Headlines

Nutrition retailer GNC filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today, and will shutter 800 to 1,200 stores nationwide.

In a letter to President Trump last Tuesday, a group of seven hemp organizations asked the administration to work with Congress to regulate CBD, noting that the lack of progress from the FDA is hindering a young market.

After the FDA last month released temporary guidance to allow companies to make “minor” ingredient substitutions without labeling changes, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) and other industry groups have advocated on behalf of consumers with allergies for greater transparency.

SprintToSuccess, a 7 week creative process designed to take an entrepreneur-in-need from streamlined strategy to a ready-for-world brand free of charge, has announced its Season 1 subject, chosen from a pool of 107 applicants: Melissa Martinelli’s SuperFrau.

Albertsons files an IPO, IRI reviews center store growth trends, and Doordash announces a $400M series H raise and a new partnership with CVS in this week’s Checkout.

Chuck Casano, founder of Pitaya Foods and HiTouch Distribution, spoke about navigating the food industry on two fronts, how a social mission guided his foray into entrepreneurship, the failure that propelled his decision to launch HiTouch, the elements of successful brand relationships and being on the front lines of food distribution during the pandemic.

Refrigerated chocolate bar brand Honey Mama’s announced this week it has closed a $5.8 million round of funding that will go towards supporting the brand’s expansion beyond the natural channel via sales, marketing and innovation efforts.

Barnana is expanding its savory snack line and rebranding as it seeks to build its presence in the salty snack set in conventional retailers. The brand’s newest product, Plantain Tortilla Chips, will debut online and in select Southern California-based retailers, with plans to enter 5,600 doors this year.

Myles Powell, founder and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based frozen comfort food brand 8 Myles, has had a full plate over the last few months as he doubles down on his goal to create a “strong regional brand” in the Northeast. The company, funded by food and beverage business accelerator Union Kitchen, is focusing on retail and product expansion as it brings its frozen mac and cheese business to new markets.

Although some consumers have turned to larger conventional food brands during the COVID-19 pandemic, many still shop with wellness in mind, creating even more opportunity ahead for natural brands. According to a report co-authored by data firms IRI and SPINS, natural product sales are not only higher than last year, but in some cases are even outperforming their conventional counterparts.