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

Celebrity-backed food brands aren’t new. But in 2026, the playbook is changing. Founders, executives and investors consistently emphasize operational discipline, retail execution, product innovation and repeat purchase over star power alone.

South 40 Snacks added a new premium line of Craft Bars, built on unique flavor profiles such as Vanilla Almond Latte, Pecan Pepper Berry, Good Ol’ Raisin and Peanuts, and Golden Chai Ginger. North Dakota-based 3 Farm Daughters sells a line of pastas that are naturally high in fiber due to its use of a unique wheat variety.

Sorbet Sorority is a new collagen-enriched frozen dessert tapping into the growing demand for better-for-you options in the freezer aisle.

David Protein is introducing its frozen dessert pints at Target stores nationwide. The rollout marks the product line’s retail debut after launching online in June, when it sold out in less than a half-hour.

Align Ventures has closed its early-stage Fund II at $125 million. The consumer-focused firm aims to allocate Fund II into 15 to 20 brands, with check sizes ranging from $2 million to $10 million.

Mondelēz International is entering the second half of 2026 with growing confidence after posting another quarter of organic sales growth, improving volumes and stronger execution across much of its global business.

Conagra Brands is reshaping its executive leadership team as new CEO John Brase moves to simplify the organization’s structure and accelerate decision-making.

Natural products are swiftly outpacing conventional products across retail channels, growing 13% in conventional grocery in the 52 weeks ending March 22, according to SPINS.

The legal battle between frozen novelty rivals GoodPop and JonnyPops is heating up, with both companies asking a federal judge to resolve key portions of the case ahead of trial.

German cookie manufacturer Griesson ‑ de Beukelaer (GDB) announced its acquisition of Madison, Miss.-based DeBeukelaer Corporation (DBC), which produces the Pirouline brand of creme-filled rolled wafer cookies.

After years of scrutiny over its animal welfare practices, Alexandre Family Farm has dropped its Regenerative Organic Certified status.

Plant-based protein maker No Meat Factory has shuttered its 200,000 sq. ft. U.S. production plant after two years, laying off 123 employees.

New Jersey is the latest state pushing back against the use of consumer data in grocery pricing, with Gov. Mike Sherrill signing legislation that prohibits retailers from using personal information to set individualized grocery prices.

This week, we’re getting into the just-released Nosh Impact 50 list, uncovering which brands are powering c-store beverage sales, and questioning our life’s choices with Coors Light Cheeze-Its. Hey, what more could you ask for?