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

T.K. Pillan, the co-founder of vegan restaurant chain Veggie Grill, discussed his transition from tech to food and the “light bulbs” that led to the creation of the company. He also discussed why it’s critical for co-founders to be aligned on vision and values, what it means to be “a good investor” and the evolution of plant-based food brands.

Pasta brand Banza announced today the close of a $20 million round of funding co-led by Enlightened Hospitality Investments (the growth equity fund associated with restaurateur Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group) and fund Prelude Growth Partners. When Banza launched in 2014, the concept of bean-based pasta alternatives was new and fairly untapped. Now, with plenty of companies also selling these offerings, Banza feels its time to focus on their brand and enter new channels.

Pickle producers want people to peek past picnics, parties and paper plates. To freshen up the pickle set and appeal to busy consumers, companies are creating snack-size pickles in convenient packs, expanding usage occasions for the savory, low-calorie snack.

Los Angeles-based private equity firm Butterfly today announced its acquisition of a majority stake in “clean” protein brand Orgain. The deal is Butterfly’s fifth investment and second in beverage, following the purchase of fresh juice focused Bolthouse Farms earlier this year.

Plant-based labeling lawsuit dropped, Kroger rebrands, Tofurky Christmas sweaters and more in this week’s Checkout.

In outlining plans to build around better-for-you and plant-based products during recent quarterly earnings calls, several prominent CPG brands signaled they expect both trends to continue gaining steam.

Rachel Klein is the owner of Revival Food Co., the makers of indulgent and nourishing stone ground almond butters with no added sugar or preservatives. Revival is known for its flavorful and funky lineup featuring ingredients such as rosemary, maca and chai spices.

At NOSH Live Winter 2019 next month, natural food brands will learn about global design company IDEO’s “human-centered design approach” as a tool for solving unmet needs in the marketplace, and how they can implement those same strategies at their own companies.

Last week Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) and Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS.) proposed the Real Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully Act (Real MEAT Act) to Congress, which would establish strict guidelines against labeling alternative proteins as “meat.” Although the meat versus plant-based battle isn’t new, up until now, legal action on the matter has happened only at the state level — this is the first federal bill addressing the subject.

Functional food brand Good Day Chocolate announced last week it would be entering the CBD fray with the launch of three new CBD-enhanced chocolate bites. The launch follows the close of $3 million in investment this summer and the addition of a new Chief Growth Officer with experience in the segment.

David Nussbaum, the chairman and CEO of America’s Test Kitchen, spoke about how the venerable cooking brand has maintained a remarkably loyal following amid a changing landscape for food and media, how it evaluates its role as a thought leader, and how trends, competition and technology factor into its future. This episode is presented by Flavorman, the beverage architects.

For Mike’s Mighty Good, the goal has always been simple: consumers deserve instant soup options that are closer to restaurant quality. Inspired by the uptick in ramen restaurants, Mike’s set out to bring a similar experience and taste profile to busy consumers. Since launching in 2017, shoppers seem to have spoken (or slurped): the brand is in over 9,000 stores, including a recent entry into 3,000 CVS locations.

This month has seen an abundance of new flavors and innovations, from purple potato energy cups to superfood-topped fish to allulose-sweetened frozen yogurt bars. Check out the gallery below to see some of October’s notable product launches, including releases from Late July, Cece’s Veggie Co. and Tofurky.

The USDA yesterday added its interim final rule for the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program to the Federal Register. As the guidelines are implemented, hemp industry leaders reacted with a mix of relief, excitement and hope for a future of regulated cannabis food and drink products.