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IRI, NYU Stern Leaders Discuss Growth Opportunities for Sustainable CPG Products
Sustainability-marketed consumer products continue to gain momentum, slightly outpacing the growth of overall CPG in 2020, according to a new report from research firm IRI and NYU’s Stern Center for Sustainable Business.
Whole Foods Co-Founder, CEO John Mackey Announces Retirement
Whole Foods Market co-founder and CEO John Mackey today announced in an open letter addressed to “fellow team members” his intentions to retire next September after 44 years at the natural retailer.
Distribution Roundup: Simply Gum Debuts Sugar-Free Gum in Walmart; ÜRösti Goes Nationwide at Whole Foods
Plastic-free gum maker Simply Gum has gained new shelf space at Walmart, debuting with a new product, Sugar-Free Peppermint Gum, in 500 of the retailer’s stores across the country. The first sugar-free offering for Simply Gum, the gum will be sold in three-packs for $6.46.
Barnana Backs Indigenous Farms Through Acquisition and New Product
Snack maker Barnana’s latest upcycled product furthers the company’s commitment to regenerative agriculture, while its recent acquisition of farming and supply partner Agroapoyo has solidified its ability to execute that mission as it looks toward future growth and expansion.
Barstool Sports And Happi Foodi Launch Frozen Pizza Line
Digital media company Barstool Sports is capitalizing on its founder Dave Portnoy’s longstanding YouTube series, One Bite Pizza Reviews, with the launch of One Bite Pizza.
Sweeteners Roundup: Local Hive Honey Acquired; Brightland and Runamok Expand Into Honey
In recent years, premium honey makers have moved the natural sweetener from a largely commoditized category to a set filled with notable branded lines that inject some variety — from flower-infused to hot and spicy — into a space known for largely homogeneous flavors. As the set picks up momentum, honey brands are gaining investor interest, while adjacent categories are eyeing the space as a new opportunity for expansion.
Barilla Takes Another Bite From Legume-Based Pasta Category
Looking to meet rising consumer demand for higher fiber, higher protein options in place of carbohydrates staples, Barilla has expanded its legume-based pasta line with the addition of another single-ingredient cut: chickpea spaghetti.
After Ecommerce Pilot Program, Loop Enters Retailers Worldwide
After two years of testing its reusable packaging platform through an ecommerce pilot program, Loop is using its findings to take the company to its next stage, rolling out in retailers worldwide as part of its mission to “eliminate the idea of waste.”
Noops Raises $2M to Expand Distribution & Launch ‘Breakfast Pudding’
Better-for-you pudding producer Noops announced last week it closed an additional $2 million in funding earlier this month led by Lerer Hippeau. Along with the investment, the company also announced that former CEO of The Fresh Market Larry Appeal and CEO of Hungryroot Benjamin McKean will join Noops’ advisory board.
The Checkout: Ripple CEO Talks New Funding; Tofurky to Launch Algae-Based Meat Products
In this week’s Checkout, Ripple CEO Laura Flanagan discusses the company’s latest funding round and previews its new soft serve line; Tofurky and Triton Algae Innovations partner to make algae-based meat products; Banza unveils new partnerships; the strike at Mondelez’s Nabisco manufacturing and distribution facilities comes to an end; and General Mills reports its fiscal 2022 Q1 results.