelio family said it will be closely engaged in product development and formulation, as well as marketing, brand building and fulfilment. CEO Marc D’Amelio said: "D'Amelio Brands' expansion into the food and beverage sector, fuelled by FGF's investment, is a significant step in our journey of continuing to launch socially conscious brands that resonate with our audience". He continued: "Some of our family’s best memories are made at home, in the kitchen or snacking in the family room. The products we plan to launch under D’Amelio Foods are inspired by our favourite flavours and snacks. We’re excited for people to try them out and create lasting memories of their own.” The company will also partner with Trusted Influence – a product sourcing, brand activation and marketing agency – to help with "developing the brand, sourcing and brokering strategic retail deals for nationwide distribution". FGF partner Royce Wilson will join the D'Amelio Brands' board of directors. Wilson said: "With the D’Amelio family’s ability to identify Gen Z's unique tastes and preferences, this venture promises to bring fresh, high-quality, exciting products to the marketplace. We're not just investing capital; we're investing in the future of consumer goods and the evolution of how brands connect with their audience."

A Michigan State University research team has received a $611,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture to examine crop uptake of heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium and lead. The initiative follows a 2021 congressional report on the neurological and developmental dangers of high levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in store-bought baby foods. In 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced ‘Closer to Zero’, an action plan that focuses on reducing contaminant exposure from foods, especially those commonly consumed by infants and young children. The new project is being led by Wei Zhang, associate professor and associate chair in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU). The team is composed of scientists representing four MSU departments, and each member is also supported by MSU AgBioResearch. Zhang said that the FDA is expected to create guidelines on maximum allowable levels of these heavy metals in foods over the coming years, which will have “significant consequences” for farmers and food processors. “To ensure a safe food supply, it is crucial to understand what drives crop uptake of heavy metals, which is extremely complex and varies by crop species, soil type, field topography and climatic conditions,” Zhang said. “We recognise that solutions to this problem require stakeholder collaboration across entire food supply chains.” The project builds on ongoing research that includes various team members who are testing the effectiveness of soil amendments on minimising carrot uptake of multiple heavy metals. This research by a Specialty Crop Block Grant through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Jamie Clover Adams, executive director of the Michigan Carrot Committee, said: “Michigan carrot growers annually produce more than 52,000 tons of processing carrots, consistently striving to deliver a safe and wholesome ingredient to processors. Our initial year of the Specialty Crop Block Grant has revealed that multiple factors influence the uptake of heavy metals in carrots.” He added: “This research is a good start to helping growers better predict potential uptake risk at the time of field selection and manage uptake risk during carrot growth, but it’s only the beginning. The USDA funding represents the crucial subsequent phase that will equip Michigan carrot growers with the necessary information to provide an even safer product to consumers in the future.” In another project through the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences, the team is assessing cadmium exposure from rice, spinach and other crops as part of the Closer to Zero plan. Additionally, they are said to be applying machine learning techniques to predict crop uptake of contaminants more accurately. With the USDA funding, the team will be able to expand research on carrots and open its doors to include wheat. Carrots and wheat were chosen because they are common ingredients in baby foods and have a large production in Michigan, US. The project has three overarching objectives aimed at uncovering the circumstances that lead to heavy metal uptake and what can be done to mitigate it. For the first objective, soil samples taken from participating growers and commercial carrot and wheat fields in Michigan will be examined and analysed for arsenic, cadmium and lead. Researchers will check for low contamination levels and measure that alongside crop uptake. Zhang said if heavy metal levels are high in crops at low soil contamination, greater contamination could lead to more crop uptake. Carrots and wheat will also be grown in MSU greenhouses to evaluate crop uptake at various growth stages and soil moisture levels. The second objective will focus on applied research in Michigan carrot and wheat fields. Soil and plant samples will be extracted over several years to investigate potential changes in crop uptake based on differing growth stages, soil properties and topography. Samples will be taken at three points during the season – the start, middle and end of the year – but researchers will determine if additional samples are needed due to excessive wet or dry periods. Thirdly, researchers will use the climate, plant and soil data collected from the first two objectives to create machine learning-based risk models for heavy metal uptake. Using these models and other available data, they will generate an assessment of the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of mitigation strategies. These include soil amendments, crop rotation, fertilizer management and cultivar selection. The project hopes to develop a management guide that “offers cost-effective practices tailored to the conditions of individual farms, and resources for policymakers that help them make informed decisions” by its completion.

An affiliate of private investment firm Sun Capital has entered into an agreement to acquire Koch Separation Solutions (KSS) for an undisclosed amount. The affiliate reached an agreement with various subsidiaries of Koch Engineered Solutions, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, to acquire KSS. The acquisition is set to pave the way for KSS to strengthen its market presence and improve its economies of scale. Headquartered in Massachusetts, US, KSS has over 700 employees and decades of experience providing separation technologies. The company offers membrane filtration, evaporators, dryers, ion exchange and proprietary cheesemaking technologies to markets including industrial, food, beverage and dairy. Once the transaction is complete, KSS will operate as a standalone business, continuing under the existing management team and including all its current operations. Manny Singh, president of KSS, said: “Sun Capital and KSS share a common vision of innovation and continuous improvement to best serve our customers. KSS has an established history in the separations space, with over half a century’s worth of experience providing innovative solutions to customers worldwide. We are excited about this opportunity as it positions KSS to build upon longstanding relationships while growing our capabilities as a complete solutions provider. We remain committed to delivering the same level of service that our customers expect when working with us.” Jeremy Stone, senior MD at Sun Capital, commented: “We are very excited to enter into this agreement and look forward to working with the KSS team to support the business as a strong standalone enterprise. Sun Capital has a long history of successfully partnering with outstanding management teams in industrial businesses across multiple sectors. We’re confident that we can apply that experience and our deep, in-house operational resources to help management execute its business plan, accelerate growth, and further the company’s ability to help customers increase productivity while meeting sustainability goals.” The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions including required regulatory approvals.

B&G Foods has partnered with Sazerac to launch three new Weber seasoning blends. The seasonings are inspired by Sazerac's most popular spirits, which include: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Southern Comfort Whiskey. The full line of Sazerac-inspired seasonings include: Fireball Whiskey-flavoured Weber seasoning, which embraces the heat of fireball with sweet heat cinnamon flavour; Buffalo Trace Whiskey-flavoured Weber seasoning, inspired by the sweet fruit flavour and caramel notes of Buffalo Trace; and Southern Comfort Whiskey-flavoured Weber seasoning, features a balanced blend of stone fruit flavours, warm spices and garlic. "This partnership means fans of our brands now have a completely new way to experience the flavours of their favourite spirits – in seasoning form," said Bryan Rakowski, Brand Portfolio Vice President at Sazerac. "From cooking to grilling, and even cocktail preparation, there are now even more ways for our fans to enjoy and experiment with the taste profiles of their favourite spirits." All three seasoning varieties are set to hit the shelves at Kroger stores later this month. Additionally, the Buffalo Trace Whiskey-flavoured Weber seasoning will be exclusively available in a club-size 9oz container at Sam's Club from September.

Hydration-tech brand Waterdrop has expanded its Microdrinks offering with a new Ice Tea collection, boasting a trio of new flavours. The new flavours – lemon, peach and blueberry – come in the company’s Microdrinks cube format, transforming plain water into iced tea. In a statement, waterdrop said: “Simply drop the dissolvable cubes into 14-20 oz of cold water, let the cube dissolve, and enjoy!” Henry Murray, co-founder and CMO of waterdrop, said: “We're very excited to launch our latest addition to the waterdrop Microdrink collection: Iced Tea. This extension of our Microdrinks further showcases how plain water can be easily transformed into a delicious, sugar-free beverage – even iced tea." He continued: "Our overall mission is to encourage people to drink more water while eliminating the need for plastic bottles, so we're thrilled to offer our consumers a new way to enjoy iced tea". The compact cubes are packed with natural fruit, plant extracts and vitamins, contain zero sugar, and are crafted with real tea. The cubes – which provide an easy and convenient way to encourage hydration – are designed with sustainability in mind. The company says that “waterdrop Ice Tea Microdrinks contain 98% less CO2 and plastic compared to a traditional bottled beverage”.

Mary Dowling Whiskey Company, a joint venture with Pernod Ricard and Rabbit Hole distillery founder Kaveh Zamanian, has announced the debut of a new bourbon product range. Pernod Ricard and Zamanian's collaboration dates back to 2019, when the French company acquired a majority share in the Kentucky distillery. According to the brand, Mary Dowling was the most influential female "in the male-dominated world of pre-prohibition bourbon". She was known as the "mother of bourbon". The Mary Dowling Whiskey Company line-up includes two whiskeys: Tequila Barrel – a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished in tequila barrels, featuring fruit flavours and earthy, smoky tones, completed by a black-peppery finish – and Double Oak Barrel – a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey presented at double oak cask strength, boasting bolder flavours and a higher ABV than its counterpart while maintaining a smooth finish. Zamanian said: "Long obscured by the mists of time, Mary Dowling's story is one of the most motivational and compelling in the annals of whiskey-making. We wanted to create a whiskey to honour her extraordinary character, celebrate her legacy and her iconic distillery, Waterfill & Frazier. We are excited to finally share two original expressions, which are meant to be savoured while toasting to the unstoppable spirit of Mary Dowling." Mary Dowling Whiskey Company's new expressions are available for purchase at select retailers across the US. Tequila Barrel has a 46.5–47.5% ABV and retails for $75. Meanwhile, Double Oak Barrel has a 53.5% ABV and retails for $130.

Tyson Foods plans to sell its China poultry business, three people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The company has reportedly hired Goldman Sachs to advise on the sale and sent preliminary information to potential buyers including a number of private equity firms, however, the sale process was said to be at an early stage. It is unclear what valuation Tyson Foods is seeking for the business, but one of the insiders told Reuters that the China poultry division has annual sales of about $1.1 billion. The sources declined to be identified due to the confidentiality of the information. The reports come after Tyson's announcement earlier this month, that it plans to close four chicken processing facilities in the US. It said the company aimed to “optimise network asset utilisation,” as it adjusted to a decline and slowing demand for certain products. US agribusiness company Cargill announced in May that it was selling its poultry business in China to private equity firm DCP Capital. Additionally, Reckitt Benckiser Group signed an agreement in 2021 to offload its Infant Formula and Child Nutrition business in China to private equity firm Primavera Capital Group for $2.2 billion. According to analysts, Reuters reported that China's meat market has become increasingly challenging, with livestock farm margins squeezed in the last two years due to weak demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and increased feed prices as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meat giant opened its first factory in China in 2001 with regional headquarters in Shanghai. It now has three R&D centres, seven processing plants and dozens of breeding farms in the region, according to the latest information on its website. Tyson operates throughout the whole industry chain in China, from “breeding and slaughtering to processing and distribution, providing solutions for chicken, cattle, and pigs”. The company opened a new factory in June this year, with a focus on processed foods such as cooked chicken and pre-made Chinese cuisine in Nantong and another that focuses on frozen and heat-processed foods in Xiaogan. Tyson reported $39.5 billion in total sales for the nine months ended 1 July, of which $1.9 billion was from the international and other business segment that includes its China operations. FoodBev contacted Tyson Foods for comment.

US speciality foodservice distributor, Ferraro Foods, has announced plans to expand its Napoli facility in Cheshire, Connecticut, US. Constructed in 2008, Napoli is a brand that offers imported Italian foods. Currently, its operations are based in a distribution centre spanning 120,000 square feet. The facility is located between Boston and New York City. The expansion plans, estimated to cost around $10 million, have received the green light from both state and local agencies. It involves adding a multi-temperature section spanning 45,000 square feet. Once complete, the site's storage capacity will increase by 70%. The move is said to position Ferraro to double Napoli's existing sales volume and further enhance its foothold in the Northeast pizza market. Michael Cipriano, corporate VP of sales and revenue operations for Ferraro Foods, said: “This expansion will represent a significant investment in one of our key facilities supporting Ferraro’s operations in the ‘pizza power states’ of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, which are so important in our business. From an operations and revenue perspective, this will be a major step forward for Ferraro.” Dan Hill, Ferraro Foods’ CEO, added: “This flurry of expansion activity is not by happenstance. Ferraro is intensely focused on increasing our market share in critical Northeast pizza markets, where the country’s largest concentration of independent pizzerias is located. We’re on a mission to continue growing our customer base as we build our reputation as the premier provider in the speciality Italian foods space.”

Schwartz has partnered with TV chef Nadiya Hussain, to launch a new range featuring nine products, including recipe kits, mixes and seasonings. The range retails from £1.19 to £3 and includes: Kicking Chicken Kebabs recipe mix Punchy Chicken and Rice recipe mix Smoky Meatball Stew recipe Kicking Kebabs recipe kit Punchy Rice Bowl recipe kit Tangy Tacos recipe kit Paprika, Garlic & Parsley all purpose seasoning Mango, Lime & Coriander all purpose seasoning Bell Pepper, Oregano & Garlic all purpose seasoning Chris Nelson, vice president of marketing at McCormick, commented: “Our partnership with Nadiya has allowed us to not only introduce a delicious range to the market but also empower home cooks with the assurance to cook a little more often. This launch is just the beginning of an exciting pivot for Schwartz. Together, through our partnership with Nadiya we will create exceptional experiences for our consumers to find joy and confidence in their kitchens through the trusted flavour of Schwartz.” The full range can be found on www.schwartz.co.uk/nadiya-and-schwartz and it will also be available to purchase online and in-store at Asda on the 24 August and at other major supermarkets in the UK in the following months.

Michael Eisner, former Disney CEO and owner of Bazooka, has agreed to sell the company to private equity firm Apax Partners for $700 million, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Eisner’s private investment firm Tornante – and private equity group Madison Dearborn Partners – acquired the confectionery company, and its now-separated trading card arm Topps, for $385 million in 2007. In 2021, Madison Dearborn and Tornante agreed to take the company via SPAC at a $1.3 billion valuation, at which point it still included the Topps trading cards business. The deal was killed when Topps lost its exclusive licensing deal with Major League Baseball to Fanatics. A year later, the firms sold off Topps to Fanatics for $500 million while holding onto the confectionery business, which is now going for $700 million, including debt. The WSJ first reported on the potential sale in June this year. According to this week's report, a source familiar with Apax said that Bazooka’s namesake product, Bazooka Bubble Gum, only accounts for around 2% of annual sales, with the bulk coming from brands like Ring Pop, Juicy Drop and Push Pop. The source added that the US-based confectioner’s revenue is up “around 30% year-over-year in 2023,” due to distribution wins, and that non-chocolate confectionery industry fragmentation could turn Bazooka into “something of an acquisition platform," meaning this could be the first of several M&As made by Apax in the confectionery market. Apax Partners holds a number of other consumer brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Rue 21 and Ole Smoky Distillery; Bazooka is its first play into the non-chocolate confectionery industry. FoodBev approached Apax Partners who refused to comment on the deal.