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

In this week’s Checkout: Neat Food Co secures investment from actor Leonardo DiCaprio as it looks to CPG extension; Mars looks to AI-technology for functional food research; ByHeart opens new infant formula facility; IFF and SimpliiGood look to make alt-salmon from spirulina; and food companies appeal to Congress to combat copycat THC products.

After today early registration prices expire for NOSH Live Summer 2022, taking place on June 13 + 14 in New York City. This is the last chance to save $100 per registration. Register today to save.

The government of Indonesia reverted to its original policy on Wednesday, stating it will ban all palm oil exports – including crude palm oil and palm kernel oil – effective at midnight, April 28.

Love Good Fats is expanding its brand “fundamentals” with a new convenient and indulgent snack line – Dark Chocolate Thins – which debuted at the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) trade show in Toronto last week. The new line is the first zero sugar product for Love Good Fats and marks a shift in the brand’s approach to its “fat is back and sugar is out” stance on snacking.

The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has upheld a previous National Advertising Division (NAD) ruling supporting supplements brand Goli Nutrition’s right to use the term “Apple Cider Vinegar” (ACV) in the name of its gummy products, but said the company must discontinue certain claims and slogans that suggest the products have similar efficacy as liquid… Read more »

Despite record levels of inflation following two years of supply chain disruptions and market volatility caused by the war in Ukraine, Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patrico said the company is “well positioned for the path forward” after reporting a 6.8% increase in organic net sales in its Q1 2022 earnings report, released Wednesday morning.

Investment firm Stride Consumer Partners announced today the close of their first fund at $420 million to further invest in brands developing consumer products and services. To-date, Strive has made three investments in meat snacks producer Chomps, Canadian skin-care company Skinfix, and clothing company Truewerk.

The government of Indonesia announced it will ban the export of refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) palm olein, beginning April 28, until prices of bulk cooking oil fall below 14,000 rupiah per liter (approximately USD$0.97).

Plant-based food and beverage maker Laird Superfood introduced a new format to its portfolio with the goal of giving consumers a plastic-free approach to single-serve functional coffee. Today, the company announced the launch of Bright Cups, a proprietary Keurig-compatible pod format made from BPI-certified compostable materials and filled with Laird’s Focus Mushroom Coffee.

In this episode, we’re joined by Spike Mendelsohn, the acclaimed chef, restaurateur and co-founder of better-for-you fast food chain PLNT Burger and sustainable snack brand Eat The Change. Mendelsohn is also immersed in the nascent world of NFTs as the co-creator of CHFTY Pizza, a Web3 community that connects chefs with foodies and fans.

Alec’s Ice Cream wants to be more than just a sweet treat. The two-year old company this month debuted new packaging for its line of indulgent ice cream, a look designed to highlight its switch to using A2 milk from dairy farms practicing regenerative agriculture.

Only four days remain to take advantage of early registration pricing for NOSH Live Summer 2022 in New York City this June. NOSH Live, a two-day event elevating natural food entrepreneurs, takes place on June 13th and 14th. Attend NOSH Live to tap into an instant network of food entrepreneurs, investors, retailers, suppliers, service providers and industry experts.

In this People Moves: No Evil cofounder Sadrah Schadel takes the lead as CEO, Imperfect Foods adds three new exec team members, Dream Pops brings on new Head of Sales, Gopuff names Maria Renz SVP of North America, Maxine’s Heavenly appoints new VP of Finance and New Culture names Josh Kittelson VP of Biology.

This week’s notable new products saw brands delving deeper into plant-based protein options, launching better-for-you versions of indulgent treats and celebrating birthdays with cake-flavored spreads. Check out this gallery for new items from Hodo and Oat Haus as well as the first products to come from newly launched brands Mooski and Green Fork.