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

Much has changed since Harbinger Ventures launched with its first fund of $1.8 million in 2016. Over the past three years the firm, which invests in early-stage companies that are led by female or “mixed-gender” founder teams, has seen interest in its investment thesis grow exponentially. Perhaps the best indication of the changing sentiment: this week the firm announced the close of its second fund, worth $21.7 million — roughly 12 times larger than its first fund.

At NOSH Live brand leaders will explore the role and importance of digital brand building with one of the most well-known content creation sites in the world, Tasty. We’ll tap into the company’s digital content strategy, using the Tasty platform as a lens to guide brands on their quest to engage consumers online.

Yogi Tea CEO Giancarlo Marcaccini sees a bright future for mellow moments. Owned by East West Tea Company, Yogi last week announced its acquisition of Choice Organic Teas.

Adam Hamilton is the COO of Nuttin Ordinary, a company crafting cashew cheese with simple and clean ingredients. The proprietary process utilizes steel tanks to ferment and culture the ingredients with a blend of probiotics, while steering clear of oils, gums and added sugar.

With the changing of seasons has come plenty of new products, from quick meal options from Keen One Quinoa and Mike’s Mighty Good, to new condiments from Tessamae’s to several new cannabis and CBD-infused offerings. Check out the gallery to see notable new releases that hit shelves this September, including the latest from Nature’s Earthly Choice, ReGrained and NOSH Live Pitch Slam winner Small Axe Peppers.

Greg Vetter, the co-founder/CEO of organic dressing brand Tessemae’s, spoke about the huge wins and unexpected losses from his first decade in business. He also explained why his “positively intense” approach is not for everyone, the dangers of bad employees and advisors, and why he believes that “the key to this game is surrounding yourself with people that you really trust.”

Just over a month ago, global snacking and confection company The Hershey Company announced its acquisition of low-sugar, high-protein nutrition bar company One Brands. In this video, NOSH Editor Carol Ortenberg sat down with One Brands CEO Peter Burns to discuss the acquisition and what made the two brands a sweet pairing.

Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods and Gardein brand updates, Post Holdings spins off its active nutrition business, which includes sports snack brand PowerBar, and more in this week’s Checkout.

Dave Asprey, founder of nutrition platform brand Bulletproof 360, has stepped down as CEO and will move into the role of executive chairman effective October 1, the company announced this week. He will be replaced by Sovos Brands CFO Larry Bodner.

It’s time to learn how the sausage gets made. To offer consumers a means to consume more vegetables, while also positively impacting climate change, Misfit Foods has pivoted away from its signature juice line — and the use of imperfect produce — and into the meat counter with the launch of a new line of veggie and meat sausages.

Unbun Foods founder Gus Klemos has taken his keto and paleo baking project to 2000 locations in less than two years. The brand makes low-carb and grain-free buns, baguettes, pizza crust, tortillas and bread using clean ingredients like nuts, seeds and oils.

At this year’s Natural Products Expo East trade show in Baltimore, Coristine spoke with NOSH editorial assistant Erin Cabrey about how LesserEvil has evolved to become a “vessel for mindful moments” and how its redesigned packaging unifies its product lines and promotes sustainability.

Biscuits are well-loved — and not only in the South. Ayeshah Abuelhiga, founder and CEO of frozen better-for-you biscuit company Mason Dixie Biscuits, is globalizing the gospel of better biscuits, most recently doubling the brand’s reach into 4,200 stores throughout the U.S.

The plant-based trend continued to thrive at Natural Products Expo East 2019, with brands launching new innovations across all categories. From vegan breakfast burritos to oat milk butter to paleo plant pudding, brands spread into all areas of the store with their latest plant-based offerings.