New Zealand-based startup AndFoods, in partnership with Icehouse Ventures, has successfully secured NZ$2.7 million in funding. The investment will be dedicated to advancing the development and marketing of seed-based creams and milk powders derived from legume pulses.
“AndFoods is in an exceptionally strong position as we enter the market, backed by extensive research and development,” remarked CEO Alex Devereux. “Our product boasts years of scientific innovation, offering not only a rare allergen-free dairy alternative but also harnessing fermentation to enhance flavor profiles and other key properties.”
AndFoods highlights that its flagship cream product consistently achieves a remarkable 140 percent overrun, demonstrating its capacity to incorporate air while maintaining structure.
The inspiration behind AndFoods’ endeavor traces back to co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Arup Nag, formerly affiliated with Massey University and the Riddet Institute. Nag’s revelation of the potential within a legume seed from his native India sparked the initiative.
“This venture blends the unique ingredients native to my homeland with the expertise and resources of the Riddet Institute team,” explained Nag. “With AndFoods, we now have the platform to commercialize this scientific breakthrough, offering superior plant-based cream and ingredients worldwide.”
Partner at Icehouse Ventures, Barnaby Marshall, expressed confidence in the future prospects of AndFoods’ plant-based offerings. “AndFoods has developed a product poised to become a staple ingredient across various food sectors, distinguished by its consistent quality that remains resilient to evolving trends,” Marshall affirmed.