Chris Kirby, founder/president of Ithaca Craft Hummus, spoke about how he identified white space in the hummus category and what he learned during four years of operating his own production facility. He also urged entrepreneurs to be thoughtful about their retail relationships and deliberate about expenses, and discussed why he hires people that are highly self-sufficient.

This year’s annual National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) trade show featured a variety of protein plays — from zero-sugar jerky to new bean and lentil snacks. In this gallery, we feature some of the newest protein plays spotted on the show floor.

In this video from the 2019 NACS show in Atlanta last week, NOSH Senior Reporter Beth Kaiserman talked with Jaxie Alt, CMO of Stryve Biltong, about educating consumers, innovations in the jerky space and how Stryve’s colorful rebranding can capture protein-hungry consumers.

Eat Nice Foods co-founder Paul Cantagallo aims to take animals out of the food system by creating plant-based replacements for traditional pastas and meals. The mission-driven company has launched with two flavors of vegan ravioli with future plans to enter new categories.

Eat Nice Foods co-founder Paul Cantagallo aims to take animals out of the food system by creating plant-based replacements for traditional pastas and meals. The mission-driven company has launched with two flavors of vegan ravioli with future plans to enter new categories.

Leading food and beverage fund VMG is moving from investor to operator with the launch of a new corporate entity that will acquire, run, and create snack brands. Velocity Snack Brands (VSB) kicks off today with the acquisition of salty snack brand Popchips; the company will be led by Amit Pandhi, the former CEO of frozen treat brand Arctic Zero.

Sometimes the sweetest way forward is with a big change. Frozen Greek yogurt brand Yasso announced that it will relocate its headquarters to Boulder, Colorado, led by new CEO Craig Shiesley, a 25-year CPG industry veteran.

Ocean Spray may be almost 90 years old, but the cranberry cooperative is determined to act like a younger startup. Last week the company announced a new model for innovation, known as the Lighthouse Incubator, which will focus on rapid innovation and bring the company into new categories beyond beverage.

As part of a sprawling branding update, PeaTos this week debuted new packaging, a bolder design and new Crunchy Rings as it prepares to expand its distribution in the coming months.

Much has changed since Harbinger Ventures launched with its first fund of $1.8 million in 2016. Over the past three years the firm, which invests in early-stage companies that are led by female or “mixed-gender” founder teams, has seen interest in its investment thesis grow exponentially. Perhaps the best indication of the changing sentiment: this week the firm announced the close of its second fund, worth $21.7 million — roughly 12 times larger than its first fund.