De Novo Gets $4M in Funding for Fermented Lactoferrin
De Novo Foodlabs, a food technology company focused on creating rare protein-based functional ingredients, has announced fresh capital, bringing its total investment to $4 million. This investment will enable De Novo to fast-track the commercialization of its revolutionary precision fermented lactoferrin product, NanoFerrin. The raise, spearheaded by sustainable protein venture capital firm Joyful Ventures, highlights the immense potential of De Novo’s state-of-the-art, animal-free protein solutions to reshape the health and wellness landscape.
Lactoferrin, a functional protein primarily found in milk, plays a crucial role in infant development, and offers numerous health benefits for adults, such as improved immunity, brain health, iron absorption, gut health, and longevity. Lactoferrin has been shown to be effective in alleviating aging-related changes through its anti-oxidation, anti-cellular senescence, and anti-inflammation properties, among others. Traditional extraction methods from cow milk are not only prohibitively expensive but also plagued by sustainability and ethical challenges. De Novo Foodlabs was established to tackle these issues head-on by developing an alternative lactoferrin that delivers all the health benefits without the ethical and environmental drawbacks.
“The lactoferrin market has long been hindered by high prices and inconsistent supply,” said Jean Louwrens, CEO and co-founder of De Novo Foodlabs. “Our team of leading scientists and engineers has dedicated themselves to overcoming these challenges through precision fermentation technology, and we are thrilled to have achieved a breakthrough. NanoFerrin is not only more affordable and eco-friendly; importantly, it also provides a reliable supply source compared to traditional bovine lactoferrin products. We are excited to collaborate with our investors to elevate De Novo to new heights.”
“De Novo Foodlabs exemplifies the innovation and sustainability we champion at Joyful Ventures,” said Milo Runkle, general partner at Joyful Ventuers, and co-founder of the Good Food Institute. “Their advancements in precision fermentation technology and dedication to creating impactful alternatives to high-value animal-derived ingredients pave the way for scalable and profitable industry solutions.” As part of the investment, Runkle will join De Novo’s board of directors.
This latest funding round follows initial investments from Sustainable Food Ventures, Siddhi Capital, Pascual Innoventures, UM6P Ventures, Cult Food Science and Prithvi Capital, bringing De Novo’s total funding to $4 million since its inception in 2021.
The global lactoferrin market, valued at $773 million in 2023, is projected to grow annually by 15.8 percent over the next decade, presenting tremendous opportunities for innovators and investors to enhance the supply chain and satisfy consumer demand. De Novo’s NanoFerrin offers an unmatched ingredient for the food, beverage, and supplements sectors, facilitating rapid market expansion and category growth.
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Graeter’s Summer Flavor Is Chocolate Raspberry Truffle
Graeter’s Ice Cream, renowned for its indulgent, handcrafted flavors, signature chocolate chips, and Old World French Pot process, unveils the newest Bonus Flavor of the summer: Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. This decadent flavor combines rich, velvety chocolate ice cream with raspberry swirl and chunks of chocolate truffles, creating a truly indulgent experience in every scoop.
The balance of chocolate and tart raspberries offers a sophisticated taste that’s both rich and refreshing, perfect for enjoying as we transition from summer to the cooler days ahead.
Each seasonal flavor is considered a “limited time only” offering, and once the season ends, they’re retired for the year. Now is the perfect time to treat yourself to these indulgent flavors before they’re gone.
Fans are encouraged to visit a scoop shop near them, go to the Graeter’s online store or App to try each limited time flavor for themselves.
To learn more about Graeter’s Ice Cream or to buy the limited-time Bonus Flavors online, visit https://www.graeters.com or visit Graeter’s on social media @Graeters.
Graeter’s Ice Cream, celebrating its 154th anniversary, produces craft ice cream using French Pots, a small batch, artisanal method of production dating back over a century. Graeter’s has won the hearts of ice cream enthusiasts across the country as well as the respect of the nation’s most influential foodies. Tasted among 13 national brands, Graeter’s was voted the #1 Vanilla Ice Cream by MyRecipes.com in 2019.
Famous for its signature chocolate chips, the Cincinnati-based company remains family owned and operated and continues to handcraft ice cream 2 1⁄2 gallons at a time. Today, Graeter’s has 56 retail stores and ships over 300,000 pints annually for online mail order sales and corporate gifting. Graeter’s can also be found in more than 3,000 grocery stores in 46 states. Visit www.graeters.com for more information.
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Béquet Confections Hires Jeff Grossman as Chief Revenue Officer
Béquet Confections has chosen confectionery industry veteran Jeff Grossman to join the executive team as chief revenue officer on Aug. 1. Grossman has more than 30 years of progressive management experience in the industry, working with leading brands such as YumEarth and Ford Gum and expanding distribution within a variety of channels including club, grocery, specialty, mass, drug, convenience, value, and online. He was inducted into the NCSA Candy Hall of Fame in 2022.
The nation’s premier gourmet caramel company, Béquet Confections is known for its exceptional quality. The company sources the purest ingredients available, without added preservatives, artificial colors or artificial flavors to create the most exquisite, indulgent caramel.
“Consumers are looking for clean foods and confections, made with superior ingredients that are free from artificial components,” says Grossman. “Béquet Caramel is not only clean, it tastes incredible. I’m honored to work with this stellar team to promote the premium Béquet brand.”
Reporting to the co-presidents of Béquet, Grossman will lead the development and execution of strategic revenue generation. His primary goals are to drive revenue growth and expand market share across all business units. As CRO, Grossman will lead the product development and commercialization teams, as well as cultivate partnerships with key clients and evaluate potential business opportunities.
Prior to his new CRO role, Grossman served as chief growth officer at YumEarth, where he led sales and brand development for the organic confection brand. His background includes sales and management positions at Ford Gum and Machine Co., New Era Brands, Imaginings 3 (Flix Candy), and Ragolds.
Grossman is well respected and active in the industry, having served the National Confectioners Association on committees for the Sweets & Snacks Expo and NCA Trade Relations.
Béquet Confections is the nation’s premier gourmet caramel company, honored with 12 prestigious national awards recognizing its uncompromising commitment to quality. Based in Bozeman, Mt., Béquet Confections launched in 2001 by Robin Béquet at the encouragement of friends and family who couldn’t get enough of her gourmet caramel. In 2019, Béquet Confections joined the Life is Sweet family of brands.
Today, Béquet Gourmet Caramel is found in leading grocery and club stores, online and in thousands of specialty and gourmet shops across the country. For more information, visit www.BequetConfections.com.
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