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

Mondelēz International announced that it will buy The Clif Bar Company for at least $2.9 billion last week. While the move marks a significant step in the company’s plan to reshape its portfolio, it also aligns the strategic with one of the oldest and largest brands in the crowded bar space. Once it closes, the eight leading nutrition bars brands in the U.S. will be owned by large CPG conglomerates.

Ibraheem Basir, the founder and CEO of A Dozen Cousins, a brand of ready-to-eat meals and sides inspired by traditional Black and Latino recipes, spoke about how the brand’s initial focus has evolved, why keeping “a foot in the familiar” is a key tenet of its innovation strategy, the reason the company isn’t vocal about funding and how opportunities have improved while challenges remain for BIPOC food entrepreneurs.

After nearly two years in Whole Foods, better-for-you kids snacks brand Mavericks is hoping to re-introduce itself to consumers with a packaging refresh and the launch of one of its products in 1,250 Target stores.

The Clif Bar Company announced Friday it has reached a $10.5 million settlement agreement in a class action case alleging the brand misleadingly labeled its Clif Kid ZBars and “Classic” Clif Bars to convey messages of health and wellness, even though 37% of the calories in the product come from added sugar.

In this week’s Checkout: FMI finds loyalty for private label products is on the rise; Gorton’s fights back on definition for sustainably sourced fish; SFA Trendspotters report the top themes recognized at this year’s show and Moolec announces its roadmap to an IPO.

This week’s new products saw brands delving deeper into plant-based protein options, launching unique popcorn flavors and going bananas over the launch of Minions: The Rise of Gru with a new variety of mini muffins. Plus, GoodPop unveiled its newest organic popsicle variety just in time to help you beat the summer heat.

Brands are trying to find new ways to accurately communicate their environmental commitments, and for many, that has required the development of a new set of certifications that extend beyond the older, established classifications.

The complete lineup of presentations from NOSH Live Summer 2022 is now available for BevNET & NOSH Insiders. Last week, natural food industry founders and executives gathered in New York City to jumpstart the growth of their businesses through timely insights and new partnerships. An impactful group of industry leaders took the stage to dive into pressing topics currently affecting the food industry.

The adoption of measures to reduce plastic pollution, a motion to join an organization working to enhance protections for U.S. agricultural workers, and eliminating the output of hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) from refrigeration were among the most contested shareholder proposals presented during Kroger’s annual investor event today.

Fast casual restaurant chain Smashburger teamed up with plant-based dairy product producer Eclipse Foods to launch the chain’s first dairy-free menu item, plant-based shakes. Available in six flavors– Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Tangerine Dream and Oreo – the new menu item utilizes Eclipse’s plant-based ice cream, which is made using a proprietary production platform that replicates micelles found in dairy milk.

Thirty-five years after launching Power Bar with her late husband, food scientist Jenny Maxwell is aiming to showcase organic ingredients while celebrating music and active living with her new venture in the category, JAMBAR. Launched in the Bay Area in October 2021, Maxwell told BevNET that JAMBAR emerged from a dinner table conversation she had with her daughter regarding a lack of organic energy bars that provided the complete package she was searching for.

Plant-based meat maker Mrs. Goldfarb’s Unreal Deli is looking to scale its production capacity as the demand for alternative-deli slices gain momentum. According to founder and CEO Jenny Goldfarb the products have garnered positive impressions from consumers and higher than expected order volumes from retailers. Just last month, the company entered Costco with new multipack and bulk formats and the retailer has already ordered 2,000 more units than originally expected.

Kellogg’s announced today that it was splitting itself into three companies in order to focus its resources in the cereal and plant-based categories while emphasizing the growth potential of its global snack brands.

Daily Harvest is asking consumers to dispose of its recently launched alternative meat product after multiple reports that it is causing severe gastrointestinal issues. The D2C frozen food brand, announced on Sunday that it was aware of the issues. The product is French Lentil + Leek Crumbles, which launched at the end of April and also comes in a Walnut + Thyme variety. That SKU has not been linked to any reports of illness.