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

Having established a solid foundation for the brand with its core ready-to-drink shake line, ICONIC Protein is preparing to unveil a range of long-gestated innovations this year that highlight a shift towards caffeine-added, zero-sugar products.

If you aren’t answering consumers’ call for plant-based options, you’re going to miss out. That’s the reason Gathered Foods CEO Chris Kerr says seafood distributor and producer Bumble Bee Foods is partnering with his brand in a new joint venture.

Snack brand Core Foods announced this week the close of another $6 million in venture funding from existing investors, bringing the one-year-old brand’s total capital raised to $12.5 million. The funding, president Brett Hartmann told NOSH, will be used to expand marketing efforts.

We’re back for another 90 minute livestream today, March 12th. The second round of 30 food and beverage brands includes Humm Kombucha, HIPPEAS, Malk Organics, Belgian Boys, Harmless Harvest and Wildbrine. Watch their founders and CEOs jump into the livestream and provide a brief recap of recent Expo West news and updates.

Expo West is known as the launch pad for new products, new strategies, new flavors, and new brands. Despite its postponement, NOSH will continue to report on those new items scheduled for release around the show that may soon be entering the industry arena.

According to new research by the PBFA, GFI and SPINS, the plant-based market had a powerful 2019, fueled by alternative meat and milk products. At the same time, an FMI study shows meat consumption is still strong — though often consumed in moderation.

Category enhancement and reinvention often comes into view through product innovations scheduled to be seen at Expo West. Here’s a look at the latest products that companies plan to use to redefine the plant-based category.

In the week since the Natural Products Expo West trade show was postponed, the food industry has seen several other shows cancelled or delayed due to the fast moving virus COVID-19. Yesterday, Expo West producer New Hope and Fancy Foods Show producer The Specialty Food Association (SFA) updated their respective attendees with show updates. Meanwhile, Supply Side East was postponed until the Summer.

We spoke with Vincent Kitirattragarn, co-founder/CEO of Dang Foods, about why he thinks the company is well-positioned to tap into one of the most overlooked and influential minority groups in the U.S. He also explained how Dang communicates its brand story across product lines, why he keeps a tight grip on innovation strategy and his relationship with investment firm Sonoma Brands.

Are you a founder or entrepreneur with a new brand premiere, package refresh, new product or line extension that was supposed to be announced at Expo West 2020 this week? We want to hear from you! Sign up now to take part in our Elevator Talk Livestream on Tuesday, March 10 at 3PM ET. It is free to participate and interviews will be conducted remotely.

Over the coming months, Green Park Brands, the producer of Hippeas, will launch Maverick Snacks and CO Chocolate, a pair of new brands aimed at giving the parent company a foothold in three new categories: crackers, cookies and confection.

Category enhancement and reinvention often comes into view through product innovations scheduled to be seen at Expo West. Here’s a look at the latest products that companies plan to use to redefine sweeter snacks options, across bars, cookies and confection.

Category enhancement and reinvention often comes into view through product innovations scheduled to be seen at Expo West. Here’s a look at the latest products that companies plan to use to redefine savory snacks options, including puffs, chips, crackers, meat snacks and more.

In a report submitted yesterday to Congress, FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn noted the agency still lacks enough evidence to say CBD ‘can’t hurt.’ While the FDA is “actively considering potential pathways for certain CBD products to be marketed as dietary supplements,” the agency is still seeking more scientific evidence — especially to support CBD’s safety in food.