The Checkout: OmniFoods Partners With Nonprofits; Kraft Heinz Acquires Majority Stake of Just Spices

Welcome to The Checkout: an express lane for the weekly news you need to know, always 10 items or less.

OmniFoods Partners With Nonprofits To Support Food Insecure Communities

Plant-based protein maker OmniFoods announced multiple nonprofit and restaurant partnerships this month, bringing its OmniPork Luncheon products to food insecure communities spanning from New York City to Washington, D.C. and across the West Coast.

The company’s partners include Rethink Food, a NYC-based nonprofit distributing meals to food insecure communities through certified restaurant partnerships; Support + Feed, a nonprofit founded with the goal of supporting the plant-based food system to combat food insecurity and climate change in major cities nationwide; Plantega, an organization that works with independent bodegas in New York City to increase access to plant-based foods; and Spotless Burger and Spotless Taco, a vegan-oriented restaurant with multiple locations across California.

“Starting the new year on the right note is super important to catalyze long-term change,” said David Yeung, founder of Green Monday Holdings and OmniFoods. “That explains why we are so excited to partner with various organizations in different cities and be part of Veganuary in the U.S. and globally. By providing consumers with an innovative, healthy and delicious plant-based pork alternative, we continue to fulfill our mission to construct a multi-faceted global ecosystem of future food that helps to combat climate change, food insecurity, public health crisis, planetary devastation, and animal suffering.”

OmniFoods plant-based meat alternatives are made from a blend of non-GMO soy, peas, shiitake mushrooms, and rice and come in Pork Luncheon, Pork Strips and Ground Pork varieties. The products are available for purchase online and at Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market.

Kraft Heinz To Acquire Majority Stake of DTC Business, Just Spices

The Kraft Heinz Company announced it has acquired 85% of German direct-to-consumer startup Just Spices, which sells over 170 spice-related products including blends, salad dressings and one-step spices for easy-to-prepare meals, with a range of flavors from savory and sweet to “exotic.”

Just Spices’ three co-founders will retain the remaining stake of the company and continue driving the business’ international growth plans, according to a press release. Currently, over 70% of Just Spices’ business is direct-to-consumer with additional in-store distribution to retailers in Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland.

“In the last few years, Just Spices has been further strengthening its successful omni-channel approach, with some of the best-in-class direct-to-consumer analytics in the food space,” said Florian Falk, Just Spices CEO and co-founder, in a press release. “We are extremely excited by the potential for expansion that comes from combining Just Spices’ innovation and brand power with the Kraft Heinz team and the scale they bring to the table.”

“This is a great opportunity to further accelerate our growth agenda by strengthening our ability to anticipate trends in consumer tastes and preferences, as well as our speed to innovate,” added Rafael Oliveira, International Zone President at Kraft Heinz, in the press release. “We will leverage our scale and agility to accelerate Just Spices’ business in the fast-growing taste elevation market beyond its current German base and its recent market entries in Spain, Austria, and Switzerland. We also see tremendous potential to strengthen and enhance our own direct-to-consumer operations and go-to-market expansion.”

The deal is expected to close early in 2022. Last week, Kraft Heinz announced the restructuring of its North American business to further accelerate its go-to-market strategies and product innovation.

Abbot’s Butcher Receives First Whole30 Approved Certification For Plant-based Meat

This week Abbot’s Butcher announced that two of its products became the first plant-based meat alternatives to receive a Whole30 Approved Certification. Abbot’s Ground “Beef” and “Chorizo” plant-based meat alternatives have also been named official partners of the Whole30 program, a 30-day elimination-style diet designed with the goal of “resetting” the body both physically and mentally, according to its website.

“We are proud of the Whole30 distinction and are excited to share this news with customers who are looking to add more plant-based meals in the new year,” says Kerry Song, CEO of Abbot’s Butcher, in a press release. “Our plant-based meats are deeply flavorful. The Ground “Beef” has a rich, umami flavor and meaty bite, while the “Chorizo” is bursting with flavor from zesty chilies and a hint of smokiness. It’s simply delicious food made with integrity.”

The brand’s meat alternatives are made with pea protein, vegetables, herbs, spices, extra virgin olive oil and vinegars and are allergen-friendly and contain no synthetic additives. The company also makes a plant-based “chicken” variety. The new certification comes on the cusp of a popular time for the Whole30 program, which typically sees a spike in participants as New Years’ resolutions set in.

“We’re thrilled to have Abbot’s Butcher as a part of our Whole30 family, and to offer their products as our first plant-based meats,” added Melissa Urban, co-founder and CEO of the Whole30 program, in the press release.

Lumi Acquired By Navar

Packaging solutions and supply chain management platform Lumi was acquired by Navar earlier this week, bringing over 700 new brands into the customer experience tech company’s portfolio and enabling it to provide new capabilities such as DTC packaging solutions to its existing customers. Navar is a post-purchase platform that manages consumer activity including shipment tracking and automated returns for over a thousand CPG brands.

“From inception, Narvar has empowered brands to deliver world-class customer experiences with our expertise in digital commerce and supply chain management,” said Amit Sharma, Founder & CEO of Narvar. “With Lumi, we elevate our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions to the complex nature of D2C packaging. We’ll now be able to help digital retailers personalize the very first physical interaction with customers all in one scalable platform.”

Lumi uses data to determine the most sustainable and efficient way to package and ship a brand’s products including connecting the brand with manufacturers and factories while also enabling communication from the initial quote up through delivery. Lumi’s customers include Misfits Market, Constellation Brands, NUGGS, among others.

“Lumi is joining forces with Narvar as e-commerce packaging hits the mainstream consciousness,” said Jesse Genet, CEO and Co-founder of Lumi, in a press release. “Packaging is no longer just simply what gets products from point A to point B, but a pivotal part of each brand’s experience for its customers. Packaging isn’t just on a shelf anymore, it’s on our doorsteps, it’s in our homes. And the options for brands to optimize their packaging are rapidly increasing and yet often hard to implement.”