Desires to align product portfolios with messages of corporate social responsibility are driving some of the M&A activity regarding organic and natural companies, says Euromonitor International.
UPDATED: WhiteWave Foods has struck a deal to buy SO Delicious Dairy Free for $195m in cash in a bid to expand its presence in the fast-growing plant-based foods category.
Brand power and ingredient quality are the two principal factors that define a premium chocolate in the Brazilian market and the middle class wants more of it, according to the results of an exclusive survey shown to ConfectioneryNews by the Brazilian...
Despite that people in the West typically get more than enough protein in their daily diets, new research may further validate our collective protein obsession.
Twelve years after it was discontinued, the Coca-Cola Co. is reviving Surge soda after fans of the citrus-flavored soda launched a Facebook campaign to bring it back.
The rising aging population in the US presents an underexploited opportunity for food and beverage marketers—particularly in the already massive protein market, as older consumers are just as desperate for sustained energy as their younger counterparts.
A new group called the Global Nutrition & Health Alliance has formed with the mission to clarify the role of food fortification and nutritional supplementation. The issue of the role of these nutrients in the diet is still a matter of some confusion,...
Food trade associations are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the state of Vermont from implementing its GMO labeling law (Act 120) until a lawsuit they have filed that challenges the law has “run its course”.
Entrepreneur interview: Sanjiv Kakkar, managing director of Himalaya International
The flavors of Asia have no doubt made their mark on American palates—as Chinese, Japanese and Thai influences have made their way from niche to mainstream retail and foodservice outlets. Even tiny Malaysia appears to be moving up the ranks of popular...
A weekly text message reminder of recommended daily caloric intake may help consumers make healthier food choices, according to a new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
As it ramps up flaked and shredded coconut production in anticipation of another holiday season, private label and branded grocery products manufacturer Trailblazer Foods says the growing popularity of coconut has resulted in a 12% increase in the amount...
While 28% (66 million) of American adults are trying to lose weight, and a further 14% (32 million) are trying to maintain their weight, they are losing interest in strict diet plans, calorie-counting and ‘diet’ foods, says a new report from Packaged...
A look at first year of implementing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
From crowded hallways to pop quizzes, cliques and assemblies, the 2014-2015 school year will likely look a lot like previous years—except when it comes to the food served to students.
In yet another indication of the shifting US consumer landscape, men are the primary grocery shoppers in four out of 10 households across the country, according to a report by market research firm The NPD Group.
Global instability in key regions and continued slumping US soda sales have put pressure on Coca-Cola’s long-term growth volume goals, but the beverage industry giant is prepared to take a few more risks to get its growth trajectory back on track, said...
CPG companies at the forefront of digital marketing and e-commerce today are setting themselves up to be overall market leaders in the next few years, according to a report prepared for the Grocery Manufacturers Association by Boston Consulting Group,...
Only Coca-Cola knows what really went wrong, but it seems highly unlikely that stevia was to blame for the recent Vitaminwater reformulation debaclé, according to Almendra, an ambitious new entrant to the global stevia manufacturing arena.
While Diet Pepsi sales remain pretty dire, strong growth from Mountain Dew Kickstart, Wild Cherry Pepsi and retro-style ‘real-sugar’ Pepsi prove that Americans haven’t lost their enthusiasm for carbonated soft drinks (CSDs), says PepsiCo.
More than half of CPG firms say their trade spending programs are 'ineffective'
It will probably not surprise food & beverage CEOs to learn that most CPG firms responded with a resounding ‘NO’ when asked in a recent survey if they were getting a decent bang for their trade spending bucks. But why is there so much frustration?
Record beef prices see FTB volumes increase, albeit slowly: Cargill
Ingredient suppliers are taking on expanded roles in the packaged food and beverage industry beyond just selling ingredients, from research and development to consulting.
As brand managers at Monster and Red Bull are well aware, their audience has always extended well-beyond extreme sports enthusiasts. But boy-racers still seem to dominate much of their marketing, says one man hoping to engage a broader demographic with...
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has decided to share its database on how food manufacturers use chemicals that are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) with the US Food and Drug Administration, an initiative the trade group claims will “improve...
A continued move toward plant proteins will be one of the major trends of the sports nutrition marketplace in the coming 12 months, according to market watcher Tom Vierhile, innovation insights director of the market intelligence firm Datamonitor.
Although grocery lags other sectors when it comes to e-commerce, the effects of digital marketing are beginning to show, as a growing number of shoppers seek out coupons before and during store trips. But the majority of food brands have yet to shift...
Kidney disease patients unable to discern phosphorus levels in foods, AND claims
The FDA’s proposed revamp of the Nutrition Facts panel misses a public health opportunity to mandate disclosure of phosphorus content on nutrition labels, despite the micronutrient’s association with adverse outcomes among kidney patients and growing...
For the creator of Bulletproof Coffee, the butter-infused, "low-toxin" coffee that’s created something of a media storm, the epiphany of the Bulletproof lifestyle came (as epiphanies sometimes seem wont to do) thousands of miles from home after...
Younger consumers are reaching for snacks to accompany and round out meals, and the better-for-you category is set to benefit most, finds The NPD Group.
Despite market watchers’ predictions that private label will all but take over the world, its share of the packaged food market has remained relatively flat since 2008.
While there is no shortage of high-protein shakes gracing shelves at mainstream as well as specialty retailers these days, there is a gap in the market for more refreshing beverages that pack in a meaningful amount of protein, without the calories, says...
Despite the legal hot water in which many manufacturers and retailers have found themselves in recent months over “natural” and its growing list of synonyms, the term likely won’t disappear from food and beverage product labels any time soon, as consumers...
What new gluten-free product launches, market analysis tell us
Aug. 5 marked the deadline for manufacturers making voluntary gluten-free label claims to ensure they meet the FDA’s definition of a gluten-free food (less than 20 parts per million of gluten). And while gluten-free product launches have risen every year...
At the intersection of consumers’ growing interest in bold, spicy flavors, health and a desire to expand their horizons through food, fermented foods have re-entered the spotlight owing to their deep flavors and health halo as a longtime form of food...
A long beloved refreshment for cacao plantation workers—albeit previously underused part of the cacao fruit—the nutritional powerhouse cacao pulp is making its way to US supermarket shelves in smoothie form.
How clean is your label, and who decides - plaintiff's attorneys or Whole Foods Market? Are ‘all-natural’ claims still resonating with consumers or are other on-pack cues more important? And do shoppers understand the difference between natural and...
Natural claims on food and beverage products appear to be leveling off, according to recent product launch data from market research firms Datamonitor and Mintel.
Nearly twice as many Americans say they are actively trying to avoid fat in their diet (56%) as those who say they’re actively avoiding carbohydrates (29%), according to a Gallup Consumption survey of 1,013 adults conducted last month. Still, fewer Americans...
Given the recent concerns surrounding safe supply of chia seed coupled with rising consumer demand for minimally processed ingredients, Anne Brown, general manager of Glanbia Nutritionals’ Next Generation Grains processor, says manufacturers can’t underestimate...
Demand for the sustainable oil is rising faster than supply for the first time as total sales of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) reach more than 2.4 million metric tonnes (MT).
Taking a significant minority stake in Monster Beverage Corp rather than launching a full-scale takeover is a smart move on Coca-Cola’s part, boosting its participation in one of the beverage sector’s fastest-growing categories but providing a ‘hedge’...
Coca-Cola and Monster Beverage Corp have entered into a strategic partnership which will see Monster assume control of Coke’s energy brands and Coke assume control of Monster’s non-energy brands. Coca-Cola will also take a 16.7% stake in Monster.
Gourmet salad bowls include kale, beans, nuts, seeds, ancient grains, edamame...
Retailers that offer an attractive packaged salad range are more likely to attract high-spending ‘foodies’ to their stores, says Packaged Facts, citing data showing that bagged salad shoppers are much more likely to pay extra for healthier products, try...
The USDA has said global wheat supplies for 2014/15 will hit record highs, which is good news for stability but quality will be critical for industry, says an analyst.