Nosh Staff

In the context of modern CPG, a better-for-you snack can be anything – from a function-enhanced bar to a low-sugar sweet or crunchy vegetable chip alternative. As the category itself seems to be expanding exponentially, the role snacks play in consumers’ lives has also evolved.

With over 1,000 brands exhibiting at this year’s Winter Fancy Foods show, there was a wide range of new products on display from plant-based protein alternatives to better-for-you indulgent treats. As we reported earlier this week, many exhibitors were eager to discuss the unique and often environmentally-conscious supply networks that helped create these new innovations.

In our 50th episode of Elevator Talk, we feature leaders from Mmmly, Sow Good, Appleton’s Market, Bon AppéSweet and True Scoops. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Tom Spier, the founder and managing partner of BFG Partners, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

This week on Taste Radio, we share the inspirational story of Adam Bremen, the founder of fast-growing snack bar brand Keto Krisp, who spoke about how perseverance and a can-do attitude has yielded personal and professional success throughout his life. Also, investor Maxine Kozler Koven joins the episode for the first installment of a new regular series in which she provides her insights and analysis of the food and beverage industry.

Better-for-you CPG brands are catering to the rising demand for nutrient-dense, better-for-you products with a range of new low-carb, low-sugar and low-calorie sweet and savory snacks over the past month.

This week we’re joined by Ross Iverson, co-founder and chief investment officer of Manna Tree Partners, a food-focused private equity firm whose portfolio includes stakes in Health-Ade, Gotham Greens and Urban Remedy. Iverson discussed the firm’s vision to improve human health by investing in better-for-you brands, why diligence plays a bigger role than innovation when evaluating companies and how Manna Tree assesses early-stage brands.

Nearly 4,000 U.S. food and beverage retailers – including nearly 3 % of U.S. grocery stores – shut their doors last year, according to a study sponsored by the convenience store industry.

Goat Rodeo Capital managing partner Carlton Fowler reflected upon the data and business criteria that influenced the firm’s initial investments and offered his evaluation of non-portfolio DTC brands and their potential for omnichannel success. He also weighed in on the continued blurring of lines within the non-alcoholic beverage and beverage alcohol industries and explained why Goat Rodeo’s second fund will not include investments in cannabis beverages.

New Year’s resolutions only last so long, and brands are already testing consumers’ will power with new sweet treats. From breakfast granolas to ice cream for dessert, shoppers will find new launches from Ben & Jerry’s, Jamie’s Farm, Egglife Foods and more this month.

Taste Radio’s hosts reflected upon last week’s highly publicized deal between the Coca-Cola Co. and Constellation Brands, the growing pool of hop-centric drinks and news of Liquid Death’s colossal funding round. They also discussed a “flamin’ hot” line extension for a not-so-NOSHy snack brand, why “Cannuary” is trending among some folks in the office and highlighted several new beverages and bites.