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In this week’s notable new products roundup, Jelly Belly evokes nostalgia through two new collaborations with toy giant Mattel, Belgian Boys makes its first foray into the grab-and-go category and Brooklyn Beckham – the eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham – enters the food and beverage world with his new hot sauce brand.

The frozen smoothie category has evolved since pandemic lockdowns with consumers demanding more convenience and functionality blended together and packaged at a price accessible to mass channel shoppers.

In this distribution roundup: Laoban doubles its door count as it expands beyond the natural channel, Belgian Boys extends into grab-and-go with Walmart exclusive, La Brea takes on Target and more.

The founding duo behind RXBAR is taking aim at the candy category with a new brand curiously called Hormbles Chormbles. Set to launch early next year, the chocolate products are high in protein (using whey protein isolate) and low in calories and sugar, said Jared Smith, co-founder of the Chicago-based startup.

The CPG Week podcast team talks about Peter Rahal’s newest protein bar release, the co-branded Lunchly product from PRIME and Feastables, and how these two products relate to consumers’ differentiated value demands from ingredients and nutrition.

The latest episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from One Trick Pony, Nomad Snacks, Rooted Fare and Superfood Sprinkle. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. Our special co-host is Mia Medina, the founder and CEO of Gather Brands, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

Fly By Jing (FBJ) is trying its hand at a meal time product once again with today’s launch of Sichuan Noodles in Chili Crisp and Sweet & Spicy varieties.

Danone SA is making a move to acquire leading kefir manufacturer Lifeway Foods, offering $283 million, or $25 per share, for the publicly traded company, according to a Schedule 13D form filed yesterday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

For years, leaders of the biggest packaged food manufacturers have been studying – and, in some cases, acquiring – emerging brands to gain insights on how to “innovate like a startup” with a focus on speed, agility and disruption. We spoke to industry experts about what Big CPG can teach brands at the entrepreneurial level, from product development strategies to mindset.

Months after leading Sovos Brands through its $2.7 billion acquisition by the Campbell Soup Company, Chris Hall has joined better-for-you mac and cheese brand Goodles as CFO.