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

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.

When plant-based protein start-up Emergy Foods closed a $4.8 million venture capital funding round in July, the Boulder-based company was still in stealth mode, revealing only that it would focus on meat alternatives. Now it’s ready to get cooking. This week, it announced the launch of Meati Foods, which will produce whole cuts of plant-based meat from mycelium, a fermented fungi.

Pork King Good is revitalizing pork rinds with new flavors and has created a unique product that serves as an alternative to breadcrumbs. Rick Koston, the brand’s managing partner, says the company is focused on serving consumers looking for low carb and low sugar snacking options.

Upcycled banana and plantain snack brand Barnana has transitioned from being founder-led with the hiring of Al Multari as its CEO. Multari joined the Barnana team last month. Barnana co-founder Caue Suplicy told NOSH Multari brings clarity and focus to the brand as it works to expand its sustainability efforts and widen its portfolio in the coming year.

Buying cannabis-infused products at a dispensary is a highly regulated and differentiated experience for consumers. But what does the experience look like on the other side? What is the sell-in situation for both retailers and suppliers of cannabis brands, particularly in the edible and drinkable markets? At the Cannabis Forum this December we’ll hear from the CEO of NUG, which is both a manufacturer of cannabis-infused products and an operator of dispensaries.

In the next installment of Sauce in the City, Catherine Smart, founder of Not Just Co, explores what makes a good cofounder, when the crisis goes way beyond business?

The White House has approved the USDA’s long awaited federal rules to guide hemp production. A draft of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program guidelines was published today on USDA’s website, and once published in the Federal Register on Thursday, public comments will be open for 60 days.

Rachel Drori, the founder/CEO of popular direct-to-consumer food brand Daily Harvest, explained why customer service “is not just about meeting needs, but anticipating them,” why social media is “not just a one-way relationship” and how “data is just part of the story” in understanding consumer needs.

The past few weeks have seen multiple investments in the red hot CBD space from existing CPG investment firms, as well as deal news in other trending categories such as alternative protein and the frozen food aisle.

FDA advises on upcoming labeling changes, Hershey talks protein plays in its Q3 earnings call, Beyond Sausage hits Pizza Hut and more in this week’s Checkout.

The clock is ticking! In less than 12 hours early registration rates for NOSH Live Winter 2019 expire and ticket prices will jump $200. NOSH Live, a two-day event focused on the needs and challenges of natural food companies, returns to Santa Monica, CA on December 4th and 5th.

To feed the rising demand for plant-based foods, tofu pioneer House Foods America Corporation is increasing its production by 50%.

Stacie Skinner is the founder and CEO of Lopaus Point, a frozen waffle company that’s offering the taste of homemade with the convenience of toast-and-serve products. Paying special attention to ingredient choice, the brand crafts gluten-free and allergen-friendly waffles without the use of sugar.

For Italian food brand Rao’s, clean-label isn’t a new concept. After seeing success in sauce, the company is steering toward new categories, expanding its homestyle cooking with a new line of jarred soups and frozen entrees.