Field Roast

Calling all cheese lovers! Greenleaf Foods, SPC, owner of leading plant-based brand Field Roast (“Field Roast”), has announced the debut of Chao Creamery Cantina-Style Plant-Based Queso. The new dairy-free queso is designed to deliver deliciousness to all dipping occasions, and is available now at Sprouts stores nationwide, as well as select locations of Albertsons, Safeway and Giant.

While new plant-based alternatives continue to enter the market, food makers are expanding their reach beyond retail and driving product discovery through partnerships ranging from traditional fast food restaurants to fast casual dining locations.

On its third quarter earnings call today, Michael McCain, CEO of Maple Leaf Foods — which largely sells animal-based proteins — said growth rates for its plant-based Lightlife and Field Roast brands have “evaporated,” with the category “unexpectedly” seeing deceleration over the past six months that has led Maple Leaf to reassess its plant-based protein business.

In this week’s distribution roundup, Copper Cow launches at Whole Foods nationwide; TRUFF pasta sauces hit shelves at Target; Greenleaf Foods’ Lightlife and Field Roast expand their retail footprints; and ChocXO grows at Wegmans and Vons.

In the latest distribution news, Outer Aisle adds 2,200 new doors, Hooray Foods debuts its plant-based bacon in Whole Foods, Ithaca Hummus brings four flavors to Sprouts nationwide and Catalina Crunch launches new flavors of its keto-friendly cereal in retail.

Category enhancement and reinvention often comes into view through product innovations scheduled to be seen at Expo West. Here’s a look at the latest products that companies plan to use to redefine the breakfast category.

A federal court yesterday blocked the state of Arkansas from enforcing a meat label censorship law against meat-alternative brand The Tofurky Company. Additionally, the Plant-based Foods Association (PBFA) created a set of labeling guidelines for the industry.