The latest food and beverage industry news and trend analysis

UK-based plant-based challenger VFC Foods—the parent company of Meatless Farm—has announced its separation from the Vegan Food Group (VFG), just two years after the group was formed.

The new-generation functional starch is designed to bridge the processing gap between traditional gelatin and starch systems, enabling manufacturers to produce vegan jellies using atmospheric cooking methods.

Beyond Meat, Inc. has announced a significant strategic pivot, moving outside the "center-of-plate" meat alternative category to launch its first functional beverage line, Beyond Immerse.

Plant-based beverage leader Silk, part of the Danone North America portfolio, has announced a significant functional innovation with the launch of Silk Protein.

Plant-based nutrition specialist Ripple Foods has announced a significant expansion of its dairy-free portfolio, launching Ripple Organic Plant-Based Milk.

The milestone highlights the company’s role in what it terms the "Plant-Based Food Reformation," scaling its operations to meet the growing global appetite for alternative proteins and functional ingredients.

French plant-based pork specialist La Vie has announced a significant category innovation for the UK market, introducing what it claims to be the country's first Vegan Salami Sticks.

The launch is underpinned by a targeted marketing campaign titled "Give Chicken the Night Off," explicitly positioning the product as a direct swap for meat-eaters rather than just a niche option for vegans.