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

Now, we’re turning to the brand’s point of view. In this episode of Category Closeup: Product Showcase NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and Taste Radio producer Ray Latif will interview executives and brand leaders from both emerging and established ice cream companies to discuss company strategy, category evolution and new product information.

Though ice cream sits in the freezer, it’s still hot with consumers, investors and retail buyers. So for the second edition of Category Close-Up, a video series available exclusively to BevNET and NOSH subscribers, we’re taking a deep dive into the trends and news — as well as the innovative brands and products — that are currently shaping the ice cream industry.

In an impressive fast-growth story, insurgent low-sugar candy brand SmartSweets has sold a majority share to TPG Growth Fund. “It really felt like the right time for a meaningful growth partner in order to have the rocket fuel to really put behind our mission to kick sugar and really amplify it in an accelerated pace with more resources than we’ve ever had before,” founder Tara Bosch told NOSH. As part of the deal, Bosch will step aside as CEO.

In the latest distribution news, the U.K.’s Little Dish and Ireland’s Strong Roots expand in the U.S., TB12 debuts in retail and Clio Snacks launches its new low sugar innovation on Walmart shelves.

Jing Gao, founder & CEO of Sichuan-inspired sauce and seasoning brand Fly By Jing, discussed the origins of her passion for Chinese food culture and why she set out to create a brand that could elevate consumers’ expectations for the cuisine’s flavors

Citing concerns about unproven claims and potential violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Food and Drug Administration released warning letters this week that it had sent to a pair of food brands that offer children exposure to allergens in the hopes of warding off allergic reactions later in life. The agency gave both SpoonfulOne and Ready, Set Food! 15 days to reply to the letters or else risk legal action.

In this week’s Checkout: Impossible Foods and JUST expand in Asia and preview new innovations, True Made Foods signs a deal to be the exclusive condiment supplier of Fenway Park and Aleph Farms launches a program to grow meat in space.

In many ways, the onset of the pandemic threatened to turn back the clock on any progress made in establishing more eco-friendly grocery shopping systems, as it brought on renewed interest in single-use plastics, bans on reusable bags and refillable cups and a decline in plastic recycling rates. But some new grocery startups and stores are gaining momentum as they fight this resurgence in disposability, updating the milkman model and adapting to changing consumer behaviors.

In a year of uncertainty and struggle, it’s hard to find steadiness and positivity. That’s why we are bringing NOSH Live Winter 2020 straight to you. On Dec. 14, 15 and 16, we’ll join together to touch base with the leaders of the food business as we share energy and advice together.

Canadian keto snack brand Love Good Fats has raised $10.7 million as it looks to weather the declines in the bar category caused by COVID-19 and ultimately make a deeper push into the U.S. market.

Bolthouse Farms CEO Jeff Dunn believes he’s “always been crazy,” when it comes to innovation, it’s just taken years for retailers and consumers to be excited to take the leap with him. Now once again a privately owned company with Dunn at the helm, Bolthouse is ready to let industry in on its creative musings, last week announcing the launch of new sub brand Wunderoots, a portfolio of carrot-based meal “swaps.”

Bulletproof 360 is launching redesigned packaging and a new line of cold brew lattes as the company targets nationwide, omnichannel retail expansion. The new packaging is aimed at streamlining the brand’s look and feel across all products, including beverages, food and supplements.

In recent years, consumers have increasingly gravitated towards “fresh food,” looking more and more to the perimeter of the store for their purchasing decisions. Yet, with an altered shopping experience and increased stockouts at retailers, COVID-19 has significantly impacted consumers’ priorities and purchasing behaviors in the fresh food category, at times resulting in consumers either having to look at center store options or to head online for shopping.

In this week’s Checkout: FMI tries to show consumers COVID-19’s effect on grocery prices, Kroger capitalizes on sustainability trends with new innovations and Forager Project launches a campaign to mobilize voters.