Food technology start-up Tender Food has raised $12 million in a seed funding round, which it will use to scale up its alternative protein offerings. The round was led by Chris Sacca’s Lowercarbon Capital, with other investors including Rhapsody Venture Partners, actress Natalie Portman, Safar Partners, Bread and Butter Ventures, MCJ Collective and food tech specialist Unovis. Tender Food has developed a technology that enables the production of animal-free, whole muscle cut products such as chicken breasts, pulled pork and steaks, while retaining their high protein nutritional profiles with no additives or fillers. The company's manufacturing process, which is licensed by Harvard University, involves spinning plant proteins into strands that mimic real meat muscle fibres. Christophe Chantre, CEO and co-founder of Tender, said: "Our ambition is to make products that are indistinguishable from butchered meat. By recreating the textures and fibres of animal-based meats, we can ensure that no matter what cut of meat you want, a plant-based product from Tender is what you reach for." With the new investment, Tender plans to expand production and launch its debut products later this year.

United Spirits (‘Diageo India’) has announced an investment of INR 31.5 crores ($4.12 million approx.) to acquire a 22.5% stake in Nao Spirits & Beverages. Launched in 2016, craft gin company Nao Spirits is based in Delhi, India, and makes the brands Greater Than and Hapusa. Greater Than is made from nine botanicals from around the world, while Hapusa is made with foraged Himalayan Juniper and botanicals native to India, such as turmeric and raw mango. With the acquisition, Diageo India aims to strengthen its position in the “fast-growing” premium gin segment in India. Hina Nagarajan, MD and CEO, Diageo India, commented: “As a company built from founder-led brands, we are excited to make our first move in India to support bold and path-breaking entrepreneurs. Over the last three years, the Indian market has witnessed the emergence of multiple craft gin players and Nao Spirits has been a game changer in the category.” Anand Virmani, co-founder and CEO of Nao Spirits, said: “As we look to chart the next phase of growth of Nao Spirits, the investment from Diageo India will help us scale our business, improve efficiencies and access mentorship from an industry leader, which will be immensely valuable”. The deal includes a call option to acquire the remaining shares in Nao Spirits.

Fonterra and FMCG company Future Consumer have agreed to wind down their joint dairy business in India after a "challenging few years". The 50:50 joint venture, Fonterra Future Dairy, was established back in 2018 and currently employs 22 people. The collaboration launched the brand Dreamery, which offers products including cheese, yogurts and dahi, made using Indian milk. Fonterra entered the joint venture as a "capital light" way to test the Indian dairy market, which has restrictive trade access for New Zealand dairy. Judith Swales, Asia Pacific CEO, commented: "The last few years have been challenging for the joint venture with Covid-19 causing significant disruption to the Indian market. We will continue to have a presence in India through Anchor Food Professionals and our ingredients business, and will explore opportunities to grow access for our New Zealand milk as they come up."

Kerry has officially opened its newly upgraded food manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia. Kerry has invested €125 million to expand the site, as part of a project first announced two years ago, which has marked its “largest-ever capital expenditure investment". The 316,000-square-foot facility provides integrated taste and nutrition solutions to help customers meet consumer demand in the poultry, seafood and alternative protein markets from across the US and Canada. The facility operates on 100% renewable electricity. Oliver Kelly, president and CEO of Kerry North America, said: “We are delighted to officially open this new facility which more than doubles our capacity in Rome and is now one of the most advanced and modern food manufacturing facilities in the country". He continued: "The increased and changing demand from consumers for tasty, nutritious and sustainable food and beverages is driving accelerated change and reshaping the entire food industry. Investing in world-class facilities, such as this one in Georgia, allows us to ensure that we can continually work and co-create with our customers to respond to this changing demand." The facility now employs 250 people.

Valeo Foods-owned brand, Kettle Chips, has unveiled its new flavoured Bread Bites snack range, releasing in the UK. The new line includes Sourdough Bites with Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Focaccia Bites with Sea Salt, Rosemary and Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Naan Bites with Spiced Onion Bhaji with Chilli & Toasted Onion. Bread Bites are triple-baked and the range is fully non-HFSS. The products can also be warmed in the oven or enjoyed straight from the bag. Russell Tanner, marketing director at Valeo Snackfoods, commented: "Kettle Chips are a staple snack across households nationwide and we pride ourselves on creating delicious and innovative seasonings that we know consumers will love. Through the launch of our new Bread Bites range, we’re providing consumers with an exciting new snack option that tantalise the taste buds and our retail partners with a non-HFSS Kettle snacking range." He continued: "There are so many ways to enjoy each Bread Bites, whether it’s warm as part of a meal, paired with a delicious dip or eaten straight from the bag while on the go or watching your favourite film – the options are endless and we can’t wait for consumers to try our brand new offering". The range will RRP for £2.09 per pack and is available in Morrisons from 28 March and Tesco from 11 April.

French agro-industrial group Avril has acquired a majority stake in Italian food manufacturer Eccellenza Italiana for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2014, Eccellenza Italiana sells 100% natural sauces, pastas, spreads and olive oil. With the investment, Avril aims to strengthen its position in the consumer goods market and expand its portfolio in France and internationally. The acquisition is also expected to enable Eccellenza Italiana to accelerate its international development. The Italian company sells its products under three complementary brands: Italians Do It Better, for mainstream retailers; Al Dente Al Salsa, for products sold through speciality stores; and the Il Biologico Italiano brand, which is sold through organic wholesalers. Jean-Philippe Puig, CEO of Avril, said: "We intend to preserve the full creativity of Eccellenza Italiana, which has been the source of its success, while providing it with the means to enter a new phase of its development, thanks to the support of the group and our in-depth knowledge of the markets. This will further strengthen our positions in the consumer goods sector, in line with the group's strategic priorities, while remaining true to our commitments and our purpose, 'Serving the Earth'." Christian de Waldner and Patrizio Miceli, co-founders of Eccellenza Italiana, added: "Our ambition is to become the market leader in hot sauces within an accessible premium positioning in France and then internationally, in addition to developing new categories of products. Avril's muscle and expertise in the savoury food market will give a powerful boost to the development of our brands. Our shared ambition and common values as activists for healthier food while preserving our planet are in line with our strategic vision."

Ice cream producer Van Leeuwen has launched six new flavours to add to its range, set for distribution in Walmart's across the US. The exclusive launch includes: Planet Earth, Pizza, Hot Honey, Royal Wedding Cake, Bourbon Cherries Jubilee, Wild Blueberry Shortcake as well as previously released Macaroni & Cheese – in collaboration with Kraft Heinz. Variants such as Planet Earth consist of blue spirulina almond ice cream and pieces of matcha green tea cake, while Pizza contains cream cheese and mozzarella ice cream with a tomato jam swirl and basil crust cookies. Ben Van Leeuwen, co-founder and CEO of Van Leeuwen, said: We have created a collection of classic flavours using thoughtfully sourced ingredients, from local jam makers to wild blueberries from Maine, to cookie bakers with a social mission. There are also unique and surprisingly delicious flavours that you would never expect to love as an ice cream (mac and cheese and pizza!)." The new pint flavours are available now in Walmart locations nationwide across the US for a ten-week rotation.

Mark Anthony Brewing has expanded its White Claw portfolio with the introduction of a new surf-inspired product line in the US. White Claw Surf comprises four flavours, including Citrus Yuzu Smash, Tropical Pomelo Smash, Watermelon Lime Smash and Wildberry Acai Smash. The 5% abv seltzers, which are available in a 12-can variety pack, are gluten-free and contain 100 calories per can. "White Claw Surf is the biggest news in seltzer since the original launch of White Claw," said John Shea, White Claw's chief marketing officer. "White Claw Surf is a breakthrough new idea that combines full flavours with sensational refreshment and the incredible sessionability expected from White Claw."

US food tech company Mori has secured $50 million in a Series B1 funding round, led by venture capital firm Prelude Ventures. The round included participation from existing and new investors, including Acre Venture Partners, Closed Loop and Collaborative Fund, among others. Mori plans to use the capital to create new products and expand to new geographies. Founded in 2016, Mori is a technology company focused on extending shelf life to reduce waste and create more sustainable supply chains. According to Mori, its proprietary process "uses just water, salt and heat to extract natural silk protein that protects food and slows spoilage". Mark Cupta, managing director of Prelude Ventures, said: “Mori’s technology is a critical lever in reducing the carbon footprint of our food system”. “Reductions in food and packaging waste translate to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a lower impact on natural resources. We are confident that Mori’s products will add tremendous value to its customers, while also positively impacting the planet.” Adam Behrens, Mori's CEO, added: "The past two years have exposed the fragility of our food system, with businesses and consumers feeling the effects of labour shortages and shipping delays”. “Our work with initial customers has shown that we can solve real pain points in the food supply chain and ensure that more of the food produced makes it into our communities.” Mori has recently opened a new silk protein manufacturing plant and moved to new headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts.

US snack brand, Fresh Cravings, has introduced three new variants to add to its range of premium houmous dips. The new variants include: Everything Bagel, Honey Jalapeño and Spicy Red Pepper. Everything Bagel is complete with a spice blend, including poppy and sesame seeds, garlic and onion. Honey Jalapeño includes a sweet honey flavour with a slight hint of jalapeño while Spicy Red Pepper is "bursting with flavour with just the right amount of heat". Fresh Cravings' houmous features Chilean extra virgin olive oil and is complete with a short list of high-quality ingredients including chickpeas, savoury tahini and all-natural spices. Jay Whitney, CMO of FoodStory Brands, said: "We strive to continually bring elevated snacking experiences to consumers and are excited to introduce our new look and flavours with the same high-quality ingredients and bold taste our customers have come to love". The products are available nationwide across the US, including in Walmart, Kroger, Publix and select Safe way stores.

Infant nutrition start-up Once Upon a Farm has secured $52 million in a Series D funding round, led by investor Cavu Venture Partners. Other participants included existing investors S2G Ventures, Cambridge and Beechwood. Once Upon a Farm produces organic baby food, smoothies and overnight oats, which are available across the US. The investment will fuel the company's continued expansion, both in retail and online, and support its product innovation efforts. John Foraker, CEO and co-founder of Once Upon a Farm, commented: "The experience, network and funding support Once Upon a Farm has received in its lifetime from our investment partners have been monumental to the company's growth thus far". "Our business has grown at a triple-digit compounded annual growth rate since 2017 and this new round of funding reflects the want and need for our delicious products. We want to continue being that ally for parents when choosing snacks and food we know their kids are going to love."

Beam Suntory-owned brand Sauza has released four new ready-to-drink (RTD) Mexican-inspired canned agave cocktails. Sauza Agave Cocktails flavours comprise Lime Crush, Tropical Twist, Strawberry Breeze and Black Cherry Smash. The Mexican-inspired cocktails are crafted with agave nectar and real fruits. Beam Suntory's senior director of RTD strategic ventures, Stephanie Kang, said: “Our goal with Sauza Agave Cocktails is to create a quality product with the format, flavour profile and convenience that consumers are looking for. With the launch of Sauza Agave Cocktails, we have the opportunity to bring the Sauza brand into new occasions, while also reaching a new set of consumers, with whom we can build new brand loyalty and reputation.” The Sauza Agave Cocktails, which each has an abv of 8%, are available at select retailers nationwide for an SRP of $17.99 for a 12-can variety pack, $9.99 for a single flavour six-pack and $3.49 for a 24oz can.