Farmwise's two varieties include Chicken Veggie Nuggets Original Recipe and Chicken Veggie Tenders with Ancient Grain Breading.

New vegetarian meats made with twin-screw extrusion are gaining popularity as more food processors discover the versatility of this technology to transform plant proteins and other raw ingredients into consumer-approved meals.

Despite the rise in interest in plant-based or lab-grown protein, market researcher Packaged Facts finds that actual consumption is very low compared to demand for beef, pork, chicken and turkey.

Headquartered in West Chester, Penn., Keystone supplies chicken, beef, fish and pork to some of the world’s leading quick-service restaurant chains, as well as retail and convenience store channels. Its value-added product portfolio includes chicken nuggets, wings and tenders; beef patties; and breaded fish fillets.

The round was led by New Crop Capital and a syndicate of investors: leading European food manufacturer PHW Group; retailers Thrive Market and Fresh Direct; strategic private investors and entrepreneurs with global reach; and mission-aligned impact partners, including Stray Dog Capital, Clear Current Capital, VegInvest, Rocana Capital, Blue Horizon, EverHope Capital, Baleine & Bjorn Capital, M13, and Starlight Ventures. 

"Innovation drives our company's growth, and snacks have played a large role in that growth since 2016," said Lauren Keller, senior brand manager at Columbus. "Since then, The Columbus® brand has grown 18%.  And we always keep to our San Francisco heritage and love for craft meats." 

"Our hot dogs are a lot different than the ones I had growing up; wholesome, gluten-free, Non-GMO and never with anything artificial added," notes Kathryn Winstanley, Vice President of Marketing at True Story Foods. "These are the hotdogs you can be proud of, whether you are a San Francisco Yogi or Dad at a tailgate party."

Dr. Joseph received his B.S. in 2004 and M.S. in 2006 from Kerala Agricultural University, India and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky in 2011.

New Food & Beverage Products Video: Meat-based snacking is a substantial vertical ($1.4B 2017) that is experiencing high growth and is expected to be a strong trend for years to come with few entrants positioned with natural and grass fed offerings.

The video animates the oxidation process as Kemin experts discuss why meat and poultry products lose their color and flavor. “Antioxidants in Action” showcases how traditional antioxidant and plant extract solutions delay the onset of lipid oxidation, keeping meat and poultry products safer and more appealing with a longer shelf life.