Kodiak Cakes

In our latest news roundup from Expo West 2024, Sweet Loren’s looks to savory, gluten-free innovation, Oakberry looks to bring açaí pints to U.S. consumers, morning meals go mini and more.

Kodiak, the fast-growing food brand known for its 100% whole grain and protein-packed breakfast and snacking products, and actor/producer Zac Efron are joining forces to further Kodiak’s brand, growth, and impact on the planet. Zac joins the Kodiak team as its first Chief Brand Officer, with plans to put his unique spin on new product innovations, brand strategy, national brand campaigns, and Kodiak’s giving-back initiatives. He also becomes a shareholder in the company and has joined Kodiak’s Board of Directors.

In this week’s Checkout: instant coffee and tea maker Waka jumpstarts growth with pre-seed funding; California Cultured receives investment from food tech investment platform CULT Food Science Corp; Kodiak partners with Pro Athletes Joe Burrow, Travis Kelce, among others; and ice cream manufacturer recalls dozens of SKUs due to Listeria contamination.

In this People Moves: Bob’s Red Mill moves Trey Winthrop into the role of CEO, Mindy Grossman steps down from WW International, Kodiak adds new CMO position for Cory Bayers, Maxine’s Heavenly expands team with two new hires and more.

Protein remains a major force of attraction for consumers, as is evidenced today by the sale of protein enhanced baking mix and snack brand Kodiak Cakes to private equity firm L Catterton.

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems many Americans are strapping on their aprons and marching to the oven with a goal of learning to bake. But why have sourdough breads, brownies and chocolate chip cookies captivated the nation? And is the “made from scratch” ethos similarly powering the baking mix brands that allow kitchen dwellers to cut out a few steps?

Category enhancement and reinvention often comes into view through product innovations scheduled to be seen at Expo West. Here’s a look at the latest products that companies plan to use to redefine sweeter snacks options, across bars, cookies and confection.

Category enhancement and reinvention often comes into view through product innovations scheduled to be seen at Expo West. Here’s a look at the latest products that companies plan to use to redefine the breakfast category.

Influential natural foods entrepreneur and investor Steve Hughes reflected upon his roles as the founder of Boulder Brands and co-founder of investment firm Sunrise Strategic Partners. As part of our conversation, he explained why he believes the funding environment for natural CPG brands is “capitalism at its absolute best,” and what he sees as the most exciting development for the industry.

Kodiak Cakes, the Park City brand known for whole grain, frontier-inspired flapjack & waffle mixes, will showcase its latest exciting product, Bear Bites Frontier Graham Crackers, alongside five brand new SKUs at this year’s Natural Products Expo East.

Kodiak Cakes CEO Joel Clark will be the first to admit that entrepreneurship isn’t a part-time job. For years, he tried to run the pancake mix brand as a side business while pursuing a graduate degree and a consulting career. In this episode, Clark spoke about how commitment, innovation and swimming in the “Shark Tank” played into the evolution of Kodiak Cakes, which eclipsed $100 million in sales in 2018.

Kodiak Cakes, known for their protein-rich whole grain Flapjack & Waffle mixes, is excited to debut their new Oatmeal Unleashed cups in four flavors – Chocolate Chip, Maple & Brown Sugar, Caramel, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.