Cereals and bakery preparations

Kroger partners with bitewell to ‘opt up’ its nutrition program

15-Nov-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Kroger’s OptUP nutrition program in collaboration with food data technology company bitewell will use bitewell’s Food Health Score algorithm to help consumers make healthier choices and strengthen shopper loyalty.

Kellanova shareholders approve $35.9bn Mars merger amid shifting snack industry trends

05-Nov-2024 By Gill Hyslop

The transformative takeover by Mars Inc. has been overwhelmingly approved, marking a pivotal moment in the snack industry. What does this mean for the future of snacking?

Love + Chew navigates cocoa price hikes to expand Whole Foods partnership

04-Nov-2024 By Ryan Daily

Cocoa shortages cannot stop vegan superfood cookie brand Love + Chew's retail growth as the company expands its Whole Foods store count from 135 to over 500 stores and tees up product innovation in 2025.

FDA limits phthalate ban to nine compounds

01-Nov-2024 By Deniz Ataman

The FDA’s recent decision to remove 23 phthalates from food-contact uses while conducting safety assessments on remaining compounds has sparked both industry support for targeted regulation and advocacy calls for a total ban.

November Launch Pad

Holiday-themed launches for 2025 tap into nostalgia, balance health & indulgence

01-Nov-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

The holiday season is here bringing a slew of food and beverage launches to help consumers celebrate with seasonal products featuring nostalgic fall and winter flavors that make entertaining easier and warm consumers as the weather cools.

Belly Brand taps into functional, clean-label trends with gluten-free baking mixes

31-Oct-2024 By Ryan Daily

Belly Brand Foods is delivering gut and skin health benefits with its collagen-infused and gluten-free bakery mixes, as the company gears up to spread brand awareness in 2025 with trade shows.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic set to shake the global food industry

31-Oct-2024 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Originally intended as a treatment for diabetes, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could be set to turn the food and drink industry upside down.

Can plant-based overcome UPF links to avoid future trust issues?

31-Oct-2024 By Donna Eastlake

Plant-based diets remain popular, but associations with UPF and low-quality ingredients has shaken consumer trust in alt meat, fish and dairy brands. So, what can the sector do to restore public opinion?

Mondelēz International joins Unilever and Danone with strong Q3

30-Oct-2024 By Nicholas Robinson

Confectionery and snacking giant Mondelēz International has driven revenues and profits above expectations, through higher volume sales as both Unilever and Danone also showed this month.

Mars' Kellanova buyout the start of hefty snacking M&A

30-Oct-2024 By Nicholas Robinson

Mega deals within snacking are picking up pace after a quiet start to the year, with Mars’ Kellanova acquisition the tip of the iceberg as strong financial performances provide corporates with healthy cashflows.

Brand Alchemy

How F&B brands can boost their ROI with a diversified media strategy

29-Oct-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Today’s marketing strategies need flexible adjustments and a blend of channels to keep pace with rapid shifts in media consumption, unlike the fixed annual media plans of yesteryear.

Donut brand Drumroll adds fuel to ‘rocket ship year’ with $3m in capital from 7 Mile Brands

29-Oct-2024 By Ryan Daily

Drumroll Snacks received $3 million in capital from CPG incubator 7 Mile Brands to fuel growth after a "rocket ship year," as the better-for-you sweet baked goods brand gears up to go after large national accounts like Whole Foods and Sprouts,...

NOVA reform: The flawed UPF classification system requires change

28-Oct-2024 By Donna Eastlake

Some nutritious foods under the current NOVA system could be demonised alongside unhealthy variants. Industry's calling for reform, but what would the next generation look like?

11 startups disrupting dairy across categories from the farm to store shelf

25-Oct-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Dairy’s nutrient density and decadent eating experience create a powerful canvas for startups innovating across categories to offer better-for-you moments of permissible indulgence while simultaneously supporting the health of consumers, the planet and...

JM Smucker remains committed to Hostess, sweet baked snacks despite Voortman sale

24-Oct-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Peanut butter and jelly maker JM Smucker continues to refine its portfolio with the sale of better-for-you cookie brand Voortman to Brownie Brittle-maker Second Nature in a $305 million deal that follows a slew of divestments across its portfolio in the...

Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Nutrition experts reveal Healthy US-style dietary pattern – but is it flexible enough?

22-Oct-2024 By Deniz Ataman

The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) recommends consolidating various dietary patterns into a single, inclusive Healthy US-Style Dietary Pattern that includes nutrient-dense, plant-based foods and which is accessible for all Americans.

Standard serving size levels the playing field, NAD finds in tortilla advertising case

22-Oct-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Size matters – at least when it comes to crafting nutrient content and health claims for food based on servings, according to a recent BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division decision for a challenge brought by Olé Mexican Foods against competitor...

US private-label groceries to hit 25-30% market share in next 10 years, RaboResearch projects

16-Oct-2024 By Ryan Daily

The US private-label market is capitalizing on consumer trends on value, as food manufacturers push for quality and innovation to spur category growth in the next decade.

Why shoppers are turning towards costly organic food and drink

14-Oct-2024 By Nicholas Robinson

More consumers are buying pricier organic food and drink, despite continuing cost-of-living pressures, with sales expected to rocket as governments push to make organic farming central to future sustainability strategies.

Reformulation is rife in F&B but consumers aren't sold yet

11-Oct-2024 By Donna Eastlake

Brands are reformulating to improve nutritional value and reduce or remove ‘unhealthy’ ingredient levels. But this is not always a vote winner with customers. Why?

PepsiCo lowers full-year guidance on Q3 2024 results, North American business continues volume declines

08-Oct-2024 By Ryan Daily

PepsiCo’s North American snack and beverage businesses continue to slow down in its third quarter of 2024, as the company adjusts its forecast from 4% organic revenue growth for the year to low single digits amid continued pressures but beats Wall Street...

How running with Grupo Bimbo is fighting global hunger

08-Oct-2024 By Gill Hyslop

The Mexican bakery giant is using the power of running to make a global impact, donating over 3 million slices of bread to food banks through its Bimbo Global Race.

Policymakers call on Coca-Cola, General Mills, PepsiCo to address pricing practices

07-Oct-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Letters sent by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Madeleine Dean (D-Penn.) to the CEOs of Coca-Cola, General Mills and PepsiCo express concern over pricing and tax practices that, according to the policy makers, “squeeze profits out...

Launch Pad

The holiday rush inspires innovations for Halloween through New Year

01-Oct-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

New pumpkin spice products continue to hit store shelves as other food and beverage product launches in September usher in the holiday season from Halloween to Rosh Hashanah to Christmas.

From ‘crookies’ to sushi: What Gen Z consumers want out of bakery, deli options

30-Sep-2024 By Ryan Daily

Deli counters and bakeries boost sales by meeting Gen Z demand for global and convenient cuisine — from sushi to street foods — Circana representatives shared during a recent IDDBA webinar.

W.K. Kellogg’s under fire for chemicals in US cereals: Key takeaways for other producers

27-Sep-2024 By Gill Hyslop

Following Bakery&Snacks’ report on the backlash against Kellogg’s over chemicals in its US cereals, the pressure is still mounting. What lessons can bakery and snack producers take from this?

Campbell bets big on snacks with Goldfish, innovations across brands driving ‘outsized growth’

20-Sep-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

The Campbell Soup. Co predicts “outsized growth” from its diverse portfolio of iconic snacks, including Goldfish crackers which has grown exponentially in recent years, despite economic headwinds that threaten a slowdown in segment sales following a multi-year...

NPD Trend Tracker: From spooky treats to Christmas sweets

16-Sep-2024 By Donna Eastlake

Discover the latest product innovations in the world of food and beverages.

ADM on the farm: Building regenerative agriculture builds business opportunities

12-Sep-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Regenerative agriculture is emerging as a powerful marketing concept with recent research by ingredient supplier ADM revealing most consumers familiar with the tenets are more likely to trust and buy from brands that support the practice.

Letter from the editor: How is rising demand for global flavors influencing innovation & ingredient sourcing?

12-Sep-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Long gone are the days when salt and pepper were sufficient seasonings for most Americans – now US consumers want bold flavors that will take their tastebuds on a global adventure, giving rise to a new class of frozen meals, sauces, spice blends and even...

WK Kellogg leaders are ‘even more confident’ in cereal than pre-spinoff from Kellogg

11-Sep-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Nearly a year after Kellogg spilt its cereal and snack businesses, WK Kellogg leaders are “even more confident” in the “spin logic” that prompted the division and the future growth potential of its breakfast business.

Lil Bucks raises $3m in Series A funding to fuel retail growth, product innovation

10-Sep-2024 By Ryan Daily

Sprouted buckwheat food brand Lil Bucks secured $3 million in Series A funding in a round led by Proterra Investment Partners, following measures to extend its runway amid continued capital-raising challenges, company founder and CEO Emily Griffith told...

General Mills plots a return to growth with new products, enhanced advertising & merchandising

10-Sep-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

After struggling to compete in recent years, General Mills is ready to return to growth along side the categories in which it plays by launching better tasting, healthier products, boosting its advertising and in-store merchandising, and diversifying...

Is Kraft Heinz undervalued? Leaders tout dramatic transformation, appeal to cash-strapped consumers

09-Sep-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Kraft Heinz executives want credit where credit is due for “dramatically” transforming the business in the last four years against a challenging backdrop pocked with inflation, supply challenges and shifting shopping habits by adopting practices often...

Mondelēz prepares for ‘a frugal year’ in 2025, turns to collabs, pack sizes to spur growth

05-Sep-2024 By Ryan Daily

Sweets and snacks giant Mondelēz is preparing efficiency measures in 2025 to offset lower volume sales and higher cocoa prices and focusing on product collaborations like its one with Coca-Cola to spur growth, two executives shared during a fireside chat...

Albertsons expands private label portfolio with Overjoyed, ‘first major new brand launch in over 10 years’

04-Sep-2024 By Ryan Daily

Albertsons is bolstering its private-label business with a new brand dedicated to celebrating special occasions, Overjoyed, as the grocery giant taps into demands for value-focused products, especially among younger shoppers.

From pumpkin spice to caramel apple: Unwrapping 2024’s fall LTO lineup of foods, beverages

03-Sep-2024 By Ryan Daily

With summer winding down, falls flavors — including the infamous pumpkin spice — are returning to store shelves and CPG products in coffees, cookies, yogurts and more as consumers seek new seasonal taste experiences.

September Launch Pad: Fall brings a burst of color, nostalgic flavors & back-to-school solutions

03-Sep-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

The waning days of summer bring a colorful lineup of food and beverage launches featuring bold purples and blues, along with nostalgic flavors that welcome the promise of cooler weather and seasonal partnerships that celebrate traditional fall activities.

Startup Spotlight

Mission MightyMe’s snack puffs hit Target shelves, as brand aims ‘to drastically reduce the rate of nut allergies’

29-Aug-2024 By Ryan Daily

Children's snack brand Mission MightyMe is taking its first big step beyond ecommerce, launching in select Target stores, after raising $2.3 million earlier in the year to fuel growth and raise awareness on reducing peanut allergies by introducing...

JM Smucker optimistic about Hostess Brands' integration despite lower than expected segment sales that prompted overall guidance cut

29-Aug-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

Peanut butter and jelly maker JM Smucker remains confident in the long-term potential of recently acquired Hostess Brands despite slightly lower than expected net sales from the sweet snack brand during the company’s first quarter as consumers continue...

Hain Celestial improves margins in Q4 2024, ‘well positioned’ for growth in FY 2025

28-Aug-2024 By Ryan Daily

Snack and tea maker Hain Celestial beat Wall Street earnings estimates in its fourth quarter, as the company seeks to capitalize on its Reimagined strategy in fiscal year 2025, following divestitures and success in growing in away-from-home and e-commerce....

The call of the USA: why Europe’s bakers are going American

27-Aug-2024 By Nicholas Robinson

Largescale European bakeries are transporting their businesses to the USA as home markets reach saturation point and opportunities for growth increase Stateside, with many facilities there for sale.

Dairy, deli, bakery categories see strong unit, dollar growth in July, as recalls slow sliced meats

21-Aug-2024 By Ryan Daily

Dairy, deli and bakery categories were “not just driving dollar sales, [but] are also seeing strong unit volume growth,” amid summer holidays and entertainment occasions, as sliced meat recalls and avian flu could derail gains in the months to come, Joanna...

Do film tie-ins boost sales?

16-Aug-2024 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Many film studios use tie-ins with food and beverage brands to market their motion pictures. But does this drive sales for the food and beverage products themselves?

Snack attack: Is Mars’ $35.9bn bet on Kellanova the key to dominating the healthier snacks market?

15-Aug-2024 By Gill Hyslop

The mega payout by Mars, Inc. for Kellanova is driven by the candy giant’s desire to expand its footprint in the fast-growing market for healthier snacks, which is underpinned by consumer preference that is shifting away from traditional packaged foods...

Mars to acquire Kellanova for $35.9bn in snack push, as M&A activity set to takeoff

14-Aug-2024 By Ryan Daily

Following media reports, candy and snack maker Mars is set to acquire Kellanova — the parent company of Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts and more — in an all-cash deal worth $35.9 billion, marking one of the biggest deals in food and beverage CPG history...

Price-conscious snackers seek value, global flavors in-store

13-Aug-2024 By Deniz Ataman

Price-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking healthier yet affordable snack options and shopping for new global flavors in-store, creating a significant opportunity for brands and retailers to develop more engaging and diverse offerings, according...

Premium snacking NPD: Elevating cravings with gourmet, better-for-you snacks

12-Aug-2024 By Gill Hyslop

Ramping up the premium snacking experience involves curating high-quality, gourmet ingredients and emphasizing sophisticated, unique flavors that cater to discerning palates. This approach not only enhances the sensory pleasure of snacking but also elevates...

Digital Food & Beverage 2024

Kellanova delivers digital marketing content with ‘ruthless prioritization,’ AI optimization

09-Aug-2024 By Ryan Daily

Kellanova is optimizing digital marketing through a test-and-learn approach, and leveraging AI capabilities to create assets more efficiently, Lauren Freedman Autry, senior director of integrated marketing and ecommerce at Kellanova, told FoodNavigator-USA.