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

On this week’s show, the team dives into deal news from this past week including J.M. Smucker’s acquisition of Hostess and Kroger/Albertsons’ initial store divestment plan. Then, they discuss news surrounding Pacqui’s One Chip Challenge.

In a “incredibly difficult,” mycelium-based alt meat brand Meati has restructured its 300 person company, laying off 30 employees and moving another 30 into new roles as it seeks to prioritize profitability.

The Winslow, Maine-based company, formerly known as the Maine Crisp Company, is now known as Better With Buckwheat following a full company rebrand announced last week. Alongside the new identity, the company is also launching its first new line, crackers as part of a broader strategy shift to build out a buckwheat-based snack platform.

Continuing its strategic pivot towards reinventing familiar snack categories, Outstanding Foods announced today the launch of Stuffins, a vegan-friendly take on a Combo with an enhanced nutritional profile.

In the latest episode of Elevator Talk, we feature leaders from Inspired Indian Cooking, Zwïta, Capitana by Lorenza, Joydays and Chiwis. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Mia Medina, the founder of Gather Brands, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

Mac and Cheese and pasta brand Goodles announced yesterday a $13 million in new capital as it looks to take on its blue box and bunny competitors.

J.M. Smucker will buy longtime Twinkie, Ho-Ho, Voortman Cookie and Ding-Dong maker Hostess for $5.6 billion, according to an announcement today.

This week Red’s Natural Foods CEO and founder Michael Adair shares the lessons he has gathered while operating a clean label frozen brand for 14 years. Also, the team talks club store purchases before discussing how conventional channels are becoming more popular with natural food brands.

In this week’s notable new products roundup, Amy’s Kitchen unveils a new multipack frozen burrito format, Wonderful Pistachios makes its first flavor addition in nearly a decade and Noble Made releases a new Whole Foods-exclusive sauce.

Mycelium-based food startup Meati is rumored to have raised a $50 million Series C extension round. Investors include Bond, Congruent Ventures and Revolution Growth, among others.

Kroger and Albertsons today announced they have entered into a $1.9 billion divestiture agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers intended to appease antitrust regulators reviewing the companies’ proposed $24.6 million merger.

Following the death of a Massachusetts teen who took the Paqui “One Chip Challenge,” Amplify Brands, a subsidiary of parent company Hershey’s, said it will pull the product from stores.

CPG investment and brand development firm Science Inc. – the initial investor behind runaway beverage hit Liquid Death – is asking consumers to pucker up for its latest in-house product: a new brand of gaming-themed snacks called Final Boss Sour.

At NOSH Live on November 30 + December 1 in Marina del Rey, natural food brands are invited to participate in retailer One-to-Ones. Retail buyers from Foxtrot, Thrive Market, and Kroger will be available for private, pre-scheduled meetings during the two-day event.