Food Industry News, Insights, and Education for the CPG Community

Get ready for our October Community Calls! This month, learn how bootstrapped brands can harness PR to boost DTC sales, explore inclusive hiring practices, discover the real impact of viral moments on brand growth, get insider tips on retail media strategies, and understand how culturally centered brands can scale successfully.

Hot on the heels of its second birthday, Issei is bringing its better-for-you mochi gummies to the global aisle of 141 Target locations nationwide. The new retail partnership brings the brand’s total distribution footprint to over 2,500 doors nationwide as it forecasts achieving profitability next year.

Big Picture Foods announced today it has been acquired by the Atalanta Corp. for an undisclosed sum.

Dave’s Killer Bread will have to face accusations that it’s “Good Seed” and “21 Whole Grain” breads deceive consumers about their protein content after a California federal judge recently moved to certify the class.

Gopuff’s seemingly interminable search for growth has taken it deeper into digital advertising with the introduction of several new tools aimed at capturing more Gen Z and millennial consumers.

Earlier last week, The J.M. Smucker Company filed a lawsuit against crustless sandwich producer Chubby Snacks, accusing the startup of false advertising, trademark violations and disparagement in “years of advertising designed to tarnish the name and reputation” of Smucker’s competing Uncrustables brand.

In this week’s notable new products roundup, Jelly Belly evokes nostalgia through two new collaborations with toy giant Mattel, Belgian Boys makes its first foray into the grab-and-go category and Brooklyn Beckham – the eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham – enters the food and beverage world with his new hot sauce brand.

The frozen smoothie category has evolved since pandemic lockdowns with consumers demanding more convenience and functionality blended together and packaged at a price accessible to mass channel shoppers.

In this distribution roundup: Laoban doubles its door count as it expands beyond the natural channel, Belgian Boys extends into grab-and-go with Walmart exclusive, La Brea takes on Target and more.

The founding duo behind RXBAR is taking aim at the candy category with a new brand curiously called Hormbles Chormbles. Set to launch early next year, the chocolate products are high in protein (using whey protein isolate) and low in calories and sugar, said Jared Smith, co-founder of the Chicago-based startup.

The CPG Week podcast team talks about Peter Rahal’s newest protein bar release, the co-branded Lunchly product from PRIME and Feastables, and how these two products relate to consumers’ differentiated value demands from ingredients and nutrition.

The latest episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from One Trick Pony, Nomad Snacks, Rooted Fare and Superfood Sprinkle. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. Our special co-host is Mia Medina, the founder and CEO of Gather Brands, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

Fly By Jing (FBJ) is trying its hand at a meal time product once again with today’s launch of Sichuan Noodles in Chili Crisp and Sweet & Spicy varieties.

Danone SA is making a move to acquire leading kefir manufacturer Lifeway Foods, offering $283 million, or $25 per share, for the publicly traded company, according to a Schedule 13D form filed yesterday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.