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

In this distribution roundup: GummiShot enters brick-and-mortar retail with new partnerships; ZEGO rolls out specialty oat line nationwide; Chia Smash expands to Sprouts; Harmless Harvest reaches Canada and Rowdy Bar launches two flavors at Meijer.

In the context of modern CPG, a better-for-you snack can be anything – from a function-enhanced bar to a low-sugar sweet or crunchy vegetable chip alternative. As the category itself seems to be expanding exponentially, the role snacks play in consumers’ lives has also evolved.

Maybe they aren’t sports bras or vitamins, but food and beverage brands are establishing a presence among the country’s fastest-growing direct-to-consumer companies. Fly By Jing, Tea Drops and Golden Ratio were among the CPG names to feature in the top 25 fastest-rising D2C brands in Q4 2021, according to new research by Similarweb.

According to Freestyle Snacks, 82% of consumers cannot name a single brand of olives. The Atlanta-based company, which launched last month, is hoping to change that, starting with a line of products they say can transform the martini staple into a healthy snack option via innovative packaging and bold branding.

In this week’s Checkout: Vital Proteins founder steps out of CEO role as former CRO takes the lead, IRI finds snack sales spike leading up to the Super Bowl, Sunbasket adds Fresh & Ready bowls to menu offerings and PepsiCo reports Q4 earnings.

With over 1,000 brands exhibiting at this year’s Winter Fancy Foods show, there was a wide range of new products on display from plant-based protein alternatives to better-for-you indulgent treats. As we reported earlier this week, many exhibitors were eager to discuss the unique and often environmentally-conscious supply networks that helped create these new innovations.

After a limited test, meal kit and grocery delivery service Good Eggs officially launched in Los Angeles last week. The move comes as the San Francisco-based retailer explores long term plans to expand beyond California.

After an admittedly difficult year, Kellogg Company met much of its 2021 guidance, reporting net sales growth of 4% in its Q4 2021 and full year earnings report today, but faced a 2% decline in operating profit. The earnings come as Kellogg’s has faced a myriad of headwinds, ranging from the inflation and supply chain… Read more »

Since introducing its Heat & Eat line in September and closing a $78 million capital raise in November, the company’s President and CEO, Linda Findley, said Blue Apron is now positioned to accelerate through the third prong of its growth plan: scaling marketing infrastructure.

Direct-to-consumer plant-based meal delivery service Splendid Spoon announced today that it raised an additional $12 million to expand its offerings and reach more consumers.

In our 50th episode of Elevator Talk, we feature leaders from Mmmly, Sow Good, Appleton’s Market, Bon AppéSweet and True Scoops. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Tom Spier, the founder and managing partner of BFG Partners, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

After two years of virtual events and pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, an in-person return to the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Foods show brought an eagerness to boast about the people and processes behind each product.

Plant-based protein brand Everything Legendary announced today the closing of a $6 million round of capital led by CircleUp with participation by General Mills’ investment group 301 Inc and entrepreneur Mark Cuban.

What do you get when you pair a top YouTuber with seasoned CPG execs? Enter Feastables, a line of chocolate bars with ambitions to become a snacking platform brand.