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

VMG has over $500M to invest — here’s how to get its attention; superfood sensation: How Kuli Kuli is driving momentum for moringa; Zico/Suja investor on the right and wrong ways to use capital; introducing jerky of the mushroom variety. This episode is presented by Attack! Marketing.

Emerging, better-for-you food brands will compete in the fourth volume of the Project NOSH Pitch Slam, taking place on the NOSH Live Summer 2018 stage in New York, NY on June 4.

A “protein bite” maker, Siren Snacks recently closed a $1 million convertible note, according to the company. The round was lead by Pear Ventures, a Palo Alto, California-based venture capital fund.

Ketogenic meal shake startup Bear Squeeze has raised $715,000 in a pre-seed round led by AccelFoods, giving the brand a financial edge as it prepares to launch via ecommerce this spring.

Watch as Brownie Brittle Founder Sheila G. Mains tells the Project NOSH team about her strategies for channel growth and how to build a portfolio of products.

Sometimes, consumers want a vegan, high-protein, hemp-based, collagen-enhanced superfood snack. And sometimes they just want a better version of a familiar favorite. That’s what Sherbrooke Capital-backed snack brand Halfpops is betting on with the launch of a new brand, Off The Trail.

In recent years, both emerging and major jerky companies have launched products emphasizing their artisanal, natural, gourmet or premium origins. While those offerings have mostly been seeded in the grocery channels, the focus has shifted to that of convenience stores.

As emerging food brands continue to take more market share away from some of food’s biggest players, they also are luring away some of their top talent. Here’s the latest in natural food hiring news.

Today, snack and breakfast brand Purely Elizabeth announced new, unicorn-inspired Vibrant Oat cups in bright pink, yellow and blue colors — giving the company a Pinterest-ready play to captivate consumers. The brand also is keeping its feet squarely in the earth with the launch of grain-free superfood bars enhanced with reishi mushrooms.

Why REBBL CEO Sheryl O’Loughlin believes a business’ ability to constantly evolve and to take a progressive approach to the times can spell the difference between success or failure; Taking an omnichannel approach to fresh and organic with Urban Remedy CEO Paul Coletta; How Kabaki Purple Tea fuses innovation and social mission. This episode is presented by The Good Crisp Company.

The expression may be “you catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” but for manuka honey producer Wedderspoon, vinegar isn’t too bad either. The brand announced today the launch of three new lines of products as well as a complete rebrand.

From why Nestlé is changing its strategies to appeal to new consumers, to why packaged and processed food brands are really into protein, here is the latest in natural food news this week.

Some of CPG’s most prominent ingredient and flavor suppliers have created purchasing and consulting options for startup companies. Why? It’s not for a lack of business with large brands.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. As part of the acquisition, Lisa Pounds, Green Plate Founder and CEO, will assume the new role of CEO of Celebrate Brands.