Beth Kaiserman

Food industry members want identifying upcycled products to be easier, starting with creating a clear definition and labeling standard for ‘upcycled food’ — an early goal for the recently-launched industry organization Upcycled Food Association (UFA).

Investment firms and large food producers are seeing promise in better-for-you brands — and putting their dollars behind them. In recent deals, Verlinvest and JamJar invest in chocolate brand Tony’s Chocolonely, Cedar’s Foods acquires overnight oats brand brekki, Hodo closes a Series B investment from Renewal Funds and more.

Rounding out the annual CAGNY conference in Boca Raton, Florida this week, leading CPG companies reviewed 2019 results and future plans to power protein cravings through snacks and more meatless innovations.

At the annual Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference this week, leading CPG companies discussed their 2019 results — and plans and strategies for the future. For many, those plans include meeting consumer demand for wellness-oriented products with more offerings, especially in snacking and alternative protein.

Customers might love natural and specialty retailers, but lately it looks like their creditors don’t. In the past month, three long-time natural/specialty retailers, Lucky’s Market, Fairway and Earth Fare, declared bankruptcies. Meanwhile, big box retailers increasingly feature emerging brands, and e-commerce and direct-to-consumer are gaining prominence in brands’ strategies. NOSH spoke to analysts from Mintel, IHL Group, and The Hartman Group to weigh in on the state of specialty — and what it means for brands.

Direct-to-consumer website Brandless shuts down, online grocery delivery service Peapod cuts its Midwest division, organic fruit and vegetable platform Daily Harvest promotes ingredient transparency, and more in this week’s Checkout.

Betting on the ubiquitous affinity for chocolate, companies are now trying to create high-quality, tasty sweets that incorporate functional benefits — steering both into the supplement and snack aisles for merchandising — and looking at a variety of functions and ingredients: everything from vitamins that taste like conventional candy to prebiotic European chocolate bars.

Halal frozen meal, sauce and snack brand Saffron Road is mapping another category entry, launching shelf-stable meals this month. The new microwavable pouches come in two Indian-inspired flavors: Chickpea Masala and Delhi Potatoes.

Michigan-based food and beverage consulting group JPG Resources is growing its capabilities — and eyeing New York City’s entrepreneurial scene to help do that. After opening a new office last month, the company has an array of new offerings slated to launch this spring — fueled by seasoned food industry experts joining the team.

Kellogg and Tyson prep for plant-based launches; Yofix raises $2.5 million and more in this week’s Checkout.