Marketing

After battling record-high cocoa prices and the sudden closure of its largest customer, indulgent candy bar brand Gigantic has relaunched with a new look and format as it aims to redefine its position in the confectionery category.

Investor, food blogger and cookbook writer Rachel Mansfield is now adding snack brand founder to her list of titles with the launch of clean-label snack brand cadootz!

Plant-based meat maker Impossible Foods is partnering with high-protein, low-carb food tech company EQUII in a strategic partnership will expand the company’s innovation portfolio.

Seafood brand Scott & Jon’s debuts new visual identity and website, GoNanas and Sun-Bird unveil refreshed package designs, and Bronco sets a bounty for Jimmy Dean.

Lexington Bakes is rolling out a slightly smaller pack size (1.65 oz. versus 2 oz.) which has enabled the company to lower its price point, pursue a national retail strategy, and save on costs without “heavily” sacrificing margin points.

In this week’s notable new products roundup, Barebells takes inspiration from a lunchbox staple for its newest protein bar flavor, Ritz taps into the sweet-and-salty trend, and ActivatedYou unveils a mushroom-infused instant coffee.

Consumer products house The DropOut Companies is expanding its frozen handhelds portfolio and entering the breakfast daypart with the Target-exclusive launch of Bronco breakfast bagels this month.

From multimillion-dollar valuations to sudden shutdowns, the stories that resonated most with Nosh readers this year reveal just how dynamic the packaged food landscape has become. Our coverage spanned dramatic downfalls, blockbuster acquisitions, and legal battles that left founders, lenders and consumers in limbo. Here’s a look back at the 10 stories that captured the most attention.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard reflect on the top stories of the year, including the rising influence of the Make America Healthy Again movement on the food and beverage industry, the biggest merger moments, and notable highlights of hemp’s uncertain future.

Collaborations have become an essential growth lever for emerging brands this year, but planning and execution make or break whether they have a tangible impact.