Headlines
Distribution Roundup: Mason Dixie Brings Breakfast To The Marriott; The Jonas Brothers Popcorn Makes Retail Debut
In this distribution roundup: Mason Dixie Foods partners with Marriott Select Brand Hotels, Rob’s Backstage Popcorn rolls out at retail, Klimon debuts at Walmart, Meli’s Cookies launch at Costco and more.
Very Good Food Company Execs Detail Management Changes, Path Forward
The Very Good Food Company (VGFC) shared its plans for moving forward following the departure of the company’s two co-founders, Mitchell Scott (CEO) and James Davison, chief R&D officer, during its Q4 2021 earnings call on Thursday.
Notable New Products: Grillo’s & Utz Dill Pickle Chips; House of Wise CBD Sampler and Good Earth 50th Anniversary Teas
This week’s new products saw plenty of limited-edition innovations from collaborative co-branded pickle flavored chips to a hint of nostalgic, allergy friendly Sesame Street baking mixes from Partake. Check out the latest new product innovations and category expansions from food companies like Grillo’s and California Olive Ranch.
The Checkout: SnackMagic Launches CPGpulse; General Mills Invests In Women And Minority Entrepreneurs
In this week’s Checkout: SnackMagic launches data platform CPGpulse, General Mills invests $15 million for minority and female entrepreneurs, Misfits Market launches private label line and Evol introduces carbon neutral frozen meal line.
Judge Rejects Whole Foods’ Claim That $15 Million Breach of Contract Suit Is Invalid
AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery’s case against Whole Foods Market is moving forward after U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash denied Whole Foods’ motion to throw out a $15 million breach of contract lawsuit. The case alleges the natural grocery chain prematurely and ‘abruptly’ broke a seven-year distribution contract with grass-fed dairy producer AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery and caused the business to go under.
NAD Finds Clif Bar Slogan “Unsubstantiated” in Advertising Challenge
Clif Bar & Company will cease using the slogan “The Ultimate Energy Bar” in conjunction with “an optimal blend of protein, fat and carbs” in its marketing campaigns after the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs found the slogan constitutes an unsubstantiated claim about the superiority of Clif’s snack bars. In its final… Read more »
Beyond Meat Settles With Investors On Derivative Suit Amid Ongoing Don Lee Litigation
Beyond Meat has settled a lawsuit, filed by a group of its stockholders in March 2020 alleging the company’s senior management team, including co-founder and CEO Ethan Brown, former executive chairman Seth Goldman and former CFO Mark Nelson, “breached their fiduciary duties.” The litigation was a derivative action related to an ongoing legal dispute brought against the company by its former co-packer, Don Lee Farms.
Mikuna Foods Raises Funds With “Mission-Aligned” Investors To Boost Chocho Awareness in U.S.
Mikuna Foods is looking to introduce Americans to Ecuadorian plant-protein ingredient chocho, announcing today the closing of a $5.6 million seed funding round backed by a “mission-aligned collective of private individuals.” The California-based company plans to use the capital to scale operations, expand its supply network and drive brand awareness.
People Moves: Laird Names New COO and SVP of Sales; Coconut Secret Appoints New CEO
In this People Moves: Laird Superfood names new COO and SVP of Sales; Nutiva and Coconut Secret Brings on New CEO; Petit Pot Promotes Eric Lallart to CEO and Lonna Borden joins Monogram Capital Partners.
Yasso Expands Incubator Model with Mochi Launch
Frozen sweets brand Yasso is going deeper in the novelty set with the launch of new Greek yogurt filled mochi, the second product to be released under the company’s new “incubator” model introduced last year.