Martín Caballero

Typically, food and beverage represents only around 3.2% of total U.S. online sales. But through a combination of factors, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has accelerated the shift to web-based shopping.

In a conversation with BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero, veteran natural CPG consultant Bob Burke, principal at Natural Products Consulting LLC, offered his insights and perspectives on how brands can manage their teams, relationships and finances to both survive this trying period and to thrive at its conclusion.

Even as the coronavirus has ground most of the U.S. economy to a near stop, food and beverage suppliers and retailers — deemed an essential business by state and federal governments — are running at full speed, and looking to expand.

On the manufacturing lines and in the office, the CPG industry is being forced to make adjustments. Over the past week, BevNET and NOSH edit staff reached out to brands and distributors across the food and beverage to hear about how they are grappling with the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic as it ripples across the country.

Having established a solid foundation for the brand with its core ready-to-drink shake line, ICONIC Protein is preparing to unveil a range of long-gestated innovations this year that highlight a shift towards caffeine-added, zero-sugar products.

After several days of community feedback, which included calls for cancellation or postponement, New Hope Network announced this evening that Natural Products Expo West 2020, scheduled for March 4-8 in Anaheim, California, is officially postponed.

A new generation of innovative start-ups are attempting to change the category’s trajectory with versatile, premium products that appeal to young consumers who grew up alongside the third-wave coffee movement.

Beyond THC and CBD, some studies suggest that other cannabinoids — such as CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol) — offer a range of other functional benefits, including antibacterial and antispasmodic effects.

If it is passed and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, as is widely expected to happen within weeks, California Assembly Bill 228 will declare that foods, beverages and cosmetics made with industrial hemp should not be considered as adulterated. Until that occurs, however, brands and retailers in Southern California still face an uncertain existence from day to day.

With eyes on expanding beyond the yogurt set, Chobani announced yesterday the launch of a range of new both dairy and plant-based products, including its entry into the fast-growing oat “milk” category.