Headlines

Israeli specialty food producer Eshbal Functional Food announced today that it has taken a majority stake in select assets of the U.S.-based, vegetable-forward brand Dare to Be Different Foods, expanding its North American footprint.

Guillermo’s – the fresh salsa startup launched by late-night television personality Guillermo Rodriguez – appears to be yet another celebrity-backed packaged food brand. The founding team of industry innovators behind the venture insists that it’s not.

Caulipower is launching its first-ever single-serve options in the frozen aisle. The product expansion comes on the heels of the brand’s acquisition by Paine Schwartz Partners-owned Urban Farmer, a manufacturer of branded and private label specialty dough products.

In an act of confectionery consolidation, candy apple maker Tastee Apple Inc. has acquired cotton-candy brand Art of Sucre, bringing a “social-first” next-gen brand under the stewardship of a legacy sweets manufacturer.

Former Walmart executive Greg Foran was named CEO of The Kroger Co. and joined its board of directors. He succeeds Ron Sargent, who took over on an interim basis after Rodney McMullen’s departure last March.

As CEO of Bel North America, McGuinness is set to oversee the company’s business across the U.S. and Canada, which includes three offices and five manufacturing facilities in the two countries.

New Primal is expecting significant growth in 2026 after co-investing in production and a solid foothold in poultry meat sticks.

SIMPLi rolled out its largest new product launch to-date, spanning 10 products across three categories and bringing the supply chain-oriented company’s mission to 13 countries total.

This week, we’re investigating the significant tranche of M&A deals that defined the month of January, revealing who just bought squeezy sauce sensation Bachan’s, and making some ill-fated Game Day bets. Hey, what more could you ask for?

From celebrity cameos to cause-driven messaging, brands across categories are using the Big Game to spotlight new products and creative strategies.