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

Vegan meat company Upton’s Naturals is rebranding its Chicago cafe into a “launchpad” for emerging CPG companies to showcase new plant-based food products.

At NOSH Live Winter 2022 on December 1 and 2 in Santa Monica, we’ll hear from Yasso CEO Craig Shiesley about how the frozen novelty company grew from a regional business to a national category leader, with over $200 million in annual retail sales.

Food companies and makers are finding varied success marketing functional ingredients and wellness-oriented products to consumers shopping in the better-for-you snacks and sweets categories.

Chitra Agrawal, the founder and CEO of Brooklyn Delhi, a brand of Indian-inspired pantry staples crafted for modern kitchens, spoke about why consumer education requires patience, how she leveraged the brand’s strengths to win over Whole Foods and why profitability has always been top of mind. She also explained how she created favorable contracts with co-manufacturers and how an omni-channel sales strategy has benefited the company.

Toronto-based food brand Wholly Veggie has launched a new three-SKU entree line, ‘The Good Lunch,’ at Whole Foods Market and Sprouts stores nationwide, marking the brand’s first foray into frozen entrees.

Nestlé’s U.S. R&D Accelerator has partnered with animal-free dairy company Perfect Day to launch an alternative dairy “novel product” that will pilot in the U.S. market later this year.

Indoor farming company Gotham Greens announced today it raised $310 million to expand the reach of its “decentralized agricultural” systems nationwide and expand its array of CPG products, with new launches set for later this month.

Ryan Williams, the former VP of Finance and Ops at RISE Brewing Co., has created a tool called the Food and Beverage Investor Database (FABID) which aims to help new entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry navigate the complicated world of fundraising.

Condiment brand Bachan’s announced yesterday it has raised $13 million in capital, impressing investors with its plans to hit over $30 million in revenue this year.

This week’s roundup of notable new products brings better-for-you iterations of classic childhood treats, innovative allergy-friendly products and new collaborations like Siete Foods and Nixta.

In this week’s roundup: The Very Good Food Company announces it is exploring strategic alternatives for the business, HumanCo invests in better-for-you restaurant brand True Food Kitchen, Finn Partners acquires Rachel Kay Public Relations, The Plant Based Food Institute officially launches and Acosta finds shoppers are still split between in-store and online.

Venture capital firm PowerPlant Partners announced today the close of its Fund III at $330 million. Double the size of its 2019 predecessor, Fund III will focus its investments solely in growth stage companies and consumer-facing brands “that are better for the people and planet.”

Wicked Kitchen announced today that it has acquired the North American rights to Good Catch, a line of plant-based seafood entrees and appetizers. Following the sale, Good Catch’s parent company, Gathered Foods, will shift its focus solely on B2B operations with services including product formulation and co-packing.

Consumers are increasingly seeking out fresh and convenient options, leading retailers to reconsider store layouts and invest in technology to improve their efficiency and omnichannel capabilities.