According to the company, plant-based, BPI-certified compostable products from good natured are up to 99 percent plant-based and comply with single use packaging regulations that started going into effect across many counties in Hawaii in 2022. Having available choices for local businesses is crucial as regulations have caused a rise in demand for viable alternatives to fossil-fuel based packaging.

“We believe our legacy is linked to environmental stewardship and social responsibility; doing everything we can to protect our natural resources,” said John Elkjer, owner of Sustainable Island Products.

The relationship between Sustainable Island Products and good natured is a growth opportunity for both companies to expand their customer base in Hawaii as businesses are needing to comply with recent regulations. Bringing on good natured BPI-certified compostable containers opens a new range of customer profiles for Sustainable Island Products, especially within the grocery segment. Sustainable Island Products currently distributes to resorts, hotels and grocers in Hawaii.

“We want to make it easy and affordable for businesses in Hawaii to use the highest percentage of plant-based packaging for everyday food items,” said Paul Antoniadis, CEO of good natured.

“Working with Sustainable Island Products enables us to offer our broad assortment of plant-based products in a way that’s more efficient for businesses in the Islands of Hawaii who are taking steps to protect the environment as they work toward their sustainability goals.”

Good natured offers more than 400 products and services through wholesale, direct to business and retail channels. From plant-based home organization products to certified compostable food containers, bio-based industrial supplies and medical packaging, the company is focused on making plant-based products readily accessible to people.

To learn more about good natured  plant-based packaging distributed by Sustainable Island Products, visit goodnaturedproducts.com.

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When asked if All Y’alls Foods is dedicated to sustainability in 2023, CEO and Founder Brett Christoffel said, “Oh heck, yes. Sustainability cannot be approached without shifting to plant-based proteins.”

Texas is the largest beef producer in the U.S., but Christoffel wants to make it the largest plant-based protein-producing state as well. 

“There is a yin and yang that exists here in Texas, and I am proud that All Y’alls Foods is part of that balance when redefining Texas protein traditions,” Christoffel said.

“Ninety percent of all plant-based proteins are not consumed by vegetarians or vegans but are consumed by meat eaters. According to A Globe Scan and EAT global consumer research study, one in every 10 people is shifting to eating plant-based exclusively within 10 years. Still, I expect adoption to happen sooner.”

All Y’alls Foods offers several product offerings: Black Pepper and Sea Salt Jerky, Prickly Pear Teriyaki Jerky, Prickly Pear Chipotle Jerky and It’s Big Crunchy Bacony Bits Y’all.

Founded in 2017 in Texas, All Y’alls Foods’ products are available from its website, through Amazon.com, and in natural, vegan and H-E-B stores across Texas. 

For more plant-based news from The Shelby Report, click here.

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The Philadelphia Plant-Based spread features a crafted recipe with simple ingredients, a spreadable texture and original cream cheese taste.

Less than half of consumers that try plant-based spreads are repeat customers, indicating that options aren’t meeting the preferences of cream cheese consumers. With this new offering, the brand hopes to intrigue the 52 percent of consumers who want to add more plant-based foods to their diets.

“The influx of flexitarian consumers has driven growth within the plant-based market, which is now more than 20 times the size of the vegan population,” said Robert Scott, president of research and development at The Kraft Heinz Co.

“As the brand that has set the cream cheese standard for 150 years, we realized the current options weren’t meeting consumer expectations and there was no trusted leader. Philadelphia Plant-Based spread not only provides a solution that mirrors the taste and texture of our iconic Philadelphia brand, but it also reinforces Kraft Heinz’s bet to bring plant-based offerings to the masses.”

Made with simple ingredients and no added flavors or dyes, Philadelphia plant-based spread is free of dairy, lactose and gluten. It is available in the original cream cheese flavor at select retailers in the Southeast U.S. – with additional flavors planned for the national rollout in summer 2023.

For more information about the company and its brand, visit kraftheinzcompany.com.

To read more plant-based news from The Shelby Report, click here.

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The addition of Murray to the Good Karma team coincides with a new round of funding that will accelerate growth for the plant-based brand. It will continue to operate as a Boulder-based independent company. Specific terms of the new round of investment were not disclosed.

Murray joins the Good Karma team with more than 25 years of CPG experience. Most recently, he served as CEO at Teton Waters Ranch, a grass-fed, regeneratively-raised beef solutions company. Prior to Teton Waters Ranch, Murray held executive and leadership roles at other values-focused organizations, including free2b Foods, So Delicious Dairy Free, WhiteWave Foods Company and LARABAR.

Murray will support Good Karma as the company aims to gain strategic distribution in its channels, as well as increasing targeted household penetration and awareness. Additionally, the company will also pursue innovation to solve growing modern consumer needs.

“I am looking forward to leveraging my experience and passion for galvanizing food system change to help the team bring Good Karma’s portfolio of delicious and sustainable plant-based solutions to more households,” Murray said. “Our team has a compelling opportunity to build upon the strong equity of Good Karma to deliver a variety of solutions that help people do good every single day with their consumption choices.”

According to the latest retail sales data from the Plant Based Foods Association, The Good Food Institute and SPINS, U.S. retail sales of plant-based foods grew more than 6 percent in 2021, with the total plant-based market reaching $7.4 billion. Specific to plant-based dairy, the category saw 4 percent YoY dollar sales growth as animal-based milk sales declined 2 percent.

In addition to Murray’s hire, the brand will also close on a new fund raise in the near future. Investors and partners Valor Siren Ventures, a fund established to act as an innovation engine and market maker in early-stage food, food technology and retail technology, and Loft Growth Partners, a growth investor for emerging consumer products businesses, will lead the round. The raise will enable the company to expand distribution, drive velocities and engage consumers.

“Even in light of inflationary pressures, families continue to flock to plant-based categories and segments, and Good Karma’s unique value proposition – combining the best of plants to provide unparalleled nourishment like no other – continues to show exciting promise,” said Brian King, chairman of the board. “As our investors renew their partnership with Good Karma, and Mike joins the team, we are all looking forward to the brand realizing its leadership position in a variety of growing plant-based categories.”

Since VSV’s initial investment in Good Karma in mid-2020, the brand has refocused on core plant-based beverages and beverage innovation, launched e-commerce and a portfolio-wide strategic brand and packaging redesign. Recent product launches include Barista Blends, plant-based creamers formulated from oats and nutrient-packed flax and peas, and Kids Oatmilk+, a plant-based milk blended with nutrients for growing kids.

More about Good Karma and its portfolio of plant-based dairy alternative solutions can be found at goodkarmafoods.com.

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Good Planet Foods Snack Packs are available in two flavors, Smoked Gouda with Dried Cranberries and Almonds and Cheddar with Dried Cranberries and Cashews. They will retail for SRP $1.99 and will be available in grocery stores and online delivery services starting in October.

“As the demand for plant-based cheese continues to grow, consumers have been vocal about not having enough quality options. At Good Planet Foods, we are constantly looking for ways to bring the joy of cheese to more consumers who are looking for ways to eat more plant-based foods,” said Bart Adlam, co-CEO.

“With snacking continuing to grow quickly in the USA, our new Snack Packs are a delicious, healthy and satiating alternative. We are committed to growing the plant-based cheese segment and confident that this innovation will bring new consumers and eating occasions to the segment.” 

According to Grandview Research, the global vegan cheese market size is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 12.6 percent from 2022-30. More consumers are accepting of veganism, and millennials especially have been fueling the market growth as they try out various diets. The growing awareness regarding animal cruelty and the negative impacts on the environment caused by the dairy industry has encouraged consumers to opt for plant-based products.

All Good Planet Foods products have simple, clean ingredients that also make them a planet friendly option. Good Planet Foods products are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, lactose-free, allergen-free, non-GMO project verified and keto-certified.

Good Planet Foods, available in more than 1,200 retail locations nationwide, offers a variety of plant-based cheeses, which include slices, shreds, snacking wedges, smoked wheels and the newly announced snack packs that are made up of clean ingredients, such as coconut oil and plant starches.

For more information, visit goodplanetfoods.com.

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Among other innovation and speed-to-market product solutions, the company offers strategic brand consulting, product development, logistics and consumer analytics. Within its scope include brands such as Fresh Cravings, First We Feast Presents Hot Ones! and Cocktail Artist. 

“We develop brands and products all in the food and beverage space. What we try to do is tell meaningful stories through food,” said Jay Whitney, co-founder and CMO. 

Fresh Cravings launched in 2015 into 900 stores. Today, its salsa and hummus products can be found in 20,000 stores across the country, including Albertsons, Kroger, Publix and Walmart.

Its line of hummuses include flavors such as spicy roasted red pepper, honey jalapeno, everything bagel, classic and roasted garlic. 

According to Whitney, Fresh Cravings differentiates itself from other hummus brands through a combination of smoother texture and a bit of “magic dust.”

“The leader in hummus today is grittier hummus. It’s more coarse. It’s a little bit thicker,” he explained. “Through consumer feedback [we learned] they wanted more of a smoother, creamier mouthfeel. So we actually traveled the world. We ended up in Chile and found Chile extra virgin olive oil and it was the magic dust that made our hummus taste extremely flavorful but at the same time be smooth and creamy. Texture is a big deal.”

Beyond salsa and hummus, Fresh Cravings offers plant-based and dairy dips. The brand tests all products in double blind taste tests at universities across the country. Whitney said the company has never lost a taste test. “What that means is the products are performing.”

During the pandemic, the company spent about $250,000 from its marketing budget to repurpose for nonprofits across the United States. It also highlighted local community heroes in a campaign known as “Salsabrate The Good,” which marked its one-year anniversary March 4.

“They’re not national brands and national charities. They were local nonprofits trying to help their communities,” Whitney said. “We went to 50 of them and we sent a videographer in to film their story. 

“Then every week for over a year, we published those stories across all our social media pages…it became award winning and we’re doing it again this year. We’re going to keep celebrating the anniversary of giving because it just connects.”

For more information, visit foodstorybrands.com.

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Attendees at the 100 percent plant-based industry event enjoyed new plant-based products, informative speakers and networking opportunities. There were 3,722 attendees, up about 20 percent from 2021 and 232 exhibitors. 

“The response to this year’s expo has been tremendous,” said Chris Nemchek, general manager. “One of our goals this year was to improve the audience quality and increase the number of retail and foodservice buyers at the show, and we are thrilled to report that we increased the number of buyers by 20 percent.” 

Trends on display included: 

• Mushroom-based meats, snacks and jerky from Fable, Popadelics and Eat the Change;
• Meats and seafoods from Atlas Monroe, Hoya, Unlimeat, The Blue Butcher, Mind Blown Seafood and Finless Foods;
• Functional foods and beverages from Broma, True North, Remedy and Purposefuel;
• Convenient frozen and prepared entrees from companies, such as Strong Roots and Wicked Foods; and
• Cheeses from Good Plant Foods, Bedda Cheese, Selfish Cow Plant Based Cheese, Plant Perks, Nuts for Cheese, Wildbrine and Miyoko’s Creamery. 

“The success of this year’s expo demonstrates the continued excitement around the plant-based foods industry,” said Rachel Dreskin, CEO of PBFA and The Institute.

“Thanks to the strength of our partnership with the PBW team, we were able to put on a fantastic show featuring impactful conference sessions and so many meaningful opportunities for our members to connect with industry leaders and buyers. We look forward to continued growth and the expansion of our joint mission.” 

Plant Based World Expo is a 100 percent plant-based event designed for foodservice and retail professionals, distributors, investors and manufacturers. PBW combines a conference with an exhibition showcasing thousands of plant-based food products and brands from around the world, plus networking and tasting opportunities.

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Kitchen Basics has a portfolio of conventional and organic stocks and broths, including chicken, unsalted chicken, beef, unsalted beef, vegetable, unsalted vegetable, turkey, seafood and creamy bean and vegetable.

“We’ve seen heightened interest in broth and stocks over the last few years as consumers double down on home meal preparation, health and wellness,” said Bibie Wu, CMO of Del Monte Foods. “Kitchen Basics is well-known for its culinary quality. We’re excited to bring Kitchen Basics into the Del Monte family of brands to help people create healthful meals they love.”

The purchase of the brand supports the company’s overall growth strategy as Del Monte Foods focuses on innovation, renovation and customization of its brand portfolio and expands the geographic reach of its stocks and broths business. No employees were involved in this transaction, and specific terms were not disclosed.

“Del Monte Foods has gone through a positive transformation over the past five years, and we have become a leading innovative CPG growth company,” said Greg Longstreet, president and CEO for Del Monte Foods.

“As we plan for the next decade of growth, we’re committed to strengthening our branded product portfolio to meet consumers’ changing needs. Building on our regional College Inn brand, the acquisition of Kitchen Basics will provide synergies across our business to scale our broth and stock portfolio across North America.”

For more company news from The Shelby Report, click here.

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This entrance to retail comes alongside its expanded partnership with Birdcall, an all-natural fast-casual restaurant group. This marks a major step in Meati Foods’ mission towards accessibility, with plans to achieve a national, omnichannel footprint by 2023, including all Sprouts Farmers Market locations by the end of 2022. 

“We’re thrilled to have the support of such well-recognized, respected and purpose-driven partners like Sprouts Farmers Market and Birdcall as we bring our category-first whole-food cutlets and steaks to shelves and plates in our home state of Colorado,” said Scott Tassani, president of Meati Foods. “Given the consistent record-breaking sellouts of our Meati products online, we’re eager to pilot on-shelf with Sprouts with an eye toward rapid expansion in the coming months.”

Meati Foods operates from its pilot ranch and this fall will expand production to its mega ranch, which has the capacity to produce more than 45 million pounds annually, scaling production to accommodate national retail and foodservice demand.

“As a trusted grocer for those looking to discover new, better-for-you products and ingredients, we’re excited to be the first to offer Meati on shelves at three of our Colorado locations, and soon enough nationwide,” said Matt Pratta, culinary director of Sprouts Farmers Market. “We’re impressed by Meati’s ability to set new standards in an ever-crowded category and know that Sprouts customers are going to love the taste, nutrition and clean labels that their products offer.”

Consumers can purchase the Classic Cutlet, Crispy Cutlet and Classic Steak at Sprouts Farmers Market’s Boulder, Denver and Wheat Ridge locations in the refrigerated and prepared meal sections. 

Those who don’t live in Colorado or Arizona can buy the products online at meati.com.

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Its new Plant Cream is the latest extension of the Country Crock Plant Based line of dairy-free and vegan products. In addition, the plant cream is soy-free and certified plant-based by the Plant Based Foods Association.

“Country Crock Plant Cream is a must-have, secret weapon ingredient to have in the kitchen. Its versatility and delicious taste make it perfect for vegetarians, dairy intolerant or plant curious consumers,” said Natalie Cooper, brand lead. “We believe that once consumers make the switch, they will find surprising ways to enjoy it, including reheating leftovers, making ultra-creamy pastas, or baking a delicious dessert.”

To celebrate, Country Crock recently launched the “We Defied Dairy” campaign. It demonstrates how plant cream along with plant butter is made with plant-powered ingredients, giving customers the taste of heavy whipping cream and butter, without the heaviness of dairy. The campaign includes spots on Connected TV, Linear TV and digital platforms.

Country Crock Plant Cream is available nationally at Kroger, as well as regionally in retailers such as Price Chopper, Piggly Wiggly Alabama, Albertsons, Safeway and United Supermarkets.

For more information, visit countrycrock.com.

For more dairy news from The Shelby Report, click here.

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