Fruit, vegetable, nut ingredients

Sweets & Snacks Expo

How are gummy brands setting themselves apart in a saturated category?

20-May-2024 By Deniz Ataman

While intense sour and bold fruity flavors have helped brands carve out a space in the crowded gummy category, brands look towards variety mixes and cross-brand partnerships to attract ongoing retailer and consumer attention, according to several segment...

Sweets & Snacks Expo

Sweets and snacks defend sales as interest in GLP-1 medications rise by expanding better-for-you indulgent products

20-May-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Rivalz’s stuffed, vegan snacks could deliver the satiety effects of GLP-1 medications and meets USDA guidelines for healthy snacks distributed in schools thanks to patented extrusion technology that creates vegan fillings packed with protein and fiber,...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Organic advocates ask legislators for funding, market data and research support as Farm Bill negotiations continue

20-May-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

More than 100 organic industry stakeholders converged on Capitol Hill in Washington last week to lobby for increased funding, continuous improvement for certification standards, access to additional market data and improved coordination for research and...

Building loyalty: Heritage Grocers Group's approach to the Hispanic market

16-May-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Heritage Grocers Group operates 115 locations across four banners in six states, “adjusting to the local customer needs” of the Hispanic market by offering affordable groceries, including prepared and fresh foods, Adam Salgado, the group’s chief marketing...

Organic Trade Association's Organic Week Summit

Organic sales ‘bounce back to a higher growth rate’ to reach nearly $70bn in 2023

16-May-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

New data from the Organic Trade Association shows organic sales “bouncing back” after a post-pandemic and inflation-induced slowdown in incremental grown in recent years, with research from SPINS suggesting the products best positioned to seize this growth...

Almond growers buck the trend: Good news for food and beverage manufacturers

16-May-2024 By Donna Eastlake

With reported ingredient shortages and price rises across the food and beverage industry, it appears the almond industry is bucking the trend, with prices at an 'all-time-low' with supply exceeding demand.

Feeling the squeeze? How juice brands are dealing with an orange shortage

14-May-2024 By Rachel Arthur

The world’s top orange production regions are struggling: putting pressure on the global supply of oranges for the juice industry. Beverage brands are finding innovative ways to deal with high costs and shortages.

Bobo’s Strawberry Lemonade Oat Bite blends existing flavors into new product

14-May-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Better-for-you oat bar brand Bobo's develop its new Strawberry Lemonade Oat Bite flavor by leveraging existing favorites, like Strawberry Stuff'd and Lemon Poppyseed, with innovation accelerated by its state-of-the-art bakery completed in 2022.

Why is the price of tea going up?

14-May-2024 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Like many other commodities, tea is increasing in price. This is due to instability: instability in the climate and instability in the world of geopolitics.

NPD Trend Tracker: From plant-based ice-cream to gluten-free fast food

13-May-2024 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

On our NPD Trend Tracker this week, we have a range of new products from big brands; new flavours from Kettle Chips, plant-based thighs from This, plant-based ice cream from Flora Professional, and a gluten free range from Leon. We also have a collaboration...

Voyage Foods CEO on where brand goes after $52m raise: 'Retail products were always really a steppingstone'

10-May-2024 By Ryan Daily

Food-tech company Voyage Foods raised $52m in its Series A+ funding round to grow its ingredient business as it prepares to open a second facility later this year.

Beyond the jingle: How brands are reaching consumers with authenticity and quality

08-May-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Bush’s Baked Beans, Clif Bar and SkinnyPop are building brand loyalty through multi-channel marketing that highlight each brand’s voice and commitment to values that resonate with their target audience.

McCormick releases first red-cap SKU in nearly five years with Crushed Jalapeño Pepper

07-May-2024 By Ryan Daily

McCormick is expanding its red-cap line of spices and herbs with the release of Crushed Jalapeño Pepper next month, as the company capitalizes on a recent rebrand, Giovanna DiLegge, the company’s VP of marketing, North America consumer, told FoodNavigator-USA....

Sorghum’s inclusion in WIC program reflects ‘changing cultural makeup’ in U.S.

07-May-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Sorghum’s addition to USDA’s finalized updates to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a win for the nutrient-rich grain in contributing towards “global foodways,” Lanier Dabruzzi, director of nutrition and...

From the environment to AI: Disruptive forces in the food and beverage industry

03-May-2024 By Donna Eastlake

The past decade has seen seismic shifts in the economic, environmental, political and technological landscapes. But how are these and other influences affecting the food and beverage industry?

Kraft Heinz sales, volume slip after emergency SNAP benefits were slashed, but executives remain optimistic for full year results

02-May-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Kraft Heinz executives are optimistic that the company will hit its full year financial goals despite a rocky start to the year in which organic sales and overall volumes dropped, due in part to a one-two punch of higher prices and less government support...

Join FoodNavigator-USA at a free editorial Webinar exploring plant-based protein

Plant-based 3.0: Industry insiders share strategies for pushing alternative proteins forward

29-Apr-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

After a challenging few years in which falling sales and units dragged plant-based protein into the trough of disillusionment, stakeholders are finding ways up the other side of the Gartner Hype Cycle by leveraging emerging technologies, novel ingredients...

Finding the most accurate way to measure the environmental impact of coffee

29-Apr-2024 By Rachel Arthur

A new scientific review offers recommendations on how to measure the environmental impact of coffee – with the hope of also standardizing how this is done in the future.

USDA caps added sugar in school meals, but pulls back on sodium, milk restrictions

25-Apr-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

In nutrition guidelines published in the Federal Register April 25, the US Department of Agriculture for the first time capped added sugar in school meals, but pulled back on proposed restrictions for sodium, milk and refined grains that school nutrition...

USDA announces partnerships to improve food access nationwide, globally

23-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

To expand nutrition access in underserved communities, USDA partners with Reinvestment Fund to improve local food financing programs in 20 states and Washington and partners with US Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide emergency food...

Natural Products Expo West

How are alternative protein players finding solutions for consumers, retailers?

23-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

While alternative protein sales and units declined notably in recent years, players cite improved food science, commercial scale, production and navigation of retailer expectations during the Natural Products Expo West event last month.

Natural Products Expo West

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Functional beverages trends from gut health to energy to low-sugar & high-protein

22-Apr-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Consumers increasingly are weary of “drinking empty calories,” and are instead looking for less sugar and more functional benefits from their beverages – be it enhanced hydration, gut-health support, mood and mental health management or permissible indulgence...

FDA requests $7.2bn for FY2025 to unify Human Foods Program, strengthen data infrastructure

22-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

FDA’s total request of $7.2bn for FY 2025, an increase of $341m from the FY 2024 numbers, “will allow the agency to continue to leverage new and emerging technologies,” and unite the Human Foods Program under “a single line of authority,” FDA Commissioner...

Shoppers believe government policies are responsible for price increases, study finds

22-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

As shoppers continue facing high grocery prices on shelves, they look to government policies as the most responsible for these increases, while believing retailers should communicate price increases more clearly, according to recent data from The Feedback...

Future Food-Tech

At Future Food-Tech's event, explore strategies for future-proofing the alternative proteins sector through diverse solutions, next-stage investments, and public-private partnerships

22-Apr-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Despite declining sales and investment in the alternative protein industry in recent years, the segment is seeing early green shoots that suggest category stakeholders may be clawing their way out of the trough of disillusionment and up the other side...

Natural Products Expo West

Evergreen launches Waffles 'N' Bites, continues expanding into breakfast category

19-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

The debut of breakfast brand Evergreen’s Waffles 'N' Bites at Natural Products Expo West last month taps into a growing consumer demand for handheld and “snackable quick breakfast formats,” and frozen quick options, which Innova Market Insights...

Natural Products Expo West

2foods' US debut is three treats in one

18-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Japan’s 2foods sets itself apart in the American market and meets consumer demand for plant-based products with a clean label and a unique taste and texture profile with the US debut of its three-in-one dessert Gâteau Chocolate at Natural Products Expo...

KIND highlights taste, nourishment with new launches ranging from fruity to savory to kid-friendly

18-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

KIND Snacks continues its exploration of health-forward snack bars and granola with a particular emphasis on savory and fruit ingredients in the brand’s expansive launch, which was showcased during a media event at its test kitchen in New York on April...

La Colombe introduces new RTD Draft Lattes and brand redesign

16-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

La Colombe’s new RTD Draft Lattes use the same technology as its draft lattes in its cafes to deliver the same velvety foam finish in five flavors, in addition to three plant-based formats, which are all part of the brand’s new redesign.

Serenity Kids on creating global cuisines for the next generation of foodies

15-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

With an infusion of $52m in Series B funding closed last month, Serenity Kids will drive growth and innovation to provide diverse, nutritious baby food inspired by global cuisine.

Natural Products Expo West

SkinnyDipped 'glows up' with new rebrand, upcoming nut butter launch

12-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Sweet and salty better-for-you almond mix brand SkinnyDipped featured its latest snack flavors, upcoming nut butter line and brand redesign at Natural Products Expo West last month.

Rahm Roast’s proprietary rinsing solution improves coffee bean quality

10-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Rahm Roast takes an extra step to ensure a clean label for its single-origin, Guatemalan coffee beans through a patented double cleaning process to remove mold and toxins, company President Duqeusne Cook explained to FoodNavigator-USA.

USDA finalizes modern WIC program, secures additional $1bn in funding

10-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

A wider range of packaged foods, including canned fish, canned beans and some plant-based dairy, could qualify for reimbursement under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) following an update by the US Department...

How potatoes are affected by changing climatic conditions

09-Apr-2024 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

As climatic conditions shift, key crops must face the challenges imposed by the weather’s new regime. Potatoes, one of our most beloved crops, are also highly sensitive to these changes.

Natural Products Expo West

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Buckwheat gains traction as nutrient-dense, climate smart ingredient

08-Apr-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Despite buckwheat’s status as a superfood staple in many parts of the world, including as the base for soba noodles in Japan and in kasha in Ukraine, the protein- and fiber-packed pyramid-shaped seed has struggled to secure a stable spot in the US diet...

NPD Trend Tracker: From PepsiCo snacks to collagen tea

08-Apr-2024 By Flora Southey

The collagen trend is on an upwards trajectory, particularly in food and drink. In our latest new product development round-up, we look at a new tea inspired by collagen (it contains collagen peptides). Elsewhere, plant-based continues to trend and UK...

Nourished on how to communicate the potential of personalised nutrition to consumers

05-Apr-2024 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Personalised nutrition has immense potential for extremely bespoke nutritional benefits to consumers. But for such a niche category, how does a company communicate this potential?

Danone’s Remix platform moves yogurt beyond breakfast to snacks, appeals to younger consumers

03-Apr-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Danone wants to entice more Americans – especially young generations – to eat more yogurt, more often and across more dayparts with the launch of its Remix platform, which offers consumers the ability to “mix in” to yogurt crunchy, chewy, sweet and salty...

Eden Green’s herb program provides a cost-effective solution to international imports

03-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Eden Green's recently launched packaged herbs are grown, packed and shipped from its Cleburne, Texas, vertical farming facility, which allows the company “to drive down logistics costs like no one else can,” and provide a consistent and affordable...

SEMCAP buys out ALOHA's early angel investors, accelerates distribution with $68m fundraise

02-Apr-2024 By Deniz Ataman

A $68m investment in plant-based snack company ALOHA by growth equity firm SEMCAP Food & Nutrition buys out early angel investors and will “help ALOHA’s able-bodied management accelerate its distribution and growth in traditional retail channels,”...

Natural Products Expo West

Banana Water’s clean label features one ingredient

29-Mar-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Bananas offer flavor and nutrition to consumers, and Banana Water is tapping into its global popularity through its RTD beverage using only the fruit, Rich Roth, operations assistant, FruitaBio, explained to FoodNavigator-USA at Natural Products Expo...

Natural Products Expo West

Public-private partnerships are key to bring more organic, regeneratively farmed food to market, Daily Harvest exec

29-Mar-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Consumers increasingly want food that is not only good for them, but also good for the planet and those who work the land, which is why Daily Harvest is teaming with industry leaders and USDA to help more farmers – including small-scale BIPOC farmers...

Dannon’s Light + Fit supports women entrepreneurs in new cause marketing campaign

28-Mar-2024 By Deniz Ataman

The Light + Fit campaign is designed to “inspire women to crave more beyond yogurt” through packaging redesigns from female artists and a grant program partnership with the Female Founder Collective, Jessica Grane, senior director of marketing, Dannon,...

Natural Products Expo West

Expo West: Microphyt harnesses power of microalgae for fortified food, beverage

26-Mar-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Through its patented technology that both replicates the delicate microalgae environment and extract its bioactive compounds from biomass, Microphyt is able to produce microalgae at scale in its Montpelier, France facility for a range of food and beverage...

‘Vegan’ or ‘free-from’? Tackling lack of awareness of the difference between allergen and dietary labelling

26-Mar-2024 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

A ‘vegan’ label does not mean a food is safe to eat for those with allergies to animal products. New research shows the public is dangerously unaware of this distinction.

Is kimchi a weight-loss superfood?

26-Mar-2024 By Donna Eastlake

The popularity of kimchi has been growing in recent years as consumers enjoy it for it’s gut-friendly properties as well as its taste. But is it also an aid to weight loss?

Activists petition to remove methylene chloride from common decaf coffee production method amid carcinogen concerns

25-Mar-2024 By Deniz Ataman

A food additive petition submitted by the Environmental Defense Fund, et al is calling on the FDA to remove methylene chloride, among three other solvents, from the most commonly used decaffeinated coffee known as European Method decaf, a move that the...

Natural Products Expo West

Heraclea’s Turkish olive oil pursues the gold standard in the category

25-Mar-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Launching its premium extra virgin olive oil in 2023, Heraclea Food Co. has focused its efforts on raising consumer awareness on transparency and both environmental and social responsibility within the olive oil industry, Berk Bahceci, founder, Heraclea,...

Chocolate made from faba beans? ‘We’ve developed a brand-new ingredient’

25-Mar-2024 By Flora Southey

Unlike some other cocoa-free chocolate powders entering the market, this invention relies on just one raw material: the humble broad bean.

Changing freshwater cycle: Are we on a collision course with disaster?

22-Mar-2024 By Donna Eastlake

Human activity has significantly altered the freshwater cycle. But is this change reversible, and if not, what does it mean for the future of food and water supplies?