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

In California, a revised FAW issued by the state Department of Public Health effectively prohibits the sale of hemp-derived CBD products, while the debate over defining an identity for the plant-based dairy category moves forward.

The collision of seemingly complementary consumer preferences — the desire to cut sugar and the desire to have a “clean label” — has actually created a conundrum for nutrition bar makers, and they’re making tough strategic decisions regarding the use of sugar alcohols as a result.

It was a busy week for the plant-based food industry and some of its leading brands. From new investments to FDA statements, here are some of the top stories you need to know.

Crack the code of fresh, convenient food? Paul Coletta, CEO of fresh food and juice brand Urban Remedy, thinks he may have done it — and he’s taking radical risks in his manufacturing, distribution and retail operations in order to prove it.

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) announced today that it will acquire grocery retailer and wholesaler SUPERVALU for $2.9 billion, including debt. Through this deal, the company said it expects to see combined net sales of more than $21 billion.

Less than a year after its founding, vegan butter maker Fora announced today the close of a $1.4 million round of capital. New Crop Capital and Blue Horizon led the round, which closed earlier this month.

Less than a week after Chef’d ceased operations, True Food Innovations announced today its acquisition of the meal kit company’s assets. In an interview with NOSH, the CEO of True Food detailed the reasons for the deal and how the company plans to revive the Chef’d brand and business.

From a food entrepreneur’s newest journey, to the addition of a confectionary veteran at a leading trail mix brand, here’s your latest in food industry hiring news.

Acclaimed chef and entrepreneur Rick Bayless discusses why authenticity has been the guiding principle throughout his career and is an indispensable asset in the food business. Susie Fogelson, who for 15 years guided marketing efforts for the Food Network explains why transparency is an opportunity for brands to tell a story. Meet Jamie Meltzer, the founder of upscale fruit jerky brand Watermelon Road, who was victorious in NOSH Live’s Pitch Slam 4.

The female-focused nutrition company rolled out new products, an evolved packaging design, a refined retail strategy and a new pricing structure in an attempt to target a new consumer base: millennial moms.

Private equity firm Alliance Consumer Growth announced this week the close of its fourth fund. In an interview with NOSH, Managing Partner Josh Goldin discussed how the industry has changed since the firm’s first fund and what types of investments the firm looks for.

The news this week was filled with brands, retailers and government agencies modernizing practices and offerings to better meet adapting consumer desires and future innovation. From a major frozen meal brand launching a line of veggie-forward food, to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new stance on the standard of identity for dairy alternative products, here are some of the top stories you need to know.

The secret is out: Chocolate company Little Secrets announced today that it has closed a round of capital from Sunrise Strategic. With this new funding, the Colorado-based brand has already begun to grow its team with the addition of former Nestlé confection veteran, Jeremy Vandervoet, as president and COO effective this week.

In the latest example of how meal kit companies are struggling to make the business model work, meal-kit brand Chef’d announced in an email on Monday to its over 400 employees that it is suspending operations. The company was reportedly in the process of raising a $100 million round of funding and had seen increased sales growth.