OAKLAND, CALIF. – Billed as the West Coast’s largest federally inspected processor and distributor of regenerative meat, Cream Co. Meats announced it has taken the next step toward validating its status as an alternative option to commodity-based meat production by securing $4 million in funding to facilitate its expansion and accessibility.

The funding for the company’s latest round was sourced from San Francisco-based Provenance Capital Group. The investment group, which has interests in funding regenerative ventures, joined investors in previous rounds of fundraising by Cream Co., including Soilworks Natural Capital, Dr. Anthoy Gustin, The Mighty Arrow Foundation and Tom Sturgess.

Executives with Cream Co. said the development of alternative means of meat production based on regenerative agriculture addresses the ‘environmentally detrimental’ commodity system, which also threatens the welfare of livestock and producers.

“It's time for buyers to take bold action and commit to supporting regenerative agriculture," said Clifford Pollard, Cream Co.’s founder and chief executive officer. "Cream Co. Meats is leading the charge by providing responsibly sourced, high-quality meats that prioritize the well-being of animals, farmers and the planet, and we’re doing it in a manner that is commercially acceptable to big buyers. We are creating the Missing Middle — bridging the gap between farm direct quality and broad-line distribution efficiency."

The latest round of funding will go toward establishing a stable supply chain and customer demand while creating new product lines and brands of premium products. By developing the infrastructure and creating a transparency-based supply chain, Cream Co. said it will provide a sustainable system based on partnerships between producers and consumers. Previous expansion efforts have resulted in partnerships with foodservice partners that include Shake Shack, Eataly and dozens of public school systems in California.

As part of its expansion process, Cream Co. Meats acquired Non-GMO Project Verified processor Keller Crafted Meats. The company said this acquisition enhances its value-added capabilities and enhances its product folio to include marinated, tumbled, seasoned and fully cooked items targeting Cream Co’s. CPG brand and its institutional customers.

“With an emphasis on serving institutional businesses such as corporate cafes, public schools, universities and hospitals, Cream Co. will use the new funding to transform America's regenerative food landscape by making sustainable and regenerative meats accessible to underserved communities at scale,” the company said.