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EVR Foods, operating under the consumer brand Lavva, manufactures dairy-free, plant-based yogurt alternatives and is based in Brooklyn, New York. The company formulates its low-glycemic consumer packaged goods utilizing pili nuts and green plantains to deliver exactly 50 billion live probiotic cultures per serving without incorporating any added sweeteners or refined sugars. Operating through both direct-to-consumer platforms and traditional retail channels, the brand initially launched its first commercial cases in 2018 before expanding its distribution network across all Whole Foods market locations by the third quarter of 2019, shortly following the grocery chain's high-profile acquisition by Amazon. The enterprise leverages over 25 years of natural food industry experience from its leadership team, who previously helped scale prominent consumer brands including Kevita, LaraBar, and Horizon Organic. EVR Foods was officially founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Elizabeth Fisher.
EVR Foods (Lavva) has raised $5.0M across 1 funding round.
EVR Foods (Lavva) has raised $5.0M in total across 1 funding round.
EVR Foods, operating under the brand Lavva, is a food technology company specializing in plant-based, non-dairy yogurt substitutes made primarily from the pili nut, a low-carb, high-fat nut known for its creamy texture and nutritional benefits[1][3][4]. Lavva’s products are free from added sugar, gluten, dairy, gums, and artificial flavors, targeting health-conscious consumers seeking clean-label, functional superfoods with gut health benefits through probiotics and prebiotics[1][3][4]. The company serves vegan, keto, paleo, and plant-based diet markets, offering a unique alternative to traditional dairy yogurts and other plant-based yogurts that often contain additives. Lavva has demonstrated growth momentum with a devoted fan base pre-pandemic, a temporary disruption during COVID-19, and a recent comeback with re-entry into retail stores such as Whole Foods and other specialty grocers across the U.S.[5].
Lavva was founded in 2017 by Elizabeth (Liz) Fisher, who discovered the pili nut while following a keto diet during her recovery from advanced-stage ovarian cancer[3][4]. Inspired by the nut’s buttery flavor and nutritional profile, Fisher developed a cultured yogurt product blending pili nuts with coconut milk, plantains, and cassava, creating a clean, creamy, and functional superfood yogurt without the common additives found in other non-dairy yogurts[4]. Early traction came from strong consumer enthusiasm and rapid growth before the pandemic, which forced a pivot to online sales and disrupted supply chains, causing a temporary disappearance from retail shelves[1][5]. In 2022, Lavva was acquired by Next in Natural, a New York-based business development studio, marking a new phase with leadership changes and renewed retail presence[1][5].
Lavva rides the growing trend of plant-based, functional foods driven by consumer demand for healthier, sustainable, and allergen-friendly alternatives to dairy[1][5]. The timing is favorable due to increasing awareness of gut health, clean eating, and environmental concerns linked to animal agriculture. Lavva’s innovation in using the pili nut and green plantain as base ingredients taps into the broader movement toward regenerative agriculture and nutrient-dense superfoods[4][5]. By setting a new standard for clean-label, minimally processed plant-based yogurts, Lavva influences the dairy alternatives market and encourages innovation in ingredient sourcing and product formulation within the food tech ecosystem.
Lavva’s recent acquisition and return to retail signal a renewed growth phase, with plans to expand distribution and innovate further in plant-based superfoods[5]. Trends such as personalized nutrition, gut health focus, and sustainability will likely shape Lavva’s journey, positioning it to capture more market share as consumers seek premium, functional, and clean-label foods. The company’s commitment to ingredient integrity and functional benefits could enable it to evolve from a niche player to a mainstream brand in the plant-based dairy alternative sector. Continued innovation around the pili nut and related superfoods may unlock new product lines and deepen Lavva’s influence in the food technology landscape[4][5].
EVR Foods (Lavva) has raised $5.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $5.0M Series B in April 2019.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2019 | $5M Series B | — | Advantage Capital, Blueberry Ventures | Announced |
EVR Foods (Lavva) has raised $5.0M in total across 1 funding round.
EVR Foods (Lavva)'s investors include Advantage Capital, Blueberry Ventures.
