Mid-Day Squares

Despite the economic and inflationary environment, brands continued secure large checks and close a few notable acquisitions this year. While 2021 was all about post-pandemic recovery, 2022 saw companies strategizing for long term growth and positioning themselves to navigate the unforeseen bumps and blunders ahead.

Sweet Loren’s CEO and founder Loren Castle announced at NOSH Live Summer 2022 on Wednesday that the better-for-you cookie dough brand will be launching a range of reduced sugar products in Publix next month.

Castle began her presentation by taking audience members on a journey through the history of Sweet Loren’s, which has grown from a frozen cookie dough sold at New York City farmer’s markets in 2011 to a multi-SKU brand of refrigerated cookie dough products available at more than 15,000 stores nationwide. Founded in 2011, Sweet Loren’s was born in Castle’s kitchen as she set out to pioneer a health-conscious sweet treat after beating cancer.

After receiving a $10 million injection of venture capital earlier this month, functional chocolate bar maker Mid-Day Squares is already putting that money to work, bringing on a slate of industry vets to its executive team, breaking ground on a new U.S. production facility and revealing its fourth SKU – Cookie Dough – set to launch this fall.

From ongoing supply chain disruptions to economic instability, food makers continued to grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2021. However, the industry pressed onward embracing challenges and pivoting with new product lines, formats and strategies to keep their heads above water. Considering all of the upheaval of 2020, the theme of this past year is slightly more positive with plenty of new entries to the industry, investments in plant-based and strategic acquisitions.