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

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced draft legislation today that would federally decriminalize marijuana.

Episode 38 of Elevator Talk features leaders from Rowdy Bars, Brave Good Kind, Revolution Gelato, Nostalgia Coffee Roasters and Jackalope Energy. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates.

Social mission is a core tenet of many food brands — but is it enough to support a company platform? For This Saves Lives, social impact has now become just one part of its recipe for success as a food brand. With an expanded suite of offerings aimed at kids and refreshed messaging focusing on nutrition, the brand is now working to raise consumer awareness about the products themselves and establish itself as a “food first” company.

This episode features an interview with Wes Henderson, the co-founder and chief innovation officer of Angel’s Envy, as well as a conversation with the founders of two innovative brands that focuses on how each landed placement in their dream retailers: Teresa Tsou, the co-founder of better-for-you snack brand Pipsnacks, and Andrew Suzuka, the founder of organic, vegetable-infused tomato sauce brand Otamot.

Mighty Spark feels there’s an untapped opportunity in lean protein, and now with the backing of Swander Pace Capital and a new CEO, it has the means to light the fire.

In the latest distribution news, Know Brainer’s Max Mallow line expands at Walmart, Undercover Snacks adds 5,000 stores and Blake’s Seed Based rolls out in 500 Kroger locations.

In this week’s Checkout, Beyond Meat launches Beyond Chicken Tenders in foodservice; Thrive Market reportedly considers an IPO; and Acosta releases a report on post-pandemic health and wellness trends.

After finding success with its low-sugar cereal and sandwich cookies, keto-friendly brand Catalina Crunch is expanding into new snacking occasions with the launch of its new Crunch Mix line. The brand has also rolled out a packaging refresh intended to create a more unified and recognizable brand identity as it makes a larger push into retail and expands into different aisles of the store.

Montreal-based food and beverage maker Buddha Brands has raised $3 million from a funding round led by capital investment corporations BDC Capital and Investissement Quebec, the company announced Tuesday, July 7. The capital will help to fuel further expansion into the U.S. market, as the brand pivots its American business away from beverages to focus on nutritional bars.

Mycelium-based meat alternative maker Meati and cultivated meat company Aleph Farms both announced new funding this week as the companies look to meet the demand for whole-cut meat alternatives with planned commercial launches next year.

Yogurt and beverage producer Chobani announced today that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Confectionary brand ChocXO is launching new packaging that executives hope can marry its roots in the keto community with a more premium positioning.

In addition to the latest low-carb offerings, June also brought new ice creams from brands such as Tipsy Scoops and McConnell’s while Oats in Coats and Vital Farms innovated in the convenient, better-for-you breakfast category. Check out the gallery for the latest seasonal launches, allergy-friendly innovations and plant-based protein products.

This special edition of the podcast features highlights from interviews with six founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the first half of 2021.