Brad Avery

A new generation of AAPI owned and operated startup brands have launched online and in-store recently, sporting premium and better-for-you versions of products that look to reclaim the heritage of and rebuke stereotypes about Asian cultures and Asian foods. With vibrant, modern branding and messaging and an emphasis on authentic flavor, brands have emerged to sell new takes on classics.

This weekend, the animal-free meat manufacturer took out a full page ad in the New York Times and issued an online statement responding to a critical Bloomberg Businessweek cover story which labeled the “fake meat” category as “just another food fad” that had failed to deliver on its promise to revolutionize the meat industry.

With consumers spending more time at home since the beginning of the pandemic and the pain of inflation cutting into meal budgets, snacking has become an even more important part of consumers’ routines and one that increasingly serves as a meal replacement, according to Mondelez International’s latest State of Snacking report, released last week.

Since introducing its line of dairy-free Cheese Balls last year, vegan snacks company Outstanding Foods has seen sales accelerate. Now, new president Bobbie Turco says the brand is looking to make 2023 its breakout year.

Alpha Foods, a maker of vegan meals and plant-based meat alternatives, has issued a voluntary recall of its Meatless Breakfast Sandwiches and frozen burritos after traces of milk were discovered in the products.

Good Karma Foods has named Mike Murray as its new CEO as the plant-based dairy alternative producer prepares to close a new financing round led by Valor Siren Ventures (VSV) and Loft Growth Partners. Murray arrives at the Boulder, Colorado-based brand from protein solutions company Teton Waters Ranch where he had served as CEO since… Read more »

Cometeer, the Massachusetts-based maker of flash-frozen coffee pods, laid off a number of employees across departments last week in a move sources described as an attempt to cut costs. The innovation-focused startup, founded in 2015 by CEO Matt Roberts and CTO Douglas Hoon, had grown to over 100 employees this year, following a $35 million… Read more »

Coca-Cola’s North America CMO Melanie Boulden is departing the Atlanta-based conglomerate for a new role at Tyson Foods where she will serve as EVP, Chief Growth Officer. In a press release, Tyson stated Boulden will assume the newly created role on February 6 and will report directly to president and CEO Donnie King. Boulden will… Read more »

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appears to be cracking down on CBD food and beverage brands as the federal agency sent warning letters last week to five companies selling infused products. In a statement published online yesterday, the agency said letters were sent to Mood33 manufacturer 11-11-11 Brands; candy and coffee maker Naturally… Read more »

While it may once have been considered the domain of country clubs and retirement homes, the sport of pickleball is making a play for the mainstream. As professional pickleball leagues earn serious attention – and investment – from the sports world, food and beverage brands see it as an emerging cultural trend, and they’re looking… Read more »