Although most of today’s new plant-based dairy alternatives are cold—displayed in the dairy case or the freezercase—they constitute one of the supermarket’s hottest and fastest growing segments.  And it’s no surprise market observers are scrutinizing every element behind who’s purchasing these products—along with what’s selling, when, where and why.

Innova Market Insights’ No. 2 trend for 2021, Plant-Forward, signifies the evolution of plant-based concepts beyond the core dairy and meat alternatives categories. In 2020, no fewer than 67% of all new products with ‘plant-based’ claims were launched outside of these pioneering sectors. In the confectionery market, for example, more milk-free and gelatin-free products are hitting the shelves, as highlighted in a new report from Innova Market Insights. Meanwhile, the plant-based confectionery space is growing in popularity.

Vevan, crafted by the same artisan cheesemakers behind many of Schuman Cheese's most celebrated brands, was created with the belief that consumers who love cheese deserve better options when it comes to enjoying their favorite foods.

Organic Garage Ltd., announced that it has entered into a binding letter of intent to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of The Future of Cheese Company Corp., a private Canada corporation. FoC is a Toronto, Ontario based organic, vegan premium plant-based company in the business of developing, manufacturing and marketing plant-based cheeses and plant-based cheese products.

Modern Meat Inc., a plant-based meat manufacturer, announced the launch of its dairy alternative milk line featuring an Oat M*lk, Almond M*lk and Barista Edition Alternative M*lk. The ingredients used in the milks are all natural, vegan, and GMO free.

Amano Enzyme offers a new white paper about the quickly evolving market for non-dairy milks and how manufacturers can differentiate products to meet consumers’ discerning tastes. 

Eat Howl Inc., a chef-driven, plant-based foods company, launched Mac & Chef, available nationwide at Whole Foods and online via VeganEssentials. Under the Howl™ brand, the company released its flagship product Mac & Chef™, a cashew-based mac and cheese.

Califia Farms introduced an enhanced line of nutritious, plant-based milks made from pea, oat and sunflower proteins. The new milks deliver a complementary blend of nine essential amino acids.

Mikey's, a pioneer in gluten-free, dairy-free hand-held meals and snacks, announced two new savory flavors: Buffalo-Style Chicken and Cauliflower & Broccoli Cheddar. These new pockets join the complete line of gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free and soy-free products.