LOS ANGELES — Meiky Tollman has been named chief executive officer at plant-based yogurt and dessert maker The Collaborative (formerly the Coconut Collaborative).
Mr. Tollman brings 15 years of experience at Sabra Dipping Co. to the brand’s helm. He most recently oversaw the company’s international business as executive vice president, a role he held since 2014. Prior to that, he was chief operating officer and general manager at Sabra.
The Collaborative also announced a $7 million Series A investment from PowerPlant Ventures, a Los Angeles-based growth equity fund specializing in natural food brands.
“We are constantly on the lookout for plant-based food brands that are providing an answer to consumer demands and challenging the status quo,” said Mark Rampolla, co-founder and partner at PowerPlant Ventures. “The Collaborative is doing that as a remarkable brand with a premium breadth of products.”
The Collaborative, which launched in the UK in 2014, will use the funds to grow its US presence. Funds also will go toward expanding its current lineup of plant-based yogurts, available in flavors such as mango and passionfruit and blueberry and rosemary.
New products launching from the brand include a plant-based double chocolate mousse, chocolate pudding and vanilla rice pudding. The desserts are low-sugar, gluten-free and non-GMO.
“Not only will this investment and partnership allow us to leverage the momentum of our growth, but also further expedite our expansion into more conventional and natural grocery channels,” Mr. Tollman said. “I'm excited to join the team as we are committed to spreading plant-based moments of joy to America with a collaborative essence and good intentions, something that is very much needed today and will be needed tomorrow.”