Headlines

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss the collapse of one of the nation’s largest beverage distributors, a closely watched false advertising dispute in the frozen novelty aisle, ongoing scrutiny surrounding regenerative dairy leader Alexandre Family Farm, Vita Coco’s latest acquisition, and the launch of Nosh Impact 50, the inaugural list recognizing the people shaping the future of the packaged food industry.

Sprouts Farmers Market continues to grow as a leading natural retailer with an expanding assortment and store footprint as it posts 5% net sales growth to $2.3 billion during the second quarter per its latest earnings report.

The Hershey Company has narrowed its full-year guidance toward the upper end of its previous outlook amid steady demand across confectionery and snacks, continued pricing strength and increased innovation.

Beef tallow-fried tortilla chip brand Vaca Chips has secured a $1.5 million funding round, led by Bam Ventures.

Celebrity-backed food brands aren’t new. But in 2026, the playbook is changing. Founders, executives and investors consistently emphasize operational discipline, retail execution, product innovation and repeat purchase over star power alone.

South 40 Snacks added a new premium line of Craft Bars, built on unique flavor profiles such as Vanilla Almond Latte, Pecan Pepper Berry, Good Ol’ Raisin and Peanuts, and Golden Chai Ginger. North Dakota-based 3 Farm Daughters sells a line of pastas that are naturally high in fiber due to its use of a unique wheat variety.

Sorbet Sorority is a new collagen-enriched frozen dessert tapping into the growing demand for better-for-you options in the freezer aisle.

David Protein is introducing its frozen dessert pints at Target stores nationwide. The rollout marks the product line’s retail debut after launching online in June, when it sold out in less than a half-hour.

Align Ventures has closed its early-stage Fund II at $125 million. The consumer-focused firm aims to allocate Fund II into 15 to 20 brands, with check sizes ranging from $2 million to $10 million.

Mondelēz International is entering the second half of 2026 with growing confidence after posting another quarter of organic sales growth, improving volumes and stronger execution across much of its global business.