Monica Watrous

Humble Growth, the growth equity firm founded by Andrew Abraham and Nick Giannuzzi, has acquired a minority stake in better-for-you snack maker simplyFUEL. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Bakery ingredients manufacturer Puratos acquired Vör Foods, a producer of nut butter and nut-based fillings. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Four years after selling his frozen burrito company, Red’s All Natural, to private equity firm Bansk Group, founder Michael Adair is leaving the CEO chair. He will be replaced by Andy Reichgut, who has been CEO of Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods for the past four years.

KeHE Distributors is relaunching former grocery chain Wild Oats as a new consumer products brand committed to sustainable food production. Initial offerings include Regenerative Organic Certified juices, smoothies and eggs.

Private investment firm Highlander Partners has acquired hot sauce brand Tapatío from the Saavedra family, who will retain a minority position in the company following the close of the transaction.

Frozen food maker Saffron Road has elevated president Paul Turbeville to the role of chief executive. He succeeds Adnan Durrani, who will transition to an executive chairman position and continue to guide the Connecticut-based company’s long-term strategy.

A turbulent year for plant-based cheese is opening unexpected doors for the category’s next wave of potential winners. As legacy players stumble and retailers lose confidence in the category, Nuts For Cheese aims to fill a hole for premium, artisanal brands that can deliver on taste, ingredients and trust with retailers and shoppers alike.

Late-night television personality Guillermo Rodriguez has partnered with Ithaca Hummus founder Chris Kirby and King’s Hawaiian veteran Chris Kasuya to launch Guillermo’s Salsa.

At the inaugural Winter FancyFaire this week in San Diego, the Specialty Food Association highlighted its pick for the top trend of the year. Consumers are rejecting muted minimalism in favor of food and drink designed to overwhelm the senses.

The Trump administration’s newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans were welcomed by meat, poultry, seafood and dairy trade groups; however, other industry stakeholders raised concerns.