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

While children fear monsters under their beds, parents of children with allergies fear a different kind of demon: peanuts. But, according to two recent studies, peanut allergies may be avoidable with the controlled, early introduction of peanuts to babies. The FDA has taken note and its change in stance is sending waves throughout the food industry.

Last week, the Project NOSH team headed to Charm City for Natural Products Expo East. From seaweed-infused pasta to cold-pressed hummus, here are six exciting picks from the show floor.

During a discussion at Natural Products Expo East 2017 in Baltimore, Md., panelists spoke about why they look to certifications, how certifications drive many of the decisions they make and which certifications can be “deal killers” for both consumers and retailers when missing from a package.

In this NOSH Voices Luke Vernon, a managing partner of Ridgeline Ventures, reflects on his time on both sides of the deal table and examines what investors, such as himself, are looking for in the current investment climate.

At Expo East 2017 in Baltimore, Md., the Project NOSH team examined how nuts are playing a increasingly prominent role within the industry. From dairy-alternative yogurts to on-the-go snack bars, here’s what we saw from nut-based products exhibited on the show floor.

Taste Radio Ep. 75 features an interview with Aaron Anker and Nat Peirce, who are the co-founders of organic granola maker Grandy Oats. We also explore the growing market for plant-based meat in the latest edition of Why is This a Thing? And we chat with Cindy Kasindorf, the co-Founder of Remedy Organics in this week’s Elevator Talk. This episode is presented by Virun.

This week gluten-free, paleo baked good brand Mikey’s announced a $5 million investment from Factory LLC, an investment group that the brand’s founder, Mike Tierney, met in March while at Expo West.

From spiced dry fruit to frozen protein waffles, here are six new products that are making their debut at Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore, Maryland, this week.

Hampton Creek CEO Joshua Tetrick spoke with NOSH about recent changes, including what he hopes his two newly named board members will bring to the table, why he’s looking beyond plants to meat and how licensing will play a role in the company’s future.

The third installment of the Project NOSH Pitch Slam, sponsored by ADM, will take place on the NOSH Live Winter 2017 stage in Santa Monica, CA on November 30th. Pitch Slam provides a platform for emerging entrepreneurial natural food brands to present their innovative products and business plans to a panel of respected judges from the natural food business.

According to a report compiled by food and beverage packaging leader Tetra Pak, more than half of all in-store purchases today are influenced by digital channels, many of which are being accessed via smartphones. Because of this, many food and beverage brands are looking to social media and key influencers to reach consumers where they are: online.

The baby food world is about to experience a huge growth spurt. Today former Annie’s Homegrown CEO John Foraker and actress Jennifer Garner announced they are joining baby food brand Once Upon a Farm as co-founders and investors. Foraker will also assume the role of CEO and Garner will act as Chief Brand Officer.

In this week’s episode of Taste Radio, presented by Virun, Matt Thomas, the founder and CEO of Townshend’s Tea Company and Brew Dr. Kombucha, explains how the company uses formulation and flavor to differentiate itself from competitors.

In recent studies, research firm Nielsen looked at lunchtime and snacking trends to find what shoppers are purchasing for their family’s lunchboxes and why. Nielsen found that along with healthier options, products with natural and organic claims are posting double digit growth.