Headlines

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many high-profile sustainability initiatives have taken a back seat to single-use packaging, with many grocery stores banning reusable bags and Starbucks no longer accepting refillable mugs. Despite this, Loop is going all in on reusable packaging, launching its waste-free CPG delivery platform nationwide through retailers Walgreens and Kroger with heavyweight brand partners including PepsiCo, Nestlé and Unilever.

Kellogg’s and The Kraft Heinz Company today both reported spikes in sales during the first quarter from consumers pantry loading during the second half of March. After retail shopping slowed in April, the companies each revealed predictions — coupled with great uncertainty — for upcoming consumer behavior during an economic recession.

In an interview with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg, Mark Rampolla, partner and co-founder at PowerPlant Ventures, discussed what the new relationship between brands and investors may look like, during and after the covid-19 pandemic. Drawing also from his time as founder and CEO of coconut water Zico, Rampolla discussed the opportunity for “wartime CEOs” to actually thrive and see enormous opportunity.

With bleeding burgers grabbing the headlines, what’s the future of tofu amidst the plant-based surge? One place seems to be beyond the block — with innovation focused on creating healthy, convenient meals.

The ninth round of Elevator Talk Livestream includes leaders from Joolies, Country Archer, Mavericks Snacks, Taali and more. This week’s special co-host is actor, investor and entrepreneur, Patrick Schwarzenegger, who will offer feedback for each brand.

Low-sugar confection brand SmartSweets is moving beyond the gummy. The brand this month launched a new, low-sugar Starburst alternative fruit chew. The launch follows a reformulation of its existing product line to embrace newly available sweetener options, including allulose.

This week’s Office Hours show explores Cash Flow and Emergency Capital Preservation, featuring Rob Leichman, the founder of The Lyric Group and Jeremy Triefenbach, the co-founder of Stage 1 Financial.

We’re joined this week by Pat LaFrieda, CEO of renowned meat brand Pat LaFrieda’s, who discussed his definition for quality and how it fits into the company’s evolution, why “relationships are everything” in business, his vision for the future of the restaurant industry and his surprising opinion about plant-based meat products.

Last week, three new reports from market research firms IRI, Datassential and Blue Chip, shone light on how consumer behavior has changed since March and what the industry should anticipate as the crisis eases and a new normal for consumer buying habits emerges.

Where does a floating grocery store land during a pandemic? What about a curated snack service for office workers? As most daily activities move online, businesses whose plans rely on disrupting the everyday grind with exciting new products need to move forward — including snack services and experientially-focused popup retailers.