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

The plant-based protein category shows no signs of slowing down, with more innovation and investment coming daily — and even making its way to baby food. In this week’s Checkout, two major CPG brands announced plant-based meat innovations, while another will dip its toes into plant-based seafood. And baby food maker Yumi is pairing with vegan fast-casual brand ByChloe to appeal to little palates.

Evan Holod, the CEO of Michel et Augustin US, the American arm of the popular French snack maker, explained how the company reimagined its brand positioning and product packaging for American audiences.

Former dairy founder Tom Moffitt is following the herd toward plants — opening nondairy food processor Culture Fresh Foods in a facility formerly owned by Danone. The company announced the close of a $11 million round of funding yesterday.

Natural is thriving, according to the State of the Natural Industry report by data firm SPINS and media company New Hope Network, released last week.

August saw brands release new products designed to combat summer temperatures and get ready for back-to-school, from Coolhaus and French’s limited edition mustard flavored ice cream to easy breakfast options from Mom’s Best Cereal and Abe’s. Check out more of August’s new products below, including new launches from Frozen Garden, Brekki and Smashmallow.

In this episode, we sat down with one of the most influential health and wellness experts in America, Dr. Andrew Weil. As part of our interview, Dr. Weil discussed his views on anecdotal versus clinical evidence, the concept of “food as medicine,” and his growing interest in personalized nutrition, cannabis and psychedelics. He also explained his criteria for endorsing and investing in food and beverage brands.

KFC’s plant-based chicken sells out, Friends of the Earth fights Impossible Foods and more in this week’s Checkout.

In this video recorded during NOSH Live Summer 2019, Sarah Alderson, Walmart’s divisional merchandise manager of chilled packaged goods, and Laura Rush, divisional manager for frozen foods, describe how Walmart seeks out and supports emerging brands.

Convenience stores are positioned to be a top retail channel for CBD products, according to a new survey of c-store retailers by Wells Fargo Securities.

As part of its shift from confection to a broader snacking platform, Hershey announced yesterday its acquisition of the low-sugar, high-protein ONE Brands portfolio. The purchase price, which was financed with cash on hand as well as short term borrowings, was $397 million.

Greek yogurt market leader Chobani announced today the promotion of CMO Peter McGuinness to president, effective today. McGuinness will report to founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya.

Specialty food company Stonewall Kitchen this morning announced an agreement to purchase the Vermont Village brand, a producer of organic applesauce and raw apple cider vinegars, from parent company Village Cannery of Vermont. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in September, were not disclosed.

In the latest distribution news, Mesa de Vida launches in Whole Foods nationwide and Cali’flour enters Walmart and expands in Kroger.

Target’s new private food label, Whole30 virtual restaurant launches and more in this week’s Checkout.