Cereals and bakery preparations

General Mills, Orgain seek to ease nutrition concerns as kids return to schools where universal free meals may no longer be available

06-Sep-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

As children nationwide return to the classroom this week, many caregivers are worried about providing them nutritious food amid rising inflation and the expiration of pandemic-era waivers for universal free school meals – prompting General Mills, Orgain...

Study finds link between ultra-processed foods and mental health

29-Aug-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

A study exploring the connection between ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption and reported adverse mental health symptoms found that participants who had a diet high in UPF were more likely to report instances of 'mentally unhealthy' and...

Food as medicine continues to gain traction and inspire innovation post-pandemic

18-Aug-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

The acute health threat of COVID-19 may be ebbing for most Americans, but the desire it instilled in many to bolster their physical and mental wellbeing continues to push consumers to seek food as medicine, according to industry insiders.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Mintel shares areas ripe for innovation that balance post-pandemic and tighter financial needs

15-Aug-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

As Americans continue to adjust to post-pandemic life and mounting economic uncertainty, consumer research from Mintel shows that many believe there is no going ‘back to normal’ and as such are changing the way they think about, budget and shop for, and...

Why are food prices continuing to go up while inflation eases in other categories?

15-Aug-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Notoriously thin operating margins in the food supply chain will likely keep manufacturers and retailers from incrementally lowering prices even as input costs begin to come down – preferring instead to wait until the economic landscape stabilizes and...

Food prices continue to climb, prompting some shoppers to rethink grocery budgets

11-Aug-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

While overall inflation in the US cooled slightly in July, giving hope to some economists that financial pressures may be peaking, food prices continue to climb at their fastest rate in more than 40 years – suggesting the economic recovery still has a...

Sorghum in focus: ‘The goal is to increase the use of sorghum in the US food supply,’ says Sorghum Checkoff

03-Aug-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Despite being a nutrient powerhouse with more fiber and protein per serving than quinoa and nearly twice the amount of iron as a 3-ounce sirloin steak, sorghum hasn’t quite crossed into mainstream territory with most consumers. But that could soon change,...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: What does ‘plant-based’ mean to consumers? FMI investigates

01-Aug-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

As consumer interest in ‘plant-based’ products has grown in recent years, so too have products proudly proclaiming their status as such – but what does the term actually mean, and how influential is it really?

Snacking behavior holds strong in face of inflation, says Mondelēz

27-Jul-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

In the face of inflation and consumer price sensitivity, Mondelēz International saw positive volume growth and price resiliency across its snacking portfolio especially in its core areas of snacking and chocolate, reported chairman and CEO Dirk Van de...

Unilever trades market share for dollar sales growth to fund reinvestment in brands

27-Jul-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Unilever isn’t worried about losing market share or volume as it pushes through aggressive price hikes to offset inflation and build reserves that it can use to invest in advertising, R&D and capital expenditure for long-term gains, according to company...

Inflation is pushing consumers towards private label, says Catalina

22-Jul-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

As inflation pushes consumers to seek out more affordable products, retailers are seeing a surge in unit sales in certain private label categories, according to data and insights firm Catalina.

IFT First

Revela Foods debuts at IFT to offer ‘one stop shop’ for flavor innovation, processing

22-Jul-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Through the merging of three companies with a combined 175 years of experience in innovation, Revela Foods debuted at IFT First in Chicago this month with the simple idea that “life is complicated – food doesn’t have to be.”

Mintel at IFT First: ‘We see fiber moving into the mainstream,’ but new messages, formats and categories are key'

20-Jul-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Fiber may be best known for improving regularity and most commonly associated with older consumers, but the multifunctional ingredient is getting a makeover thanks to a slew of new products touting its other benefits and targeting shoppers across generations...

Moonshot Snacks rolls out climate-friendly crackers into Target stores nationwide

14-Jul-2022 By Asia Sherman

Moonshot Snacks is expanding its “climate-friendly food movement” with the launch of its crackers for conscientious snackers into Target stores nationwide.

5 trends from Summer Fancy Food: From veggie-enhanced non-dairy cheese to convenient baking solutions to keto-friendly snacks and booze-fueled treats

08-Jul-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Invigorating sleepy segments, tackling persistent category challenges and balancing consumer desire for taste, convenience and experience, companies at the 66th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City late last month showcased innovative solutions to...

IFT First preview

Oat milk under the microscope: Research presented at IFT analyzes the popular beverage

07-Jul-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

As consumers’ love affair with oat milk continues to drive high double-digit, year-over-year sales food scientists are exploring how they can further enhance the beverage’s most beloved attributes, including its health benefits, sustainability and shelf...

General Mills warns of tumultuous year ahead, but remains confident it can deliver

30-Jun-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

While General Mills was able to roll with the punches, including spiking inflation and supply chain challenges, over the past year to deliver better than expected financial results in fiscal 2022, some wonder if the CPG giant, and its competitors, will...

Summer Fancy Food Show

Packaging innovations help wake up sleepy categories by adding fun, convenience

28-Jun-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

By leveraging packaging innovations that increase fun and flavor while decreasing mess and monotony, startups at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York this month are waking up sleepy categories, expanding their segments’ traditional user bases and standing...

General Mills holds firm in face of recession threat: ‘It’s not really a time to pull back’

21-Jun-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

While some industry players are reining in spending to build-up reserves in case of a recession, General Mills is taking the opposite tack – choosing to double down on investments and explore acquisitions that could help it stay ahead of the competition...

Kellogg breaks out snack business to create 3 companies, earning investor accolades

21-Jun-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

The Kellogg Company’s unexpected announcement Tuesday to split its snack and cereal empire into three independent, public companies “to better position each business to unlock its full potential” tears a page from Kraft Foods’ playbook ten years ago when...

As inflation hits, consumers opt for store brands and exhibit some trade down behavior, says Kroger CEO

17-Jun-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Kroger is seeing inflation heavily impact the way consumers are shopping at its stores, with many choosing more store brands and selecting fewer premium products (eg. switching from beef to pork), says CEO Rodney McMullen.

Mondelēz International CEO sees more growth and acceleration for snacking portfolio amid inflation

15-Jun-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Mondelēz International has generated consistent growth across its portfolio of biscuits, chocolate, cakes, and pastries, and will keep its focus on these categories as the company navigates current economic volatility, says Mondelēz International CEO...

‘The key problem is logistics, not food production’: Ukraine shares agricultural challenges amid 'Russian aggression'

14-Jun-2022 By Flora Southey

Ukraine is producing enough crops, but Russia’s Black Sea blockade is severely limiting how much it can export, according to Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture. Is there a workaround?

Magic Spoon closes $85m Series B, announces nationwide retail rollout at Target

13-Jun-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Low-carb, high-protein cereal brand Magic Spoon has closed an $85m Series B fundraise led by private investment firm HighPost Capital and will also be making its exclusive retail debut at Target stores nationwide.

General Mills invests $3m to advance regenerative agriculture practices

08-Jun-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

General Mills and Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC) are working together on a multi-year plan to scale and expand a program, called Eco-Harvest, which rewards farmers for beneficial outcomes of regenerative agricultural practices.

Hershey replaces milk solids with roasted grain flour for improved dairy-free chocolate

07-Jun-2022 By Flora Southey

The Hershey Company has filed a patent application covering the substitution of dairy solids with roasted grain flour, which it says yields ‘improved organoleptic and rheological properties’ over known dairy-free chocolates.

General Mills revamps its innovation strategy to leverage tiger teams to find, quickly seize opportunities

06-Jun-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Even as General Mills adopts an ‘always on’ approach to mergers & acquisitions, it remains dedicated to driving organic growth through innovation by deploying elite tiger teams to identify consumer problems and then develop and test solutions-oriented...

High-fiber flour gains traction as firms tap into keto trend, interest in gut microbiome

01-Jun-2022 By Elaine Watson

While most Americans are not short of protein, 90%+ of women and 97% of men fail to meet recommended* intakes of fiber. However, growing awareness of the relationship between fiber, the gut, and immunity, coupled with a wave of keto product formulations,...

Bobo's CEO on supply chain woes: 'It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better'

01-Jun-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Oat bar company Bobo's is continuing its growth streak, predicting 45% growth for the full year 2022 vs. 2021 even as challenging supply chain conditions linger, says CEO TJ McIntyre.

Lidl rolls out price cuts across 100+ grocery items

01-Jun-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

While many retailers are raising prices on grocery items, German discount retailer Lidl is reducing the cost on over 100 items in all of its US-based stores for the summer months.

Hershey eyes opportunities in snacking: 'We have ambitions to become a snacking powerhouse'

31-May-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

While its legacy may be in chocolate, The Hershey Company's portfolio of snacks has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several years, positioning the company as a growing snacking powerhouse, says Todd M. Scott, manager, corporate brand &...

Calls for more research into ‘forgotten’ crops as food crisis bites

23-May-2022 By Oliver Morrison

The global food price crisis illustrates the need for key players in the food chain to bring forgotten and under-researched crops to the attention of markets and to consumers' tables, according to author Dan Saladino.

Kellogg exec presents three ways to improve the food system

18-May-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

With the global food system under significant pressure to keep up with the world's growing population, The Kellogg Company's SVP of global R&D and innovation Dr. Nigel Hughes presents how international food and beverage companies can take...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Collaborative spirit, sustainable mission help Pipsnacks reach 10-year anniversary

16-May-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Being an entrepreneur can feel desperately lonely – especially in the early days when budgets are tight, days are long and challenges crop up constantly – but as romantic as the idea of buckling down and becoming ‘self-made’ may be, few founders actually...

PepsiCo sees oat genome unlocking gains for nutrition and sustainability: 'The mighty oat can play a big role in nutrition'

11-May-2022 By Katy Askew

PepsiCo is working alongside academia and other partners to develop our understanding of the oat genome for use in open-source applications. The company believes this can unlock gains in the fields of health and sustainability.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Climate Neutral helps brands calculate, offset emissions & tell sustainability story

09-May-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

More consumers are factoring sustainability into their purchase decisions, according to data from NielsenIQ, but effectively and efficiently communicating a product’s environmental impact in less than the 10 seconds most shoppers spend deciding what to...

Hain Celestial’s positive North America performance softens blow of international business challenges

06-May-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Batting many of the same macro headwinds as the rest of the industry including continued inflation, supply chain disruptions, and ingredient and packaging shortages, Hain Celestial maintains a positive outlook on its North American business where consumer...

Kellogg’s faster-than-expected US cereal business recovery prompts guidance boost

06-May-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Kellogg is steadily, and more quickly than anticipated, recapturing lost distribution and market share in the US cereal market after a factory fire and drawn-out strike last year depleted supply and left it unable to meet demand for all its beloved breakfast...

Can Hershey hold on to share gains as capacity constrains bump against increased demand?

29-Apr-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Hershey’s higher-than-expected sales and market share gains in the first quarter is a double-edged sword for the confection and snack company – allowing it to raise its full year guidance but simultaneously straining inventory and increasing the company’s...

'There's no simple solution to eliminate arsenic in food....' USA Rice Federation, Gerber, address heavy metals in baby foods at public meeting

29-Apr-2022 By Elaine Watson

More work is needed to tackle heavy metals in foods & beverages, especially those consumed by young children, but we shouldn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater, said food industry executives at a public meeting held as the FDA issued new action...

Mondelez, PepsiCo profits hit as Russia invasion of Ukraine hinders production, sales

27-Apr-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine is taking a toll on major CPG companies, including PepisCo and Mondelez, both of which reported a hit to annual profits yesterday due to restricted production and sales in the countries and surrounding area as well...

Impulse purchases evolve to meet new consumer demands, shopping habits post COVID

27-Apr-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

After taking a hit early in the pandemic, sales of impulse purchases are beginning to rebound – but they look different now than before the outbreak as brands and retailers redefine the category to better align with consumer needs and lifestyles reshaped...

Rabobank: ‘The wheat market is on fire’

22-Apr-2022 By Elaine Watson

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sent shockwaves rippling through the food supply chain, but thanks to a confluence of factors, the wheat market – in particular – is “on fire,” say analysts at Rabobank.

Potential review of ‘ultra-processed food’ by dietary guideline committee could portend trouble for packaged food industry

22-Apr-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Undefined and increasingly under fire for allegedly delivering low nutrition but high calories, so-called ultra-processed food could be under the microscope during the next review of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, slated for publication in 2025.

IFIC: More Americans seek pro- and prebiotics, but confusion about sources abounds

20-Apr-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

More Americans are trying to consume probiotics and prebiotics than a year ago, but many are confused about the best sources for each and the relationship between them, fermentation and strain-specificity – hindering their goals, according to new data...

General Mills: 'Regenerative agriculture is the most promising solution to reach our climate goals'

20-Apr-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

As the largest natural and organic packaged food company in the US*, General Mills has the scale and resources to drive positive change in the food system through its work in regenerative agriculture, sustainable ingredient sourcing, and nutrition access....

Keto in focus part three: Catalina Snacks CEO... 'The majority of our audience just want to eat less sugar and fewer carbs'

19-Apr-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Fast-growing keto snacks company Catalina Snacks is proving that 'keto' is no longer reserved for the low-carb, moderate protein diet's devotees but has a broader consumer scope and appeal.

Record-breaking spike in cost of goods portends inflation will go higher before it levels off

14-Apr-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

March’s staggering 11.2% year-over-year producer price increase revealed yesterday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests inflation, which reached a 41 year high of 8.4% last month, may be far from peaking and manufacturers, and consumers, should...

Annual inflation for food at home surges 10%, calling into question future elasticities

12-Apr-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Fueled by ongoing supply chain constraints and skyrocketing energy costs due partly to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, inflation continues its upward march with the Consumer Price Index topping out at a staggering 8.5% for all items and 10% for food...