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

Producers exhibiting at last week’s Natural Products Expo East seemed to recognize the opportunity in grain-free as many brands unveiled new innovations and flavors that play in this space.

This week we sit down with Ben Branson, the creator of Seedlip, a first-of-its-kind non-alcoholic spirit that’s disrupted an industry by changing the way consumers think about cocktails; the hosts convene for a debrief on the recently held Natural Products Expo East 2018 and discuss exhibitor reaction to the show and notable food trends on display at the annual event.

The organic industry has changed. The question from consumers is no longer “why would you buy organic?” but rather “why wouldn’t you?” During last week’s Natural Products Expo East, leaders in the organic space came together to discuss how they are navigating this marketplace shift and evolution.

From new investments and acquisitions to new hires, here are some of the top news stories from this week.

Mission-oriented investment firm Meaningful Partners lead the round, with privately owned holding company Murano Group and other individual investors also contributing.

Sustainable seafood brand Fishpeople is determined to reinvigorate the seafood department and hook consumers on the concept that seafood can be fun, fast and easy with the launch of two new products — including a fish jerky — at Natural Products Expo East.

Hershey’s is taking another bite out of the snack set, announcing on Wednesday the acquisition of the Pirate Brands business from B&G Foods for $420 million. The acquisition is another step by Hershey to broaden its offerings, moving further afield from confection and deeper into the snack aisle.

From a vegan snack brand’s entrance into frozen, to a side maker’s move to center plate, here are five brands debuting in new categories and aisles at the trade show.

MUSH bridges the gap between health and convenience by putting overnight oats in a grab-and-go format. Ashley Thompson, the company’s CEO and co-founder, shares how the unique packaging, which features a built-in-spoon, makes this product easily snackable.

PieShell founder/CEO Cheryl Clements shares the secrets to a successful crowdfunding campaign and why this method of fundraising has risen in popularity among food brands. Chef and food truck pioneer Roy Choi dishes on the cultural value of food.

From an HPP hummus maker multiplying its retail footprint, to an instant ramen brand gaining a nationwide presence, here is your latest in distribution news.

With the launch of Peckish, a fresh snacking platform centered around eggs, food incubator and investor Sonoma Brands is aiming to bring the same attention to the egg as founder Jon Sebastiani did for meat snacks at his previous company, KRAVE Jerky.

Brown’s departure comes less than 18 months after joining the Greek yogurt market leader.

From expanded product lines and offerings, to leadership changes and regulation amendments, here are some of this week’s top news stories that you should know.