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

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.

Like its consumers, Once Upon a Farm (OUAF) is growing up. The fresh-focused kids CPG brand is launching a new line of non-dairy yogurt and bottled protein smoothies, both moves aimed at helping the brand expand its appeal beyond babies to families. Co-founder and actress Jennifer Garner, herself a mother of an 8, 11 and 14 year old, has been eager for the brand to age-up and “help out the lunch box.”

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 chilled snack category.

Industry trade shows continue to face delays and cancellations due to the spread of COVID-19 (also known as the novel coronavirus.) Today, the upcoming SNAXPO convention, scheduled for March 22-24 in Charlotte, North Carolina, was cancelled, while Shoptalk was postponed until September.

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.

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 breakfast category.

Just a few days after Natural Products Expo West, yesterday another trade show for the food industry was postponed. The Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing Expo North America conference and trade show, which was scheduled to be held in Boston March 15-17, was expected to bring 1,329 exhibitors from 49 countries for a total of more than 22,150 attendees to the city’s Seaport area.

With consumers hungry for low-sugar, protein-rich options — a trend that has recently migrated into cold cereals, of all places — brands are bringing bright ideas to other breakfast staples. Pasture-raised egg brand Handsome Brook Farm is launching egg yogurt under a new brand, Chikaraka, while superfood brand The Osso Good Company is launching nutrient-packed waffles made with bone broth.