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The Hershey Company set a positive tone for 2023, raising its full year financial outlook after outperforming expectations in its Q1 earnings report today. According to the company, consolidated net sales were up just over 12% in Q1 to $2.9 billion (organic net sales grew 12.2%) while reported net income increased 10.9% to $587.2 million.

The NOSH team talk about Oatly’s new online marketing campaign, sesame seeds’ new classification as a “Big 9” allergen, Hershey’s acquisition of two Skinny Pop co-packing facilities and an interview with The Coconut Cult’s Ari Raz about manufacturing decisions.

Seeking to add $2 billion in incremental sales from North American innovation efforts, Kraft Heinz Company announced plans to enter a new category in the U.S with the stateside launch of Just Spices.

The Good Food Institute’s yearly report on the fermentation-based food industry showed a growing market share in new protein alternatives but a lack of funding and production capacity hampers widespread adoption.

In the latest episode of Elevator Talk, we feature leaders from Social Brew, Hotpot Queen, Chi Foods and Chakalaka. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Carole Sioufi, the chief operating officer of innovation launchpad Branchfood, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants.

Mighty Yum is attempting to disrupt the kids’ lunch kit category with a plant-based alternative to Lunchables that is healthier and appeals to picky eaters.

After three years spent working to generate awareness for its adaptogen-infused granolas, Forij is now looking to develop a wider-reaching platform with the release of a line of meal replacement bars.

Amy’s Kitchen is promoting longtime company executive Paul Schiefer to President, one of several personnel changes announced by the organic and natural food maker today.

Whole Foods has redrawn its national footprint and dropped to six total regions, creating a new organizational structure. Though this may change which regions brands are sold in, a spokesperson told NOSH that suppliers will not be impacted when it comes to merchandising or distribution.

Opposition surrounding the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons continues to mount, as the leading grocery giants are fighting legal action from their own customers.