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

In the latest episode of Elevator Talk, we feature leaders from Schmutz, Nature’s Turn, Single & Fat and Sweety. 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 and CEO of Gather Brands, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

The FDA’s Food Traceability Final Rule published on Tuesday is meant to streamline oversight of contaminated food products but could put smaller food makers at a disadvantage due to the complexity of the mandate.

In an effort to unlock further growth opportunities for its foodservice partners, PepsiCo’s Foodservice Digital Lab announced today it will begin offering existing and future customers the ability to “seamlessly enter” the “ghost kitchen” space while leveraging the company’s resources and portfolio of brands.

Despite declining sales year-over-year, executives at meat snack brand Stryve said on the company’s third quarter earnings call yesterday that it is making progress in reversing losses and controlling expenses.

Bel Group – maker of Babybel, Boursin and The Laughing Cow brands – is partnering with food technology company Standing Ovation to use the startup’s animal-free, casein milk proteins to develop new cheese alternatives.

Kodiak Cakes co-founders Joel Clark and Cameron Smith announced today they are stepping down from their respective positions as CEO and president of the baking mix and snack brand.

After nearly a decade on the market, Brooklyn-based vegan yogurt brand Anita’s has closed its doors, stating it was unable to keep up with rising production costs and inflationary pressure in the wake of the pandemic.

Dario Wolos, the founder and CEO of fast-growing Mexican-inspired restaurant chain Tacombi and consumer brand Vista Hermosa, spoke about his vision to share Mexican culture through authentic food, hospitality and experience, how the journey of building a business has come to define who he is as an entrepreneur and a leader, and his decision to align with acclaimed restaurateur Danny Meyer.

The conference turned its attention to agriculture over the weekend while climate protests ranged outside the doors. The primary grievance connecting both protesters and attendees: proposed climate action has not been not enough.

The nominees for NOSH’s “Best Of 2022” Awards reflect the variety and strength within the industry both in front of and behind the scenes.

Oatly announced it will lay off staff and transition the business to an “asset-light” hybrid production model after reporting a net loss of $107.9 million, with revenue growth falling short of analysts’ expectations, in its Q3 earnings report today.

Voyage Food moves into brick and mortar, Caulipower launches frozen meals in retail and plant-based chicken companies Daring Foods and Alpha Foods expand footprint with new distribution deals.

Tyson Foods CFO John R. Tyson apologized for his arrest on November 6 during the company’s Q4 FY2022 earnings call Monday. The company reported record sales for 2022 but fell short of FY revenue expectations on the back of high beef prices and headwinds to pork sales.

A judge from Washington State has extended the temporary block on a $4 billion payout to Albertsons’ shareholders in an effort to halt the cash dividend until the grocery giant’s proposed merger with Kroger can be fully reviewed by federal regulators. Judge Ken Schubert of King County Superior Court last week extended the temporary restraining order (TRO), now effective until Nov. 17.