Adrianne DeLuca

In this week’s Checkout: FMI finds loyalty for private label products is on the rise; Gorton’s fights back on definition for sustainably sourced fish; SFA Trendspotters report the top themes recognized at this year’s show and Moolec announces its roadmap to an IPO.

Brands are trying to find new ways to accurately communicate their environmental commitments, and for many, that has required the development of a new set of certifications that extend beyond the older, established classifications.

The adoption of measures to reduce plastic pollution, a motion to join an organization working to enhance protections for U.S. agricultural workers, and eliminating the output of hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) from refrigeration were among the most contested shareholder proposals presented during Kroger’s annual investor event today.

Plant-based meat maker Mrs. Goldfarb’s Unreal Deli is looking to scale its production capacity as the demand for alternative-deli slices gain momentum. According to founder and CEO Jenny Goldfarb the products have garnered positive impressions from consumers and higher than expected order volumes from retailers. Just last month, the company entered Costco with new multipack and bulk formats and the retailer has already ordered 2,000 more units than originally expected.

Daily Harvest is asking consumers to dispose of its recently launched alternative meat product after multiple reports that it is causing severe gastrointestinal issues. The D2C frozen food brand, announced on Sunday that it was aware of the issues. The product is French Lentil + Leek Crumbles, which launched at the end of April and also comes in a Walnut + Thyme variety. That SKU has not been linked to any reports of illness.

The Austin-based company has been on a path toward rapid growth over the past year: participating in Mondelez’s inaugural CoLab class accelerator program, securing additional early-stage funding, designating c-suite duties to former NFL player and sports broadcaster Tim Tebow and launching its first new product line: Plant Krunch Bars.

In this week’s Checkout: Nuts For Cheese raises $5 million to expand operations and production capabilities; Smallhold opens urban mushroom farming location in Los Angeles; and DouxMatok secures its second partnership for Incredo Sugar.

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) Summer Fancy Food Show returned in-person to New York City this week for the first time since 2019. While more limited in its scope, energy and total attendees than mega-shows like Expo West, the biannual event represents an important showcase for CPG brands looking to grow in the specialty food market, which is expected to rise to $185 billion in 2022, according to the SFA State of the Industry report.

After three years in ecommerce, Magic Spoons grain-free, low-sugar cereals are spilling into retail. The company announced today its top three SKUs – Fruity, Cocoa and Peanut Butter – are rolling out exclusively to Target stores nationwide following the close of a star-studded, $85 million capital raise.

In this week’s Checkout: Everything Legendary and Live Nation announce investment partnership; General Mills invests $3 Million into Eco Harvest; Foster Farms sells to Atlas Holdings and names new CEO; Campbell’s reports Q3 earnings; and SCiFi Foods raises $22 million.