Food Entrepreneur

GNT Group has launched an independent investment firm called GNT Ventures that will invest in plant-based coloring solutions startups. The firm will focus on innovations in raw materials and fermentation, processing, food ingredients and upcycling. "We started from humble beginnings and fully understand the challenges involved and how hard it can be to overcome them," said Frederik Hoeck, managing director of GNT Group. "We want to help startups find their own successful paths so that we can reshape tomorrow’s planet together." Read more ▶️ https://ow.ly/uzCB50UgR3U #foodentrepreneur #investment #plantbased #venturecapital

Phytolon is scaling and commercializing its portfolio of natural food colors produced through precision fermentation with the backing of an investment from Rich Products Ventures. "Rich’s investment and commercial partnership are key to establishing a strong footprint in bakery, desserts, and related segments, where solutions for natural colors are in high demand," said Tal Zeltzer, co-founder and chief technology officer at Phytolon. Read more ▶️ https://ow.ly/Jf9B50UeZM3 #foodentrepreneur #startup #venturecapital #natural

Manufacturing platform for the packaged goods industry Keychain has raised $15 million in Series A funding. The platform aims to help companies navigate the manufacturing process from competitive intelligence and manufacturer sourcing to terms negotiation, onboarding and compliance. Read more 📦▶️ https://ow.ly/tXOw50UcRWJ #foodentrepreneur #startup #venturecapital #cpg

MeliBio, a producer of bee-free honey, has received an investment from Future Food Fund by Oisix. The investment brings MeliBio's total funding to $10 million to date and will be used to expand its Mellody plant-based honey in the United States. Read more 🍯▶️ https://ow.ly/VMvu50U81UF #foodentrepreneur #startup #venturecapital #honey

Biotech startup Jellatech has opened a 9,000-square-foot facility that will help the company with ongoing research and development in Morrisville, NC. The facility will enable Jellatech to scale its collagen manufacturing capabilities that will focus on validation and helping customers to enter pre-clinical trials. "Our new facility represents a leap forward in our ability to deliver high-quality, consistent, and ethically produced proteins for human health and longevity applications," said Stephanie Michelsen, founder and chief executive officer of Jellatech. Read more ▶️ https://ow.ly/f93c50U6fFK #foodentrepreneur #startup #facilities #protein #animalfree

Beeyond Snacks has entered the snack bar aisle with its Pasteli Honey and Sesame Bars formulated from Greek honey and sesame seeds. The bars come in such flavors as original and peanut chocolate sea salt. "Our mission is to introduce an ancient snack that has nourished generations for centuries to a new audience here in the US," said Angelina Papanikolaou, co-founder of Beeyond. Read more 🍽️▶️ https://ow.ly/Xc3p50U3hvH #foodentrepreneur #startup #newproducts #bars #emergingbrands

California Cultured Inc., a company that produces coffee and chocolate from plant cells, has received an investment from Sparkalis, the corporate venture arm of Puratos. The investment is aimed toward transforming how cocoa and chocolate are produced, according to the companies. "We are on a mission to reimagine chocolate — making it more sustainable, ethical, and delicious than ever before," said Alan Perstein, chief executive officer of California Cultured. "This investment from Sparkalis will allow us to scale our operations and bring our cell-cultured chocolate to more consumers who care about both quality and the planet." Read more 🍫▶️ https://ow.ly/3qHa50U1sX4 #foodentrepreneur #cocoa #sustainability #venturecapital

Better-for-you pasta maker GOODLES has launched a gluten-free pasta line. The products are formulated from corn, brown rice and chickpeas among other plant-based ingredients. Each serving contains 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, according to the company. Read more 🍝▶️ https://ow.ly/b6QX50TZwvr #foodentrepreneur #glutenfree #betterforyou #newproducts

Children's food company Little Spoon has launched organic oatmeal baby cereal. The product is formulated from such ancient grains as barley and millet, and each serving contains 14 grams of whole grains and 13 essential vitamins and minerals. "At Little Spoon, we saw a clear need to innovate in the baby cereal space to ensure a safe, nutritious and high-quality offering for nourishing first bites," said Angela Vranich, co-founder and chief product officer of Little Spoon. Read more 🍽️▶️ https://ow.ly/kxng50TY5Oi #foodentrepreneur #betterforyou #newproducts #emergingbrands

Refrigerated, plant-based donut manufacturer Drumroll Snacks has received a $3 million investment from 7 Mile Brands, a CPG incubator. As part of the investment, 7 Mile Brands founders Jason Cohen and Sammy Kestenbaum are joining Drumroll’s board. "Together, we are excited to turn Drumroll into an everyday snacking platform that reinvents the nostalgic treats we all loved growing up, while staying in tune with today’s health-conscious lifestyles," said Ryan Brothers, co-founder of Drumroll. Read more 🍩▶️ https://ow.ly/Xim450TWjRb #foodentrepreneur #plantbased #venturecapital #incubator #cpg