Cereals and bakery preparations

General Mills favors ‘remarkable brand building’ over ‘deep discounts’ to win consumers

21-Sep-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

General Mills eked out low single-digit sales gains in the first quarter thanks in part to higher prices pushed through late in fiscal 2023 to offset inflation, but the gains cost the company volume and market share as consumers become “increasingly cautious,”...

JM Smucker accelerates focus on convenience, volume gains with acquisition of Hostess Brands

11-Sep-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

With the acquisition of iconic snack cake maker Hostess Brands announced this morning, JM Smucker joins a growing list of packaged food companies padding their portfolios through acquisitions after several rounds of price hikes across categories begin...

Kellogg leaders plan to grow market share with infrastructure modernization, additional merchandising

08-Sep-2023 By Ryan Daily

Leaders of Kellogg Co.’s soon-to-be divided businesses plan to grow their respective entities by modernizing infrastructure to support additional innovation and returning to near pre-pandemic merchandising levels.

General Mills warns against promotions to boost declining volumes, urges patience as ‘consumers get back to their routines and back to school’

08-Sep-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Executives from General Mills and calling for patience – not promotions – to help reverse volume declines that for months have plagued the food and beverage industry across categories, but which so far have been sufficiently offset by price increases.

Mondelez CEO worries how much higher prices can go before consumers say ‘no’

07-Sep-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

As snack giant Mondelez faces yet another round of price increases in 2024, CEO Dirk Van de Put says he wonders how much consumers can absorb and what the company needs to do to maintain volume and market share without compromising margins and profitability.

TreeHouse Foods sells snack bar business as part of broader transformation to become ‘a focused private label leader in high-growth and high-margin categories'

06-Sep-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Private-label leader TreeHouse Foods’ sale of its Lakeville, Minn., manufacturing facility and snack bar business to John B Sanfilippo & Son for $63m in cash, announced this morning, is the latest in a string of sales and acquisitions designed to...

From a women-owned VC to frozen dough: General Mills’ makes substantial investments to support the next wave of innovations

30-Aug-2023 By Gill Hyslop

The Pillsbury maker is making a significant investment in its frozen dough plant in Joplin, Missouri, to meet increased demand for product innovation from foodservice customers, while its venture arm 301 Inc was among the raft of investors to support...

Kröner-Stärke cleans up 'unhealthy' image of breaded and battered foods

23-Aug-2023 By Gill Hyslop

Further applications for Stikker include baked goods, ready-mixed flours and pastries.

Kellogg’s Kellanova will focus on innovation, smaller packs & enhanced marketing to drive snack sales

15-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

On track to separate from Kellogg Co. in the fourth quarter, Kellanova will position itself as a snacks-led powerhouse and improved company with “a growth mindset, a refreshed strategy and more ambitious financial expectations,” CEO Steve Cahillane said...

WK Kellogg Co. outlines 3-prong strategy to grow after spinning out iconic cereal business

14-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

As Kellogg Co. moves forward with spinning out its $2.7bn iconic cereal business under the new WK Kellogg Co., it is embracing a three-prong strategy that will enable it to rebuild market share lost in recent years and seize a larger portion of the $10.4bn...

Catalina Crunch capitalizes on demand for better-for-you cereal, launches Pairings line for texture twist

10-Aug-2023 By Ryan Daily

Better-for-you brand Catalina Crunch has released its Pairing cereals line to grow its brand and retail presence by providing an alternative to conventional sugary breakfast cereals, Krishna Kaliannan, CEO of Catalina Crunch, told FoodNavigator-USA.

Kellogg shakes off volume drop in Q2 noting ‘lots of dry powder’ for growth in H2

04-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Executives at Kellogg Co. are neither surprised nor overly worried about the long-term effects of sharp volume declines and a slowdown in sales growth in the company’s second quarter, noting the company has “lots of dry powder … to drive real quality...

Kraft Heinz's volumes sag after price hikes, but 4-prong plan to recapture share taking hold

03-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Despite losing market share in recent months due to higher prices and increased promotional activity by competitors, Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio says he is confident the company will meet its full year net sales targets and exceed previous gross profit...

IFT First

Beneo launches Orafti® β-Fit at IFT to support heart health, blood glucose management

01-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Responding to rising consumer demand for functional foods that can help manage cholesterol and blood glucose response, ingredient supplier Beneo launched at IFT FIRST in Chicago last month a wholegrain barley flour that touts enough beta-glucans to justify...

Mondelez enjoys volume gains despite price hikes thanks to innovation, marketing

28-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Confection and snack maker Mondelez’s volumes and market share inched up alongside strong sales in the second quarter despite implementing price hikes similar to competitors that report flat units in the face of inflation.

Hershey leans into Halloween, increased capacity to overcome challenges in second quarter

28-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

While recent price hikes may be reinforcing sales of Hershey’s confections and snacks, they are taking a toll on how much consumers buy – a dynamic compounded by inventory constraints and promotional shifts that executives optimistically project will...

IFT FIRST

The BioVeritas Process ™: The Impossible Burger of clean label mold inhibitors

17-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research suggests bio-based ingredient company BioVeritas’ upcycled, clean label bread and tortilla mold inhibitor could be a “fundamental game-changer” on par with how Impossible Burger shifted the paradigm for plant-based burgers, argues the company’s...

PepsiCo raises full-year guidance on portfolio performance, braces for challenges in sports and energy categories

13-Jul-2023 By Ryan Daily

PepsiCo beat second quarter expectations with its Frito-Lays and PepsiCo Beverages North America divisions posting double-digit organic revenue growth, but the company faces several challenges across its business, especially in the energy and sport drink...

US bakers bank on ‘strength in numbers’ to tackle priorities with Capitol Hill

13-Jul-2023 By Gill Hyslop

The American Bakers Association (ABA) is partnering with the American Society of Baking (ASB) and Retail Bakers of America (RBA) to give bakers an even stronger voice with US Congress.

IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST Startup Pavilion highlights innovative solutions to today’s pressing challenges

12-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

The Startup Pavilion at the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual Food Improved by Research Science and Technology (IFT FIRST) conference in Chicago this month will be twice as big as it was at last year’s annual conference, reflecting the urgency and...

Summer Fancy Food Show

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Six trends to watch from the Summer Fancy Food Show

10-Jul-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

At the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City late last month emerging and established brands were going back to basics with simplified ingredients, streamlined packaging, clear cut benefits and natural – if not always familiar – flavor profiles.

Strength in numbers: Acquiring an empowering network for smaller grocery stores

12-Jun-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Due to the rise in grocery prices, consumers have transitioned into value shoppers, prioritizing price sensitivities over brand loyalty. This shift has opened an opportunity for smaller retailers to more efficiently meet consumer needs by leveraging their...

Three Wishes brings summertime classic flavor to better-for-you cereal portfolio

06-Jun-2023 By Ryan Daily

Natural cereal brand Three Wishes is tapping into a tried-and-true nostalgic flavor for its latest limited-time-offering with s'mores, as the brand looks to capitalize on the demand for better-for-you and allergen-conscious food products, brand CEO...

Regulators are set to take a hard-line approach to greenwashing: Three key steps to avoid risking severe reputation damage

05-Jun-2023 By Gill Hyslop

Leatherhead Food Research advises food producers - including those in the bakery and snacks sectors - to act now to assess the potential impact of the European Commission’s proposed Green Claims Directive on their products.

Sweets & Snacks Expo

Snack marketing for multicultural consumers

02-Jun-2023 By Deniz Ataman

As brands seek cultural fluency to develop products for different demographics, Kellogg’s presentation during the Sweets & Snacks Expo explored the various nuances of the multicultural and generational differences of the American snack consumer, specifically...

Sustainability and future-proofing the food system

How does the food system impact the environment and what is its obligation to reduce climate change?

01-Jun-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

With between a quarter and a third of human caused greenhouse gas emissions linked to food production and climate change intensifying to a point that its impacting how, where and when key crops are grown, improving sustainability in the food system is...

US CPG accelerator gears up to turn next cohort of brands into household names

01-Jun-2023 By Gill Hyslop

BeyondSKU - a New York-based accelerator for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs) - has issued a callout for F&B startups to apply for the next programme in in September.

Sweets & Snacks Expo

How retailers can enhance impulse purchases in-store and online

31-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

While e-commerce impulse buys are evolving, in-store purchases are still critical in capturing snack and candy consumers—with the self-checkout lane offering tremendous potential growth for both brands and retailers, Kathy Risch, senior vice president,...

Tracking the change: Mondelēz is delivering on bold Snacking Made Right goals

30-May-2023 By Gill Hyslop

From 100% sustainably sourced palm oil to slashing food waste internally by 25% to upping the diversity mix across its executive leadership, the Oreo maker is on track with its mission to lead the future of more sustainable snacking.

Pasta Noodles Co. looks to differentiate in RTE with rapid-cook technology

30-May-2023 By Ryan Daily

The Pasta Noodle Company is shaking up the ready-to-eat (RTE) space with a trio of options inspired by classic Italian dishes, created with natural ingredients and ready to eat within two minutes, company founder Paolo Internicola told FoodNavigator-USA....

Chocolate remains king in sweet baked goods category, as better-for-you sees growth

26-May-2023 By Ryan Daily

Whether as daily delights or a moment of self-care, consumers are turning to bakery items in a range of flavors, including established classics and globally inspired tastes, as the overall market also provides better-for-you options, Sarah Hickey, senior...

Next gen of gluten-free bakery: Scientists take new approach to replicate gluten properties

25-May-2023 By Gill Hyslop

German researchers are using new, tailormade proteins to stabilise the interface between gas bubbles and dough.

News In Brief

DouxMatok rebrands as Incredo, lands $30m to expand production of sugar reduction solution

24-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

In a bid to create a more “memorable” identity, Israeli food-tech company DouxMatok is rebranding to share the same “single, powerful” name as its signature sugar reduction product – Incredo – which it plans to further develop and commercialize with the...

A slowdown in food inflation allows consumers to buy more, but many still seek value

23-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

While inflation across food, beverage and other categories continues to take a sizable bite out of consumers’ grocery budgets and influence the way they manage their food stocks, a slight slowdown in inflation in recent months has reinforced demand across...

Sugar out, fibre in: Beneo’s sugar reducer meets high consumer demand for ‘healthy indulgent’ bakery treats

23-May-2023 By Gill Hyslop

The functional ingredients specialist has expanded its sugar reduction portfolio with a short-chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS) that replaces sugar while adding dietary fibre, enabling producers to capitalise on the growing better-for-you demand.

Private label products hold their own as retailers leverage brand recognition, shopper loyalty and distribution networks

17-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Private label products have transitioned from price-focused to standalone brands for retailers to cater shifting consumer preferences and trends.

‘Allergen advisory statements are not a substitute for … good manufacturing practices’

FDA partially addresses unintended outcome of adding sesame to major allergen list

17-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

A draft compliance policy guide published in today’s Federal Register outlines how FDA plans to enforce major food allergen labeling and the risk of cross-contact, but does not directly address the unintended consequences of the recent addition of sesame...

Generative AI shows potential to streamline marketing and communications for CPG brands, as long as brands oversee its output

15-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

During “The Promise and Pitfalls of Generative AI for Food and Beverage Operations” webinar, Nick Markman, senior product manager, Evocalize, explained that while the risks of producing misinformation from generative AI are significant, it’s up to brands...

Study finds plant-based egg replacer reduces bakery carbon footprint by 72%

12-May-2023 By Gill Hyslop

With increasing demands for bakery manufacturers to find innovative ways to meet rigorous sustainability goals, plant-based ingredients are set to be an important part of the solution.

Post Holdings: ‘We’re beginning to see a future that looks fairly close to the pre-pandemic past’

08-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Cereal giant Post Holding’s better-than-expected second quarter in which net sales and margins increased significantly reflects higher prices, a near-return to pre-pandemic market performance and an aggressive M&A strategy that expands the company’s...

Kellogg embraces new era of innovation, marketing to lift sales: ‘It’s not 1987 anymore’

05-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Kellogg’s “stronger than anticipated” first quarter in which the company saw double-digit organic net sales and adjusted operating profit growth not only places the company in the “enviable position” of raising its full year guidance, but suggests it...

Better-for-you Hero Bread lands $15m in series B round by ‘going from pitching a dream to pitching a business’

03-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

A “massive” repeat purchase rate of 74% direct-to-consumer and 54% at retail combined with healthy margins and strong “no f***ing way” factor helped food-tech startup Hero Bread secure $15m in series B funding despite the challenging economic environment.

Discount retailers benefit from consumer shift as grocery prices rise

02-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Discount stores need to keep a close eye on pricing strategies to remain competitive and balance affordability with product displays and differentiation, advises one industry insider.

Mondelez raises guidance after ‘best quarter ever,’ successful price hikes

28-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Biscuit and chocolate giant Mondelez International nearly doubled its outlook for fiscal 2023 after delivering its “best quarter ever” with organic revenue growth up 19.4% to $1.5bn over the same period last year and “significantly ahead of [an] already...

Kellogg on track to achieve equal gender parity at the management level by the end of 2025

24-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

As of the end of 2022, the company reported an increase in female and racially underrepresented talent across all employee categories.

SweetLeaf and American Diabetes Association sweeten up another partnership through events and resources to promote diabetes awareness

20-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Similar to previous partnerships between SweetLeaf and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the collaboration intends to bring more visibility towards diabetes risk and management and provide actionable ways for people with diabetes to improve their...

KIND Snacks uses digital activations to boost consumer loyalty as it ramps up sustainability

19-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Through a suite of virtual and augmented reality activations launched this week, KIND Snacks is breaking down for mainstream Americans the complicated concept of regenerative agriculture and the real-world environmental impact of its latest sustainability...

Modern data platform, Crstl, facilitates B2B e-commerce between CPG brands and retailers

17-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

The no-code electronic data integration software offers automatic compliance testing, certification services and onboarding amenities to connect food and beverage brands with a network of trading partners.

Blast from the past: Nostalgia drives food and beverage brands back to the present (and future)

14-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Bringing back a nostalgic food and beverage brand "is about relaunching smartly," explained Purvi Shah, assistant professor of marketing, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Wheat Foods Councils ramps up its ‘all things wheat’ message

14-Apr-2023 By Gill Hyslop

Did you know there are six official classes of wheat? That each tiny wheat berry seed (the kernel) contains three distinct parts that are separated during the milling process to produce flour? That wheat made into fortified flour is subjected up to 21...