Conagra Highlights Healthy Product Sales
Conagra Brands ranked ninth worldwide in the 2024 Access to Nutrition Initiative index, with 51% of its sales coming from products earning a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or higher. The company cut sodium in 80% of targeted items during fiscal 2025, reinforcing its healthier‑product push. While Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse‑gas emissions rose 13% year‑over‑year, Scope 3 emissions fell 9% as the firm refined its FLAG accounting. Waste diversion hit roughly 90%, and 19 plants earned Zero Waste champion status.
Grupo Bimbo to Invest $1 Billion in US Operations
Grupo Bimbo announced a $1 billion investment in its U.S. operations over the next two years, focusing on maintenance, product innovation, affordability, nutrition enhancements, and regenerative‑agriculture partnerships. The funding supports a broader North American transformation aimed at sharpening operational efficiency and...
Getting the ‘Balanced Dairy’ Category Off the Ground
The Balanced Protein Consortium defines a balanced dairy product as one that replaces 30% of animal‑based ingredients with plant proteins. Early U.S. attempts, such as Live Real Farms’ milk blends and Shamrock Farms’ chocolate‑milk hybrid, faltered due to timing and...
Lily’s Toaster Grills Adds Frozen Quesadillas
Lily’s Toaster Grills is adding frozen quesadillas to its product line, offering two varieties: chicken‑and‑four‑cheese and a vegetarian four‑cheese version. The chicken option delivers 12 grams of protein per serving, while the cheese‑only version provides 9 grams. Both are marketed as ready‑to‑cook...
Losophē Launches RTD Mojito
Losophē, the ready‑to‑drink cocktail brand co‑founded by actress Aisha Tyler and spirits veteran James Kim, has introduced its second offering, The New Mojito. The RTD blends organic blanco rum, a rum‑based mint liqueur and lime, delivering 20% ABV in a...
Tropicana Adds Electrolytes
Tropicana Brands Group has introduced Tropicana Hydrate, a new juice‑based beverage fortified with electrolytes. The product is sold in 46‑ounce bottles and comes in fruit‑forward flavors such as strawberry watermelon and peach mango. By blending fruit juice with electrolyte technology,...
The Kraft Heinz Co. Launches Electrolyte-Infused Capri Sun
Kraft Heinz has introduced Capri Sun Hydrate, the first electrolyte‑infused drink designed specifically for children. The ready‑to‑drink beverage contains essential electrolytes and boasts 50% less sugar than leading sports nutrition drinks. It launches in three flavors—fruit punch, tropical punch and lemon‑lime—and...
Investment Fueling Continued Expansion for Smearcase
Smearcase, the New York‑based startup behind the high‑protein frozen dessert FroCo, announced an investment from Chicago venture firm Listen Ventures, though the amount was not disclosed. The funding will accelerate Smearcase’s natural‑channel strategy and help it reach roughly 1,000 retail...
Bitchin’ Sauce Continues Expansion Both in and Beyond Almonds
Bitchin’ Sauce, the almond‑based dip pioneer, announced a major expansion that adds cashew‑ and sunflower‑seed sauces to its portfolio and pushes the brand into ready‑to‑heat meals. The company secured a $30 million equity round to upgrade manufacturing capacity and broaden distribution,...
Esspo: A New Type of Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Esspo, founded by Justin Stefano, Philippe von Borries and Katharine Leitch, has introduced a carbonated ready‑to‑drink coffee that blends espresso, tonic water and natural sweeteners. Each 12‑oz can delivers 120 mg of caffeine—about one and a half cups of coffee—plus L‑theanine to smooth the buzz,...
Softer Club Channel Sales Hinder The Marzetti Co.
The Marzetti Co. reported third‑quarter net income of $37.06 million, a 10% decline year‑over‑year, while net sales slipped 1% to $453.37 million. Retail segment sales fell 3.3% but operating income rose 3.4%, driven by strong performance of frozen bread brands New York...
Mondelez CEO Highlights Innovation Agenda
Mondelez International’s CEO Dirk Van de Put said innovation is central to its FY2026 growth agenda, unveiling a slate of new products such as Ritz Drizzled Minis, Perfect Snacks protein bars, Cadbury Biscoff Egg, limited‑edition Toblerone variants and Sour Patch...
Slideshow: Peanuts Packing a Punch
Food industry headlines this week spotlight major strategic moves and shifting consumer trends. IFF announced the sale of its Food Ingredients unit for $4.3 billion, underscoring consolidation in the flavor and ingredient space. At the same time, private‑label products are shedding...
Armra Introduces Colostrum Soda
Armra has launched a colostrum‑infused soda, positioning it as a functional beverage that offers immune‑support benefits. The product uses dairy‑derived colostrum, a bioactive ingredient rich in antibodies and growth factors, and is formulated to be shelf‑stable for broad distribution. Initial...
Soules Kitchen Launches New Product Lines
Soules Kitchen announced two new refrigerated product lines—Protein with Sauce Meal entrees and Street Eats—targeting families seeking convenient, high‑protein dinners. Each entree delivers 18‑24 grams of protein and features chef‑inspired sauces such as garlic‑herb and orange sesame. The products are initially...
Solving Bar Texture, Flavor & Stability Challenges with PROtelyze™ for Bar
PROtelyze™ for Bar, a proprietary protein‑enhancement platform, is being rolled out to address long‑standing texture, flavor and shelf‑stability issues in protein‑rich snack bars. The technology uses a patented enzymatic treatment that improves moisture retention and reduces grainy mouthfeel without adding...
Scoular Names President as Part of Succession Planning
Scoular, the privately held agribusiness with roughly $10 billion in annual revenue, announced the appointment of Jeffery K. as its new president, effective July 1. The promotion follows a structured succession plan that will see former president Mark Miller transition to chief...
Sugar Factory Launches Retail Line
Sugar Factory, the New York‑based confectionery brand known for its over‑the‑top candy and dessert concepts, announced the launch of a consumer‑focused retail line. The new assortment includes packaged gummies, chocolate‑coated nuts, and limited‑edition flavor collaborations, designed for grocery aisles and...
The Magnum Ice Cream Co. Adds Candy Bar-Inspired Desserts
Magnum Ice Cream Co. is rolling out two new candy‑bar‑inspired ice cream bars in partnership with The Hershey Company. The line features a Reese’s‑style bar made with peanut‑butter ice cream, real Reese’s peanut butter and crunchy peanut pieces, and an...
A New Appetite for Dairy
Dairy is entering a premium‑focused era where consumers seek indulgent, functional, and authentic experiences. Brands are upgrading textures, layering flavors, and adding global inspirations to ice cream, cheese, and beverages. At the same time, health‑driven demands for protein, satiety, and...
Slideshow: Serving up Sandwich Innovation
Industry leaders announced a series of strategic moves that could reshape the U.S. food landscape. McCormick disclosed plans to acquire Unilever’s Foods business, expanding its spice and seasoning portfolio. Mars revealed a 600‑job hiring surge in Chicago, bolstering its manufacturing...
Flowers Foods Chief Supply Chain Officer Retiring
Tom Winters, Flowers Foods’ chief supply chain officer, will retire on April 17 after four years in the role and a total of nearly 40 years in consumer packaged goods. During his tenure, he drove efficiency initiatives that improved operational stability...
Uncertainty Still Surrounds the GLP-1 Consumer
The food‑industry outlook remains hazy as GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs continue to alter consumer eating habits. Appetite‑suppressing medications are driving demand for lower‑calorie, high‑protein products, prompting manufacturers to rethink portfolios. Companies such as McCormick, Mars, and Chobani are responding with strategic...
Shake to Elevate Launches ‘Guilt Free’ Seasoning Line
Shake to Elevate, a health‑focused beverage brand, has introduced a new line of "guilt‑free" seasonings aimed at consumers seeking clean‑label flavor solutions. The range features zero added sugar, reduced sodium, and plant‑based protein blends, packaged in recyclable containers. Launch partners...
Good Girl Snacks Gaining Momentum
The "Good Girl Snacks" segment is accelerating as health‑focused consumers gravitate toward low‑sugar, protein‑rich options. Emerging data shows GLP‑1 medications are reshaping appetite patterns, further driving demand for portion‑controlled snacks. Industry leaders such as McCormick, Mars, and Chobani are making...
Webinar Will Highlight Startups Innovating in Fast-Changing Environments
A series of food‑industry announcements this week highlights both strategic talent moves and major consolidation. Webinars will examine how startups can thrive amid volatility and the growing impact of GLP‑1 drugs on consumer tastes. McCormick is in advanced talks to...
Laoban Raises $7.2 Million
Laoban, a startup that automates restaurant operations with artificial intelligence, announced a $7.2 million Series A round. The financing was led by XYZ Ventures with participation from ABC Capital and several strategic angels. The capital will accelerate product development, bolster data‑science talent,...
Co-Founders Launch the ‘Next Iteration’ of Toto Foods
Toto Foods’ co‑founders unveiled the company’s next iteration, a plant‑based, low‑sugar snack line built on an AI‑driven flavor platform. The launch is backed by a $20 million Series B round led by GV and includes a nationwide distribution deal with Target. The...
Khloud Debuts Protein Chips
Khloud, a health‑focused snack startup, launched its first protein‑rich chip line, positioning the product as a high‑protein, low‑carb alternative to traditional potato chips. Each serving delivers roughly 15 grams of protein, sourced from pea and soy isolates, and is marketed...
Wayne-Sanderson Farms Elevates Two to Executive Posts
Wayne‑Sanderson Farms announced the elevation of two senior leaders to executive positions, strengthening its management team amid a competitive poultry market. The promotions place a seasoned operations veteran as chief operating officer and a finance specialist as chief financial officer....
Market Feels Volatile, but Food Price Index Trending Lower
The latest Food Price Index posted a modest decline, easing pressure on an otherwise volatile market. The index fell about 1.2% year‑over‑year, reflecting softer commodity costs. Meanwhile, industry giants are reshaping the landscape: McCormick is in talks to acquire Unilever’s...
Egg Market Gives Cal-Maine ‘Real-Time Test’
Cal‑Maine Foods, the United States’ largest egg producer, is facing a real‑time market test as egg prices spike and supply chains tighten. The company reported a 15% price increase in its core egg portfolio, driven by rising feed costs and...
New Nielsen Program Delivers Data Sooner
Nielsen has launched a new data‑delivery program that shortens the reporting cycle for consumer‑goods metrics, delivering insights up to 50% faster than its legacy system. The accelerated timeline gives food manufacturers and retailers near‑real‑time visibility into sales, pricing and shopper...
Hertzog Meat Opens New Processing Plant
Family‑owned Hertzog Meat Co. opened Hertzog South, a new processing and retail facility in Butler, Missouri, creating 22 jobs. The plant expands protein processing capacity for beef, pork and chicken and adds sliced, marinated and ready‑to‑cook product lines. The multi‑million‑dollar...
What’s Driving the Global Dairy Boom?
The global dairy market hit a record‑high in 2025 as milk production surged across every major region, driven largely by unprecedented growth in the United States. U.S. herd size swelled to roughly 9.6 million cows, supporting a 2 % annual increase in...
Sourdough Bread Benefits May Come From Specific Fiber
Scientists at Vrije Universiteit Brussel discovered that the acidic environment of sourdough activates wheat enzymes, breaking down arabinoxylan fibers. The conversion turns water‑extractable arabinoxylans into water‑unextractable forms, altering dough texture and digestibility. Specific bacteria, such as Lactococcus lactis and Limosilactobacillus...
Contour Ridge Investment Scaling Just Date
Just Date, a maker of organic date‑sweetened products, has secured an undisclosed investment from private‑equity firm Contour Ridge to accelerate its growth. The partnership will fund expanded retail distribution, new product launches, and a major food‑service rollout, including placements at...
CK Snacks Acquires Keystone Food Products
CK Snacks, the private‑label snack arm of Cheeze Kurls LLC, announced the acquisition of Keystone Food Products, a Pennsylvania‑based manufacturer of tortilla chips, corn chips and other snack varieties. The deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed, will keep Keystone’s...
Chobani Doubling Down on La Colombe’s Growth
Chobani is committing $567 million to expand La Colombe’s Norton Shores, Michigan plant, adding more than 200,000 square feet of production capacity. The move follows its 2023 $900 million acquisition of the specialty coffee brand and reflects a broader rollout that includes a $500 million upgrade of...
Hormel Highlights Five Pizza Trends
Hormel Foods identified five pizza trends to watch in 2026, ranging from hyper‑specific spicy toppings to innovative crusts. The company highlighted regional chilies like Calabrian, the rise of brisket as a premium topping, a surge in meat‑heavy options, a 98 %...
McCormick in Talks to Acquire Unilever’s Food Business
McCormick & Company is reportedly in advanced talks to purchase Unilever's global food business, a deal that could combine two of the world’s largest flavor and seasoning portfolios. The transaction, still confidential, is expected to be valued in the high‑hundreds...
Beef Tallow Is Trending
The 2025‑2030 Dietary Guidelines now list beef tallow alongside olive oil as an acceptable cooking fat, sparking a rapid industry response. Steak ’n Shake announced nationwide use of tallow for its fries and launched a retail line at NPEW, while dozens...
Slideshow: Protein-Packed Innovations
The Food Business News slideshow spotlights a wave of protein‑packed innovations across the snack and beverage sectors. Mondelez is positioning protein bars as its next major growth platform, while Throne Sport Coffee secured $10 million to accelerate its expansion. Coca‑Cola outlined...
Canadian Rice Producer to Build First US Facility
A leading Canadian rice producer announced plans to construct its first processing facility in the United States, targeting the Midwest market. The $55 million plant, slated for construction in Arkansas, will have an annual capacity of 120,000 metric tons and create...
Chomps Adds Chicken Sticks
Chomps, the plant‑based snack pioneer, announced the launch of chicken sticks, its first animal‑protein snack. The new product is positioned as a high‑protein, low‑carb option for on‑the‑go consumers. Initial distribution will hit major U.S. grocery chains and select convenience stores....
Once Upon a Farm Launches New Products
Once Upon a Farm, the organic baby‑food brand, unveiled three new product lines in April 2026, expanding its portfolio with plant‑based fruit and vegetable blends. The launches feature 100% recyclable, BPA‑free packaging and are slated for nationwide distribution through a...
Nature’s Path Undergoes Brand Refresh
Nature’s Path, the organic breakfast cereal leader, announced a comprehensive brand refresh in April 2026. The overhaul includes a modernized logo, updated packaging designs, and a renewed visual identity emphasizing sustainability and clean‑label transparency. The company also introduced a refreshed...
Utz Brands Debuts New Protein Snacks
Utz Brands announced the launch of a new line of high‑protein snacks, expanding its portfolio beyond traditional salty crackers. The debut includes three flavors—spicy, cheddar, and sea‑salt—each delivering 10‑12 grams of protein per serving. The products are rolling out in...
New Kroger CEO Foran: ‘We Need to Grow Sales Faster’
Greg Foran, former Walmart U.S. CEO, took the helm at Kroger in February 2026, pledging to accelerate top‑line growth. In fiscal 2025 Kroger posted adjusted earnings per share of $4.85, beating Wall Street forecasts, while net sales edged up 0.4%...
Fiber Trending Forward
The food‑and‑beverage sector is accelerating its focus on fiber as a growth catalyst, with major players launching or expanding high‑fiber product lines. Mondelez is eyeing the snack‑bar category as a new platform for fiber‑rich offerings, while Throne Sport Coffee secured...