Tag: cauliflower

  • EatKinda eyes US growth as cauliflower ice cream gains traction

    EatKinda eyes US growth as cauliflower ice cream gains traction

    New Zealand-based company EatKinda, which has garnered attention for its innovative cauliflower ice cream, is ramping up its expansion efforts in the United States as part of its global operational scaling.

    Established in 2023, EatKinda has pioneered a unique method for creating frozen treats. The company upcycles cauliflowers that may not be visually perfect, transforming them into plant-based ice cream. The eco-friendly approach extends to its packaging as well, with EatKinda opting for 100 per cent home-compostable tubs for its product.

    Mrinali Kumar, Co-founder and CEO of EatKinda, sees this expansion not only as a personal feat but also as an opportunity to highlight the inventive products emerging from Aotearoa, New Zealand. He emphasized the potential of building with a clear purpose in mind.

    According to EatKinda, the company’s ice cream formulation, which is free from dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts, has found favor among consumers looking for inclusive, sustainable sweet treats.

    In a strategic move, EatKinda is curbing its domestic operations to concentrate on its expansion in the US, a decision backed by investors such as Massey Ventures, WNT Ventures, and Beder Bite Ventures.

    EatKinda has made significant environmental contributions since its inception. The company has successfully redirected over 2900 kilograms of cauliflower from landfills and eliminated the necessity for over 45,000 plastic tubs through its compostable packaging.

    Questions & Answers

    What is unique about EatKinda’s ice cream?
    EatKinda’s ice cream is unique because it’s made from cauliflower, particularly those that are not cosmetically perfect, and it is free from dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts.

    What environmentally-friendly steps has EatKinda taken as a company?
    EatKinda has taken several steps to be environmentally friendly. They have diverted over 2900 kilograms of cauliflower from landfills and switched to 100 per cent home-compostable tubs for their product, eliminating the need for over 45,000 plastic tubs.

    What is the company’s focus in terms of its business operations?
    EatKinda is currently focusing on expanding its operations in the United States while curtailing its domestic operations in New Zealand. This strategic decision is backed by its investors.

  • Health Guru launches cauliflower snack

    Health Guru launches cauliflower snack

    Health Guru Cauliflower Puffs are a plant-based, savoury, baked snack, not fried.

    Founders Sarah and Don wanted to incorporate more vegetables into the average diet. Their research suggested an increasing number of consumers replacing meals with healthy snacks.

    “In 2020, puff-based products increased by 17.06% in the natural segment and 8.33% in the conventional [Spins Data, 2020],” they said. “Moreover, cauliflower reported the highest market growth per SKU in the crackers category for the natural channel and the third highest growth in salty snacks.”

    Described as “functional, delicious, and nutritious”, Health Guru Cauliflower Puffs contain no “nasties”, a serving of veggies with an “uncompromising” taste. Pure, freeze-dried cauliflower is the “hero ingredient”, retaining the natural sweetness and nutrients.

    Health Guru Cauliflower Puffs are available in the five flavours of Sea Salt, Salt & Vinegar with Apple Cider, Just BBQ, Bangkok Sriracha, and Vegan Cheddar.

  • Food, beverage prices soar ahead of Tet

    Food, beverage prices soar ahead of Tet

    Consumer goods, including vegetables and seafood, have seen prices surge by double digits in the last month.

    Oanh in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 said prices have risen in recent weeks at a traditional market she often shops at.

    “The price of snakehead fish this morning was VND20,000 up from last week to VND90,000.”

    The Tra Vinh Province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said fish prices have been rising because of increasing demand as input for making products for Tet, Vietnam’s biggest holiday, which falls in January.

    Besides, the supply of some fish, such as snakehead has dropped by 50-60% compared to a year ago, it said.

    Soft drink and beer prices have risen by VND2,000-15,000 per carton this month, according to shops, who said transportation and storage prices have been rising.

    Vegetable prices have also been increasing. Cauliflower now costs VND70,000 per kilogram, up 7.7%. Scallion prices have risen by 15.4% to VND75,000 per kilogram.

    Hue, a vegetable vendor at Ba Chieu Market in Binh Thanh District, said prices are at their highest levels this year.

    Hoang Thanh Hai, director of the Hai Nong Vegetable Cooperative in Cu Chi District, HCMC, said prolonged rainfall in November has hit output by up to 70%.

    His cooperative used to deliver 2.5-3 tons of vegetables to the city daily, but now only sends 0.7-1 ton, he said.

    Vegetable farming costs have risen by 40-50% year-on-year to record levels, and declining consumption has caused farmers to reduce production.

    Vietnam’s consumer prices in November rose 4.56% from a year earlier, fueled by rising costs of educational services and construction materials, according to the General Statistics Office.

    For the first 11 months of 2022, average consumer prices rose 3.02% from a year before, it said.