Innovation

A new generation of AAPI owned and operated startup brands have launched online and in-store recently, sporting premium and better-for-you versions of products that look to reclaim the heritage of and rebuke stereotypes about Asian cultures and Asian foods. With vibrant, modern branding and messaging and an emphasis on authentic flavor, brands have emerged to sell new takes on classics.

In this week’s roundup: Albertsons launches emerging brand competition; Post Holdings sues LA-based rock band OK Go; Whole Foods aims to increase store expansions three-fold; Campbell’s consolidates snack offices and SPAM gets stylish.

From plant-based sushi to salsa starter pouches to fish jerky crunch snacks, there was something for every consumer type at this week’s Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas. The show also saw Bobo’s making its first foray into the protein bar set, Savannah Bee Company and Runamok jumping on the hot honey trend and Wonder Monday launching a single-serve, better-for-you iteration of a classic dessert.

Baby food maker Cerebelly received the first U.S. patent for food composition that benefits optimal infant neurodevelopment. The recipe includes 16 key nutrients supporting brain health and is in all the brand’s squeezable pouches.

The NOSH Team considers what food products should truly be called food technology. Later, Lukas interviews Elohi Strategic Advisors founder Stephanie Lind to discuss the successes and failures of plant-based brands in foodservice.

JPG Resources has acquired RodeoCPG’s Brooklyn-based R&D team allowing JPG to better serve brands in the Big Apple, while Rodeo pivots toward becoming a targeted, tech-forward sales management platform.

Grillo’s is taking Wahlburgers to court over pickles, a data company unveils its cattle carbon credits at the CES Convention, Jenny Craig launches a ready-made, meal delivery platform and precision fermentation company Liberation Labs closes seed funding round.

A new generation of coffee alternative brands are pitching themselves as the solution to coffee’s sustainability problems. Food tech operations say their processes and products use less land, less water and have a lower carbon footprint but still produces a cup that looks, smells and tastes like the real thing.

Regardless of what it’s called – plant-based, alternative, animal-free, fake meat – 2022 saw plenty of money and movement in the category of non-animal-derived protein. Check out the timeline for highlights from the emerging and tumultuous industry.

New label certifications, calls for transparency of environmental impact and innovative products targeting sustainability-minded and health-conscious consumers showed how shoppers prioritized CPG food in 2022.