Category: Processed Food

This category covers all aspects of the processed and packaged food industry, including ready-to-eat meals, snacks, beverages, frozen foods, and other value-added products.

A Standup Kraut: Flanagan Farm Releases Five Flavors of Organic, Probiotic-Rich Sauerkraut



Flanagan Farm has launched five new flavors of sauerkraut, including Classic, Kimchi, Beet, Dill, and Roasted Garlic. The fermented, probiotic-rich superfood is available in convenient, resealable 16-ounce standup pouches, found in the refrigerated section. It is the most affordable, fresh organic sauerkraut in the market. 

Classic and Kimchi are currently available at more than 1,800 Walmarts for under $5/pouch (store locator here), while Beet will be available at Hannaford Supermarkets starting in October. Classic and Kimchi are available to buy on the Flanagan Farm website. 

“Although searches for ‘gut probiotics’ rose 829% from 2007-2022, there’s still a lot of confusion around gut health and how to achieve it,” said Chris Glab, Chief Innovation Officer of Flanagan Farm and Fermented Food Holdings (FFH). “With Flanagan Farm’s fully fermented sauerkraut, there’s no need for numerous supplements like prebiotic pills, probiotic pills, and numerous vitamin and mineral pills. Fermented foods like Flanagan Farm sauerkrauts provide all these nutritional benefits in a delicious, whole food form.”

He added,“Eating raw, fermented foods is linked to so many health benefits, like an improved immune system, a healthy digestive tract, enhanced nutrient bioavailability, better mental health and more stable glucose levels. Flanagan Farm krauts offer real health benefits through real, organic food.”

Flanagan Farm cabbage is grown on an organic, family-owned Wisconsin farm. Once cabbage is harvested, it travels less than 75 miles north to the production plant in Bear Creek, Wisconsin, where it begins fermenting. Flanagan Farm’s promise is “24 hours from farm to fermentation” to bring consumers fresh, delicious kraut.

  • These five flavors are set to be customers’ everyday, go-to kraut whether to pile on a sandwich, toss with a salad, top crackers – or just enjoy by the forkful to get a daily dose of probiotics. Flanagan Farm sauerkraut is non-GMO, kosher, vegan, gluten free, has no added sugar, and is free of the nine most common allergens. Details on each flavor of the accessible superfood below:
  • Flanagan Farm Classic Kraut has a bright tangy taste and seasoned with aromatic caraway seeds
  • Flanagan Farm Kimchi Kraut is spicy and layered with heat, made with green onion, carrot, ginger and Korean pepper
  • Flanagan Farm Beet Kraut has an earthy taste paired with a clean, crunchy texture, made with beets and ginger powder
  • Flanagan Farm Dill Kraut is herbaceous and briny from sea salt, dill and granulated garlic
  • Flanagan Farm Roasted Garlic Kraut’s robust flavor is thanks to roasted garlic granules and fresh garlic puree

“In talking to retail partners, quality and accessibility was a common theme,” said Jorge Azevedo, Chief Operating Officer of Flanagan Farm and FFH. “Flanagan Farm is now the only refrigerated organic sauerkraut that is under $5 at Walmart. That is real value on an organic, raw product full of real probiotics. Not only do consumers deserve to have superfoods at an affordable price – they also deserve superfoods that are USDA-certified organic – a rare combination.”

Flanagan Farm takes farming seriously, and 1% of sales are donated to the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Wisconsin. This organization educates people about agricultural innovation and sustainability.



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Losing 10,000 Cans In A Production Run with Sarilla


Starting a beverage company comes with its unique set of challenges. Imagine the excitement of doing a manufacturing run, just to have 10,000 cans come out defective. This was the reality for Sara Delaney, founder of Sarilla. Her journey, however, is a powerful story of resilience, dedication, and mission-driven entrepreneurship that offers valuable lessons for emerging CPG founders.

What is Sarilla?

Sarilla is a brand of sparkling teas crafted from organic, fair-trade teas sourced from Rwanda and South Africa. These refreshing beverages, like the popular Hoppy Hibiscus, aim to offer healthier options with clean ingredients and no preservatives. The brand is committed to promoting social inclusivity and supports the Pink Boots Society, which aids women and non-binary individuals in the brewing industry.

Production Challenges

In late 2020, Sara made the move to switch to printed cans from sleeves, aiming for more eco-friendly packaging and a premium look. However, delays and a significant production error led to 10,000 cans with peeling labels. Sara had secured a new contract with a digital printing company and a co-packer. After delays pushed the production from December to late February, she was finally able to run the new cans. Unfortunately, all 10,000 cans emerged from the tunnel pasteurizer with labels peeling off.

The co-packer blamed the can company, claiming they weren’t approved for their facility, while the can company cited improper handling by the co-packer. This left Sara in a frustrating situation with no clear party taking responsibility.

Navigating the Crisis:

Sara’s immediate steps to resolve the issue were crucial. She:

1. Identified the Problem: Sara quickly recognized the extent of the defect and sought to understand the root cause by communicating with both the co-packer and the can company.

2. Sought Expert Advice: She reached out to Russ Taylor from Secure CPG, who helped her understand the insurance implications and steps to mitigate such risks in the future.

3. Engaged the Community: Sara shared her experience on LinkedIn, receiving support and suggestions from the community, which led to new partnerships.

4. Found New Partners: She secured a new co-packer, ensuring they had the proper approvals and quality control measures in place.

5. Ensured Proper Coverage: With Russ’s guidance, Sara updated her insurance policy to cover all operational risks, including third-party facilities, ensuring future incidents would be covered.

The Role of Proper Insurance

For emerging CPG founders, having robust insurance coverage is essential. It protects against various risks, such as production errors or shipping issues. Brands should work with an CPG specific insurance agent like SecureCPG to customize policies that fit their specific needs, safeguarding their investments and ensuring they can weather unexpected challenges. Proper insurance can prevent significant financial losses and business interruptions.

Here are specific insurance policies and coverage recommended for CPG brands:

1. Product Liability Insurance: Covers any damages or injuries caused by your product.

2. General Liability Insurance: Protects against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury.

3. Property Insurance: Covers your property and inventory at various locations, including third-party facilities.

4. Business Interruption Insurance: Compensates for lost income if your business operations are disrupted.

5. Cargo Insurance: Protects your products during transit.

6. Errors and Omissions Insurance: Covers legal costs related to professional mistakes or negligence.

Renewed Determination

Despite the setback, Sara’s resilience and the support from her community helped her navigate the crisis. She established new partnerships and continued her mission to promote healthier beverages and support tea farmers. Sarilla’s ongoing success highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability. The new production runs have been successful, and Sarilla continues to expand its offerings.

Sara Delaney’s journey with Sarilla is a powerful example of resilience in the beverage industry. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance, community support, and learning from challenges. For emerging CPG founders, Sara’s experience offers valuable insights into navigating setbacks and building a sustainable, mission-driven brand.

SPONSOR: I wrote this in partnership with SecureCPG a modern insurance agency that works with emerging brands to get the best coverage at the most affordable price. They work with founders on general liability, workers comp, product recall, cyber liability, and more.



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McDonald’s elevates global chief people officer



CHICAGO — McDonald’s Corp. has promoted Tiffanie Boyd to executive vice president and global chief people officer. Boyd succeeds Heidi Capozzi, who has decided to leave the company at the end of the month for a new opportunity.

In her new role, Boyd will oversee the company’s human resources operations around the world, including talent management, talent acquisition, total rewards, learning and development, DEI, culture, and organization effectiveness.

“Tiffanie is an exceptional HR leader, who understands that great people are the bedrock of the McDonald’s business,” said Chris Kempczinski, chairman and chief executive officer of McDonald’s. “Since she joined the company a few years ago, Tiffanie has quickly established herself as a collaborative, values-driven leader who has championed several transformational programs like our People Brand Standards and talent development initiatives that have turned our US business into a role model within the system.”

Over the course of her career, Boyd has led teams in the United States, Canada and around the world to elevate talent management and employee development. She joined McDonald’s in 2021, leading the development of the McOpCo Total Reward strategy, changes in McDonald’s talent strategy and improvements to its career planning and development philosophy. Previously, Boyd spent over two decades working with General Mills, Inc. in various capacities, overseeing talent initiatives, organization design, culture change and employee engagement. She began her career as a consultant at Hewitt Associates.

Currently, Boyd serves on the board of Thrive Scholars, which helps students of color from low-income backgrounds attend top colleges and pursue meaningful careers.

Boyd graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in finance and received a master’s of business administration degree in organization behavior from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

“At McDonald’s, we’ve built our people strategy on a simple idea: The employee experience fuels the customer experience,” Boyd said. “There is already great work underway, and we are seeing the impact of a focus on employee experience. I look forward to partnering with our teams across segments, markets and functions to power a culture of care so robust that our people and business thrive like never before.” 



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Consumers prefer sweet over salty snacks, as healthy options ripe for innovation, IFIC finds



“While most Americans do not consume the daily dietary guidance recommendations for fruits, vegetables, dairy and whole grains, nearly everyone snacks. Given snacking’s widespread popularity and its role in our daily enjoyment, it is important to reconsider, reframe and redefine healthy snacking behaviors to improve the health of all Americans,” IFIC President and CEO Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak shared in a press release​.  

Spicy is no match for sweet, salty

In its “American Consumer Perceptions of Snacking” report, IFIC surveyed more than 1,000 shoppers older than 18 years about their snacking habits, including why they snack and what they eat.

Most consumers (59%) said sweet snacks are part of their snacking habit, slightly above salty at 58%. Additionally, 48%, 36% and 24% of consumers said their snacks consist of crunchy, fresh or spicy foods, respectively.

More than half (58%) of consumers seek fruit in their snacks, while 43% seek protein and grains, 35% dairy and 28% vegetables.                 

Consumers turn to snacks for spontaneous indulgent moments

Two-thirds (66%) of consumers said they spontaneously snack while 11% said they plan snacks, with the remaining 22% doing a mix between the two. Similarly, nearly half (49%) of consumer do not count their typical snack’s calories.

Nearly half (45%) of consumers said their typical snack is used to satisfy their hunger in between meals, while 32% say they snack for an energy boost. Additionally, 41% said their typical snack is for an indulgent moment or as an added treat.  

Similarly, 56% of consumers choose a snack based on how well it satisfies their hunger, while 45% said they choose a snack to satisfy a specific taste. Additionally, consumers said they purchase a snack because it is convenient, provides energy-boosting benefits, and out of habit, with 34%, 23% and 22%, respectively saying so. Only 15% of consumers choose a snack because it is healthy.

Despite fewer consumers picking snacks for health reasons, IFIC found that consumers were open to the idea of healthier snack options. 

Of those who said they ate less healthy snacks, 38% said healthy portable snack options would improve their snacking habits, while 26% said tips for planning or preparing snacks in advance would be helpful. However, 33% said they were not interested in improving the healthfulness of their snacks.



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Stemilt Shares 5 Tips for Growing Apple Sales During 2024-25 Season



WENATCHEE, Wash. – This apple season’s promotions need all stems on deck to lift the crop as Honeycrisp shows a decrease in volume compared to last year. Stemilt’s Marketing Director, Brianna Shales, shares five apple selling tips to grow apple sales through promotion, variety mix, organics and packaged items like Stemilt’s EZ Band and Lil Snappers® apples. 

“The crop is down 10% year-over-year, and the opportunity lies in focusing on more than one variety in ads and go back to multi-variety promotions,” says Shales. “What we saw last year with Honeycrisp is dollars grew by nearly 30% from 2022 to 2023. That’s incredible growth, but as we head into the new crop, the idea of singularly promoting Honeycrisp has to shift because volume is down. Try promoting all apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, Gala and Cosmic Crisp® together to raise apple volume, that way you’re turning more than one apple at a time.”

Since Honeycrisp has been leading the way in apple popularity for years, replacing it with another crunch successor can help close the gap where it usually would be. Stemilt’s Rave® apples can act as a quick in-and-out variety in August and September. Its parent apples, Honeycrisp and MonArk, give it characteristics allowing it to ripen and color three weeks before any other apple.

“Rave® is outrageously juicy with a refreshing, snappy zing that is only available for a short time, but can really help build velocity in the category,” says Shales. “Another variety to bring in when apples are at the top of mind for consumers is SweeTango®. SweeTango® has grown into a variety that remains available beyond the fall months and into the new year, with a sales velocity during its October peak promotion time that no other club apple compares to. What better way to delight consumers than with an apple that delivers on crunch, juice and hints of spice in the heart of fall?

A third apple comes to the rescue this fall with year-round availability, Cosmic Crisp®. One advantage to carrying Cosmic Crisp® is it also has no gap between the old and new crop and has become a core variety to the category. This year, Stemilt sees an increase in organic Cosmic Crisp® opening the door for more organic promotion this season. 

“It’s the perfect year to switch to Cosmic Crisp® with Honeycrisp volume down,” says Shales. “We call it the dream apple with perfect flavor because it has a wonderful balance of sweetness, tartness and a creamy texture. One of the main benefits of Cosmic Crisp® to retailers is its ability to be stored for long periods of time, and its natural resistance to browning. This year, Cosmic Crisp® is up in organics, so regularly calling out the apple in promotion is a great way to build dollars in the category with a premium item that isn’t conventional.”

Since fall is when most apples are sitting at the front of stores, that’s where sales can be made. Figuring out effective merchandising strategies and offering packaged items can help drive impulse and online sales. Stemilt has EZ Band sustainable four packs, Lil Snappers® kid-size fruit and other bagged apple options to build up the category and meet consumers with at the front door. 

“Bags are always a great vehicle for increasing apple sales,” says Shales. “Since Covid, we’ve seen bags be a real growth point. At Stemilt, we have great capacity for pouch bags, 3 lb. organic and conventional Lil Snappers® apples and 5 lb. bags for a volume play. It’s a good way to appeal to the timesaving, convenience driven consumer. With retailers equipped with these five tools: multi-ad promotions, Rave, SweeTango, Cosmic Crisp and bagged items, we can lift the category and delight consumers with excellent quality apples this season!”  

About Stemilt 

Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of tree fruit. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt’s mission is to cultivate people and delight consumers with its World Famous Fruits. Stemilt is a leader in sweet cherries and organic tree fruits, and a key supplier of apples and pears. The company stewards an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible business through its Responsible Choice® program, which has been in place since 1989. For more information about Stemilt, visit www.stemilt.com.



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How to Transition Between EDI Providers


I hear from many brands who get started with one EDI provider, only to realize it’s not the best fit. Transitioning between EDI providers can be a bit complicated as there are so many moving parts. That said, it can be done with careful planning. Here are some key steps to guide you through this transition:

1. Assess Your Current EDI Needs

Before making a move, evaluate your current EDI requirements. Understand the specific needs of your retail partners and ensure that the new provider can meet these requirements. This includes compatibility with your current systems and the ability to handle your transaction volume.

Clearly know WHY you are transitioning and get buy in from your team, so everyone is clear. Things to consider are:

  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Service
  • Ease of setup for new vendors
  • Modern User Interface
  • Integrations
  • Cost

2. Select the Right EDI Provider

Choosing the right EDI provider comes down to which provider aligns with your reasons for switching. Look for a provider who is familiar with the requirements of your retail partners, supports all relevant fulfillment models, and can integrate seamlessly with your Warehouse Management System (WMS). Ensure they offer automatic connectivity to your key systems such as e-commerce platforms, order management tools, and accounting systems.

3. Plan the Transition Process

Develop a comprehensive transition plan that outlines each step of the process. This should include timelines, resource allocation, and potential risks.

  • Start planning 3-6 months before you make the transition.
  • Time the transition to align with your existing contract ending so you can get out of it.
  • Communicate the transition with your retail partner and ask if they have any specific tips for the transition.
  • Plan the transition during your least busy season if possible.

4. Train Your Team

Ensure that your team is adequately trained on the new EDI system. This includes understanding how to use the new interface, manage transactions, and troubleshoot common issues. Create a standard operating procedure document for the new platform.

5. Monitor and Optimize

After transitioning to the new EDI provider, continuously monitor the system’s performance. Gather feedback from your team and retail partners, and work with your provider to optimize the setup. This will help you ensure that the new system is meeting your needs effectively and efficiently.

Transitioning between EDI providers is a significant step, but with careful planning and execution, it can lead to improved efficiency and better business outcomes. For more detailed guidance and support, consider reaching out to experts or exploring resources from companies like Crstl, which specialize in modern, no-code EDI solutions (Crstl – No-code EDI for modern brands).



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Ampak, Agrigum partner to expand gum arabic distribution in US



LARCHMONT, NY — Ampak Co. Inc. is partnering with Agrigum International, a UK-based producer of gum arabic, to expand the distribution of the ingredient in the United States.

By partnering with Ampak, Agrigum will grow its business in the developing US market, where gum arabic fiber has been approved by the FDA since Dec. 2021.

“I am proud to partner with Ampak, a company that provides reputation, distribution and market strength,” said Dani Haddad, Agrigum’s sales and marketing director. “Our stated mission, ‘Better Health through Food and Nutrition,’ aligns with their values and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Both of our companies take a hands-on approach to customer care.” 

Going forward, Agrigum said it’s focused on “redefining” gum arabic through increased R&D and the creation of new applications, products and processes.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Agrigum,” said Steve Mullins, senior vice president of business development, Ampak. “Promoting the direct presence of Agrigum in North America, we will be uniquely positioned to provide the highest quality gum arabic products to all of our clients, creating an innovative and agile partnership for future growth.”

Ampak was founded in 1978 as a US importer of Indian guar gums and has since grown into a distributor for many global suppliers of these ingredients. Founded in 2007, Agrigum produces gum arabic products for applications including food and beverage, among others. 

Gum arabic offers many functional properties in these applications, including solubility, emulsification, encapsulation, viscosity, stabilization and more. 



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Harris aims to ban food price gouging, while industry points to supply chain pressures



As part of broader plans to lower the cost of living for Americans during her economic speech​ in Raleigh, NC, last week, Harris said she intends to address food price gouging during her first 100 days in office.

Harris plans “to make it a top priority to bring down costs and bring economic security for Americans,” and “take on high costs,” such as for food, she said during her speech via Washington Post.

She argued that even though the supply chain has improved since the COVID-19 pandemic, “prices are still too high. A loaf of bread cost 50% more today than it did before the pandemic. Ground beef is up almost 50%.”

She pointed out that while some grocery chains are passing on savings to Americans, “many are not,” highlighting record high profits from food companies.

Contrary to the higher cost of consumer foods, food prices ‘represented a bright spot’​

In a prepared response​ to Harris’ plans, FMI – The Food Industry Association’s President and CEO, Leslie Sarasin explained that while inflation has increased prices of consumer goods, food prices “represented a bright spot,” according to data from the 2024 Consumer Price Index​ (CPI).

Sarasin highlights “July’s CPI placed year-over-year food-at-home inflation at 1.1%, which remains below the 2.9% increase in overall inflation,” Sarasin said.

However, Harris compares current food prices to pre-pandemic levels, emphasizing that while inflation may be slowing, the cost of groceries remains higher than before the pandemic.

Sarasin added, “Food retailers’ profit margins are, and always have been, extremely tight – just 1.6% last year,” according to FMI data​.

Sarasin cited the food industry’s ongoing efforts “amidst fierce competition” to tackle inflation and reduce costs for consumers. She emphasized higher labor costs, turbulent energy prices, unpredictable environmental events, supply chain disruptions and “an unprecedented level of regulatory burden” have attributed to an increase in food production costs.

In response to “deceptive practices like price gouging,” Sarasin emphasized its illegality and that “is has no place in our stores.”

“It is both inaccurate and irresponsible to conflate an illegal activity like price gouging—a defined legal term in which specific violations of trade practices law occur—with inflation, which is a broad macroeconomic measure of increases in consumer prices over time due to supply chain cost pressures. In the context of food, inflation impacts how far the dollar goes when buying groceries,” she said.

Sarasin highlighted that for Americans and the food industry, “when discussing food prices, it is imperative that our conversations remain grounded in reality and data, rather than rhetoric.”

Supply chain pressures did raise costs, but mostly for manufacturers and retailers​

Ricky Volpe, associate professor of agribusiness at California Polytechnic State University echoed these sentiments, adding that “recent media coverage surrounding inflation’s impact on food prices often does not reflect the economic subtleties and nuances that influence the real cost of food in America,” during an interview​ with FMI.

Volpe explained that while the average American income increased by 28% between March 2020 and June 2024, food prices increased 24.6% in the same period, according to data​ from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Disposable Income, which measures the average amount of after-tax income. Volpe emphasized that although food prices appeared to have increased, the actual cost of groceries, relative to wages, decreased by nearly two percentage points in the same period.

“This has allowed consumer demand to remain high and families to meet their grocery needs even as prices have increased,” he said.

While it remains true that food prices increased relative to wages, Volpe explained that increased supply chain costs were mostly absorbed by grocers and producers.

“The truth is that when producer costs go up, consumer prices go up too — this is standard market dynamics,” he added.

Volpe detailed supply chain pressures such as rising transportation costs caused by a shortage of truck drivers​ and limited refrigerated truck capacity, higher labor costs due to labor challenges, higher turnover rates and severe weather events that have contributed to driving up prices for manufacturers and retailers.

Based on food manufacturing data​ from the Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures the prices businesses pay for goods and services necessary to make their products and data about food at home in the Consumer Price Index between March 2020 and June 20204, consumer prices grew slightly less than producer input costs, while groceries’ costs grew 25.3% and producer costs grew 28%, Volpe explained.

“This suggests that not only are grocers absorbing a portion of the supply chain cost increases, but also that the prices consumers pay are not the result of runaway profits. Rather, they are due to inflationary pressures throughout the entire supply chain that increase costs for businesses producing and selling food,” he said.

For example, fruits and vegetables producer costs increased by 37.1% over the four-year time period, whereas consumer prices went up 16.2%, resulting in a difference of 20.9 percentage points, according to PPI data.

This indicates the supply chain is absorbing a large portion of the input costs to avoid passing significant price hikes on to consumers,” Volpe added.

 

                                                                                                                                             



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Grimmway Farms Launches I Love Baby Carrots Campaign Highlighting These Healthy, Tasty and Convenient Family Snacks



BAKERSFIELD, CA — Grimmway Farms, a global leader in fresh produce, is promoting the health and nutritional benefits of baby carrots in a nationwide campaign targeting grocery retailers and shoppers. The I Love Baby Carrots campaign runs through October and tells the multi-faceted story of baby carrots using social media, brand ambassadors, and local and trade media channels.

“Grimmway has been known for our delicious baby carrots since we first introduced them to the market nearly 30 years ago,” said Grimmway Farms Executive Vice President Eric Proffitt. “As the market leader in healthy, fresh produce, this campaign is an opportunity for us to help retailers tell the complete baby carrot story – from the inception of the category, to how they are grown and processed, to the convenience and nutritional benefits they offer to kids and families.”

Baby carrots have long been synonymous with eye health, but Proffitt noted there are several other proven benefits of these crunchy and versatile snacks, including increased antioxidant protection, reduced inflammation, and improved heart and skin health. In fact, research findings presented at the 2024 annual meeting of the American Society of Nutrition found that eating a single serving of baby carrots just three times a week can increase skin carotenoid levels by more than 10 percent.

“Generations of families have long enjoyed the health benefits and convenience of baby carrots, whether as lunchbox snacks, paired with dips, or incorporated into recipes,” Proffitt noted. “We’re excited to share all the reasons why even more shoppers should fall in love with them too.”

Shoppers are invited to follow #ILoveBabyCarrots on Instagram and tune into @grimmwayfarms Wednesdays through October 9, 2024.

About Grimmway Farms

Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, Grimmway Farms traces its roots to a produce stand opened by the Grimm brothers in the early 1960s. Grimmway is a global produce leader and one of the largest producers of carrots. Grimmway supplies more than 65 organic, USA-grown crops and brands include Cal-Organic Farms and Bunny-Luv. Grimmway is committed to bringing fresh, healthy, and safe produce to communities around the world as it invests in, and cares for, the earth’s natural resources and its family of employees. For more information, explore the Grimmway Farms website.



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This Week in CPG 07/15/24


🛒 Retail Rollouts

🧀 Every Body Eat Expands Distribution

Every Body Eat, founded by Trish Thomas and Nichole Wilson, expands its popular Cheese-less™ Thins to all 25 Dierbergs Markets locations in Missouri and Illinois. This exciting partnership helps Every Body Eat® expand its mission to deliver inclusive and eat-them-by-the-handful delicious snacks to snack-lovers everywhere. Founded in 2020, Every Body Eat® quickly emerged as a revolutionary in the clean snack industry, demanding that snacks free from the top 14 food allergens and corn can also be mind-blowingly delicious.

🍫 SkinnyDipped Launches New Product Nationwide

SkinnyDipped, co-founded by Breezy Griffith, now offers its better-for-you dark chocolate peanut butter cups at Whole Foods stores nationwide. SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are delightfully better for you as they are made with real peanut butter, ethically sourced cocoa, and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Filled to the brim and coated in a dark chocolate shell, they’re also non-GMO, naturally low in sugar, and free of any artificial sweeteners. Fans can check out the Whole Foods website to see where they can purchase SkinnyDipped nearest to them.

🍛 Masala Mama Launches at Sprouts

Masala Mama, founded by Nidhi Jalan, launches a line of ready-to-eat legumes at Sprouts nationwide, featuring playful takes on classic flavors with SKUs like Ooh La La Lentils and Cha Cha Chickpeas. Masala Mama, a New York-based food company known for its Easy Cooking Sauces that marry clean and healthy ingredients with Indian-inspired flavors, has introduced an innovative line of protein-rich ready-to-eat legumes. This expansion showcases Masala Mama’s commitment to providing flavorful, fresh, and convenient options for consumers seeking nutritious and quick meals.

🍜 Omsom Secures Permanent Spot

Omsom, founded by Vanessa and Kim Pham, secures a permanent spot in Sprouts Farmers Market nationwide with their Saucy Noodles after a successful 90-day trial run. Last winter, Omsom entered the Sprouts Foragers Program, where new brands can earn a permanent spot on their shelves depending on their performance during a 90-day trial run. Omsom’s Saucy Noodles, known for their bold and authentic flavors, passed the test, and now you can find all four of their Saucy Noodles at Sprouts stores nationwide.

🤝 Brand Partnerships

🥛 Willa’s Oat Milk Special Feature

Willa’s Oat Milk, co-founded by Christina Dorr Drake, celebrates its hometown support and announces its launch at Target, with a special feature on Twin Cities Live. Christina Dorr Drake expressed her gratitude for the love from the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul), and appreciated the shout-outs to beloved local independent grocers. This new partnership with Target marks a significant milestone for Willa’s Oat Milk as they continue to expand their reach and bring their clean, delicious oat milk to more consumers.

🍫 Elavi announced a partnership with Partake Foods

Michelle Razavi, Co-Founder of Elavi, announced a partnership with Partake Foods to create a gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free Summer S’mores Kit featuring allergen-friendly graham crackers and Elavi’s chocolate fudge and marshmallow cashew butter, thanks to the support of Partake founder Denise Woodard.

Reflecting on her childhood love for s’mores, Michelle Razavi shared how reconnecting with her inner child inspired this collaboration with Partake Foods. As someone who now faces dietary restrictions, Michelle emphasized the importance of creating a treat that is both nostalgic and healthy. The Summer S’mores Kit pairs Partake Foods’ allergen-friendly graham crackers with Elavi’s innovative chocolate fudge and marshmallow cashew butter. The partnership, supported by Denise Woodard of Partake Foods, aims to offer a delicious and inclusive treat for those with dietary restrictions. The kits are available exclusively online, inviting everyone to enjoy a taste of summer nostalgia without compromising their health.

💸 Acquisitions and Investments

🥤 Eight emerging businesses Selected for Accelerator Program

Eight emerging businesses, including JAS, JaziLupini, Mayawell, Nemi, PAKTLI, Pricklee, TOAST-IT, and ¡Ya Oaxaca!, were selected as finalists to participate in the second year of PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos Edition, a five-month mentoring initiative designed to accelerate the growth of consumer packaged goods and beverage brands, said founder Daniel Grubbs.

At the launch event at the Frito-Lay headquarters in Plano, Texas, these eight finalists began their journey with PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos Edition. This program is designed to support the growth of consumer packaged food and beverage brands that are inspired by Hispanic flavors and culture. Over the next five months, these businesses will receive mentorship and resources from experts in research and development, supply chain, and design. Each finalist will receive $20,000 to develop innovative business solutions, with one winning an additional $100,000 at the program’s conclusion. The initiative, led by Daniel Grubbs, emphasizes PepsiCo’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting local communities.

🎉 News to Celebrate

🎂 Happy Moose Juice Celebrates Milestone

Happy Moose Juice, founded by Ryan Armistead, celebrates its 11th birthday, reflecting on its growth from a small pop-up to a nationwide brand. Thinking back on how far they’ve come, from making tiny batches of fresh juice in Ryan’s Presidio home kitchen to selling locally from a pop-up shop in San Francisco’s Mission neighborhood, Happy Moose Juice has now grown into a brand with many strategic partners, selling to amazing retailers and people across the country. Ryan expresses his heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of Happy Moose Juice’s journey and looks forward to many more years of success.



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