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

This month, explore how Walmart’s Open Call program helps brands get on shelves, gain updates and strategies from Whole Foods Market, learn how Mazaah got Target’s attention, and dive into current functional ingredient trends with Bristol Farms. Our September calls are free and open to the public – just register in advance and mark your calendar.

The founder of new labneh brand Bezi talked about being a first-time CPG food founder, capitalizing on the success of Mediterranean dips, and the trial and error in launching a new product in an emerging category.

Better-for-you snack platform Our Home is seeking to accelerate growth with the acquisition of ParmCrisps from Hain Celestial Group, which the companies announced today.

New Hope Network’s inaugural Newtopia Now drew more than 7,000 natural products industry professionals to Denver last week, as 550 exhibiting companies showcased their latest in natural products innovation.

In this week’s notable new products roundup, Pilgrim’s creates a savory twist on what has become a first birthday tradition, TABASCO launches its first Mexican-style hot sauce, and Seal the Seasons debuts its Blue Spirulina Tropical Smoothie Kit after nearly a year’s worth of R&D.

A recent Linkedin post penned by an executive of online distribution platform Pod Foods ignited a passionate discussion about the limited routes to market for emerging brands and whether things might be changing for the better… or worse. Taste Radio’s hosts have their say on the matter.

On the episode of CPG Week, the team conducts a wide-ranging, mid-year quiz related to some of the quirkier elements of the industry this year.

Now that The Coconut Cult has fully rolled out its refreshed packaging design, CEO Ari Raz talked with Nosh about positioning the plant-based yogurt for future success and how clear messaging is a big part of its growth strategy.

Also in this issue: Albertsons Argues For Merger in Ore. Court; Stuffed Puffs to Close Pa. Facility; New School Closes On $6M Investment; Ardent Mills Grows Colorado Facility; and Whole Foods Announces Latest LEAP Cohort.

The latest episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from BEZI, Tantos, The Dancing Elephant, NOOISH and Monte’s Sauce. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. Our special co-host is Caroline Grace, the founder & CEO of Product & Prosper, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

Contract and private label manufacturer Mount Franklin Foods’ confectionary portfolio is growing with today’s announcement that it has acquired the assets of filled marshmallow maker Stuffed Puffs for an undisclosed sum.

Our Home continues to expand via M&A, announcing this week that it has acquired Pop Secret from Campbell Soup Company for an undisclosed sum.

G.O.A.T. Foods has been acquiring URLs of one-word food name and building DTC businesses out of them. With a new $10 million investment, the company is scaling up for more.

Jesse & Ben’s aims to challenge category incumbents by leading with a deep connection to the people behind the brand and utilizing better-for-the-planet and -people ingredients.