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

After what proved to be a pivotal year in 2018, better-for-you protein snack brand Buff Bake is looking forward with a tighter focus. This month, the company launched a new keto bar line and earned a space in 7-Eleven’s emerging brands store refresh, both moves it hopes will serve to build off the product rebrand, reformulation and leadership changes made over the last year.

We’re ready to reveal the finalist food brands and expert industry judges that will take to the stage next week for the NOSH Live Summer 2019 Pitch Slam, presented by 301 Inc. The NOSH Live Pitch Slam is the business competition for up-and-coming packaged food brands to highlight their unique brands and products.

Is Kellogg waffling on its formerly Eggo-centric waffle strategy? The food giant is, at least, diversifying its breakfast table approach with new Off the Grid protein-infused waffles, rolling into major retailers this month.

In the face of a changing consumer landscape, food and beverage brands marketing “indulgent” products must grapple with new challenges where consumers are planning their indulgence occasions, governments are increasing regulations, and innovation crossovers are blurring the lines between not just categories but whole industries.

Nielsen predicts summer food staples, Mark Bittman partners with Peapod and more in this week’s Checkout.

How can the cannabis industry grow in a manner that supports equality of economic opportunity and social justice for individuals and communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs? At the Cannabis Forum next month we will explore potential answers to that vitally important question with the help of Rashaan Everett, the CEO of Good Tree Holdings LLC, and Willie Mack, Co-founder & President, Think BIG.

When it comes to snacks, consumers want meats, sweets and salt — preferably with a better-for-you label. In a presentation last week at the Sweets and Snacks Expo in Chicago, SPINS and UNFI reviewed trends driving natural and specialty candy and snacks, segments that comprise a 19% share of dollar volume and 42.8% share of dollar gains in the overall snacking industry.

Boulder, Colo.-based premium instant tea maker Cusa Tea has completed a $2.5 million Series A funding round led by Break Trail Ventures and S Cap, the company announced yesterday.

As NOSH Live nears, we still have a couple of exciting surprise speakers up our sleeves: an investor and driving force for innovation within a multi-billion dollar company and a respected industry CEO from the natural supplement space. Daniel Grubbs, Managing Director of PepsiCo Ventures Group and Robert Craven, the Former CEO of MegaFood and Garden of Life will be joining the NOSH Live two-day event, which takes place in just 11 days in New York City.

Will Kornegay is the co-founder and CEO of Glean, a company focused on creating a farm-to-consumer impact and beyond. Glean offers single ingredient vegetable flours and powders that can be used in baking, soups, sauces, smoothies and more. Additionally, they produce protein gummies and a natural pet treat line.

The Cannabis Forum touches down in New York City for the first time this June, celebrating the pervasive integration of the food, beverage and cannabis communities. In collaboration with ForceBrands, The Cannabis Forum for Food and Beverage Kickoff Party will take place on June 13th at the Yotel Hotel Rooftop, 570 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036.

From “Sell By” to “Best Before” to “Best If Used By,” the many ways in which CPG products are date coded are creating consumer confusion over how long food is actually safe to eat.

Boot Camp returns to NOSH Live Summer 2019, offering a half-day educational session for food industry newcomers the day prior to the main event. Early-stage food entrepreneurs and professionals new to the food business will have the opportunity to benefit from the introductory session on the afternoon of Sunday, June 9th.

Digital convenience retailer GoPuff is fusing convenience store merchandise and rapid, mobile device-driven fulfillment, aiming to reach customers in under 30 minutes and provide a little fun along the way.