Headlines
‘We Need The Hype Machine’: Low-FODMAP Foods Go Broad In Search of Consumers
The low-FODMAP food category is still fairly niche, but the diet could propel businesses in the space to the forefront of the next popular diet trend. However, in the space brands aren’t planning to be just a part of another fad.
Sprouts: Q1 Growth Is ‘Direct Result’ of Consumer Engagement, Product Differentiation
On its earnings call this week, Sprouts Farmers Market credited its Q1 sales growth as a “direct result” of its customer engagement efforts, which have helped grow both basket size and as well as increase trip count among its loyal shoppers.
Blue Bottle, The Weeknd Spotlight Ethiopian Coffee Culture With New Collab
Nestle-owned Blue Bottle Coffee is partnering with multi-Grammy award winner The Weeknd (born Abel Tesfaye) and his record label, XO, to create a new line of premium Ethiopian coffees that honor the “Starboy” singer’s family roots.
Target Takes Ten Brands for Accelerator Cohort
Target announced its Takeoff Food and Beverage Accelerator program class of 2023. The mentorship program will help 10 emerging food and beverage brands successfully improve branding and marketing strategies.
On the Rise: Hero Bread Closes $15M to Grow National Distribution
Bakery brand Hero Bread announced today it has closed $15 million in funding to help the brand meet consumer demand and fuel future product innovation. The capital raise comes as the San Francisco-based brand shifts its focus to physical retail.
Are SPACs Back? Above Foods To Go Public
Vertically-integrated ingredient supplier, agriculture company and CPG producer Above Foods will go public via a reverse merger with blank check company Bite Acquisition Corp. The deal values Above at roughly $319 million
GFI: Taste, Price Still Impeding Growth for Plant-Based Proteins
Despite significant gains in recent years, mass-market adoption of plant-based meat, seafood, eggs and dairy remains limited by taste and pricing-related challenges, according to the Good Food Institute’s (GFI) State of the Industry report.
Moving into Meals, Omsom Takes a ‘Saucy’ Approach to Instant Noodles
Omsom is taking its unique branding approach to the quick-ready meal category with a 4-SKU line of Saucy Noodles, marking the brand’s first major line extension since the company hit the market in May 2020.
May 2023: Sign Up For This Month’s Community Calls
Community Call is a recurring series of open meetings dedicated to pressing topics impacting food and beverage businesses. This month, we welcome a range of guests covering topics such as current hiring trends, using social media to drive sales, how to scale your sales team, and avoiding deduction surprises.
As Costs Rise, Brands Reconsider D2C; ‘I Think it’s the Beginning of a Trend’
D2C sales growth is leveling out from its explosive heights and the opportunities for startups in the space have tightened to the point that many are simply giving up.