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

With millennial consumers taking root in cities, retailers have realized it’s time to adapt and create store formats that appeal to this unique generation. In the Boston metro area, Ahold Delhaize has been quietly testing their own urban format: bfresh market.

CytoSport is expanding its protein offerings this month with Evolve, a new complete line of protein powders, bars and ready-to-drink, shelf-stable shakes. The entire vegan-friendly platform, which contains no gluten, soy, or dairy ingredients, is made with non-GMO pea protein.

Over the past two years, frozen dessert brand Pro-Yo has seen sales of its line of high protein, probiotic enhanced “smoothie tubes” grow rapidly into roughly 1,600 stores nationwide. But founder and President Nathan Carey knew the brand could go farther with a new line.

Consumers may be increasingly demanding cleaner labels and better-for-you food options, but a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report is suggesting that those same shoppers may not be putting their mouth where their money is.

Last month, Whole Foods Market sparked a social media frenzy when the retailer announced it was launching self-serve freezer stations of bulk mochi ice cream in 10 regions. Now with a new CEO, My/Mo Mochi, the company behind the Whole Foods’ freezer program, is ready to step into the limelight with its own line of products.

The brand, known for its line of hemp-based bars, is expanding its portfolio to include a complete line of products made entirely with U.S.-grown hemp, a first for a food brand in the US, according to the company. The new products, which include hemp hearts, protein and seed oil, expands EVO’s retail presence outside of its hemp bars that are sold in over 3,000 retailers.

Snyder’s-Lance Inc., Flowers Foods, Dean Foods Company and the Campbell Soup Company all held their quarterly earning calls last week. The company’s leaders spoke to gains, losses and lessons learned that they hope to apply to 2017.

Superfood snack brand Health Warrior is moving into its next phase of growth with the launch of a new line. But with this expansion, the brand is not forgetting its core mission. Simultaneously, the company is doubling down on the values that were intrinsic to its formation with a new flavor of its current chia bar.

A manufacturer brought a brand in house, and a brand house invested in a manufacturer today. Snack brand Snyder’s-Lance announced today that it made an investment in Natural Foodworks Group (NFG) while incubator Fresca Foods acquired Open Road Snacks.

Grain-free baking and snack brand Simple Mills has expanded its gluten-free, clean-ingredient line to include sprouted seed crackers and grain-free, low-sugar cookies.

In the last year, SHANTI has seen 300 percent growth, according to the company. It’s now sold in over 500 stores including Whole Foods Markets Florida region and Bed Bath & Beyond nationwide, and is adding more in the months to come. And with an official partnership with Team U.S.A. goalie, Hope Solo, it doesn’t look like they’ll be making any back passes in marketing efforts, either.

Last week Miyoko’s Kitchen, a producer of non-dairy, plant-based, vegan cultured cheeses, announced it closed a Series B round of investment. The round was lead by JMK Consumer Growth Partners, with Obvious Ventures, Stray Dog Capital, and the CircleUp Growth Fund also taking part.

This week’s Press Clips examines how companies are focusing on innovation growth in 2017: with new products, changing retail platforms, built up entrepreneurial support systems, and restructured missions.

Kara Nielsen, an expert in the study of food and beverage trends and the consumer values, and a researcher with Packaged Facts, presented a webcast, which highlighted flavors, products and categories emerging from fine dining, food halls, entrepreneurs and start-ups, last month. Here are five trends Packaged Facts researchers think you can expect to see enter the culinary spotlight in 2017.