Meagan McGinnes

Using next-generation proprietary technology based on DNA sequencing and data management, California-based Clear Labs is seeking to modernize food safety, efficiency and authenticity throughout the industry — and it’s a system that investors are embracing, too.

In 2014 entrepreneur David Istier founded Energy Fruits, a shelf-stable natural fruit and vegetable pouch. Three years later, the company has rebranded and more than doubled its distribution while focusing more directly on prebiotic-based gut health.

It seems that summer vacation doesn’t apply to the CPG industry, which has seen a flood of capital raises and acquisitions. Here’s a look at some the deals of the past few weeks.

After months of predicting what’s to come for Whole Foods Market, today e-commerce giant and acquirer, Amazon, gave its first look into the natural retailer’s evolution with a list of strategic changes to be rolled out across all Whole Foods stores starting next week.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed but, as previously reported on NOSH, an April 2016 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission indicated the company had closed roughly $850,000 of a $1.5 million round in May. Van Alstine told NOSH the round, which has now officially closed, was oversubscribed by more than 30 percent.

From globally-inspired sauces to gluten-free cookies, here’s some of the industry’s latest distribution news.

A strong affinity toward French culture is starting to influence more than just Francophiles’ diets. Leading French brands shared with NOSH the challenges they faced in entering the U.S and what they are doing to accommodate the different tastes and preferences of the American consumer.

Bill Weiland, founder and CEO of Presence Marketing, told attendees at this summer’s NOSH Live that companies need to think not only about what they add to their portfolios, but also how they talk about those products.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced late last week that products labeled as Chicken Chile Verde actually contained the company’s Turkey Meatloaf dinner, which has additional allergens, like eggs and fish, that were not declared on the others’ package. Ultimately, 1,203 cases of product were affected.

Ice cream and novelty brands highlighting natural ingredients or embracing full-fat indulgence are in full demand. Here’s the scoop on the latest in frozen dessert news from Vice Cream, My/Mo Mochi, Halo Top and Snow Monkey.