LIVEKINDLY Collective, a collection of heritage and start-up brands on track to become one of the world’s largest plant-based food companies, announced a successful capital raise led by The Rise Fund, the global impact investing platform managed by TPG.

Pegasus Tech Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based global venture capital firm which supports innovation for global corporations, announced a business collaboration with Japan’s food giant Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC (SNI), a processor and supplier of dehydrated vegetable products and natural food ingredients, announced that it has finalized a transaction to acquire New Mexico Chili Products Inc., a dehydrated chili production facility in Deming, N.M., that processes capsicums and a variety of specialty chilies for commercial sale to CPG food manufacturers, spice blenders, and foodservice customers.

NotCo, a food-tech company in Latin America backed by key venture capital names like Jeff Bezos has been named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021. The company ranked No.1 in Latin America and top 50 globally.

As the coronavirus pandemic caused lockdowns and a number of office workers relocated to working at home full-time in 2020, many consumers began to spend most of their time at home and looked for more home-based activities. Baking activity took off, and subsequently, sales of baking-related products soared by 24% last year to reach to $26.5 billion, reports market research firm Packaged Facts in the new report Home Baking: US Market Trends & Opportunities.

The Almond Board of California (ABC) welcomed Charice Grace to the organization as new manager of trade marketing and stewardship. In her position, Grace will lead the execution of all trade public relations and advertising activities for North America.

Hormel Foods Corporation, a global branded food company, announced the appointment of Jacinth Smiley as group vice president of corporate strategy. Smiley will report to Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods.

Tate & Lyle, a global provider of food and beverage solutions and ingredients, introduced the “Collaborate at Home Kitchen”, a digital engagement hub where food and beverage manufacturers can explore trends, science and solutions that power modern consumer choices. The hub also provides users with access to Tate & Lyle’s experts, as well as additional resources to help them find solutions to their formulation challenges.

Mars Wrigley and Danimer Scientific, a developer and manufacturer of biodegradable materials, announced a two-year partnership to develop an innovative home compostable packaging for a more sustainable planet.

Benson Hill, a food tech company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants with cutting-edge food innovation engine, announced the launch of its ingredient and fresh business segments, including prior acquisition of critical supply chain infrastructure, to deliver enhanced products using the company's proprietary CropOS™ technology platform.