Beth Kaiserman

In a letter to President Trump last Tuesday, a group of seven hemp organizations asked the administration to work with Congress to regulate CBD, noting that the lack of progress from the FDA is hindering a young market.

After the FDA last month released temporary guidance to allow companies to make “minor” ingredient substitutions without labeling changes, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) and other industry groups have advocated on behalf of consumers with allergies for greater transparency.

Albertsons files an IPO, IRI reviews center store growth trends, and Doordash announces a $400M series H raise and a new partnership with CVS in this week’s Checkout.

Barnana is expanding its savory snack line and rebranding as it seeks to build its presence in the salty snack set in conventional retailers. The brand’s newest product, Plantain Tortilla Chips, will debut online and in select Southern California-based retailers, with plans to enter 5,600 doors this year.

Although some consumers have turned to larger conventional food brands during the COVID-19 pandemic, many still shop with wellness in mind, creating even more opportunity ahead for natural brands. According to a report co-authored by data firms IRI and SPINS, natural product sales are not only higher than last year, but in some cases are even outperforming their conventional counterparts.

In this week’s Checkout, UFCW urged Congress to protect grocery and food production workers; as demand remains high, Instacart raised $225 million; and FMI studied grocery shopping trends before, during and beyond the pandemic.

Appetizer brand Savorly won the NOSH Virtually Live Summer 2020 Pitch Slam, with judges seeing promise in the frozen products for parties, snacks, sides and more. The two-part competition, presented by 301 Inc., first began Tuesday with 12 contestants who each presented a two-minute virtual pitch before judges cut the list down to six.

Keto and Co found a dedicated consumer base online, but now the brand sees promise in reaching more consumers who are less strictly adherents of the ketogenic diet but for whom its attributes — low carbohydrates and low sugar — are also appealing. To do that, the brand will add over 3,000 new doors in the coming months.

The Sugar Association wants the FDA to issue stricter labeling guidance on alternative sweeteners in order “to stop misleading claims about added sugars content.” But industry stakeholders argue that product labels are transparent enough, and consumers aren’t confused or concerned.

Global chia producer Benexia believes there are many food and drink applications that it can fuel. The company is using its proprietary chia ingredients to expand its CPG brand, Seeds of Wellness, with the launch of chia pastas, plant-based milk, and a chia-derived oil.