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

A new report by the Specialty Food Association shows that growth in the specialty food market has changed as the pandemic’s evolution over the last two years has brought dramatic price increases and a shift in consumer shopping and eating priorities. The category grew by 7.4% in 2021 as compared to 5.8% in 2020, reaching $175 billion in sales.

Fermented foods company Cleveland Kitchen announced today it has raised an additional $19 million, as well as completed the acquisition of Sonoma Brinery. The deals will allow the company to more aggressively pursue expansion into new products and manufacturing capabilities.

Beyond Meat, which has been in a legal dispute with former manufacturing partner Don Lee Farms for almost five years, has now been hit with a case by consumers claiming they’ve been misled and lied to about the comparability of Beyond’s protein to animal products.

Venture capital firm PowerPlant Partners today announced an investment in and partnership with holding company SYSTM Brands to launch SYSTM Foods, a new platform focused on acquiring sustainable and socially conscious food and beverage brands. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

It’s time to reveal the players in the 12th installment of NOSH’s Pitch Slam, the leading business pitch competition for the food industry. The competition features 11 of the hottest startups in packaged food, all creating innovative products spanning a wide range of categories including confection, prepared meals, international, snacking and functional foods.

Portland, Oregon-based frozen food brand Rösti will reorganize under the name Crispy Filled Inc. after buying out business partner L2M Brands for an undisclosed sum, the company announced this week. The company partnered with L2M Brands, the venture arm of ingredient supplier Bridgewell Agribusiness, shortly after its 2019 launch and received a capital investment from… Read more »

While a sweeping, nationwide recall of one of Smucker’s flagship product lines, Jif, may have stunted gross profits this quarter, the CPG giant reported today that net sales increased 6% to $113.6 million during Q4 FY2022.

When The Coca-Cola Company announced last month its decision to discontinue Honest Tea by the end of the year, the brand’s founders were dismayed by what they believed was a shortsighted decision. Two weeks later, they’re brewing up a new line of better-for-you teas to take the mantle. Honest Tea co-founder Seth Goldman announced yesterday… Read more »

In just 7 days, leaders in the natural food industry will gather at NOSH Live Summer 2022 to form new partnerships, reconnect with industry friends, and learn about the latest trends. Be in the room with executives from Whole Foods, Kroger, Partake Foods, Mid-Day Squares, Vital Farms, Magic Spoon, Mondelez International, A Dozen Cousins, and more.

Don Lee Farms filed a lawsuit against Beyond Meat last week. Allegations against Beyond Meat include misleading consumers, touting inaccurate nutrition labels that violate FDA regulation, creating unfair marketplace competition and a range of underlying issues with the company by CEO Ethan Brown, who is described in the complaint as having “an appetite for excuses.”

Get ready to grow! New and emerging brands attending NOSH Live Summer 2022 will have an exclusive opportunity to get an early start at the event with an exclusive educational and networking opportunity starting at 7:45 a.m. on June 13.

IBC Heads to Cannaland New York-based advisory and investment firm InterContinental Beverage Capital (IBC) announced last month that it has partnered with tech company Cannaverse Technologies to serve as a brand advisor for Cannaland, a metaverse project intended to act as a hub for the cannabis consumers and members of the industry. According to Stephen… Read more »

Colorado governor Jared Polis has signed a bill that requires packaging producers and printed paper manufacturers to help operate and fund a new statewide recycling program that aims to increase recycling rates and create a circular economy for all recyclable materials, primarily plastic bottles, paper-based packaging and cans.

From spicy cocktail sauce to functional muesli to Minions-themed chickpea puffs, this week’s new food innovations cover a wide range of categories. Check out this gallery for notable new items, including a collaboration between Grillo’s Pickles and Ithaca Hummus and new frozen pizza options from Newman’s Own.