Lightlife

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.

Mediterranean food company Afia this week announced its expansion into Sprouts Farmers Market nationwide and Publix in the Southeast. The launch brings the brand’s footprint to 1,775 stores nationwide, doubling its store count at the start of this year.

This week in the checkout, plant-based brand Lightlife pens an open letter to Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods urging them to use cleaner ingredients, Meanwhile, KIND commits to using only “bee-friendly almonds” and plant-based cheese and butter brand Miyoko’s comes out ahead in its labeling lawsuit against the state of California.

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.

Kroger simplifies labeling, plant-based brand Lightlife grows distribution and more in this week’s Checkout.

Lightlife Foods, Inc., a leading producer of plant-based protein products in the United States, today announces expansion into Canada.