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

Early-stage CPG is a narrow margin, operationally complexity space. Add in the current, on-and-off trade war and any international investment firm would likely press pause on new ventures.

Hemp industry stakeholders respond to the announcement that California has extended its ban of intoxicating hemp products for another three months.

Frozen food makers are expanding into new segments, rolling out restaurant-quality dishes and adding snackable options. At Natural Products Expo West last week, Caulipower debuted a pickle-inspired pie, Mason Dixie Foods added breakfast burritos, and Deep Indian Kitchen unveiled dumplings.

The Pizza Cupcake has outgrown its original moniker as consumer demand has pushed the brand to expand into new use occasions and unveil a new, broader-reaching name this year at Natural Products Expo West.

After months of egg shortages and surging prices linked to the latest avian flu outbreak, could relief finally be coming? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said no significant avian flu outbreaks have been detected in nearly two weeks, per an Egg Markets Overview last week. The respite has allowed producers to make progress in reducing shell egg shortages.

The CPG Week team is back from Expo West discussing all the new things they saw at the yearly natural food tradeshow.

The latest episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from Big Mama’s Backyard Garden, Cob, Tierra Negra, La Gringuita, and Muria Foods Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. Our special co-host is Amrit Richmond, the founder of Indie CPG and Supermercato, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

The Nosh team’s latest recap of Natural Products Expo West touches on trending flavors, cuisines and product formats. Also, Upton’s Naturals debuts a new look, more brands transition away from seed oils, and international private labelers launch branded consumer goods for the U.S. market.

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) reported today a 4.9% year-over-year net sales increase to $8.2 billion in Q2, fueled by natural product growth and larger wholesale unit volumes.

Meat snack makers are leaning deeper into sticks as better-for-you brands grow distribution out of natural and into other retail channels.

Ross Iverson has seen how industry winds can change the appetite for M&A and exit strategies of emerging brands. Where could they blow amid the Make America Healthy Again movement?

Introducing Nombase, powered by BevNET, a new platform built to support professionals across the food, beverage, beer, spirits, health, and beauty industries. Whether you’re looking for trusted industry partners, AI-powered insights, timely discussions, or the latest company news and job opportunities—Nombase brings it all together in one place.

If Natural Products Expo West was a sign of what’s to come, then brands will be hunkering down on innovation and opting to put resources into improving existing products, creating stronger brand identities and iterating hero offerings for alternative channels such as foodservice.

The Nosh team hit the aisles of the Anaheim Convention Center for another ashwaganda-packed day at Natural Products Expo West. Here’s a digest of more news, observations and trends spotted at the event.