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Milkboy to Promote New White Chocolate Bar at Natural Products Expo West

Milkboy Swiss Chocolates will showcase its newest White Chocolate with Bourbon Vanilla and Raspberries bar at Natural Products Expo West from March 13-15 at the Anaheim Convention Center. From their Swiss Chalet-themed booth #N247 in the North Hall, Milkboy will also preview other upcoming seasonal chocolate flavors.The new White Chocolate bar joins a product line that includes other flavors like Finest Alpine Milk, Alpine Milk with Roasted Almonds, Alpine Milk with Crunchy Caramel and Sea Salt, White Chocolate with Bourbon Vanilla, Extra Dark 85% Cocoa, Finest 72% Dark Chocolate with Fresh Roasted Coffee, and Finest 72% Dark Chocolate with Crisp
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Dunkin’, Danone Team Up for Brownie Batter Creamer

Bring on the spoon-licking brownie batter bliss! When it comes to decadent, chocolatey flavor, Dunkin’ knows that too much is never enough. After successfully launching the Brownie Batter Signature Latte in Dunkin’ restaurants in February 2023, and following the popularity of the Brownie Batter Donut, new limited-edition Dunkin’ Brownie Batter Creamer allows consumers to mix up a batch of delightful brownie batter flavor in their coffee cup.
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Southern Glazer’s VolunCheers Raise $82K for Charity

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has announced results from the company’s 2023 Employee Holiday Giving Campaign. The annual campaign, which ran from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, is part of Southern Glazer’s VolunCheers program, a grassroots employee volunteering and giving program that empowers team members to engage with charities in their local communities.
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‘Star’ Bakery Rescues Another ‘Star’ Bakery in Minneapolis

Minneapolis bakery The Thirsty Whale, made famous as a finalist on Food Network’s “Halloween Baking Championship,” is being saved by another Twin Cities baking competition star, YoYo Donuts.
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Kit NA Brewing Launches Starter Pack for Dry January

Kit NA Brewing, a non-alcoholic beer company celebrating inclusivity and connection, is working this season to assist resolutioners and Dry January participants to get their proverbial “K*t” together. Now through January, with a unique and inspirational Dry January experience that breaks away from the traditional, Kit NA Brewing redefines Dry January and makes it a month of holistic well being, fun, and charity with a limited edition “Kit,” available at kitna.beer.
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Goya Foods Donates 250K Pounds of Food to Texas Communities

Goya Foods of Texas donated 250,000 pounds of food to families and individuals in need throughout Texas with the help of Catholic Charities of Houston, Catholic Charities of San Antonio, Houston Food Bank and North Texas Food Bank.
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Safeway, YouTube’s MrBeast Team Up for ‘Survive in a Grocery Store’ Videos

Safeway, the leading banner operated by Albertsons Companies, has partnered with avid philanthropist and top digital creator MrBeast, AKA Jimmy Donaldson, on the latest challenge to hit the popular YouTube channel. Available to watch now, the “Survive in a Grocery Store” video shows MrBeast challenging a contestant to see how many days he can live inside a Safeway grocery store. Every day the man remains in the store, he wins $10,000, but there’s a catch. He must choose $10,000 worth of products to donate to local charities each day as well.
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Williams Sonoma Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Peppermint Bark

Williams Sonoma, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has released the 25th Anniversary of The Original Peppermint Bark. After 20 rounds of recipe testing, in 1998, Williams Sonoma founder Chuck Williams and the Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen team developed the signature recipe for The Original Peppermint Bark that sparked a food trend that is celebrated by chocolate enthusiasts around the world during the holiday season.
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US Agencies Converge to Reduce Food Loss, Waste

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a national strategy that will drive progress toward the national goal to reduce food loss and waste in the United States by 50 percent by 2030. This action is a continuation of the three agencies’ collaborative efforts to build a more sustainable future.
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Salon du Chocolat to Return to NYC in November 2024

The largest world-renowned celebration of chocolate and cocoa, Salon du Chocolat, is set to return to the heart of New York City on Nov. 8-10, 2024 at the Javits Center.
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BJ’s Wholesale Club Continues Free Turkey Promotion

BJ’s Wholesale Club, a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs, will hold its annual free turkey promotion, helping members take advantage of incredible savings as they shop for their holiday essentials.
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Pearl Street Acquires Famous Brands International Franchising

Pearl Street Equity LLC and its affiliates has acquired Famous Brands International franchising business, the parent company of two internationally renowned brands, Mrs. Fields and TCBY. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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Little Sesame, Fly By Jing Create Pumpkin Chili Crisp Hummus

Little Sesame, the fast-growing Washington, D.C., based hummus brand, has formed a collaboration with Fly By Jing, celebrated for bringing uncensored Chinese flavors to modern kitchens with pantry staples. Together, they’ve crafted a one-of-a-kind product just in time for pumpkin spice season: Pumpkin Chili Crisp hummus.

Every container layers Little Sesame’s signature smooth hummus with sweet and sour pumpkin and the bold seasonings of Fly By Jing’s coveted Sichuan Chili Crisp. Together it builds a unique, spicy and savory take on traditional flavors of the season.
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NPEE Ending; Newtopia Now to Take Its Place

Natural Products Expo East’s doors have opened for the last time. After nearly four decades of serving the natural and organic CPG industry, Informa Markets’ New Hope Network announces that the 2023 Natural Products Expo East will be its final edition.
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Sports Figures Added to Yerbaé Advisory Board

Yerbaé Brands Corp., a plant-based energy beverage company, has named six sports luminaries and leaders to its new Yerbaé Advisory Board, Sports and Entertainment. In an advisory capacity, Board members will provide guidance and support to fuel Yerbaé’s rapid growth and introduce Yerbaé to new groups of consumers, focusing their input primarily on Yerbaé’s strategic decisions, brand positioning, marketing campaigns and product innovation.
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Whole Foods Celebrates 20 Years as Certified Organic Grocer

This year marks 20 years since Whole Foods Market attained organic retail certification. To date, the company offers more than 37,000 organic products across its stores and remains the only national retailer to hold this certification as organic grocer.
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DoorDash, ALDI Expand Service to Include Alcohol

DoorDash, the local commerce platform, and ALDI, the grocery price leader for six years running, have expanded their partnership, announcing that consumers can now order on-demand alcohol delivery from more than 1,200 ALDI locations across 21 states on DoorDash. With the addition of ALDI, one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, nearly 80% of DoorDash consumers can now access alcohol through safe, age-verified delivery.
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Kroger, Albertsons Agree to Sell Some Stores, Assets to C&S

The Kroger Co. and Albertsons Companies Inc. have entered a definitive agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC for the sale of select stores, banners, distribution centers, offices and private label brands in connection with their proposed merger previously announced on Oct. 14.
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Craft Ice Maker Lux Ice Appoints F&B Veteran Crouse as CEO

Craft ice manufacturer Lux Ice USA has appointed food and beverage industry veteran Michael Crouse as chief executive officer. Crouse joins Lux Ice with over 30 years of commercial and general management experience in both the retail and foodservice sectors in North America. His previous roles included president of US Foodservice at Kraft Heinz and VP/GM of US Supermarkets at the Frito Lay division of PepsiCo. Most recently, he was the head of US prepared foodservice at Tyson Foods.
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J.M. Smucker to Acquire Hostess for $5.6B

Hostess Brands, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement with The J.M. Smucker Co. to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Hostess Brands in a cash and stock transaction valued at $34.25 per Hostess Brands share, representing a transaction value of approximately $5.6 billion, including the assumption of debt.
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Islamic Scholars Declare Cultivated Meat May Be Halal

A group of leading Islamic scholars has advised GOOD Meat, the cultivated meat division of food technology company Eat Just, Inc., that real meat made from cells, without raising and slaughtering animals, can be halal if production meets certain criteria. Answering this theological question is a meaningful step forward for international acceptance of cultivated meat since halal consumers represent about 25 percent of the world’s population.
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Tractor Supply Launches Annual FFA Fundraiser

Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has launched its ninth annual National Future Farmers of America Organization T-shirt fundraiser. For a limited time, customers can purchase special-edition FFA T-shirts exclusively at Tractor Supply stores nationwide and online to support FFA and its ongoing commitment to the future of agriculture.
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SEG Gives 1.5 Million Meals During Hunger Action Month

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is donating more than 1 million meals to Feeding America and an additional 500,000 meals between five of its network food banks in the Southeast to help alleviate hunger in underserved communities during Hunger Action Month.
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USDA Milk Loss Assistance Announced

The U.S Department of Agriculture announced Milk Loss Program assistance for eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of those weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk (e.g., power outages, impassable roads, infrastructure losses, etc.) during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022.
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Target Research Group Acquires Spoonshot

Target Research Group, a leading market research company with 37 years of research experience, has acquired food intelligence platform Spoonshot. This strategic acquisition strengthens Target Research Group’s commitment to delivering advanced, AI-powered insights for businesses in the food and beverage industry.
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New Crops of Organic Potatoes Hitting Retailers

Several states are digging and shipping new crops of organic potatoes, and there is potential for promotions, especially with organic russets, according to a report from the Organic Produce Network. Read more.


Hurricane Hilary Impact ‘Devastating’ on California Table Grape Crop

Hurricane Hilary delivered wind and rain to many California table grape vineyards at peak harvest time for most of the 90 varieties grown in the state. The immediate aftermath of the hurricane brought additional rain and humidity to many growing areas, compounding problems and loss. “The impact of the hurricane and its aftermath is devastating and heartbreaking,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission. “To say that the grower and farmworker community is in shock is an understatement.” Read more.


Giant Eagle Retains Artman as CEO

Giant Eagle, Inc., one of the nation’s leading regional food, fuel, and pharmacy retailers, has appointed Bill Artman as chief executive officer after having been named interim CEO in March. Read more.


Capri Sun Issues Kid Noise-Canceling Juice Drink Packs

Back-to-school season is upon us and parents are in the midst of never-ending to-do lists. From school supply shopping and endless forms, to sports practices and meet the teacher nights, parents often spend the only moments they have to themselves trying to keep up with the never-ending demands. With 66 percent of parents reporting being burned out, Capri Sun Juice Drink wants to give parents a much-needed break by introducing Kid Noise-Canceling Juice Drink packs, which offer parents 50 seconds of calm, in partnership with Taskrabbit. Read more.


BuzzBallz Ready-to-Drink Cocktails Goes on the Road

BuzzBallz is on the road, stopping in 11 cities for 11 installations of the USA Today Wine & Food Experience. From Aug. 12-Nov. 4, BuzzBallz ready-to-drink cocktails will be sponsoring every event on the tour. Read more.


My/Mochi Pumpkin Spice, Apple Pie Flavors Return

It’s that time of year when all that is nice comes is pumpkin spice! My/Mochi is no exception. The brand will start stocking freezers nationwide with its Pumpkin Spice, as well as Apple Pie á La Mode, mochi ice creams beginning in early September. Read more.


GoodPop Launches Pumpkin Spice Latte Frozen Pop

GoodPop, a leading better-for-you frozen treat brand that exists to do good in the world, announces its Pumpkin Spice Latte frozen pop, just in time for the fall season. Creamy and indulgent, these dairy free treats are made with oatmilk, real pumpkin, fair trade cold brewed coffee and only have 60 calories per pop. Read more.


Chobani Debuts Oatmilk Pumpkin Spice

Chobani, a next generation food and beverage company known for its Greek yogurt, has introduced Chobani Oatmilk Pumpkin Spice, a rich, creamy, pumpkin spice flavored oat drink made from the goodness of whole grain oats. The latest addition to the brand’s pumpkin patch is vegan-friendly, a good source of calcium, free of dairy and lactose and perfect for pumpkin spice enthusiasts looking for fall beverages that don’t compromise on quality or flavor. Read more.


Hydration Beverage waterdrop Rings NASDAQ Bell

In a momentous occasion, waterdrop, the pioneer in hydration and beverage, has rung the NASDAQ market opening bell in celebration of its rapid growth in the United States. A symbol of the brand’s strategic U.S. expansion and emergence as a leader in the industry, this event underscores waterdrop’s commitment to sustainable hydration both in sports and in daily life. Read more.


Sol-Ti Founder O’Donnell Steps Down as President, CEO

Sol-ti founder Ryne O’Donnell along with the board of directors has appointed former chief executive officer of Pressed Juicery, Pawan Kalra, as president & CEO of the company. O’Donnell steps into new role as founder, chairman and chief vitality advocate, nine years after founding the company. Read more.


Southern Glazer’s Donates $50K for Maui Fire Relief

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is donating a total of $50,000 to two charities, Maui Strong Fund – Hawaii Community Foundation and Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui, to support Maui fire relief efforts after recent wildfires caused heartbreaking devastation across the island. Read more.


The Fresh Market Raising Funds for Victims of Maui Fires

The Fresh Market, Inc. is stepping up to support the victims of the devastating fires in Hawaii. The specialty food retailer is hosting a five-day register roundup at all of its stores to raise money for those affected by the Maui fires. The funds raised during the event will be donated to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines to provide meals to people impacted by humanitarian, natural and community crises around the globe. Read more.


GS Foods, PepsiCo Team Up for Maui Fire Relief

In response to the devastating wildfires in Maui, GS Foods Group has partnered with PepsiCo to support critical relief efforts for impacted communities. Gold Star Foods, a GS Foods Group subsidiary, will provide more than 20,000 shelf-stable meals to the Hawaii Child Nutrition Program and the children in Maui schools through PepsiCo Foundation’s Food for Good Program. Read more.


Black Rock Coffee Bar Sets Fall Drink Menu

Black Rock Coffee Bar, a national boutique coffee chain, will celebrate the season with its new lineup of fall drinks that will be available from Sept. 1-Oct. 31 in all its more than 100 Black Rock Coffee Bar stores across seven states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. Read more.


Washington Expects Bumper Organic Apple Crop

Coming off a year of short supplies due to several weather events, the Washington apple industry has forecast a very large crop compared to 2022-23, with organic apple volume predicted to be 66 percent greater this season. Read more.


NatureSweet, Barilla Team Up on Back-to-School Recipes

NatureSweet, the best-selling brand in snacking tomatoes, and Barilla, the world’s largest pasta producer, have joined forces to give parents and kids a little recipe inspiration this school year. Both companies have partnered to create a campaign focusing on delicious, simple meals for back-to-school lunchboxes that are being promoted on two major grocery delivery platforms: Instacart and Kroger. Read more.


McKenna Retires as Walmart International Executive

Walmart logo

Judith McKenna is retiring as president and CEO of Walmart International, with Kath McLay taking her place and Chris Nicolas taking McLay’s place as president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S. The leadership changes take effect Sept. 11 and announced in a memo from Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart Inc., to associates. Read more.


Kraft Heinz Appoints Abrams-Rivera as CEO

The Kraft Heinz Company announced that its board of directors has appointed Carlos Abrams-Rivera as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective Jan. 1. Until then, Abrams-Rivera will continue in his role as president of the North America zone with the added responsibilities of becoming president of Kraft Heinz, effective immediately. Read more.


SEG Launches Annual School Donation Program

Southeastern Grocers Inc., is launching its third annual in-store community donation program benefiting more than 420 K-12 schools and school districts throughout the Southeast. Through Aug. 29, customers can donate $1, $5 or round up their purchase at checkout to help fund vital school resources and educational programs to ensure a successful start to the new school year. Read more.


Zevia CFO Steps Down, Neubauer Appointed as Interim

Zevia PBC announced that Florence Neubauer, Zevia’s current senior vice president, financial planning & analysis, has been appointed interim chief financial officer, replacing Denise D. Beckles, who will be leaving the company effective Sept. 4 to pursue another opportunity. The company has launched a formal search process to identify a permanent replacement. Read more.


UNFI Wraps Up Successful Winter Show

United Natural Foods, Inc. concluded a successful 2023 Conventional Winter Show, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis. UNFI Winter Show brought together more than 2,000 grocery retailers, providing them with access to the company’s extensive network of suppliers and vendors. Read more.


Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest Heralds Fall, Agritourism

Move over pumpkin spice lattes, the new unofficial start of fall begins with the opening of Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest, an award-winning agritourism destination full of immersive autumn festivities for the whole family. Less than half an hour south of the Twin Cities, the family-owned farm opens its gates with the return of popular traditions including apple picking, a legendary Corn Maze, the thrilling Cow Train, and sensational new attractions such as the Cider Barn for adults, the Slippery Slope slides and an expanded Play Village for children. Read more.


Podcaster Ryan Invests in, Promotes Laird Superfood

Former U.S. Navy SEAL, CIA contractor and top-rated podcast host Shawn Ryan is partnering with Laird Superfood, Inc., as a shareholder and brand ambassador. This partnership kicks off Laird Superfood’s mission to amplify its voice through powerful ambassadors with passions for real, functional food. Read more.


Southern Recipe Aids Truck Drivers in Annual Campaign

In Southern Recipe’s Annual Truck Driver Appreciation Week campaign, the brand will once again shine a light on the truck driving industry and support St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund with a $7,500 donation plus an additional $5,000 donation from Rudolph Foods going directly to the wellness programs. Bringing awareness to the truck driving community and Truck Driver Appreciation Week has been a passion of Southern Recipe’s for more than a decade. Throughout August and into Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which is Sept. 10-16, drivers will be encouraged to sign up for free health screenings and services on the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund website. Read more.


Midwest Growth Partners Invests in French Gourmet

Midwest Growth Partners, a West Des Moines- and Omaha-based private equity fund that specializes in succession planning and growth capital investments across the food and agriculture value chain, has invested in French Gourmet, LLC. Read more.


Tractor Beverage Official Refreshment of Surfing Event

Tractor Beverage Company, the rapidly expanding North American beverage brand known for its certified organic, non-GMO full-line beverage solutions, announced its partnership as an Official Refreshment of the Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, the fourth stop on the World Surf League Challenger Series and the first stop on the WSL Longboard Tour. Read more.


Pork Producer, Farmers Sue Over Massachusetts Question 3

Triumph Foods filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts federal district court challenging the constitutionality of the state law known as Question 3 and, in turn, similar laws like it, including California’s Proposition 12. Christensen Farms Midwest, LLC, The Hanor Company of Wisconsin, LLC, New Fashion Pork, LLP, and Eichelberger Farms, Inc., also joined the suit as plaintiffs, along with the Allied Producers’ Cooperative, a group of smaller Midwest farmers. Read more.


Alvinesa Acquires Olive Extract Pioneer Genosa

Madrid-based Alvinesa Natural Ingredients has successfully acquired Genosa. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Alvinesa’s growth strategy and strengthens its position as a key player in the upcycled natural ingredients market, according to the company. Read more.


Good Foods Promotes GUAC-a-RITA With Giveaway

Good Foods, a leader in better-for-you dips and guacamole, has combined two quintessential summertime treats – guacamole and margaritas – in one with the launch of the GUAC-a-RITA. To celebrate, the brand will host a giveaway on Instagram for 25 winners to receive their very own GUAC-a-RITA prize pack, aptly beginning on July 24 with National Tequila Day and ending on National Avocado Day on July 31. Read more.


Ferrara Candy to Acquire Dori Alimentos

Ferrara Candy Company, a Ferrero related company and the largest sugar confections company in the United States, has reached an agreement to acquire Dori Alimentos, one of Brazil’s leading manufacturers and distributors of sweets and snacks. The acquisition will be made through CTH, which is the lead holding company of Ferrara. Dori is a family-controlled company backed by an affiliate of ACON Investments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Read more.


St. Malachi Named Best of Show at ACS Competition

St. Malachi, an alpine-style cheese in the Farmstead category from The Farm at Doe Run of Coatesville, Penn., was named first place Best of Show among 1,454 entries at the American Cheese Society’s 2023 Judging & Competition. The results of the competition were announced at the 40 Years of Cheese Conference in Des Moines. The Farm at Doe Run received a total of 10 awards at this year’s competition – four first place, four second place, one third place and first place Best of Show.
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Lotus Foods Promotes Burke to CEO

Lotus Foods, the heirloom and organic rice company, has promoted Andrew Burke to CEO from president/COO. Co-founders Caryl Levine and Ken Lee will remain in their board seats and as visionaries focused on expanding the mission to change the way rice is grown globally. The transition, effective July 2023, is an exciting strategic step in the nearly 30-year history of Lotus Foods as the company positions itself for continued innovation, growth and impact. Read more.


U.S. C-Stores Celebrate First Responders on 24/7 Day

On Monday, July 24, also known as 24/7 Day, the U.S. convenience store industry will once again celebrate the local heroes within its communities. 24/7 Day recognizes and gives back to first responders, medical personnel, 9-1-1 professionals and Red Cross volunteers who work around the clock to ensure people don’t face emergencies alone. Read more.


SEG Donates $160K to Southeast Food Banks

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has donated $160,000 to eight Southeast food banks to help combat food insecurity among families during the summer months. Read more.


US Foods Completes Renzi Foodservice Acquisition

US Foods Holding Corp. has successfully completed the previously announced acquisition of Renzi Foodservice, a broadline distributor located in Watertown, N.Y. The transaction closed July 7. The acquisition enables US Foods to further expand its reach into central upstate New York where the company does not have a distribution center. Read more.


Heinz, Hot Dog Champ Protest ‘Mistreatment’ of Franks

Heinz has launched the “Hot Dogs Are Not a Contest” movement to end the mistreatment of hot dogs – depriving them of necessary condiments – once and for all. Just minutes after the world’s most famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, the brand and six-time Hot Dog-Eating Contest Champion, Takeru Kobayashi, rallied for justice by giving runners-up a chance at redemption. The first losing finalist who eats a hot dog the right way – with love, admiration, and of course, Heinz condiments – will win $10,000, matching the Hot Dog Eating Contest’s prize money. Read more.


Pepsi Bottling Ventures Suffers Security Breach

Pepsi Bottling Ventures LLC has revealed that a security breach occurred in December that may have involved some personal information provided by current and former employees and contractors of PBV. Pepsi Bottling Ventures is an independent, privately-held bottler. No information owned by PepsiCo was affected. Read more.


SEG Donates $750K to Folds of Honor

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has donated $750,000 to Folds of Honor, bolstering its support for the nonprofit by helping provide 150 educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled military members. Read more.


Black Rifle Coffee Changes Management Team

Black Rifle Coffee, a rapidly growing and mission-driven premium coffee company founded to support veterans, active-duty military, and first responders and serve a broad customer base by connecting consumers with great coffee anCd a unique brand experience, announced changes to its management team to strengthen its ability to drive profitable growth and serve customers. The company is also reaffirming 2023 full-year financial guidance previously provided on May 11. Read more.


Summer Fancy Food: Back to Its Glory, Full of Surprises

As one of my journalist colleagues said on the first day of the Summer Fancy Food Show, the best advice to a first-timer is to wear comfortable shoes and get as much done as you can in the morning, when the crowds are lighter because by noon, the crowds build and it’s shoulder-to-shoulder in the halls at the Javitz Center. Yes, by all looks of it, the vestiges of the pandemic are over and the exhibitors and buyers are back in full strength, looking for the next food fad. Read more.


Topspin Acquires Division of Three Dog Bakery Dog Treats

Topspin Consumer Partners, an operationally driven private equity firm focused on the consumer sector, has acquired the consumer products division of Three Dog Bakery, the creator of humanized dog treats sold at traditional and online retailers. TDB’s existing management team will continue to lead the Company in their current roles. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Read more.


Kraft Singles Apple Pie Debuts in Time for July Fourth

What’s more American than apple pie? Apple pie with cheese melted on top. This Fourth of July, Kraft Singles is partnering with Little Pie Company, known for its dedication to crafting exceptional handmade pies, to create the Kraft Singles Apple Pie. The single-serve pie combines two of the most iconic American foods: the undeniably perfect melt of Kraft Singles, with the sweet classic flavors of a traditional apple pie. With its simple irresistible taste, the iconic yellow square slice makes all foods more delicious, including a decadent dessert-like apple pie. Read more.


GOOD Meat Gets OK for Cultivated Chicken Sales in US

GOOD Meat, the cultivated meat division of food technology company Eat Just, Inc., has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its first poultry product, cultivated chicken, to enter interstate commerce. This landmark clearance means the firm’s chicken, which is made directly from animal cells, can now be sold to American consumers. Read more.


Coca-Cola to Buy Finlandia Vodka for $220M

Brown-Forman Corporation has reached an agreement to sell its Finlandia vodka brand to Coca-Cola HBC AG for $220 million, subject to the customary closing process. The purchase is expected to close in the second half of the 2023 calendar year. Read more.


Ferraro Foods Acquires GDS Foods Inc.

Ferraro Foods, one of the country’s largest specialty distributors of food and foodservice supplies to pizzerias and Italian restaurants, has acquired New Jersey-based GDS Foods Inc., an importer and distributor of Italian food products to pizzerias throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Read more.


Impossible Foods Adds Veteran Execs to Team

Impossible Foods has added two seasoned executives to its leadership team to oversee several critical business functions. Read more.


Campbell Snacks Named Official MLS Sponsor

Major League Soccer and Campbell Snacks, a division of Campbell Soup Company, have formed a new partnership that designates Campbell Snacks as official snack sponsors of the League through the 2026 season. Read more.


Cheesemonger Invitational Descends on NYC

The Cheesemonger Invitational will hold its annual cheese party-meets-competition in New York City on June 25 at BK Steel, 319 Frost St. For those who love cheese, and the people who bring you the cheese, this event features table after table of the world’s finest cheese from France, Italy, Switzerland, Holland, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, England, Germany, California, Wisconsin, Vermont and New York. Literally tons of cheese. Rarely can anyone sample so many cheeses from so many places at the same time. Read more.


Rainbow Cone, Gino’s East Team Up for Magnificent Mile

The Original Rainbow Cone, a Chicago tradition for over 95 years, has formed a partnership with Gino’s East, a legendary name in deep-dish pizza. This collaboration will bring together two of the city’s oldest and most iconic restaurants, creating a culinary destination like no other. The Original Rainbow Cone will be adding a kiosk to the Gino’s East Superior Street location (162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611), aptly named Magnificent Mile, offering locals and tourists a taste of both sweet and savory delights. Read more.


Whole Foods Names Supplier All-Star Awards Winners

Whole Foods Market announced the recipients of its annual Supplier All-Star Awards, recognizing 15 brands that raise the industry bar for quality, innovation, value and social responsibility, and are aligned with Whole Foods Market’s Core Values, such as caring for local communities and practicing win-win partnerships. Read more.


SEG Seeks Nonprofits for Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grants

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is now accepting applications from nonprofits throughout the Southeast for its 2023 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The grant supports organizations that work to address racial disparities in health care, food insecurity and education, while building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Read more.


Impossible Launches ‘Making Meat History’ Ads

Impossible Foods is gearing up for summer with the launch of two new national advertising campaigns designed to introduce consumers across the country to the plant-based meat category as well as Impossible’s brand and products. Read more.


San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Winners Announced

After an extensive judging of quality California-produced olive oils, The Big Fresno Fair is excited to reveal the winners of the 8th Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition. This competition, which is open to all olive oil producers in California with products made from their 2022 olive harvest, received a total of 63 entries from 27 olive oil producers from throughout the state. Read more.


Publix Donates in Honor of World Oceans Day

On World Oceans Day, June 8, Publix announced its continued efforts to support seafood sustainability and protect ocean wildlife. This year’s donations bring the company’s total contributions to more than $600,000 during the 13-year collaboration with Sustainable Fisheries Partnership. Read more.


Derek Jeter Joins Meati Foods as Investor, Advisor

Meati Foods, the producer of animal-free meat made from mushroom root, announced that MLB Hall of Fame member, investor and entrepreneur Derek Jeter has joined the company as an investor and advisor. Read more.


Heinz Launches Saucemerica Collection of Packets

Heinz has launched The United States of Saucemerica Collection: a limited-edition line-up of 50 United States-inspired condiment packet designs. Saucemerica packets are available in seven condiment varieties, and each packet’s design corresponds to one of the 50 states and its most notable dish – hello, Idaho French Fries and Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds! Read more.


MyForest Foods Raises $15M, Hires CEO

MyForest Foods Co. has raised $15 million in Series A-2 funding to support its next chapter of growth and further bring its hero product, MyBacon, to more consumers across the East Coast. The round was led by MyForest Foods’ parent company, Ecovative Design. Read more.


Albertsons Rebrands Private Labels as Signature SELECT

Albertsons Companies, Inc. will rebrand its Signature Farms, Signature Care and Signature Cafe products under one master brand, Signature SELECT, which features a refreshed, modern logo, bold packaging and a new marketing campaign designed to build an emotional connection with customers. The transition to Signature SELECT is under way across stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and more, and is expected to be complete in early 2024. Read more.


‘Modern-Day Supper Club’ Grace by Nia Opens in Boston

Three of Boston’s award-winning business leaders in the hospitality and entertainment sector — Nia Grace, owner of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and The Underground Café & Lounge and Ed Kane and Randy Greenstein, owners of Big Night Entertainment Group — have joined forces to open Grace by Nia, a modern-day supper club for which Eastern Bank is providing financing. Opened on May 11 in Boston’s Seaport District, Grace by Nia puts a new twist on the supper club concept, featuring over 5,000 square feet of restaurant and live entertainment space, a Southern soul-infused menu and a stage for live jazz music. Eastern Bank provided the term loan for the lease-hold improvements to support the build-out of the space. Read more.


Emerging Brands Alliance Offers $50K Grant

For companies scaling their brands to the next level, the Emerging Brands Alliance will award a $50,000 grant this September to one brand. Read more.


Doctors Group Files Complaint Over ‘Wood Milk’ Ad

In April, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service approved an ad that features “The White Lotus” actress Aubrey Plaza mocking plant milk. But the now-viral “Wood Milk” ads violate laws forbidding federal agricultural promotions from depicting products in a negative light, according to a complaint filed with the USDA Office of Inspector General by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit public health advocacy organization. Read more.


We Wish You a Safe Memorial Day 2023

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SweetWater Releases Summer Brew American Lager

SweetWater Brewing Company, the ninth largest craft brewer in the U.S. and a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, Inc., announced the summer release of SweetWater American Lager, a special edition of SweetWater’s flagship Lager, featuring American red, white and blue branding now available in over 10 states across the United States with national distribution coming soon. Read more.


SEG Folds of Honor Program Launched

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, launched its sixth annual community donation program benefiting Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled military members. Read more.


Nassau Candy Brings Stix Back as Clever Candy Straws

Nassau Candy, leading manufacturer of specialty and private label confections, announced at the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo (Booth #11948) its mission to bring back candy stix in a big way with the launch of its Clever Candy Straws. Read more.


Barry Callebaut Showcases Innovations at Sweets & Snacks

Barry Callebaut announced its continued commitment to providing innovations for food manufacturers aligned to the company’s Future of Indulgence report that was debuted at last year’s Sweets & Snacks show. Barry Callebaut will showcase two recent innovations this year: Ruby Chip and the first taste of the 2nd Generation of Chocolate. Read more.


US Foods Announces Changes in Leadership Team

US Foods Holding Corp. announced key changes to its Executive Leadership Team effective immediately. Read more.


SNAX-Sational Brings Penne Straws to Sweets and Snacks Show

SNAX-Sational Brands will represent at the Sweets and Snacks Trade Show, May 22-25, in Chicago. The Candy Pop and Cookie Pop booth #11180 will include samples of SNAX-Sational’s Pasta Snacks’ Penne Straws, available in Marinara, Lemon Garlic, Mac n’ Cheese, Sweet Pepper and Cinnamon Churro flavors. Read more.


USDA to Provide Aid to Organic Dairy Producers for Marketing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide assistance for dairy producers with the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program. ODMAP is established to help mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. Specifically, under the ODMAP, USDA’s Farm Service Agency is making $104 million available to organic dairy operations to assist with projected marketing costs in 2023, calculated using their marketing costs in 2022. Read more.


Alberstons Names Moriarty EVP, General Counsel

Albertsons Companies, Inc. has named Tom Moriarty as executive vice president and general vounsel effective June 5. Read more.


Goodbye, Wienermobile; Hello, Frankmobile

Oscar Mayer has ushered in a new era for its beloved Wienermobile, changing the vehicle’s name for the first time since it first hit the road in 1936. The newly coined “Frankmobile” pays homage to the brand’s 100% Beef Franks as it debuts a tasty new recipe with a more balanced flavor profile and iconic beefy taste that is more flavorful than ever – all while sparking miles of smiles and uniting fans around a love of meat. Read more.


Alaska King Salmon Season Begins, Looks Above Average

The first king salmon from Copper River, weighing 34 pounds, landed in Seattle on an Alaska Airlines flight direct from the pristine waters of Alaska, marking the beginning of what industry leaders expect to be an above-average run for the some of the most delectable salmon in the world. Representatives from Trident Seafoods, the Copper River Prince William Sound Marketing Association, Alaska Airlines and Chef Tom Douglas were on-hand to greet the first of these prized fish. Read more.


Cultivated Meat Startup Clever Carnivore Hires VP Product Development

The Clever Bratwurst is one bite closer to your grocer’s meat department. Clever Carnivore, a Chicago-based biotech startup working to bring cultivated meat — pork, beef and chicken — to consumers, has hired Russell Thomas, MSc, as vice president of product development. A triple-decade food scientist with expertise in food safety, product development and operations management, Thomas will accelerate the development of Clever Carnivore’s debut consumer product, the Clever Bratwurst. Read more.


US Foods Opening 3 CHEF’STORE Locations This Fall

US Foods Holding Corp. will open US Foods CHEF’STORE locations in Roanoke, Va., Greenville, N.C., and Fayetteville, N.C. All three locations are expected to open in late fall 2023. Known for outstanding service, convenience and a large selection of competitively priced restaurant-quality products and supplies, CHEF’STORE offers a one-stop-shop for restaurant operators, food industry professionals, community groups and at-home chefs to quickly stock up or replenish ingredients and supplies by the case and in individual quantities. Read more.


Kelley’s Gourmet Mustard Named Grand Champion

Kevin Kelley’s late father, Howard, must be proud. Howard had started a successful catering business in the 1960s and Kevin learned that his customers loved his mustard. Kevin heard about the Mustard Competition in 2012 and entered his Kelley’s Gourmet stone ground blend in 2012 and every year since. He has won several medals over the years in the Deli Category and this year was crowned Grand Champion. It is pure magic on a corned beef or pastrami sandwich. Read more.


Groix & Nature Sardines in Lobster Oil Wins sofi Gold Product Award

Groix & Nature Sardines in Lobster Oil has been named the 2023 sofi Gold Product Award Winner in the Seafood category. The Specialty Food Association’s sofi Awards, which have been bestowed annually since 1972, are a top honor in the $175 billion specialty food industry. Read more.


Niman Ranch Calls Prop 12 Ruling ‘Watershed Moment for Animal Welfare’

Chipotle Young Farmers Initiative full rights photography

Niman Ranch, the humane animal care leader, today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Proposition 12. “This is a truly watershed moment for animal welfare. Since day one, Niman Ranch has been one of the only companies to ban the use of crates for raising hogs and today our more than 500 independent family farmer partners proudly raise their pigs 100 percent crate free. We applaud the Supreme Court’s decision and this historic moment for humane animal care.” Read more.


Happy Mother’s Day!

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Tecton Wishes Moms Happy Hydration

Tecton recognizes the enormous sacrifices mothers make every day to raise their children. In celebration of the upcoming holiday of Mother’s Day, Tecton, the world’s first and only nature-identical ketone beverage that’s palatable and safe at any dose for any age, has announced a special offer for mothers and the people who love them. This special price is 42 percent lower than retail on every order of Tecton until the end of the month (May 31). Read more.


Pillsbury, Miami Chef Create Doughboy’s Simply Sweet Brunch Bouquets

This Mother’s Day, Pillsbury wants families to skip the long waits at restaurants and give mom what she really wants — a bouquet of her favorite brunch bites courtesy of the Doughboy. Pillsbury is making this Mother’s Day special, easy and sweet by releasing edible Brunch Bouquets featuring its iconic Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, Biscuits and Crescent Rolls, arranged in a beautiful and visually stunning display that mimics a traditional floral bouquet. Read more.


Florida Food Products Hires Neat as CFO

Florida Food Products, LLC, one of the world’s largest independent providers of natural ingredients, has named Kevin Neat, former chief financial officer of Johnson & Johnson’s North American Consumer Health business (now publicly listed as Kenvue), as chief financial officer. Neat will be a part of FFP’s executive leadership team and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of FFP’s financial and IT functions. Read more.


SEG Celebrates Leader for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is commemorating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by celebrating the achievements and contributions of one of its leaders. Read more.


Ole Smoky Hosts National Moonshine Day on June 1

Ole Smoky Distillery, home of the most visited distillery in the world and #1 moonshine brand in the United States, is once again bringing National Moonshine Day to life with a 360 degree marketing campaign and its second annual “Shine Fest” on June 1. This year, the bestselling moonshine brand will host celebrations in its hometown of Gatlinburg, Tenn., as well as five additional markets around the United States. Read more.


Southeastern Grocers Urges Hurricane Preparededness

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is encouraging customers to begin preparing for natural disasters during National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1, and customers should begin to stock up now on vital items including a supply of water, non-perishable food, extra batteries, first-aid kits and more. Read more.


May Brings American Cheese Month Celebration

American Cheese Month kicks off May 1. The annual event is a grassroots celebration of North America’s artisan and specialty cheeses and their makers and is organized by the American Cheese Education Foundation, the fundraising partner of the American Cheese Society.
Read more.


LeMay to Head California Table Grape Commission in 2025

Ian LeMay, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, will become president & CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in the spring of 2025. LeMay will succeed Kathleen Nave who has served in the lead staff role since January 1999 when she succeeded Bruce Obbink. Read more.


Deep Eddy Vodka Drops New Tea Hard Seltzer – Literally

Deep Eddy Vodka, one of the fastest-growing American-made spirits brands, has launched its latest  line extension, Deep Eddy Vodka + Tea Hard Seltzers. Following the successful entry to the canned ready-to-drink segment with the brand’s now award-winning Deep Eddy Vodka + Soda, the new Vodka + Tea Hard Seltzers will be available in a variety of flavors, including lemon tea, sweet tea and peach tea. Read more.


Alkaline88 3-Liter Coming to Western C-Store Chain

The Alkaline Water Company Inc., the country’s largest independent alkaline water company and the Clean Beverage company, announced that the Alkaline88 3-Liter has been incorporated into the cold vault schematics for the summer resets of a top-ten convenience store chain in California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington and Oregon. Approximately 600 locations of the prominent chain will offer Deliciously Smooth Alkaline88, chilled to perfection for on-the-go consumers both day and night. Resets are expected to be finished by July. Read more.


Hannaford Adds Yerbaé Energy Drink to Supermarket Shelves

Yerbaé Brands Corp., a plant-based Yerbaé energy drink company, announced its expansion into 185 Hannaford supermarkets throughout the northeastern United States. This strategic partnership will make Yerbaé’s popular plant-based beverages readily available to a broader base of consumers seeking a healthier energy drink alternative. Hannaford is an American supermarket chain based in Scarborough, Maine and can be found in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. Read more.


Papa John’s Adds Doritos Cool Ranch Papadia to Menu

Papa Johns is bringing an exciting flavor to its menu and expanding its Papadia lineup in a cutting-edge way, this time by joining forces with PepsiCo Foodservice to deliver fans a product mashup that combines its signature flatbread-style sandwich with the “cool” flavors of Doritos Cool Ranch to create the all-new Doritos Cool Ranch Papadia. Read more.


Black Rifle Coffee Appoints Mondzelewski as CMO

Black Rifle Coffee Company has appointed Chris Mondzelewski as chief marketing officer, effective May 1. In this newly created position, Mondzelewski will be responsible for developing and executing all aspects of BRC’s marketing strategy to drive business growth and market share across all channels including direct-to-consumer, wholesale, the bagged coffee and ready-to-drink product portfolio, and retail coffee shops. Read more.


Southeastern Grocers Raises Funds for Children’s Hospitals

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is collaborating with nine Southeast children’s hospitals to raise essential funds in support of the pediatric care facilities specialized and emergency services that provide critical care for local children and their families every day. Read more.


HelloFresh Launches ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’-Themed Treats

HelloFresh, the world’s leading meal kit company, has teamed up with Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” in theaters May 5, to bring out-of-this-world flavors and recipes to kitchens across the galaxy. With the launch of a new limited-edition Guardians Recipe Adventure series and Guardians Snack Adventure kit, HelloFresh customers and Guardians of the Galaxy fans can enjoy recipes inspired by the film. Read more.


California Avocado Season Under Way

The California Avocado Commission announces the kickoff to the 2023 season with fresh, delicious fruit available now through summer. From smoothies and salads to dips and desserts, California avocados are packed with flavor and nutrients, and are a versatile staple in any diet. Read more.


Philadelphia Cream Cheese Debuts Tax-Free Bagel

New York City may be the bagel capital of the world, but its residents incur a ludicrous “bagel tax” each time they opt to purchase a bagel that’s sliced and schmeared with cream cheese. As a brand that has set the cream cheese standard for 150 years, Philadelphia believes that no one should have to pay an extra tax to experience its silky-smooth delight. To address the New York bagel tax head-on, the brand is taking the tax and stuffing it (literally) with the debut of the new, limited-edition Tax-Free Bagel – available nationwide through Tax Day, Tuesday, April 18. Read more.


Want Lower Egg Prices? Just Date a Farmer

The “egg crisis” is making consumers’ lives complicated—prices have skyrocketed, shelves are bare, and people are turning to unconventional ways to get their eggs. As a brand that’s all about finding unconventional solutions to make consumers’ lives easier, Just Crack an Egg has you covered: Just Date a Farmer. Just Crack an Egg, a quick delicious breakfast meal using a fresh egg, is partnering with FarmersOnly.com, the popular dating website with over 1.5 million single farmers looking for love, to give egg lovers the opportunity to meet a farmer and in return get fresh and affordable eggs. Read more.


IFF Chair Dale F. Morrison Dies; Ferguson Assumes Role

Dale F. Morrison, chair of the IFF board, has died, the company announced. Morrison served more than a decade as a member of the IFF board, including as chair since February 2022. Under his leadership, the company delivered on an ambitious global transformation, strengthening its position as an industry leader, setting new standards for innovation and R&D and restoring a commitment to operational excellence. He worked closely with IFF’s leadership team and Board to oversee a period of growth as IFF solidified its essential role in the CPG value chain. Morrison was 74. Read more.


Bone Suckin’ Sauce Peak City Pig Fest Set for April 14-15

Join the Bone Suckin’ Sauce Peak City Pig Fest this Friday, May 14 at 5 pm, and all-day Saturday, April 15, for a FREE family fun BBQ festival to enjoy live music, Kid Zone, food, beer garden, and various street vendors. Read more.


‘Wienermobile of Love’ Awaits Wedding Couples in Las Vegas

Oscar Mayer, the brand known for uniting millions over a love of meat, announced the opportunity for soon-to-be-newlyweds to exchange vows in hot-dog bliss. Designed to subvert the seriousness of stressful wedding planning and highlight the joy weddings should bring, fans across the country may sign up to wed at the first “Wienermobile of Love,” a limited-time chapel conveniently located in the elopement mecca of the country: Las Vegas, baby! Read more.


Fitzgerald Steps Down as U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action CEO

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action has announced the organization and CEO Erin Fitzgerald have agreed to an amicable parting of ways to pursue new opportunities. Read more.


Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese’s Chocolate Mascarpone Wins Best in Class

Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese’s Chocolate Mascarpone took home Best in Class accolades in the Flavored Soft Cheese category at the 2023 United States Cheese Championships, with Fresh Mozzarella placing in the Top 3 of the Fresh Mozzarella category. Read more.


Country Music Star Luke Bryan to Tout Smithfield Foods Brands

Smithfield Foods’ portfolio of consumer favorite brands are collaborating with country music superstar and television personality Luke Bryan to help recognize and uncover the good all around us, at the table to beyond. Read more.


USDA Sets Virtual Meeting on Urban Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to submit comments for and virtually attend the fifth public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on April 18. Read more.


Southern Glazer’s Appoints Finley to Sales VP

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, has appointed Cassie Finley to the role of vice president, national retail sales, strategic accounts. Read more.


San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Entries Being Accepted

Entries are being accepted for the eighth annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition; Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavored Olive Oil entries from commercial producers in the State of California are eligible and olive oil must be made from producers’ most recent olive harvest. Deadline for entries is May 12. Read more.


Breckenridge Distillery Announces National Après Day

Breckenridge Distillery, the world’s highest craft distillery and one of the most awarded bourbon brands, announces the launch of National Après Day, a new holiday in the United States, celebrated on March 31 to honor the joy of après ski culture. Read more.


Cal-Maine Promotes Walters to COO, Whiteman to VP, Operations

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. has promoted Todd Walters to chief operating officer and Matt Whiteman to vice president, operations. Read more.


Torani Urges Rinse Water Savings, Announces Internal Program

In celebration of World Water Day, March 22, Torani, the nearly 100-year-old flavor company, announced its Rinse Water Savings Project, which has saved more than 25 percent on daily water usage. Since implementing its Rinse Water Savings Project in September 2022, Torani has saved over 3.5 million gallons of water in its manufacturing processes and expects to save a total of six million gallons in the first 12 months. Read more.


UNFI Promotes Horvath to COO, Martin to Wholesale President

United Natural Foods, Inc. has promoted two senior leaders to better align leadership teams and resources to drive its customer-centric strategy and transformation agenda. This agenda is aimed at enhancing shareholder value creation by improving the company’s customer and supplier experience and increasing operating efficiency. Erin Horvath has been appointed to the position of chief operating officer and Louis Martin has been named president of wholesale. Read more.


Spud Art: Try a New Easter Activity, Painting Easter Potatoes

Families love their tried-and-true Easter traditions, but sometimes, you just need to scramble things up. This year, due in part to skyrocketing food prices, Potatoes USA reports that families are hopping on the newest trend and painting Easter potatoes.

You heard that right: 2023 is the year of the Easter potato. Read more.


Burger King Field Team Fleet Now 31% Electric Vehicles

Burger King has  transitioned 31 percent of its North American field team fleet to electric vehicles across 16 states, with goal of 100 percent EVs by 2030. This move is the next step in delivering on Restaurant Brands International’s (parent company of Burger King) science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030, versus a 2019 baseline. Read more.


Celebrity Chef Anna Rossi Presents Easter Recipes

The Fresh Market is welcoming spring and the upcoming holiday by launching an annual partnership with Boston celebrity Chef Anna Rossi, starting with Easter recipes. In her new role as a brand ambassador and spokesperson, Rossi will create recipes, lifestyle content and host a monthly livestreaming shoppable event on the company’s website. Read more.


Giant Food to Open First In-Store Restaurant in Maryland

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington D.C. regional grocery chain, will open its first in-store fast-casual restaurant in partnership with Maryland-based chain Nalley Fresh. The location will open at Giant’s Ellicott City, Md., location on March 24, and offer customers a selection of highly customizable, healthy and fresh meal options to further elevate the in-store shopping experience. Read more.


Lemonade Day Program Teaches Kids Entrepreneurship

Through Lemonade Day’s entrepreneurial and experiential program, kids across the country can earn their own money, learn valuable skills that equip them for life, and contribute to a cause that matters to them. Read more.


Craig’s Vegan Plant-Based Desserts Now in Publix

Craig’s Vegan announced its creamy cashew plant-based pints are launching at Publix Super Markets. The popular southeast grocery chain now carries five flavors of Craig’s Vegan, including Melrose Mint Chip, Cold Brew Coffee made with Chamberlain Coffee, Killa’ Vanilla, Perfectly Chocolate, and Sunset & Strawberry. Read more.


Green River Distilling Debuts Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon

Following a highly successful four-state launch in 2022, Green River Distilling Co, part of Bardstown Bourbon Company, is expanding in 2023 with two new expressions and distribution in 21 new markets. This month, Green River will introduce Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, in complement to their flagship high rye bourbon, in 25 markets across the United States. Read more.


DREAM LAKE STUDIOS

Good Foods’ CANtina Joins Seltzerland Festival

Good Foods, a leader in better-for-you dips and guacamole, will delight thousands of tastemakers this year nationwide as the Official National Guacamole Partner of Seltzerland, the premier hard seltzer festival, with its CANtina. The partnership kicked off in Austin on March 4 and will stop at other major U.S. cities throughout the spring and summer. Read more.


South Beach Wine & Food Festival Draws Nearly 65K Fans

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One took over the Magic City Feb. 23-26 with its largest edition, welcoming nearly 65,000 fans from across the country. The four-day festival featured more than 110 events spanning Miami-Dade and Broward counties and celebrated 22 years of FIU students helping to run the nationally recognized event. Read more.


Scenes From Expo West 2023

Anaheim’s picture-perfect weather gave way on Friday to clouds and rain, which might have been a good thing for Natural Products Expo West exhibitors as everyone took shelter from the weather. Everyone spoke about how this year’s expo seemed “back to normal” with lots of foot traffic, which should increase in the main halls as the north hall closed on Friday. Read more.


Peruvian Exports Reach Record $63M in 2022

Peruvian exports have grown steadily over the last two decades thanks to the joint and coordinated work of the public and private sectors. In 2022, Peru achieved a record $63.193 billion in exports, up 3.7 percent from 2021. Read more.


Schuman Sets Record at US Championship Cheese Contest

Schuman Cheese CelloSchuman Cheese, world-class fourth-generation cheese maker, is proud to announce a slew of wins at the prestigious 2023 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest. Setting a record, Schuman is the first brand in history to sweep an entire category in the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, securing first place in the Parmesan Category with the brand’s Organic Copper Kettle Parmesan, as well as second through fifth place, and a number of additional category wins with products from its flagship brand, Cello. Read more.


Splash Expands SALT Tequila in New York State

Splash Beverage Group, Inc. , a portfolio company of leading beverage brands, has reached agreements with three distributors who will give SALT Tequila wide coverage in the majority of the counties in New York state, not including New York City, Try-It Distributing, A. L. George Distributing and Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service. Read more.


FDA Searching for Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has begun a national search for a new deputy commissioner for human foods and is providing an update on the proposed restructuring of the agency’s Human Foods Program and Office of Regulatory Affairs to enhance coordination, prevention and response activities. Read more.


FDA Withdraws Food Standards Proposed Rule Based on Comments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is withdrawing the 2005 proposed rule, “Food Standards; General Principles and Food Standards Modernization,” in response to comments received in 2005 after publication of the proposed rule and in 2020 after the FDA reopened the comment period for the proposed rule. Read more.


Bell Flavors & Fragrances Announces Strategic Promotions

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. has announced strategic promotions within the company’s Flavor and Fragrance divisions as well as Internal Operations and Finance departments at its headquarters in Northbrook, Ill. Read more.


Klondike Wins 11 Awards at US Championship Cheese Contest

Klondike Cheese Co. earned several honorable awards at the 2023 United States Championship Cheese Contest in both cheese and yogurt categories. Read more.


Publix Launches Spring Feeding More Together Campaign

Publix, its customers and associates are working together to help alleviate hunger throughout the company’s operating area. Through its 2023 Feeding More Together spring campaign, Publix is helping nourish communities by providing nonperishable food and fresh produce to local Feeding America member food banks and pantries. Read more.


Garner Foods Appoints Plumb as Senior EVP of Sales

Garner Foods has appointed Marion Plumb as senior executive VP of sales. Plumb will be responsible for overseeing the company’s foodservice sales, retail sales and customer support teams. Read more.


Milkboy Alpine Milk Lemon/Ginger Bar Flavor to Debut at NPEW

Milkboy Swiss Chocolates will introduce its new Alpine Milk with Refreshing Lemon and Ginger Bar at Natural Products Expo West, from March 8-10 at the Anaheim Convention Center. From their Swiss Chalet-themed booth (#N1448 in the North Hall), Milkboy will give chocolate lovers a taste of the smooth milk chocolate bar with essential lemon oil and candied ginger.  Read more.


Snickers, WWE 2K23 to Present WrestleMania 39

Snickers and WWE 2K23 will return as joint presenting partners of WrestleMania 39, which takes place April 1-2 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Following a successful co-promotion at last year’s WrestleMania, which marked the first time two brands served as presenting partners for WWE’s pop culture extravaganza, the partnership continues at WrestleMania 39. Read more.


Snack Brands Capitalize on Marketing in Week Before Super Bowl

Snack brands that leveraged the excitement and anticipation leading up to the Super Bowl can tap into a captive audience of millions and create campaigns that leave a lasting impact on brand awareness and loyalty. Read more.


Progressive Grocer Names Outstanding Independent Grocers

Progressive Grocer has unveiled its 2023 class of Outstanding Independents, naming 25 independent grocers. The publication has honored the excellence of America’s independent food retailers for more than a decade. Read more.


Seafood Products Debut in Red Lobster Frozen Food Line

Red Lobster is bringing the heat, and seafood, to the frozen aisle with the launch of its first line of Red Lobster frozen food seafood products available at retail.  Inspired by craveable guest favorites, the new Red Lobster frozen food retail entrées include Cheddar Bay Biscuit Shrimp, which combines the Cheddar Bay Biscuit with sweet, succulent shrimp, and Coconut Shrimp Bites, both making it easier than ever to enjoy delicious seafood whenever the craving hits. Read more.


Toshiba to Showcase ‘YOUnifying Experiences’ at NGA

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions will be exhibiting its “YOUnifying Experiences” at The NGA Show 2023 from Feb. 26-28 at Caesars FORUM Convention Center in Las Vegas. The company will showcase its best-in-class portfolio of solutions at booth #1339 demonstrating how retailers can provide personalized interactions with shoppers and improve their operations. Read more.


‘Delivering Food in Turbulent Times’ Global Food Safety Forum Set in Atlanta

The Global Food Safety Initiative, part of The Consumer Goods Forum, announces its 22nd Annual Conference, “Delivering Food in Turbulent Times: The Need for Agility & Resilience.” The three-day conference will take place at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta from April 24-27. Read more.


$59M Investment to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Rural Economies

The Biden-Harris Administration is investing $59 million across the country to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, expand market opportunities for farmers and create jobs in rural areas. Read more.


Americans Think Grocery Store Profits, Inflation Higher than Reality

Americans believe that grocery store profits are at a 35.2 percent net profit margin, 14 times higher than grocers’ actual net profit margin average of 2.5 percent, and that food-at-home inflation is 24.3 percent, double the annual rate reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics according to the latest dunnhumby Consumer Trends Tracker. The CTT is part of the dunnhumby Quarterly, a strategic market analysis of key retail themes, with the third edition being focused on navigating uncertainty. Read more.


Food Costs Lower Profits for NYC Restaurants, Report Shows

The 2023 “New York City State of Restaurants” Report released by TouchBistro reveals that restaurant sales in New York City, on average, have recovered to approximately 76 percent of pre-pandemic levels, which is on par with the national average. However, due to the rising food costs and other expenses, the profit margins of full service restaurants in New York City fell almost a point to 10.1 percent, which is .5 percent lower than the U.S. average of 10.6 percent. Read more.


Vollrath’s Bartelt Retires; Lampe to Join as CEO, President

After successfully navigating the global supply chain challenges and having a record-breaking year of sales in 2022, Vollrath Company President and CEO Paul Bartelt has decided to retire after leading the organization for over 15 years.Erik Lampe will join the company in March to assume the position of president initially and then take over as CEO in June. Read more.


Goya Foods Sends Food, Drinks to East Palestine, Ohio

Goya Foods, through its Goya Gives global initiative, is sending ready-to-serve Goya food and beverages to the people of East Palestine and surrounding areas in response to the Ohio train derailment.  Read more.


Miyoko’s Creamery Founder Leaves Company

Leading plant milk dairy maker Miyoko’s Creamery and its founder, Miyoko Schinner, have parted ways as the company enters a new stage of growth. With this, Miyoko has exited as CEO and is no longer involved in day-to-day operations. Read more.


Al Gore Among Speakers at USDA Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit

Former Vice President Al Gore will be an opening keynote speaker at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit to be held May 8-10 in Washington D.C. The AIM for Climate Summit will bring together partners to increase and accelerate investment in and support for climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation. Read more.


Morinaga Nutritional Foods Acquires Tofurky, Moocho

Morinaga Nutritional Foods, the U.S.-based manufacturer of Mori-Nu Silken Tofu, has acquired Tofurky, a leading manufacturer of plant-based meats in the United States and its sister brand, Moocho. With the acquisition of Tofurky, Morinaga Nutritional Foods will own the #3 retail brand for  in the United States. Read more.


Goya Gives, G.E.M. Send Supplies to Earthquake Victims

Goya Foods, through its Goya Gives global initiative, partners with Global Empowerment Mission to send ongoing shipments of food to the people of Turkey in response to the desperate cries of earthquake victims in Malatya. G.E.M.’s Miami headquarters is consolidating donations from around the country, and Goya’s Florida and Texas facilities with daily shipments of food, water, and humanitarian aid to Turkey. Read more.


Louisiana Winn-Dixie Stores Celebrate Carnival

In the spirit of Carnival season, Winn-Dixie is honoring its long-standing heritage in the Louisiana community by celebrating traditions locals know and love. With nearly 67 years of experience serving the state’s diverse communities, Winn-Dixie is committed to commemorating Louisiana’s rich history and time-honored traditions with delicious food, local celebrations and of course by taking part in the biggest celebration of the year, Mardi Gras. Read more.


Royale de Monte Carlo Vodka Trademarked as ‘The World’s Most Prestigious Vodka’

Luminar Media Group, Inc. has obtained  the U.S. trademark for the Royale de Monte Carlo Vodka class of spirits and “The World’s Most Prestigious Vodka.” Brand Volt is a wholly owned subsidiary of LRGR and owner of the intellectual property for the vodka. Read more.


ROAR Organic Expanding Distribution Into Publix Super Markets

ROAR Organic, a line of organic hydration beverages offering a blend of vitamins, antioxidants and electrolytes, is starting 2023 with a number of momentous updates to kick off the year. Alongside a $6 million capital raise that represents a positive re-investment from existing shareholders, ROAR Organic is expanding its distribution footprint, entering more than 1,300 Publix Super Markets with its best selling SKUs, including Mango Clementine, Cucumber Watermelon and Georgia Peach. Read more.


Hey, Football Fans: Recycle Pizza Boxes, Please!

Most pizza lovers stocking up for football’s championship game know they can recycle pizza boxes, but an alarming 40 percent say they don’t always do so. That’s the main finding of a national survey by sustainable packaging leader DS Smith, which said pizza boxes are indeed 100 percent recyclable. Pizza boxes can be easily recycled providing any crumbs and cheese are removed before they go into recyclable trash. Read more.


Fresh Del Monte, Talc Investment Sign Somalia Bananas Deal

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, and Moze Holding Limited, a Talc Investment company, have signed a multi-year partnership for Somalia bananas located in the heart of the previously famed banana belt area. This partnership will not only significantly reduce banana transport times, giving consumers in the Middle East and North Africa access to fresher, lower-cost fruit, but will also aid in Somalia’s economic resurgence. Read more.


Tractor Beverage Company Welcomes Asif Khalid as COO

Tractor Beverage Company, exclusive creator of the world’s only certified organic, non-GMO foodservice beverages, has welcomed industry veteran Asif Khalid to its executive team as the company’s first chief operating officer.  Read more.


ReadyWise Kicks Off Partnership With Drew Brees-Signed Football Giveaway

ReadyWise, a leading manufacturer of emergency food supplies, has signed an exclusive multi-year partnership deal with former professional quarterback Drew Brees. ReadyWise is giving its consumers first access to product launches, exclusive sales and giveaway opportunities to get over a million households prepared in 2023. Now from Feb 1-7, you can get prepared and win a signed football by Brees. Read more.


USDA Posts Farm Service Agency Loan Interest Rates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced loan interest rates for February 2023, which are effective Feb. 1. USDA’s Farm Service Agency loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Read more.


José Sánchez Peñate Dairy, Coffee, Bakery Equipment for Sale

Gordon Brothers, the global advisory, restructuring and investment firm, is offering for immediate sale by private treaty machinery and equipment from four plants in the Canary Islands formerly leased by the firm to the Spanish food products manufacturer and distributor José Sánchez Peñate. Read more.


USDA Invites Producers, Stakeholders to Urban Agriculture Meeting

The U.S. Department of Agriculture encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to virtually attend the fourth public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on Feb. 23. Read more.


Exhibitors at Winter Fancy Food Donate Nearly $33K Pounds of Food

Nearly 33,000 pounds of food was collected from the Winter Fancy Food Show’s more than 1,100 exhibitors after the show ended and were donated to Three Square Food Bank, Southern Nevada’s only food bank and largest hunger relief organization. In total, 32,831 pounds of food was collected. Read more.


Black Rock Coffee to Open 30th Store in Arizona

Black Rock Coffee Bar, a fast-growing coffee chain that is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks, will open its newest store, a drive-thru-only store, in the Phoenix metro area. Founded in Oregon with more than 100 stores across seven states, Arizona is Black Rock Coffee Bar’s second largest market behind the Northwest. The boutique coffee chain has 30 stores in Arizona with 25 located in the Phoenix metro area.  Read more.


Dollar Tree CEO Witynski Stepping Down

Mike Witynski, who has been in leadership positions at Dollar Tree since 2010 and served as CEO since 2020, is stepping down from the Board and leaving the Company. Executive Chairman Rick Dreiling will expand his role to assume the position of chief executive officer, effective Jan. 29. Read more.


Southern Glazer’s SG Proof App Available for Apple Devices

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has launched SG Proof app is now available on the App Store for Apple device users and is coming soon to Google Play. Available at no cost to current Southern Glazer’s customers, the app offers all the features and functionalities of SGProof.com, Southern Glazer’s industry leading B2B eCommerce platform, plus a new Barcode Scanning feature available exclusively on the SG Proof app. Read more.


USDA Issues Details of Dairy Aid Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the details of additional dairy aid, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program. The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges. Read more.


Vollrath Sales VP Park Retires, Kelm Steps in to Fill Role

The Vollrath Company, a leader in the foodservice equipment industry, announces that Dennis Park, Vollrath’s vice president of sales, is retiring after serving the company and the industry for over 35 years. Stepping into the role of leading the North American sales organization is Chris Kelm. Read more.


Southern Glazer’s Rewards VolunCheer of the Year, Charities

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has announced the recipient of its 2022 VolunCheer of the Year Award, Lisa Flowers-Espinosa, customer service manager from Southern Glazer’s in Phoenix. VolunCheers is Southern Glazer’s grassroots employee volunteering and giving program that empowers team members to engage with charities in their local communities. These efforts are managed through the company’s enterprise-wide digital portal, VolunCheers Online, where employees can connect with each other, organize and promote volunteering and giving activities. Read more.


Save A Lot Bags for a Brighter Holiday Nets 130K Bags of Food

With the help and generosity of its customers, Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the United States, has donated more than 130,000 bags of much-needed, high-quality food to local charities fighting hunger as part of its Bags for a Brighter Holiday effort. Throughout November and December, Save A Lot customers across the country supported their local communities by purchasing pre-assembled bags of food that were donated to local food charities and pantries, such as Feeding Tampa Bay, the Father Fred Foundation and numerous local and regional food banks and pantries. Read more.


Niagara Chocolates’ New Flavors Sweeten Up Valentine’s Day

Niagara Chocolates, a fastest-growing premium chocolate brand, has releases four limited-edition flavors just in time for Valentine’s Day. A recent survey confirms that while consumers from Gen Z and beyond still choose chocolate and romance as Valentine’s Day signatures, a spirit of adventure and an interest to try new, exciting experiences accompany these traditional celebration elements. Read more.


SIAL America Cross-Country F&B Show Returns in March

SIAL, the cross-category food and beverage industry network, announced that SIAL America, will take place from March 28-30 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The USDA-endorsed networking and lead-generation event will provide importers, food service companies, distributors, retailers, wholesalers and restaurateurs the opportunity to network with exhibiting food companies from around the world. Attendees will explore the latest in food products and technology via SIAL Innovation, and attend educational seminars devoted to the latest food industry trends. Read more.


Winter Fancy Food Day 2: Chefs and Cheese

The second day of the Specialty Food Association’s 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show was my day of meeting chefs and eating a lot of cheese.

The prsonal highlight was meeting Chef Stephanie Izard, who was the first woman named “Top Chef” (season 4) and one of my favorite Top Chef chefs. She also is from Arizona, as I am, so I was rooting for the “home chef.” Chef Izard has a new line of sauces, spices and add-ons developed out of her esteemed Chicago (and now LA) restaurant, This Little Goat. Read more.


Winter Fancy Food Show: Day 1

The official delegation of the European Union to the United States kicked off the U.S. launch of its ambitious, two-year plan to acquaint the world of the bounty of European products.

Michael Curtis, deputy ambassador/deputy chief of mission, and Silke Boger, first counselor of the Agriculture Trade and Agriculture Section at the D.C.-based delegation stressed that the goal is not to promote certain products over others, but to share the quality and policy behind European products. Read more.


Hayashi to Lead Team USA at Bocus d’Or Grande Finale

Hawaiian-born and Arizona-raised Chef Jeffery Hayashi will lead Team USA in the 2023 Bocus d’Or Grande Finale. The 24 worldwide selected teams will compete Jan. 22-23 in Lyon, France for five hours and 30 minutes in two events: While the platter theme features monkfish and other seafood products, the second test, “Feed the Kids” takes the form of an entire menu based on squash, to raise awareness among children and, through this theme, educate them about healthy eating. Read more.


Selina Union Market Hotel to Host Mindful Drinking Fest

Selina Hospitality PLC, a fast-growing experiential hospitality brand targeting millennial and Gen Z travelers, will host the second edition of the Mindful Drinking Fest on Jan. 21 in the Selina Union Market hotel in Washington, D.C. Read more.


Giant Food Launching Virtual ‘Healthier Together’ Classes

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington, D.C. regional grocery chain, is launching a five-week “Healthier Together” virtual series of free online nutrition and healthy living classes aimed at supporting the wellness goals of its local community. The series will run from Jan. 17-Feb.14 and will be hosted by Giant’s Healthy Living Team of registered dietitian nutritionists who will provide guidance, inspiration, recipe, and product suggestions for those looking to kick off a healthy new year. Read more.


Whole Foods Market to Open 1st Store in Montana

Whole Foods Market will open a new 31,718-square-foot store in Bozeman, Mon., located at 2905 W. Main St., on Feb. 1, at 9 a.m. The Bozeman location will be the first store in Montana for the global natural and organic foods retailer. Designed with outdoor adventure in mind, the store features a modern and earthy look including exposed wood beams, high ceilings and large paneled windows overlooking the nearby mountains. An outdoor patio with outdoor heaters provides a cozy atmosphere for dining or tsipping a coffee from the local, women-owned coffee bar, Treeline Coffee Roasters. Read more.


B Lab Certifies Saffron Road Foods as B Corp Company

B Lab has certified Saffron Road Foods as a B Corp company. Founder and CEO Adnan Durrani announced the news on his LinkedIn page. Read more.


Impossible Foods Hires Jagla as Chief Demand Officer

California-based Impossible Foods has hired top consumer goods industry leader Sherene Jagla as its first chief demand officer. Jagla will join the food and climate company to bring its sales, marketing, insights and product development teams into one integrated function under her leadership as it prepares for its next phase of growth. Read more.


Pine River Offers Anniversary Cheese Spread at Winter Fancy Food

Pine River Cheese Spread will debut a limited edition anniversary cheese spread, 60-Month Cheddar, at the Winter Fancy Food Show held Jan. 15-17 in Las Vegas. The cheese spread was created in honor of the company’s 60th anniversary, which it celebrates in 2023. Read more.


USDA Adds Support for Farmers, Ranchers, Producers

At the Jan. 9 American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced several major developments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation. Read more.


Bell Achieves 12th Excellent Safe Quality Food Safety Rating

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. has completed its annual SQF Food Safety Program Audit conducted by the Safe Quality Food Institute. This past year marked the 12th consecutive audit resulting in an Excellent rating (96/100) achieved at its headquarters in Northbrook, Ill. Read more.


Giant Food Urges Communities to ‘Find Your Local’

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington D.C. regional grocery chain, has launched a brand campaign, “Find Your Local.” Dedicated to all things local, the campaign theme calls attention to Giant’s longtime commitment to the communities it serves across areas of educational programs, partnerships, and product offerings. Read more.


Kona Gold La Lemin Lemonades to Be Distributed in Minnesota

Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., a holding company focused on product development in the better-for-you and functional beverage sector has signed distribution agreements with Dahlheimer Beverage and Michaud Distributing in Minnesota.  Dahlheimer and Michaud will be distributing the company’s quickly growing 12-ounce sparkling and 16-ounce non-sparkling Ooh La Lemin Lemonades across Minnesota. Read more.


Back to Nature Brand Sold to Barilla Group

B&G Foods, Inc. has completed the sale of the Back to Nature brand to BA Brussels, LLC, a subsidiary of Barilla America, Inc. B&G Foods intends to use the proceeds from the sale for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of long-term debt and the purchase of assets useful in B&G Foods’ business, and to pay taxes, fees and expenses related to the sale. Read more.


SEG Community Impact Includes $6.75M in Donations

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is reflecting on a WINNing year of community impact, growth and remarkable service as 2022 comes to a close. Throughout its ongoing transformational journey, SEG has remained steadfast in prioritizing its local communities both inside and outside of its stores. In 2022, the grocer provided value to its customers to help minimize the impact of inflationary pressures and donated $6.75 million to support organizations that share its passion for serving neighbors in need. Read more.


US Foods Donates Nearly $13M Toward Hunger Relief

US Foods Holding Corp., one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, has donated nearly $13 million in food and supplies, the equivalent of approximately 6 million meals or more than 265 truckloads of product, through its 2022 annual corporate hunger relief campaigns. Since 2007, the company has donated more than 165 million pounds of food and supplies to aid community hunger-relief efforts. Read more.


Blue Diamond Growers Participates in Rose Parade

Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond marketer and processor, is participating in the 2023 Rose Parade presented by Honda, an iconic annual event held in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan 2. Read more.


33rd Annual MLK Holiday Breakfast Returns in Hybrid

General Mills and UNCF’s 33rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. MLK Holiday Breakfast will return in-person for the first time since 2020 with a corresponding virtual program. Former senior advisor to U.S. President Barack Obama, businesswoman and best-selling author Valerie Jarrett will share keynote remarks followed by a moderated conversation. Read more.


Credit: Milk Specialties Global

Butterfly to Acquire Milk Specialties Global

Butterfly, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in the food sector, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Milk Specialties Global, a leader in human and animal nutrition, from affiliates of American Securities LLC. Read more.


Faction Food Delivery Uses Driverless Technology

Faction Technology, Inc., a driverless-technology company offering solutions that solve inefficiencies in micro-logistics and vehicles on demand, announced it is bringing driverless delivery to portions of the San Francisco Bay Area. Faction’s first partner is Cocola Bakery, which is using Faction to reliably deliver to its customers around the metro region. Read more.


SpartanNash Food Bank Fundraising Raises $400K

Food solutions company SpartanNash continues to support local food pantries across the country. The company recently raised $313,000 on behalf of the SpartanNash Foundation through in-store fundraising efforts. The SpartanNash Foundation pledged additional funding to make a total donation of $400,000 to help fight food insecurity. Read more.


Loftus Appointed Sun-Maid President, COO

Sun-Maid Growers of California has appointed Steve Loftus as Sun-Maid president and chief operating officer, reporting to Harry Overly, executive chairman of the board. In this newly created role, all functional areas within Sun-Maid will report directly to Loftus as he will be accountable to the daily operations of the business. A 15-year industry veteran, Loftus is recognized for his ability to build and align cross functional partners around common objectives, delivering short and long term financial and strategic growth goals. Read more.


Organic Infant Formula Company Bobbie Available on NYC Uber Eats

Bobbie, the mom-founded and led organic infant formula company, is partnering with Uber Eats to deliver its organic, European-inspired formula directly to New Yorkers’ doors. The pilot program is taking the direct-to-consumer formula brand on-demand this holiday season for the first time ever, to bring parents peace of mind in knowing they can nourish their babies in a New York minute. Read more.


Fraternity, Sorority Foodservice Companies Merge

Contract fraternity and sorority foodservice management companies, Upper Crust Food Service, LLC and College Chefs, LLC have merged. Adam Guy, current Upper Crust CEO, will oversee operations for both companies moving forward. Financial terms were not disclosed. Read more.


Selders Named UNFI President of Fresh; Barrick Promoted

United Natural Foods, Inc. has named Ron Selders UNFI president of fresh, where he will lead growth strategy for its deli, bakery, produce and meat departments. These critically important store perimeter categories drive traffic and provide independent grocery retailers with choice, value and unique products that help differentiate them within their marketplace. Selders’ appointment is effective Dec. 26, and he will report to Steve Dietz, UNFI’s chief customer officer. Read more.


Happy Holidays From Gourmet News


James Beard Foundation Holds Chef Action Summit

Over three days from Jan. 29-31, some of the nation’s best chefs, advocates, and leaders—many of whom are alumni of the James Beard Foundation Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change—will come together in Houston for the Foundation’s preeminent Chef Action Summit. In support of the people behind America’s food culture, as well as a thriving, more equitable and sustainable food system—this is only the second time the James Beard Foundation has held a summit of this magnitude. Read more.


USDA Invests $9.5M in Bioproduct Manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an investment of $9.5 million to support the scale-up of sustainable bioproduct manufacturing in the United States. Three successful projects are funded through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Bioproduct Pilot Program, which funds research and development of value-added products from agricultural commodities. Read more.


Global Specialty Foods Market Expected to Reach $224.88B by 2026

The global specialty foods market is expected to grow from $158.87 billion in 2021 to $170.21 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1 percent. The market is expected to grow to $224.88 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2 percent, according to Research and Markets. Read more.


National Beverage Corp. Pleads for St. Jude Donations

Commemorating its 29th year as a continuing partner of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, National Beverage Corp. asks all to help St. Jude in its lifesaving mission: Finding Cures. Saving Children. Read more.


John B. Sanfilippo & Son Acquires Just the Cheese Snacking Brand

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. has purchased substantially all of the assets of the Just the Cheese snacking brand business from Specialty Cheese Company, Inc. The acquisition was funded through the company’s existing bank credit facility. Read more.


Helbiz, Kitchen United Expand Ghost Kitchen Offerings to LA

Helbiz Kitchen, a part of Helbiz, is bringing its ghost kitchen offerings to Los Angeles, expanding on the partnership with Kitchen United, a leading ghost kitchen network in the United States. The partnership began with the announcement that Helbiz Kitchen will come to NYC and Austin. Read more.


Giant Food Pharmacies Add Flu, Strep Testing Along With COVID Testing, Boosters

Fourteen Giant Food pharmacy locations throughout Maryland and Virginia are offering on-site testing for flu A and B strains and strep throat for individuals 3 years of age and older. Giant’s flu and strep throat testing joins its other reliable and convenient medical services, including COVID-19 antibody testing and immunizations including updated COVID-19 (bivalent) boosters, all as part of the retailer’s effort to expand convenient point-of-care testing access and support the health of its communities. Read more.


Music Sampling Stars Promote Coca-Cola’s ‘Recycled Records’

The Coca-Cola Company has teamed up with two of the most legendary names in the history of music sampling, Mark Ronson and Madlib, to bring a bold musical experiment to life with the launch of “Recycled Records.” Read more.


Stonewall Kitchen, Vermont Coffee Company Donate $19K+ to Vermont Foodbank

Stonewall Kitchen and Vermont Coffee Company have donated$19,720 to Vermont Foodbank. A large portion of the contribution comes through a wholesale partnership, where 5 percent of Vermont Coffee Company’s 32-ounce Friend Blend sales are set aside for the cause. Read more.


Hellman’s Returns to Super Bowl Ad Lineup in Third Quarter

Hellmann’s Mayonnaise is back in The Big Game for 2023 with a 30-second spot that will premiere in the third quarter. The brand will advertise for the third consecutive year, driving awareness around the important issue of food waste at home and encouraging people to act and “Make Taste, Not Waste.” Read more.


Chrissy Teigen’s Baking Mixes, Banana Bread Available

Cravings, the food and lifestyle brand born out of New York Times #1 best-selling,  award-winning cookbooks by Chrissy Teigen, is working with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, the iconic global coffee and tea company, to make Teigen’s viral banana bread available by the slice for the first time. Read more.


Blue Diamond Growers Names Bockmann President, CEO

Kai Bockmann will join Blue Diamond Growers, the agricultural cooperative and global consumer packaged goods leader, as president and CEO on Jan. 17. Read more.


Publix Donates $5M to Support Housing Programs in Southeast

Publix Super Markets Charities is donating $5 million to support more than 240 nonprofit housing programs throughout the Southeast, including 126 Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Since 2014, PSMC has donated more than $33 million to housing programs, strengthening our communities and giving hope by building homes and supporting programs such as emergency shelters and transitional housing for individuals in need. Read more.


Food + Water Launches American Pasta Company

Flour + Water in San Francisco has launched Flour + Water Foods, a modern American pasta company born out of the award-winning restaurant known for blending Italian tradition with Northern California influences. Flour + Water Foods offers four boxed dried pastas developed by co-chefs Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow to bring the craftsmanship of Flour + Water’s cuisine to the home table. Read more.


AMCON Acquires Foodservice Distributor Henry’s Foods

AMCON Distributing Company, an Omaha, Neb.-based convenience distributor is pleased to announce the acquisition of foodservice distributor Henry’s Foods, Inc., of Alexandria, Minn. Read more.


Artisinal Cheese Company  Sartori Names Bert Satori as CEO

Artisinal cheese company  Sartori Cheese names Bert Sartori its new CEO, the company has ushered in the fourth generation of family leadership in its storied 83-year history.  Read more.


Grocery Industry Veteran Fenyo Joins Grabango as CMO

Ken Fenyo has joined Grabango as the first chief marketing officer for the checkout-free technology company. Previously a senior executive at Kroger and CEO of digital coupon pioneer YOU Technology, Fenyo is a grocery industry veteran and recognized expert who brings decades of experience working at the intersection of retail and technology. Read more.


NaturalShrimp Aquaculture Company Launches Online Delivery, E-Commerce Program

NaturalShrimp, Inc., a biotechnology aquaculture company that has developed and patented the first shrimp-focused commercially operational Recirculating Aquaculture System, has launched its online ordering home delivery program and e-commerce website at www.naturalshrimpharvest-select.com. A link to the online retail store is also available on the NaturalShrimp website at www.naturalshrimp.com. Read more.


Singapore Grocery Selling GOOD Meat Cultivated Chicken

Huber’s Butchery, one of Singapore’s premier producers and suppliers of high-quality meat products, will become the first butchery in the world to sell and serve cultivated chicken. With the introduction of the latest version of GOOD Meat’s cultivated chicken, the family-owned and operated business is thrilled to add a new, locally produced offering to its display case and bistro menu. Read more.


BarTrack, Arryved Team Up to Streamline Bar, Taproom Operations

Quality management and data technology company BarTrack and Arryved, the leading point-of-service provider for craft food and beverage establishments, have created an integrated partnership for front-of-house bar and taproom operations. The two data-driven companies will host a live webinar on Dec. 13 at 1 pm ET for management teams to learn more about how to utilize these tools as a tandem solution to save an average of $5,000 per week. Read more.


Bell Flavors & Fragrances Completes Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. has finalized its 2020 Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit at corporate headquarters. As a signatory member of the IFRA-OIFI Sustainability Charter, the company closely tracks five focus areas including: 1) Responsible Sourcing, 2) Environmental Footprint, 3) Employee Well-being, 4) Product Safety, and 5) Transparency. Bell is focused on improving its business value chain via responsible and sustainability-forward practices. Read more.


Seviroli Foods Partners With Mill Point to Expand Growth

Seviroli Foods, Inc., manufacturer of frozen pasta and other food products, and Vertullo Imports LLC, a specialty food importer, have partnered with Mill Point Capital LLC, a middle-market private equity firm focused on control-oriented investments in the business services, industrials and technology sectors in North America. Read more.


Wine To Water Restores Volunteer Program After Pandemic Pause

More than two years ago, global clean water nonprofit, Wine To Water was forced to put a growing volunteer program on pause due to the global pandemic. The program is open again with an expanded reach, bringing water filtration and well construction, thereby reducing bottled water dependence or a complete lack of clean water. The program is led by the dynamic former Texas A&M educator and anthropologist, Judy Nunez. Read more.


Niman Ranch Farmer Advocate Honored by Forbes

Elle Gadient, 27, farmer advocate for premium meat brand Niman Ranch, has been recognized on the prestigious 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Food and Drink list. The annual list features young leaders and entrepreneurs “redefining the way we eat, drink and think about consumption.” This acknowledgement honors Gadient’s dedication and passion for supporting independent U.S. family farmers and ranchers and sustainable agriculture. Read more.


Pairwise Food Tech Company Adds Overly to Board

Pairwise, a food tech company that uses gene editing to develop new varieties of fruits and vegetables, has added its second independent board member, Harry Overly. Read more.


Buddy the Elf Headlines HelloFresh Spaghetti Kit

Meal kit company HelloFresh and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products are spreading holiday cheer like never before with the launch of limited-edition Buddy the Elf Spaghetti meal kits. Inspired by the dish featured in the beloved holiday film, Elf, these festive meal kits will provide fans – and anyone who shares Buddy’s affinity for elf culture – everything needed to make the sweet, syrupy, candy-filled spaghetti dish right in the comfort of their own workshops – we mean kitchens! Read more.


Giant Food Launches 15 Days of Savings Holiday Campaign

To celebrate the season, Giant Food, the leading greater Washington, D.C., regional grocery chain, is holding its 15 Days of Savings holiday campaign to deliver surprise and delight value to customers. Using Giant’s Flexible Rewards loyalty program and a variety of digital offers, customers can save on featured popular holiday items through daily deals on items including baking ingredients, desserts, snacks, prepared foods and more, getting many items for free, and earning bonus Flexible Rewards points from Dec. 1-15. Read more.


Dream Refreshens Organic Dairy-Free Ricemilk Packaging

For longtime fans and those looking for their new dairy-free ricemilk, Dream Organic “Whole” Ricemilk and Dream Organic 2% Fat Ricemilk are hitting grocery shelves across the nation with a refreshed look. Both varieties of the versatile plant-based ricemilk are deliciously drinkable, refreshing with a hint of sweetness, and have a very similar texture and mouthfeel to dairy milk. Read more.


Helbiz, Kitchen United Team to Open Ghost Kitchen in 2 Cities

Helbiz Kitchen, a part of Helbiz, is bringing its ghost kitchen offerings to the United States thanks to a partnership with Kitchen United, a leading ghost kitchen network in the United States. The partnership will initially bring Helbiz Kitchen to two cities, allowing users to order from a diverse set of menus. Read more.


NaturalShrimp Showcases Aquaculture System in Norway

NaturalShrimp, Inc., a biotechnology aquaculture company that has developed and patented the first shrimp-focused commercially operational recirculating aquaculture system, showcased its Electrocoagulation and Hydrogas technologies by its research partner Marineholmen RASLab at the Tekna Aquaculture Conference that took place Nov. 23-24, in Trondheim, Norway. Read more.


‘Tip for Heinz’ Campaign Urges Fans to Ask for Brand

Three in 4 North Americans prefer Heinz Ketchup when dining out, yet nearly half feel there is nothing they can do when restaurants don’t carry their beloved condiment, according to a recent survey commissioned by Heinz. Even more, the word used most to describe respondents’ feelings when a restaurant doesn’t serve Heinz was “disappointment,” according to the survey. Heinz has launched “Tip for Heinz,” a first-of-its-kind program that emboldens fans to enact change and end their condiment disappointment for good. Read more.


Spice PassportBurlap & Barrel’s Spice Passport Allows for Tasteful Travels

Burlap & Barrel, a leading purveyor of single origin spices sourced directly from smallholder farmers around the world, is launching a Spice Passport featuring eight pods of its best-selling spices, packaged in a whimsical, recyclable format that’s perfect for holiday travel, gifting, camping and spicing up meals on the go.Read more.


Dave Flitman Joins US Foods as CEO

Foodservice distributor US Foods Holding Corp. has named Dave Flitman as CEO effective Jan. 5. Flitman will also be a member of the US Foods Board of Directors. Read more.


(included) CPG to Make Winter Fancy Food Show Debut

On the heels of launching its successful partnership with the Specialty Food Association at the 2022 Summer Fancy Food Show, (included) CPG, a collective of BIPOC founders and executives in consumer packaged goods, will make its Winter Fancy Food Show debut Jan. 15-17, in Las Vegas. Read more.


Southern Glazer’s Expands Sassenach Spirits Distribution

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is expanding its distribution agreement with Sassenach Spirits, the spirits import company founded by Scottish actor and philanthropist Sam Heughan and American entrepreneur Alex Norouzi. Inspired by the Scottish Highlands, The Sassenach Spirit Of Home Edition is a collaboration between Master Blender Michael Henry and Heughan. Carefully selected single malts create an ornately balanced blend with a sweet finish. Read more.


Potatoes USA Puts Modern Spin on Thanksgiving Staple

Everyone knows it’s not Thanksgiving without potatoes, but most people don’t know how America’s favorite vegetable ended up on our plate for this American holiday. If you’re looking to put a modern twist on your classic Thanksgiving potatoes, Potatoes USA has some fun new recipes to mix things up at your holiday table. Read more.


Campbell to Advance Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets

Campbell Soup Company and Enel North America have made a 12-year virtual renewable power purchase agreement, supporting Campbell’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Campbell will purchase the electricity and the associated renewable energy credits from a 115 megawatt share of Enel’s Seven Cowboy wind project in Oklahoma. The contract is expected to commence in July 2023. Read more.


SEG’s Holiday Spirit Includes Donations to Feeding America

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is celebrating the season of giving with donations to dedicated nonprofit partners and encouraging customers and associates to embrace the holiday spirit. Read more.


Onsuri EVOO Celebrates Thanksgiving Day Spirit

Doubtful the pilgrims used extra virgin olive oil for their Thanksgiving dinner, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use it. While Onsuri EVOO is based in the United Kingdom and Jordan, out of respect for a “celebration involving making memories with food as a centerpiece,” the company passes along ways to use Onsuri EVOO on Thanksgiving Day. Read more.


NFI President John Connelly Dies, Revolutionized Seafood Industry

John Connelly, the president of the National Fisheries Institute who made revolutionary changes to the seafood industry, has died. He was 61. In announcing his death on Nov. 21, the NFI didn’t disclose when he died or the cause of death, but Connelly told the NFI he had received a diagnosis of bile duct cancer in September. Read more.


Publix Super Markets’ Superpower Is Recycling

The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation recognized Publix Super Markets on its list of 2022 Recycling Champions, awarding the company Best Overall. Publix was recognized for its commitment across the company to recycling education, including its plastic bag recycling campaign to educate customers and its internal Green Routine program which encourages associates to make sustainable choices. Read more.


Splash Beverage Group Names Allred Senior VP of Sales

Splash Beverage Group, a portfolio company of leading beverage brands, has named James Michael Allred as senior vice president of sales. Reporting to Splash Beverage Group president Bill Meissner, Allred will become a key member of the leadership team and be responsible for leading the sales organization, driving sales initiatives through Splash’s growing distribution network and building the size of its national retail-chain customer base. Read more.


Southern Glazer’s Debuts the Served Up Book Club

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, has launched a new online book club at www.southernglazers.com/serveduppodcast. The Served Up podcast features interviews with the hospitality industry’s most respected and celebrated leaders. Read more.


Help Kick Hunger Challenge Fights Youth Food Insecurity

Boys & Girls Clubs of America, together with Parichute, The Coca-Cola Company and players of many Major League Soccer, National Women’s Soccer League and United Soccer League teams, launched the first Help Kick Hunger Challenge to fight youth food insecurity in communities across the nation. Read more.


Save A Lot Launches Holiday Food Donation Program

Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the United States, is set to do “A Lot of Good” through the 2022 holiday season with its annual Bags for a Brighter Holiday food donation program, which supports the hometowns in which it operates by donating much-needed, high-quality food to local charities fighting hunger. Read more.


Stove Top Stuffing Pants – Yes, It’s a Thing

The Thanksgiving holiday brings many things: the crisp fall air, early morning turkey trots, delicious food and of course, those uncomfortable conversations with extended family members that you haven’t seen in a while. To bring comfort to every facet of Thanksgiving this year, including your conversations and waistband, Stove Top, a Kraft Heinz Company brand, is excited to bring back Stuffing Pants to celebrate its 50th anniversary—because everyone knows when it comes to Thanksgiving, the stretchier, the better. Read more.


FDA Establishes Global Traceability Requirements for Food Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced an unprecedented advancement in foodborne illness prevention through the finalization of a rule to more effectively trace contaminated food through the food supply, whether sourced in the United States or abroad.  Read more.


USDA Invests $21.6M to Develop Transformative Agricultural Solutions

U.S. Department of Agriculture Chief Scientist Chavonda Jacobs-Young announced an investment of $21.6 million in scientific research for small businesses to further develop transformative agricultural solutions. Read more.


USDA Invests $24M for Beginner Farmers, Ranchers

U.S. Department of Agriculture Chief Scientist Chavonda Jacobs-Young announced a nearly $24 million investment across 45 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers. Read more.


FDA Supports Innovation of Cell Culture Technology in Foods

The Food and Drug Administration put its support behind cell culture technology for foods intended for human consumption. FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf and the director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition issued a statement. Read more.


Swamp Dragon Liquor Hot Sauce Aims to Slay More Taste Buds, Expand Reach

The owner of Swamp Dragon, the world’s only liquor hot sauce, is raising funds to grow the brand, which is sold online and in more than 1,000 retail stores nationwide. Read more.


Getir Goes Bananas for Its 1-Year Anniversary

Getir, the pioneer of ultrafast grocery delivery, is celebrating one year of launching in the United States in Chicago, New York and Boston. Through its revolutionary last-mile grocery delivery service, the Getir app has been opened in the United States more than 40 million times, saving users over 700,000 hours. Read more.


Laramore to Retire From Leading Flour Reclaim Company

William D. Laramore, Jr., president of W.D. Laramore Manufacturing, Inc., is retiring effective Dec. 10 from the leading flour reclaim company. Laramore will continue to be a valuable consultant to the Laramore and Shick Esteve teams moving forward. Jeff Willyard, general manager, will take on the daily operational activities. Read more.


Giant to Hold Grand Opening for Baltimore Grocery Store on Nov. 18

Giant Food, the leading Washington, D.C., regional grocery chain, this week will hold the grand opening of its sixth Baltimore grocery store located at 857 East Fort Ave., at 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 18. The new location will bring over 150 new jobs to the Baltimore community. Read more.


Sprouts Adds GoodSAM Foods Chocolate Bars to Shelves

GoodSAM Foods’ popular chocolate bars have launched in Sprouts stores nationwide. GoodSAM chocolate bars have been available in Sprouts stores and online as of Oct. 31. Read more.


Sprouts Offers Complete Prepared Holiday Dinners

Through Nov. 22, Sprouts Farmers Market customers can reserve holiday dinners: turkeys, meats, fully prepared meals, artfully arranged party trays and more online at sprouts.com/holiday for Thanksgiving. Stores will be open Thanksgiving Day 7am – 2pm; Christmas Eve 7am – 7pm; Closed Christmas Day; Open New Year’s Eve 7am – 8pm; Open New Year’s Day 7am – 10pm (regular store hours). Read more.


NaturalShrimp to Launch Online Ordering Home Delivery Program

NaturalShrimp, Inc., a biotechnology aquaculture company that has developed and patented the first shrimp-focused commercially operational recirculating aquaculture system, will attend the 10th Anniversary World Food Championships Nov. 9-13, 2022 in Dallas. Read more.


Veterans Blend beer

Veterans Blend Beer Benefits HunterSeven Foundation

Tennessee Brew Works and Yakima Chief Hops, a 100 percent grower-owned global supplier of premium quality hops located in the Pacific Northeast, are partnering to honor our nation’s veterans by creating a 2022 Veterans Blend beer, Hopped & Devoted hazy pale ale. The beer is available in draft and 16oz can 4-packs. Read more.


‘Hoo Hoo’ Holidays With Pillsbury Doughboy Sweater

The magic of the holidays is right up your sleeve with Pillsbury’s new limited-edition holiday Doughboy sweater. To celebrate an iconic holiday menu staple, the sweater features a scannable Pillsbury crescent roll on the left-hand sleeve. Simply hold your smart phone to the NFC chip sewn into the crescent roll on the sweater to unlock fan-favorite seasonal recipes, holiday playlists, tips for baking and inspiration to bring even more magic to the holidays! Read more.


Franzia Decks the Box in Holiday Ugly Sweater Style

Franzia has dressed up its classic Chardonnay box with a colorful holiday ugly sweater design, available for a limited time only. The classic knit holiday sweater graphics are accompanied by a printed-on-the-box bow and gift tag, so gift givers can easily fill in the tag and place the box right under the tree or directly into the hands of eager friends, or, as Franzia call them, “franz.” No wrapping required! Read more.


Lindemanns of Pine River Cheese Spread Honored by Cheese Association

Phil and Mary Lindemann of Pine River Cheese Spread were recently honored with the Lifetime Membership Award from the Eastern Wisconsin Cheesemakers and Buttermakers Association. Read more.


Dessert Holdings Acquires Dianne’s Fine Desserts

Dessert Holdings, North America’s leading premium dessert company, has acquired Dianne’s Fine Desserts, a leading provider of premium frozen thaw-and-serve desserts, from Geneva Glen Capital. The acquisition expands Dessert Holdings’ assortment of products supplied to the foodservice industry. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. Read more.


IFT, Seeding The Future Announce 8 Seed Grant Winners

The Institute of Food Technologists and Seeding The Future Foundation have announced the Seed Grant winners and finalists for Growth Grants and Grand Prizes of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge. Out of more than 600 application submissions from 75 countries, eight organizations were selected to receive Seed Grants and 11 finalists were identified for Growth Grants and Seeding The Future Grand Prizes. Read more.


Giant Foods Holding Annual ‘Lend a Hand for Hunger’ Food Bank Fundraiser

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington, D.C. regional grocery chain, is holding its annual “Lend a Hand for Hunger” food bank fundraiser campaign to benefit five area Feeding America food banks – Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank – and other area nonprofits. Read more.


To Compete With Grocers, Convenience Stores Eye Fresh Food

Convenience retailers are increasingly feeling the pressure from grocery and general merchandise retailers offering a larger assortment of food and essentials through convenient delivery and pick-up options. Incisiv, a leading industry insights firm that helps retailers and brands navigate the changing retail buying journey, and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, a global market share leader in retail store technology and the industry’s first choice for unified commerce solutions, today announced their survey findings, titled State of the Industry: The Future of Convenience Stores. Read more.


Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Launches Food Truck Sampling Tour in LA

Beef + Lamb New Zealand, an industry organization representing and supporting New Zealand’s beef and sheep farmers, is launching a food truck sampling tour, in partnership with Atkins Ranch grass-fed lamb and First Light Farms 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef, to bring a taste of New Zealand to Los Angeles-area residents. Read more.


Bell Flavors & Fragrances Takes Citrus Collection on the Road

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is hitting the road to exhibit its citrus collection at the Institute of Food Technologists’ 2022-2023 Regional Section Suppliers’ Events spanning coast-to-coast. IFT’s Regional Sections offer a way for networking with professionals steeped in the science of food to make strategic connections at a local level. These engaging events provide the opportunity for networking and education, and allow suppliers to debut their latest products and services supporting the science of food community. Read more.


Albertsons to Offer Cost-Saving Solutions for Pet Care, Meds

Albertsons Companies, Inc. is introducing pet care time and money-saving solutions for customers who are struggling to afford the cost of medications and veterinary services. With more than 1,700 pharmacies located nationwide inside neighborhood grocery stores such as Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets and more, shoppers can have their pet prescriptions conveniently transferred and filled at an Albertsons Cos. pharmacy and pay less than what vet offices normally charge. Read more.


8,000 More Stores Thirsty for Alkaline Water

The Alkaline Water CompanyArizona-based The Alkaline Water Company Inc., the country’s largest independent alkaline water company and the Clean Beverage company, has received orders for the 2 Liter, available as an individual unit or in the 6-pack Shaq Paq, from more than 8,000 stores since the beginning of the year. Read more.


Southeastern Grocers, Customers Donate $500K for Disaster Relief

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, has donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross to support vital emergency assistance, disaster preparedness and disaster relief programs for communities in need. This donation includes $250,000 to SEG’s long-standing partner through the generous contributions of customers and associates during its recent community donation program held in all Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores. Read more.


LA County Pushes Toward Food Equity With Summit

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continued its push toward food equity in Los Angeles County by convening the second annual Food Day Summit, “Road to Food Justice: Learning from the Past, Navigating the Future.” This summit comes on the heels of the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition and Health, which brought together leaders from the policy, nonprofit, government, and other sectors to discuss the roots of inequity within the food system, and exchange ideas and lessons learned on the front lines of food justice. Read more.


Red, white or crimson? Single-Serve Wine Copa Di Vino Goes to ‘Bama

Single-serve wine Copa Di Vino from Splash Beverage GroupSingle-serve wine Copa Di Vino from Splash Beverage Group will be the exclusive wine available at the University of Alabama’s Athletics Department events, which includes  NCAA football games in Bryant Denny Stadium. Through this agreement, Copa Di Vino will also be included in various broadcast and digital advertising conducted by the athletic department. Read more.


FMI: Consumers Adapt to Economy, Modify Holiday Grocery Budgets

This year, typical holiday stress is exacerbated by inflationary concerns, with 62 percent of shoppers reporting their grocery costs have increased year-over-year. Despite inflation-induced concerns, average weekly household grocery spending is currently at $148 per week, which is down from the $161 peak during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.


Whole Foods Releases Popular Food Trends List

Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council unveiled its top 10 anticipated food trends for 2023 in the retailer’s eighth-annual Trends predictions. Yaupon-infused beverages, produce packed pastas, repurposed pulp and climate-conscious callouts are among the food trends expected to rise in popularity in the next year. Read more.


Starbucks to Sell Seattle’s Best Coffee to Nestlé

Starbucks plans to sell the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand to Nestlé, with which the company established the Global Coffee Alliance in 2018. This transaction will further strengthen the Global Coffee Alliance by allowing both companies to focus on their core strengths. Read more.


Nasoya to Showcase Plantspired Line at Global Produce & Floral Show

Nasoya, the country’s #1 brand of tofu and a leader in the plant-based movement, will showcase its successful Plantspired line of ready-to-eat plant-based meal solutions, including a first taste of forthcoming innovations, at this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 27-29 in Orlando, Fla. Read more.


Get Be Water

Greene Concepts Expands Be Water Sales With Get Be Water Campaign

Greene Concepts, Inc. with its local beverage distributor, Get Be Water, has significantly expanded Be Water sales in the local and surrounding areas around the Marion, North Carolina bottling plant.  Read more.


Giant Food, Loop Offer Reusable Packaging in D.C. Stores

Giant Food shoppers can purchase a selection of products in reusable packaging, thanks to a new partnership between the leading Washington, D.C., grocer and Loop, the circular reuse platform developed by TerraCycle. Customers can walk into any of the 10 participating Giant supermarkets and purchase more than 20 products from leading consumer brands, all packaged in reusable containers instead of single-use packaging. Read more.


Newport Craft, Radiant Pig Team Up for It’s Called Soccer Beer

In celebration of the 2022 edition of the World Cup, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. and Radiant Pig Beer Company have collaborated for It’s Called Soccer, a limited-run Kölsch.  Brewed with Hallertau Blanc Hops, It’s Called Soccer is light-bodied with pleasant citrus and floral notes.  With a can design inspired by the USMNT’s return to the international championship, It’s Called Soccer is a perfect, smooth beer to enjoy the matches. Read more.


UNFI Hires Erin Horvath to Strengthen Supply Chain Team

United Natural Foods, Inc. has hired Erin Horvath as chief supply chain transformation officer, a new role that will collaborate across functions to help build UNFI’s transformation agenda and future capabilities, drive value creation for shareholders, and create an improving experience for customers and suppliers. She began her role on Oct. 17 and reports to Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s chief executive officer. Read more.


ASAP.com, Unilever Form Partnership for Ice Cream Supply

ASAP.com, the on-demand delivery brand for Waitr Holdings Inc. reached a national partnership with Unilever, one of the world’s leading suppliers of ice cream products, including Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Good Humor, Magnum ice cream and more. Read more.


SpartanNash Promotes Tayebi to EVP, Chief Strategy & Information Officer

Food solutions company SpartanNash has promoted Masiar Tayebi to executive vice president, chief strategy and information officer. Tayebi was hired in April 2021 as EVP, chief strategy officer. Read more.


Giant Fundraiser: Grocer, Customers Raise $766K to Feed Children

Giant Food, the leading D.C. regional grocery chain, has donated $765,977 to help address food insecurity among children within its local communities. From June 16 through August 7 of 2022, Giant held its brand-new customer giving campaign, Nourishing Our Youth. During the campaign, Giant customers were given the option to round up their grocery purchase to the nearest dollar to donate to their local public schools’ food programs. Read more.


Tillamook Auction on eBay Raises Money to Help Farmers

A VW truck is among theitems in Tallmook auction for farmersTillamook County Creamery Association – a 113-year-old farmer-led and owned dairy co-operative – has launched its 2022 All For Farmers initiative. All For Farmers is devoted to preserving farmland, assisting farmers in financial need, and supporting the overall future of farming. Now in its third year, funds generated by the TCCA All For Farmers initiative have been used to help permanently protect more than 10,000 acres of farmland nationwide. Read more.


Quinn Snacks Earns Climate Friendly Label for Snacks Line

Sustainable snack brand Quinn has achieved the Climate Friendly product attribute from its partner, HowGood, an independent research company with the world’s largest ingredient sustainability database. Quinn will begin to  roll out the first ever on-pack Climate Friendly label on its snack products in 2023. Read more.


PRESS Coffee, Sprouts Farmers Market Announce Pilot Specialty Coffee Location

PRESS Coffee and Sprouts Farmers Market have launched a specialty coffee pilot of the first-ever locally owned PRESS Coffee location inside of a Sprouts store. This PRESS location will act as a convenient stop on any person’s weekly shopping trip inside Sprouts located at 3320 N. 7th Avenue in Phoenix. Read more.


Performance Food Group Introduces Fair Trade Norwegian Salmon

Performance Food Group Company has launched its latest seafood item, Bay Winds Fair Trade Certified Norwegian Salmon. Through a partnership with Beaver Street Fisheries, PFG has exclusive rights to distribute the only farmed salmon in the world that is Fair Trade Certified. Read more.


US Foods Launches MOXē E-Commerce App for Foodservice Distribution

US Foods Holding Corp. has begun the national roll-out of MOXē (Making Operator Xperiences Easy), the foodservice distribution industry’s most advanced and the only all-in-one e-commerce application that can be used across desktop, tablet and mobile devices anywhere, anytime. MOXē is a personalized one-stop shop where operators can find the right products from a selection of more than 400,000 items, manage orders and track deliveries in one application. Read more.


Southeastern Grocers Strengthens Community With Hurricane Aid, Recovery

Southeastern Grocers Strengthens Community With Hurricane Aid, Recovery Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has expanded its support of Florida customers and associates in the days following the wide path of destruction from Hurricane Ian. Read more.


Agricultural Supply Chain Company ADM Marks 120 Years

ADM, the Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, has marked 120 years in business as an agricultural supply chain leader. ADM was incorporated on Sept. 30, 1902, in Minneapolis as a regional linseed oil business. Today, ADM  with 41,000 employees serving customers in nearly 200 countries – is a global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, a premier human and animal nutrition company, a trailblazer in groundbreaking solutions to support healthier living, a cutting-edge innovator in replacing petroleum-based products, and a leader in sustainability. Read more.


Hurricane Relief: SEG, Publix Help Stricken Communities

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has extended its community donation program to benefit the American Red Cross and plans for additional relief activations in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian. Publix Super Markets associates are distributing nearly 8,000 gallons of water and 75,000 pounds of ice to individuals affected by Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida at Next Level Church, 12400 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, Fla. Read more.


Cal-Maine Names Miller President/CEO; Baker Stays as Board Chair

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.’s board of directors has named Sherman L. Miller president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Dolph Baker as chief executive officer. Baker will retain his role as chairman of the board and as an executive officer, and will remain actively involved in managing the company, with a focus on strategy, capital allocation, advising the senior management team and leading the board. This transition is consistent with the board’s succession planning process. Read more.


Creepy Condiment: Heinz Tomato Blood Ketchup Is Back

Heinz Tomato Blood Ketchup has returned, spooking grocery store shelves nationwide and making meals a scary good time. The tomato-gore-filled limited edition bottle features the Heinz Ketchup fans know and love and returns just in time for Halloween. Read more.


Bake Fest Holiday Edition Scheduled for Oct. 8

The Bake Fest Holiday Edition, a virtual learning event for bakers taught by well-known baking influencers, is set for Oct. 8. Founder Stefani Pollack held the first Bake Fest in May 2021, with the second one in May. Pollack is a blogger and social influencer with nearly one million Instagram followers on her @cupcakeproject account. Read more.


Greene Concepts Appoints National Sales Director

Greene Concepts, Inc. has appointed Brian Adkins as national sales director.  The position entails coordinating all efforts in the company’s expansion of national and regional retail chain partners for all Greene Concepts’ brands. Read more.


Aviation American Gin Opens Distillery, Visitor Center

Aviation American Gin is celebrating the grand opening of the “Aviation American Gin Distillery and Visitor Center” in its hometown of Portland, Ore. The state-of-the-art, nearly 33,000 sq. ft. facility features an intimate tasting room, exceptional draft cocktail bar and gift shop. As part of the interactive experience, visitors can get a sneak peek at co-owner Ryan Reynolds’ office, which doubles as an escape room, inviting guests to solve a series of puzzles and identify various Easter eggs to get out. Read more.


Fridays on the Farm: A Young Farmer’s Mission to Make an Impact

This Friday meet Kendall Rae Johnson, the youngest certified farmer in Georgia. Before starting school each morning, this 7-year-old starts her day by heading outside to her backyard, an urban oasis where she grows fresh fruit and produce. This oasis is called aGROWKulture and it’s an urban farm located in the heart of Southwest Atlanta. Read more.


Farmland Bacon Helps Luke Bryan Kick Off Tour

Luke Bryan’s country music and Farmland bacon– what’s not to like? Luke Bryan discovered a new, tasty way to help kick off his 2022 Farm Tour! Read more.


Tractor Supply to Hold Nationwide Farmers Market

On Saturday, Oct. 1, Tractor Supply, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, will host a nationwide Farmers Market to showcase the talent and products of local farmers, growers, craft makers, artisans and other producers within the community. The community is invited to shop and explore homemade and homegrown goods from local vendors and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities. Read more.


Fred Franzia (Photo: Bronco Wine Company)

Bronco Wine Company Board Appoints Leonard as President/CEO

Following the recent death of founder and longtime CEO Fred Franzia, Bronco Wine Company’s board of directors has appointed Daniel J. Leonard as Bronco’s new president/CEO. Leonard was the clear choice to helm the family-owned business given his long-standing relationship with Fred Franzia and the Franzia family, according to the company. Read more.


UPDATE: NationsBenefits Acquires DeliverLean

As of Sept. 21,  NationsBenefits has acquired DeliverLean, a food manufacturer specializing in health and wellness. The acquisition is part of NationsBenefits’ strategic vision to expand its healthy foods benefit offering to meet the ever-growing needs of health plans with Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.Read more.


Publix registerPublix Activates Disaster Relief Register Donation Campaign for Puerto Rico

Publix is activating a disaster relief register campaign to allow customers to assist Puerto Rico in response to the effects of Hurricane Fiona. Donations can be made at checkout at any Publix store in the Jacksonville, Lakeland and Miami divisions, with 100 percent of the donations going to the American Red Cross. Read more.


Bell Flavors & Fragrances Promotes 3 Executives

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. has promoted three executives to senior leadership positions at its headquarters in Northbrook, Ill. Megan Paul has been promoted to the role of sensory scientist. Noor Abo Alzahb has been promoted to the position of sales project manager. David Banks has been promoted to the position of senior marketing director. Read more.


Oregon Fruit Products Appoints Prewett as President, CEO

The board of directors for Oregon Fruit Products LLC has appointed Joe Prewett as president and chief executive officer. Prewett will assume the role effective mid-October, while current CEO, Chris Sarles, will help to ensure a smooth transition. Read more.


Laura Chenel Goat Yogurt Line Discontinued Due to Rising Costs

Laura Chenel is discontinuing production of its award-winning probiotic goat yogurt because the recent rising costs of milk and other materials, which means that the company can no longer produce this product at an affordable price, according to a letter sent to customers from National Sales Director BJ Frank. Read more.


Grocer Survey: Retailers Prioritize Unified Commerce Platforms

As shopper habits return somewhat to pre-pandemic patterns, several behaviors learned over the last two and a half years leave retailers looking to offer a more cohesive shopping experience, according to a new grocer survey, “State of the Industry: Unified Commerce in Food & Grocery Retail,” from Incisiv and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. Read more.


 

Market Basket, Aldi, Winco Rank Highest in Grocery Index

Customer data science consultant dunnhumby released a special edition of its Retailer Preference Index, a comprehensive nationwide study of the $1 trillion U.S. grocery market, examining which grocers are winning customers as the economy falters. Market Basket bested Aldi and third-placed Winco as the top-ranked grocer during inflationary times. Read more.


 

Franzia Wines, BARK Deliver ‘Boos’ This Halloween

Franzia Wines and BARK have teamed up to create a limited-time Franzia Halloween costumes: “BARK Red Blend” dog costume — named after fan favorite Franzia wine, Dark Red Blend — and Franzia dog toy inspired by the iconic boxed wine. Humans also looking to get in on the boos-filled fun can opt for the adult-sized Franzia Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon wine box costume to complement their pups. Read more.


 

Honest Tea Founders Return With Just Ice Tea

Seth Goldman and Barry Nalebuff, co-founders of Honest Tea, have returned to the bottled tea business alongside celebrity Chef Spike Mendelsohn with the launch of Just Ice Tea, a ready-to-drink organic iced tea brand focused on sourcing simple ingredients and Fair Trade Certified teas and sweeteners. The organic tea line will hit shelves nationwide beginning September 2022 and is the latest addition to Eat the Change, the planet-friendly snack (and now beverage) company founded by Goldman and Mendelsohn in 2020. Read more.


Publix Vice Presidents to Retire; New Vice President Announced

Publix Super Markets CEO Todd Jones announced the retirement of two officers and promotion of a new officer. Publix Super Markets CEO Todd Jones announced the retirement of two officers and promotion of a new officer. Read more.


 

H-E-B in Texas Carrying unMEAT Plant-Based Luncheon Meat

H-E-B Supermarkets in Texas are carrying unMEAT plant-based luncheon meat. Recently launched in the United States, unMEAT Luncheon Meat offers a healthier, plant-based alternative to the canned meat that is a beloved snack for families around the world. Read more.


 

PackIt, Kroger Expand Program With EcoFreeze Totes

PackIt has expanded its collaboration with The Kroger Co. to new store fronts and new regions of the United States.
“After successful pilot programs at multiple storefronts in the midwest and western United States, the PackIt Fresh Mobile Refrigeration Solution is now being implemented at Kroger stores across Atlanta and Nashville for the first time,” said Melissa Kieling, founder, PackIt. “We’re also seeing our solution entering additional stores in California and Arizona. Kroger clearly recognizes the improvement to product freshness and efficiencies gained by deploying our EcoFreeze totes into their retail operations.” Read more.


 

Plant Based World Expo Engages Food Industry

The third Plant Based World Expo North America returned to the Javits Center in New York on Sept. 8-9. Attendees at the 100 percent plant-based B2B industry event enjoyed innovative new plant-based products, speakers and networking opportunities. There were 3,722 attendees, up roughly 20 percent from 2021, and 232 exhibitors. Read more.


 

Olipop Names Camila Cabello as Brand Ambassador

Olipop brand ambassador Camila CabelloFunctional soda brand Olipop has signed multi-Grammy nominated Cuban born singer/songwriter Camila Cabello as its first major brand partner. While known primarily as a singer, songwriter and actor, Cabello is also a passionate businesswoman working to support brands with impactful missions. The partnership will center around deep creative collaboration on upcoming marketing initiatives, as well as ongoing involvement and advocacy of their shared mission in the health and wellness space. Read more.


 

Kroger Debuts Thrifty Smart Way Product Line

The Kroger Co. has launched Smart Way, a new opening price point Our Brands product line. This line brings together 16 legacy brands into a single, easy-to-find identity. Smart Way joins Kroger’s extensive Our Brands portfolio, which also includes the namesake Kroger brand, Simple Truth, Private Selection, Home Chef and Heritage Farm among others. Consolidating a number of legacy brands will ensure customers searching for opening price point items will be able to easily find what they are looking for on the shelves. Read more.


 

Chef Unveils Colicchio Collection Premium Sauces

The Colicchio Collection, featuring a line of ultra-premium cooking and pairing sauces crafted by chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio in partnership with The Jersey Tomato Co. and KEEN Growth Capital, has debuted for purchase online. Colicchio looked to Italy’s most beloved culinary regions for inspiration in crafting the six sauces, all made with 100 percent vine-ripened New Jersey tomatoes, which are prized for their sumptuous flavor and delicate balance of sweetness and acidity. Read more.


 

Zeppole Mix Company Sponsors Italian-American Comedian

Mike MarinoZeppole, LLC is sponsoring popular Italian-American comedian Mike Marino. “Marino directs his comedy towards all types of people, particularly Italian-Americans,” said CEO Joseph Camerieri, creator of Zeppole Mix. “But more importantly, he is an Italian-American and so passionate and emotionally excited about the product, hence I could not be happier with our sponsorship of Mike Marino. Read more.


California Pizza Kitchen Dressings to Land on Store Shelves

California Pizza Kitchen has formed a strategic retail partnership with Litehouse Inc., the leading refrigerated salad dressing brand in the United States, according to IRI. The partnership, designed to leverage growing consumer demand for creating restaurant-quality experiences in the home, will introduce a collection of new CPK-branded salad dressings inspired by the popular salads found on the brand’s in-restaurant menu. Read more.


 

UNFI Adds Meal Kits, Frozen Meals to Meet Growing Demand

United Natural Foods, Inc. has added two meal solutions – meal kits and frozen meals – to its offering to better allow retailers to meet the growing demand for quick, restaurant quality meals, while reducing in-store labor and the time required to create similar products on their own. The meal solutions are available nationwide to the more than 30,000 customer locations UNFI services. Read more.


 

SEG Launches Drive for Red Cross Hurricane Relief

Southeastern Grocers Inc. is launching a community donation program benefiting hurricane relief via the American Red Cross (Spanish site) to raise funds in preparation of peak season. Customers can help equip the nonprofit by donating $1, $5 or simply rounding up their grocery bill while shopping their local Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores through Sept. 27. Read more.


 

HKW Recapitalizes Golden Country Oriental Food, Golden Ocean Seafood

HKW has recapitalized Golden Country Oriental Food LLC and its wholly owned subsidiary, Golden Ocean Seafood Inc. The Lee family will remain significant investors in the company, and the management team will remain in place. Read more.


 

Walmart Invests in Sustainable Beef to Give Affordable Options for Shoppers

Walmart has signed an agreement to acquire a minority stake in Sustainable Beef LLC, a rancher-owned company based in North Platte, Neb. Walmart’s equity investment is part of a broader strategic partnership to source top-quality angus beef from Sustainable Beef LLC’s new beef processing facility. Read more.


 

Blue Point Capital Acquires Asian Appetizer Maker Water Lilies Food

Blue Point Capital has acquired Water Lilies Food, LLC, a portfolio company of AUA Private Equity Partners, with global investment bank Harris Williams advising Water Lilies on the sale. Water Lilies is a manufacturer of frozen Asian appetizers that are primarily sold through supermarkets, restaurants and ethnic markets. Read more.


 

New Seasons Market Named Top Oregon Employer, Retailer

Forbes Magazine ranked New Seasons Market as the number one Oregon-based employer and retailer, as noted in a recent market research study conducted with Statista. The ranking, which was compiled by surveying 70,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 500 employees, also noted Fremont, Calif.-based Lam Research and Issaquah, Wash.-based Costco Wholesale as top employers in the state. Read more.


 

NationsBenefits to Acquire DeliverLean

NationsBenefits has reached an agreement to acquire DeliverLean, a food manufacturer specializing in health and wellness. The acquisition is part of NationsBenefits’ strategic vision to expand its healthy foods benefit offering to meet the ever-growing needs of health plans with Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Read more.


 

Central Perk Coffeehouse Breaks Into Reality

Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment with CenPer Holdings, composed of industry experts from the coffee, specialty food and beverage, hospitality, and entertainment worlds — including “Top Chef” and multiple James Beard Foundation Award Winner Tom Colicchio — announced Central Perk Coffeehouse, a modern-day coffeehouse inspired by Central Perk from the hit TV series, opening its first location in 2023. Read more.


Food Cost Survey: Strapped Parents Worry About Children Getting Nutrients

According to a new survey commissioned by General Mills Big G Cereals, 75 percent of parents worry their child is not getting enough of the nutrients they need and 65 percent are concerned about their ability to provide a “healthy” breakfast due to inflation and rising grocery costs. Read more.


 

Oscar Mayer Debuts ‘Cold Dog’ Frozen Pop

Oscar Mayer has debuted the first “Cold Dog,” a bun-derfully odd and surprisingly delicious frozen pop flavored like the beloved Oscar Mayer wiener. Read more.


 

Blue Apron Adds Snacks, Light Meal Options

Blue Apron has expanded on convenient meal options beyond dinner that will be featured on its Add-ons menu, available to order now. Created to take the stress out of weekday planning in preparation for one of the busiest seasons of the year, the new Add-ons feature kid- and adult-approved recipes, perfect for an after-school snack, packable lunch, simple dinner or somewhere in between. Read more.


 

Rumiano Cheese Commits to Carbon Neutrality by 2030

Rumiano Cheese Company, California’s oldest family-owned cheese company, has committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. As a first step, Rumiano has introduced a climate impact program to accelerate efforts to improve the sustainability of its supply chain. Read more.


Inflation: Americans Fear Losing Lifestyle, Change Food Shopping Habits

Nearly half of Americans (45 percent) feel like they can’t afford their previous lifestyle and 76 percent of American consumers say their family has changed how they buy food with prices on the rise. In addition, two-thirds (66 percent) are more mindful of how they are spending their money. Read more.


505 Southwestern, Famous for Hatch Chile Products, Celebrates 25 Years of Flavor

505 Southwestern, the country’s leading flame roasted green Hatch chile brand, celebrates 25 Years of Flavor this year and is hosting a major event in Albuquerque to celebrate the milestone in the location it was originally founded by local restaurateur and entrepreneur Roy Solomon. Read more.


 

Healthy Living Natural Food Retailer Hailed as Outstanding Vermont Business

Healthy Living, an independent natural foods retailer, was named as the 32nd recipient of the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Read more.


 

GoodSAM Foods Announces Multiple Hires

GoodSAM Foods, a healthy snack food brand with a commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture, announced multiple new hires including Kari Janapareddi as director of sales, Sara Galeano as director of sustainability and Ryan Siwinski as director of U.S. operations. The company also has added Marcia Bell as chief operating officer starting in March after nearly a year as a consultant. Read more.


 

Standard Meat Promotes Tom Allen to Chief Operating Officer

Eight-year Standard Meat Company veteran Tom Allen is the new chief operating officer, said Ben Rosenthal, co-president and CEO of the Dallas-Fort Worth-based meat company. Read more.


KC Chief Travis Kelce, Hy-Vee Team Up for Kelce’s Krunch

Hy-Vee, Inc. has released an exclusive new cereal, Kelce’s Krunch, created in partnership with Travis Kelce and the 87 & Running Foundation that began appearing on store shelves in the Kansas City area beginning Aug 13. Kelce’s Krunch will be available in select Hy-Vee stores throughout the Kansas City area and only for a limited time while supplies last. Read more.


Novel Farms Reveals First Marbled Cultivated Pork Loin

Novel Farms, Inc., a food technology startup based in Berkeley, Calif., has unveiled what it says is the first-ever marbled cultivated pork loin. Read more.


 

Giant Food Sets $2M Goal for Pediatric Cancer Fundraising

Giant Food logoGiant Food launched its 18th annual fundraising program in support of pediatric cancer research initiatives during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Giant has set a goal to raise at least $2 million over the eight-week program, running from Aug. 12 to Oct. 13, from the sale of $5 coupon books valued at over $45 each.  All funds raised will be donated to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc. to support their ongoing cancer research. Read more.


 

Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Launches Her First Snack Line

The best parts of fall are football games, family gatherings, and who could forget about the snacks?! Recipe guru and flavor connoisseur Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, is putting her signature touch on her first line of snack mixes that are perfect for this season and beyond. Read more.


Consumers Adjust Grocery Shopping to Avoid Going Without

Prices of consumer goods remain elevated across categories, according to grocery shopping data collected in July from Information Resources Inc. Prices for food at-home rose 1.2 percent from the end of June to the end of July, and 14.4 percent year-over-year as of July 31. In June, at-home food prices rose 1.2% versus May, and 13.7 percent year-over-year as June 30. Read more.


 

Dollar General Extends Red Cross Partnership for Disaster Relief

Dollar General is extending its $250,000 partnership with the American Red Cross as a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program. DG also announced an additional $50,000 plus in-kind product donations in response to the devastating effects of the eastern Kentucky floods, and that more than 18,000 DG stores across the country are now accepting in-store collections to benefit the American Red Cross’s response efforts. Read more.


 

DYI Monster Chocolate Pops Kit to Launch for Limited Time

Families looking for a fun Halloween activity have a unique new option: tinyB Monster Chocolate Pops, an at-home chocolate-popsicle making experience. This easy-to-use kit helps kids of all ages make monster, ghost, or mummy popsicles with creamy brigadeiro (Brazilian chocolate truffle) filling.  Read more.


 

Greene Concepts Donates Truckload of Be Water for Kentucky Flood Relief

Flooding in Kentucky. Photo: Team Kentucky
North Carolina beverage bottler Greene Concepts Inc. has donated a truckload of Be Water premium artisan bottled water to support rural residents in the surrounding areas affected by the recent Kentucky flood who have yet to receive aid. Read more.


 

Hearthside Food Solutions Names Darlene Nicosia CEO

Hearthside Food Solutions has appointed Darlene Nicosia as its new CEO. She succeeds Chuck Metzger, who is leaving the post after nearly five years as part of a long-term succession plan. Read more.


Yoplait, Box Tops for Education Renovate School Library

This back-to-school season, Yoplait and Box Tops for Education are giving back to local communities and are committed to empowering women who make schools a special place for students by donating a library renovation to the Dolores Huerta Elementary School in Lennox, Calif. Read more.


Publix Accepts Donations for Kentucky Disaster Relief, Gives $100K to Red Cross

To support those affected by catastrophic flooding in Kentucky, Publix customers can make a donation to the American Red Cross in any amount by adding it to their grocery total while checking out at any store. One hundred percent of donated funds will go to the Red Cross to support relief efforts in Kentucky. Read more.


Brace Yourselves: Krispy Kreme Starts Pumpkin Spice Season Early

Pumpkin spice season is arriving earlier than ever at Krispy Kreme and there’s a latte more to love (literally), including a Latte Swirl Doughnut – a take on the beverage that started it all – and Iced Coffee.Read more.


 

Johnsonville Pitches Sausage-Packed Fun for SuperHole III

It’s SuperHole time – when untold numbers of cornhole fans schedule their lives around televised pro-am competitions. For the uninitiated, it’s up to SuperHole III now. Johnsonville, the official sponsor of the American Cornhole League, has created a collection of limited-edition advertisement spots that will run in broadcast and digital, an impressive roster of air- mailing sausage ambassadors like Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Jennie Finch, a cornhole watch-party Pinterest board and hilarious sausage-centric swag.Read more.


 

Zevia Names DeBow Jr. Chief Commercial Officer

Zevia PBC has appointed Greig P. DeBow Jr. as chief commercial officer, effective today. Read more.


 

Schuman Cheese Names Snyder CEO

Schuman Cheese has named Steve K. Snyder CEO, with third-generation leader Neal Schuman moving from CEO to chairman of the board. Read more.


Bolthouse Farms Acquires Starbucks’ Evolution Fresh

Bolthouse Farms has closed its acquisition of Evolution Fresh from Starbucks, which includes the brand, business and employees supporting Evolution Fresh. By uniting the two powerhouse brands, Bolthouse Farms looks to further accelerate the company’s leadership within the premium juice and refrigerated beverage categories in retail. Read more.


 

FMI Supports Credit Card Competition Act

FMI – The Food Industry Association endorsed the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act sponsored by Sens. Dick Durban (D-IL) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) to guarantee merchant choice in payment routing by requiring at least two processors on credit cards. Read more.


 

Independent Brewers Open Membership, Launch Awards

The Society of Independent Brewers is expanding membership with three new member categories launching in 2022, starting with International Brewing Membership, which opened Aug. 1. SIBA membership is open to independent breweries anywhere outside of the United Kingdom and includes a range of membership benefits, including access to the newly launched SIBA International Beer Awards. Read more.


 

Alaska Airlines Cooks Up Vegan, Plant-Based Options

This summer, Alaska Airlines guests can veg out on board with more gluten friendly, plant-based and vegan meal options available in all cabins. The new vegan option, “Soy Meets World,” is a vegan salad developed in partnership Evergreens, a West Coast-based company that makes gourmet, freshly chopped salads. Read more.


Fancy Feast Creates Gatto Bianco Italian Trattoria for Cat Lovers

Fancy Feast is opening Gatto Bianco by Fancy Feast, a limited-time, Italian-style trattoria and culinary experience in New York City, to celebrate its new globally inspired Medleys recipes. Gatto Bianco will bring the mealtime experience of cats to life for cat owners and cat lovers and includes a special appearance by the iconic Fancy Feast cat herself. Read more.


Opopop, 10 Barrel Brewing Collaborate on Summer Snack Bundle

Denver-based Opopop, creator of Flavor Wrapped Popcorn Kernels, and Bend, Ore.-based 10 Barrel Brewing have produced Poppin’ on Cloud Wine, an exclusive brand collaboration that offers customers a delicious and thirst-quenching limited edition summer snack bundle. Read more.


 

Culinary Tourism Market Primed to Grow by $31.42B by 2025

The culinary tourism market is expected to grow by $31.42 billion at a compound annual growth rate of 6.53 percent through 2025, according to a report from Technavio. The rising preference for culinary tourism is notably driving market growth. Read more.


 

SpartanNash Hosts Its Largest Fall Expo

Food solutions company SpartanNash hosted more than 1,500 food and grocery suppliers and independent retail customers this week for the 2022 Fall Expo at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Mich. Read more.


 

USDA, Oregon Sign Meat Inspection Agreement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the state of Oregon have finalized a cooperative agreement, under which the state inspection program may inspect meat products produced for shipment within the state. Read more.


 

Hy-Vee CEO Edeker Stepping Down, Names Wiese as CEO

Hy-Vee Chairman and CEO Randy Edeker has named Aaron Wiese as Hy-Vee’s next CEO, effective Oct. 1. Wiese is vice chairman of Hy-Vee, Inc. and president of the company’s supply chain and subsidiaries. Read more.


 

Coors Light Thirst Trap Captures Mosquitoes

Coors Light, the official beer of everything unofficial, is giving mosquitoes some beer of their own so you can kill their buzz with the new Coors Light Thirst Trap, a mosquito trap designed to rid your summer days of pesky bugs. Read more.


 

General Mills Invests $2.3M for Regenerative Agriculture in Canada

General Mills and ALUS will support farmers and accelerate regenerative agriculture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada – key regions where General Mills sources oats for brands such as Cascadian Farm, Cheerios and Nature Valley. Read more.


 

Middleby Acquires Colussi Ermes Automation, Food Safety Solutions

The Middleby Corp. has acquired Colussi Ermes, a leading worldwide manufacturer of automated washing food safety solutions for the food processing industry. Located in Pordenone, Italy, the company has approximately $50 million in annual revenues. Read more.


 

Giant Food to Launch Loop Packaging in D.C.

Giant Food will bring Loop’s innovative packaging solution by Loop, the circular reuse platform developed by TerraCycle, to its customers. Beginning this fall, customers in the D.C.-metro area will be able to purchase the products they use every day in durable, reusable containers that can be found in Loop branded displays in participating Giant stores. Read more.


 

Justice Department Ending ‘Brazen’ Poultry Plant Wages Scheme

The Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit regarding poultry plant wages in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against a data consulting firm and its president, as well as three poultry processors, to end a long-running conspiracy to exchange information about wages and benefits for poultry processing plant workers and collaborate with competitors on compensation decisions in violation of the Sherman Act. Read more.


 

Pederson’s Natural Farms, Bacon Club NFT to Issue Limited Edition Collectible Bacon

Pederson’s Natural Farms and Bacon Club NFT will produce and distribute limited edition collectible bacon to all Bacon Club NFT holders. Read more.


 

Oregon Cheeses Score Record 24 Awards at American Cheese Society Conference

The nation’s specialty food industry descended on Portland last week at the American Cheese Society’s 2022 annual conference, its first in-person event since 2019. Oregon food and beverage makers were featured in pre-conference tours, educational and tasting seminars, and at a Best of Oregon celebration hosted by the Oregon Cheese Guild during this four day conference for over 1,000 industry professionals. Read more.


 

MyForest Foods Expands MyBacon Distribution to Massachusetts

MyForest Foods Co. has formed retail partnerships with Berkshire Food Co-op in Great Barrington, Mass., and Cornucopia Natural Wellness Market in Northampton, Mass. These retail partnerships are the result of scaling for MyForest Foods, a whole-cut mycelium food company. Read more.


 

Cheese Society Gives Awards, Revives Meet the Cheesemaker at Annual Convention

The American Cheese Society gave achievement awards and revived its Meet the Cheesemaker tradition at its annual cheese camp. Read more.


Whitney From Cellars at Jasper Hill Wins Best in Show at Specialty Cheese Show

Whitney, a Raclette-style raw milk cheese from Vermont’s Cellars at Jasper Hill won Best in Show for specialty cheese at the American Cheese Society’s annual awards. Read more.


 

Spending Habits: Americans Reluctant to Sacrifice Dining Out, Vacations, Streaming

A new survey conducted by HomeServe dug into the specifics of how Americans have adjusted spending habits due to higher prices on everything from groceries and gas to entertainment and education.
An overwhelming 82 percent said that inflation is affecting their household budget. When asked what area of their budget is being most impacted, the top three were groceries, gas and utilities. Read more.


Bobbie Organic Infant Formula Launches in Target Nationwide

Bobbie, the American-founded, European-style USDA Organic infant formula, is launching exclusively at Target. Just 18 months after launching as the first direct-to-consumer infant formula brand, Bobbie will be available at the majority of Target stores across the country and on Target.com within the next several weeks. Read more.


 

Titan Farms Peaches Available in Carolina Beauty Gift Boxes

Titan Farms Carolina Beauty peaches gift boxes are back for the third season for $37, which includes 13 hand-picked peaches with a recipe book delivered straight to customers doors. Orders can be placed through Aug. 8 – August being National Peach Month. Read more.


 

SpartanNash Corporate HQ Prioritizes People, Fun

Food solutions company SpartanNash celebrated the re-opening of its Grand Rapids, Mich.-based corporate headquarters, which was reimagined and renovated to inspire creativity and meet the evolving needs of its associates. Read more.


Chile Hosts Americas Selection of World Pastry Cup

The Americas Selection of the World Pastry Cup will be held for the first time in Chile at the Metropolitan Santiago, managed by competition organizer GL Events, on July 13. Read more.


 

Vita Coco to Present World’s Biggest Coconut Experience

Coconut water brand Vita Coco will help consumers beat the heat this summer with the World’s Biggest Coconut roadside experience popping up in Dallas from July 22 through July 24. The colossal coconut pop-up will invite Texans to celebrate summer and Vita Coco’s new hydrating and refreshing Coconut Juice, which launched earlier this summer, with a new invigorating and tropical coconut experience. Read more.


Cibo Vita CEO Named Entrepreneur of the Year in New Jersey

Emre Imamoglu, CEO of healthy snack food maker Cibo Vita, was named Entrepreneur of the Year, 2022 New Jersey Regional Award Winner, by Ernst & Young at an awards luncheon last month. Read more.


Olive Oil Industry Leaders Ask FDA for U.S. Standards

The American Olive Oil Producers Association, North American Olive Oil Association and Deoleo, the world’s largest olive oil producer, submitted a joint citizen petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to adopt enforceable, science-based olive oil standards. Read more.


SpartanNash Military Fundraiser Under Way

Food solutions company SpartanNash is holding its annual companywide fundraising campaign to support military servicemembers, veterans and their families. The SpartanNash Foundation fundraiser will run from through July 10. Read more.


 

US Foods Expands Chef’Store Warehouse Grocery

US Foods Holding Corp. will open US Foods Chef’Store warehouse grocery locations in Merced and Santa Cruz, Calif., Helena, Mont., and Winston-Salem, N.C. Read more.


 

Revela Foods to Unveil Company Rebranding

Food ingredients company Revela Foods will unveil its company rebrand at the IFT First Annual Event and Expo on July 10-13 in Chicago. Read more.


General Mills Completes $610M Sale of Helper, Suddenly Salad Businesses

General Mills has completed the sale of its Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dishes businesses to Eagle Family Foods Group in a cash transaction valued at approximately $610 million. Read more.


 

Dillon Peppermint DivinityDillon Peppermint Divinity Ready to Ship

Dillon Candy Company is accepting orders of Peppermint Divinity for fall shipments and the winter holidays. The Dillon team developed a recipe packed with peppermint pieces that are blended into Dillon’s all-time favorite divinity nougat. Read more.
Gourmet News July 2022Holiday sales are going well for Dillon’s so far, Cook told Gourmet News.
“At this point in the year, we are about 12 percent ahead of last year regarding holiday item orders. Some of that is new business and some of that may be attributed to existing customers wanting to secure product availability due to pricing and supply chain challenges.” Read more in the July issue of Gourmet News.


 

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Silver Spring Debuts First Non-GMO Horseradish

Silver Spring Foods, a subsidiary of Huntsinger Farms, the world’s largest grower and processor of horseradish, has launched a certified Non-GMO Fine Cut Prepared Horseradish just in time for National Horseradish Month in July. The new horseradish product was created to meet national consumer demand for non-GMO products and is now available in grocery stores regionally throughout the Midwest and online nationally. Read more.


 

Meet the Next Generation Honest Tea: Just Ice Tea

Honest Tea co-founder Seth Goldman has named the successor to the bottled organic tea line that Coca-Cola has discontinued: Just Ice Tea. Goldman made the announcement on his company’s website and in an interview with Gourmet News. Read more.


H-E-B, Amazon, Amazon Fresh Top eCommerce Grocers

In a near statistical tie, H-E-B edged out Amazon and Amazon Fresh as top ranked eCommerce grocers, according to data science miner dunnhumbly in its inaugural eCommerce Retailer Preference Index, a nationwide study examining the emerging $100 billion U.S. eCommerce grocery market. Read more.


Dr. Praeger’s Launches Campaign for Veggie Burgers

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods, a leader in the all-natural, plant-based, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and kosher frozen food categories for more than 25 years, is unveiling a campaign that highlights the simple, clean, and delicious ingredients consumers enjoy with veggie burgers. Read more.


 

NPD Names Sweets and Snacks Expo Consumer Award Winners

The NPD Group announced the winners of its inaugural consumer awards during the Sweets and Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association in Chicago, May 24-25. Read more.


 

Alden’s Giving Away 10,000 Scoops of Organic Ice Cream

To celebrate National Ice Cream Month in July, Alden’s Organic is giving away 10,000 scoops throughout the month. Consumers will have ample opportunity to win via seven giveaways hosted on the Alden’s OrganiWc Instagram and Facebook accounts. Read more.


 

Pass the Mustard – and Get a Peek at July’s Gourmet News

Since 1992, the National Mustard Museum has been celebrating National Mustard Day on the first Saturday in August, paying tribute to the Greatest (Condiment) Of All Time. Hubbard Avenue in front of the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wis., will be the scene with hot dogs and bratwursts, mustard ice cream, hot soft pretzels, mustard tastings, live music and mustard games for kids of all ages on Saturday, Aug. 6. Read more.


 

Winter Honey Bees Show Resistance to Common Insecticide

Winter honey bees have a better ability than newly emerged summer bees to withstand the harmful effects of a widely used insecticide in pest management, according to a recent study published in Apidologie. Read more.


 

Sprouts, Jennie Finch Partner to Promote Women’s Sports, Health

Sprouts Farmers Market today announced its long-term commitment to and investment in women’s athletics through partnerships with the Big 12 and Pac-12 Conferences, along with supporting 50 individual Name, Image and Likeness deals with female athletes from multiple schools from both conferences. Sprouts is the first grocery retailer to make this commitment, and is doing so alongside softball icon Jennie Finch. Read more.


 

Kraft Launches Rebranded Mac & Cheese

For 85 years, Kraft Mac & Cheese has been America’s original and favorite comfort food. With more than a million boxes sold every day, the cheesy bowls of deliciousness haven’t just filled America’s bellies; they’ve played an iconic role in every stage of people’s lives. Now, Kraft is unveiling a brand identity that includes an updated logo, noodle smile and even a new name that redefines the brand as feel-good food for everyone. Read more.


 

General Mills Acquires TNT Crust, Frozen Pizza Crusts

General Mills has completed the acquisition of TNT Crust. TNT Crust is a manufacturer of high-quality frozen pizza crusts for regional and national pizza chains, foodservice distributors, and retail outlets. TNT Crust was a portfolio company of Peak Rock Capital. Read more.


 

Whole Foods Market Launches Summer Condiment Trends Predictions

Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council revealed its first summer condiment trends predictions along with a list of corresponding products from emerging and established brands. The Trends Council – a collective of Whole Foods Market buyers and experts with extensive industry knowledge – predict global barbecue, chili peppers, elevated ketchup and mustard, next-level fermentation, and new takes on ranch will be influencing barbecues and picnics across America this summer. Read more.


 

Smashburger Adds Eclipse Plant-Based Milkshakes to Menu

Eclipse Foods has partnered with Smashburger to create the industry’s first nationally available plant-based milkshakes for the fast-casual chain. The milkshakes are now available for purchase in all Smashburger locations nationwide (for $6.19, price may vary based on location) in Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Tangerine Dream and Oreo. Read more.


 

Kellogg to Split Cereal, Plant-Based Foods Businesses

Kellogg Company’s board of directors has approved separating its North American cereal and plant-based foods businesses, via tax-free spin-offs, resulting in three independent public companies, each better positioned to unlock their full standalone potential. Read more.


Smartwater Names Zendaya as Brand Ambassador

As Smartwater’s global brand ambassador, acclaimed actor and performer Zendaya will appear in a series of new creative from the brand and support community water programs that will directly affect thousands of women. Read more.


Summer Fancy Food Show: Day 3

The third day of the SFA Summer Fancy Food Show saw less foot traffic than Day 2, but many exhibitors were excited about the contacts they made the previous day. Read more.


Amber Beverage Group Taps Ruslan Romanenko as CFO

Amber Beverage Group has appointed Ruslan Romanenko as group chief financial officer. Romanenko is a senior financial executive with over 25 years of experience in the industry and becomes part of the ABG executive board. Read more.


 

Joe Parisi Named President of Gristedes & D’Agostino Supermarkets

Joe Parisi has been appointed as president of Gristedes & D’Agostino’s, Manhattan’s largest chain of supermarkets.  Parisi holds the titles of president and chief operating officer of the 30-location New York City supermarket chain, bringing with him four decades of experience in the food and grocery industry. Read more.


Simone Biles Scores Wheaties Box Finale

In honor of its 100th anniversary, Wheaties is featuring decorated gymnast Simone Biles, widely regarded as one the greatest athletes of all time, as the finale box of its Century Series and year-long commemorative celebration.Read more.


 

2022 Summer Fancy Food Show, Day 2

Foot traffic ramped up for the second day of the Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show. Though the entire show was contained to two floors, more than 1,800 companies came to exhibit products at the Javits Center in New York City. Read more.


 

SFA Honors Gourmet News as Lifelong Member

2022 marks the first in-person Summer Fancy Food Show since the pandemic as well as the association’s 70th anniversary. SFA honored four lifelong members, including Gourmet News, in its award ceremony June 12. Read more.


 

2022 Summer Fancy Food Show, Day 1

The Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show opened on Sunday, June 12, with many expressing how happy they were being back to the show in person. Here are some snippets from today’s floor. Read more.


 

IRI New Product Pacesetters: Innovation Drives CPG Growth Despite the Pandemic

The unpredictability of the pandemic made the work of manufacturers even more difficult than in 2020, as COVID-19 and the resultant behavior of shoppers ebbed and flowed during 2021, according to IRI’s 2021 New Product Pacesetters report. Read more.


Lightlife Foods Promotes New ‘Lightyear’ Film

Greenleaf Foods, SPC, owner of plant-based food company Lightlife, announced today a blockbuster collaboration with Disney and Pixar. As part of the promotion of the upcoming film, “Lightyear,” Lightlife, Disney and Pixar are teaming up to celebrate the magic of legendary character Buzz Lightyear off the screen and in the kitchen. Read more.


 

Fortune to Launch Snow Crab for Ukraine Initiative at Summer Fancy Food

Fortune International will launch its Snow Crab for Ukraine initiative at the Summer Fancy Food Show, July 12-14, in New York. Fortune’s wild caught snow crab from the waters of the Bering and Okhotsk Sea will be sold during the event. For every pound sold under Snow Crab for Ukraine, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support the World Central Kitchen’s relief efforts in Ukraine. Read more.


 

Velveeta Scented Nail Polish – Apparently, It’s a Thing

Velveeta, a Kraft Heinz Company brand, unveiled its Pinkies Out Polish to encourage fans to live “La Dolce Velveeta,” and a life of bold, unrestrained pleasure. Velveeta announced its first nail polish collection in partnership with Nails.Inc, the Velveeta Pinkies Out Polish, which includes a nail polish duo and nail stickers. Read more.


 

Williams Sonoma Launches Seed & Harvest Food Collection

Williams Sonoma, a brand portfolio member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has launched Seed & Harvest, a collection of food that prioritizes providing customers with unprecedented transparency in ingredients and sustainable sourcing practices to accommodate various dietary, food or lifestyle preferences. Read more.


 

SpartanNash Names Crane as VP, Finance/Food Distribution

SpartanNash has named Greg Crane as vice president, Finance/Food Distribution. Crane will serve as finance business partner to Bennett Morgan, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer, and support the Food Distribution leadership team. Read more.


 

Alkaline Water Taps Lazaran as CEO

The Alkaline Water Company Inc. has appointed Frank Lazaran, a current director and 40-year veteran of the retail food industry, as CEO. Read more.


 

Southeastern Grocers Continues Support for Military Families

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announces its fifth tour of giving in partnership with Folds of Honor. SEG’s annual six-week community donation program champions Folds of Honor in its mission to provide educational scholarships to the children and spouses of America’s fallen and disabled service members. The SEG Gives Foundation has pledged $100,000 to Folds of Honor to commence the giving tour and elevate the families of American heroes. Read more.


 

General Mills to Sell Helper, Suddenly Salad to Eagle

General Mills has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dishes businesses to Eagle Family Foods Group, a portfolio company of Kelso & Company, in a cash transaction valued at approximately $610 million. The proposed transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2023, subject to regulatory approval. Read more.


 

Bolthouse Farms to Acquire Starbucks’ Evolution Fresh

Starbucks and Bolthouse Farms have entered into a definitive agreement for Bolthouse Farms to acquire the brand and business of Evolution Fresh. The partners (employees) that support the business will also transition to Bolthouse Farms upon close of the transaction. Read more.


 

Barry Callebaut Adds Dairy-Free Organic Chocolate

Barry Callebaut, a leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is expanding its plant-based Plant Craft portfolio by adding dairy-free organic chocolate to its North American line. Read more.


 

Ukraine Seafood Company Struggles to Survive

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to devastate the nation, one seafood company is working hard to maintain production, despite huge losses such as the loss of 5,000 pounds of frozen fish when a warehouse was destroyed. Read more.


 

Just Egg Ads Poke Fun at Celebrities’ Healthier Lifestyles

Eat Just, Inc. has launched an ad campaign that features tennis star Serena Williams and actor Jake Gyllenhaal, both investors in the brand, eating Just Egg as part of their healthier lifestyles. Actor JB Smoove reprises his role as cheeky narrator in this new series of ads, poking fun at celebrity perks such as personal trainers and nutritionists while pointing out that everyone can eat plant-based eggs. Read more.


Coca-Cola Spills the (Honest) Tea; Industry Reacts

In what Honest Tea co-founder Seth Goldman called a “gut punch,” Coca-Cola announced Monday that it would discontinue the Honest Tea line. “Shocking!” Steven MK Fader, executive leader of operations and purchasing for Whole Foods Market. “Honest was the trailblazer in this category and has helped change the way consumers think about what they drink.” Read more.


 

Fave U.K. Cake Mr Kipling Now in U.S. stores

Mr Kipling, the No. 1 cake brand in the United Kingdom and Australia, has arrived on U.S. shores. The array of high-quality, beautifully portioned cakes were stocked bakery shelves at 219 Target stores across the nation in April. Premier Foods will showcase its new cakes at IDDBA 2022. Read more.


 

SunnyD, Nia Sioux Stay ‘ReFreshed’ This Summer

From what you wear to what you sip, SunnyD beverage brand, owned by Harvest Hill Beverage Company, is bringing fans a refreshed take on nostalgic summer vibes with the return of two fan-favorite flavors: classic Lemonade and Raspberry Lemonade. The Swag Shop will return filled with summer staples updated with a lemony-twist. To kick it all off with a splash, SunnyD has teamed up with singer, actress, podcast host and former “Dance Moms star” Nia Sioux, to announce the Summer ReFresh Contest on TikTok. Read more.


 

Impossible Foods Launches Nuggets, Patties in UK

California-based Impossible Foods, the fastest-growing plant-based meat company in the United States, is making its European debut in the United Kingdom this week with the launch of two of its latest products — Impossible “Chicken” Nuggets Made From Plants and Impossible Sausage Patties Made From Plants. Read more.


 

Alaska Seafood Online Marketplace Goes Live

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute has launched the Alaska Seafood Online Marketplace, a new web-based directory designed to connect global buyers and suppliers of Alaska seafood. As the number of seafood purchases taking place online continues to grow, the Marketplace will provide opportunities for Alaska seafood businesses to showcase products to seafood purchasers. Read more.


 

Washington Wine Industry Launches Sustainable Certification

The Washington wine industry launched the state’s first statewide certified sustainability program for wine grapes, signifying a commitment to quality fruit, environmental stewardship, and healthy communities. Sustainable WA will begin certifying vineyards this summer. Read more.


 

SE Asia Online Grocery Leader Adopts Blue Yonder System

To meet the increased demand for its services rising out of the pandemic, Southeast Asia’s leading online grocery company HappyFresh, digitally transformed its operations with Arizona-based Blue Yonder’s warehouse management system. Read more.


 

US Foods to Open 4th Foodservice Store

US Foods Holding Corp. will open a CHEF’STORE in Spartanburg, S.C. Located at 300 W. Blackstock Road, the 33,000-square-foot foodservice store will join three existing locations across South Carolina. Read more.


Lifeway Foods Expands Humanitarian Efforts for Ukraine Relief

Lifeway Foods, U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, continues to stand with the people of Ukraine by expanding humanitarian relief efforts to support those in need. Building on the company’s ongoing efforts, Lifeway will release a specially marked charity relief bottle with 100 percent of profits going toward humanitarian aid for Ukraine relief with a commitment of up to $1 million. Read more.


 

Hellman’s Enlists Casey Wilson to Spice Up Campaign

Hellmann’s is celebrating the launch of its Spicy Mayonnaise Dressing by teaming up with actress and comedian Casey Wilson to introduce the “Get Spicy” campaign, which encourages people to add some spice to their life in the kitchen and beyond. Read more.


 

Iconic Brands Team Up for Old Bay Seasoned Goldfish

Leading snack brand Goldfish crackers, in partnership with the iconic seasoning brand, Old Bay, is releasing Limited Edition Old Bay Seasoned Goldfish, a flavor that brings the bold seafood seasoning staple to everyone’s favorite fish-shaped cracker. Goldfish and Old Bay fans and those with a love for big, bold flavors can get their hands on this unique flavor starting in May wherever Goldfish are sold, for a suggested retail price of $2.79 per 6.6-ounce bag, while supplies last. Read more.


Smallhold Opens First LA County Indoor Mushroom Farm

In May, Smallhold will begin delivering locally grown, USDA Certified Organic specialty mushrooms to Southern California from its 34,000 square foot facility in Los Angeles County. This West Coast expansion, alongside existing farms in Brooklyn and Austin, furthers the 5-year-old company’s mission to build a hyper-local solution to a broken global food supply chain. Read more.


 

US Foods CEO Steps Down, Changes Made to Board

Foodservice distributor US Foods Holding Corp. CEO Pietro Satriano told shareholders he is leaving the company. Robert M. Dutkowsky was appointed executive chair and Andrew Iacobucci was appointed interim CEO. Read more.


 

Future of Grocery Retailing a Topic at Fresh Produce Summit

On the heels of a global pandemic, much has changed over the past two years in the world of grocery retailing, and these changes may influence what lies ahead for the entire fresh produce industry. To discuss the future of grocery retail and its impact on fresh produce, a pair of leaders from Whole Foods, along with its former co-CEO, have been confirmed as panelists for a keynote presentation this July at Organic Produce Summit 2022 in Monterey, Calif. Read more.


 

Alaska Salmon Season on Copper River Opens May 16

Alaska’s Copper River commercial salmon season will begin May 16, when the region’s commercial fishermen will be allowed to set their nets for 12 hours to harvest king and sockeye salmon from the icy glacial fed waters of the Copper River Delta. Read more.


 

Growth Potential Seen for At-Home Foods Market

Middle market investment banking firm Capstone Partners sees significant growth potential for established brands in the at-home foods market with the recent recapitalization of Uncle John’s Pride, a family-owned producer of branded premium meats in the consumer food and beverage sector. Read more.


 

Southern Glazer’s Donates $100K for Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine

Alcohol beverage distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is donating a total of $100,000 across three charitable organizations supporting humanitarian aid in Ukraine. The donation is the result of an employee fundraising campaign, in which Southern Glazer’s matched employee contributions to organizations performing meaningful work to help Ukrainian refugees. Read more.


 

At-Home Meals Top 2022 Food Trends, Kroger Report Says

At-home meals will continue to dominate in the year ahead, according to Kroger’s 2022 Food Trends Report, which attributes the popularity of home meals to convenience, affordability, social gatherings and the desire for sustainable and nutrient-rich food items. Read more.


 

USDA Invests $22.5M for Chesapeake Bay Water Quality

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest an additional $22.5 million in conservation assistance in fiscal year 2022 to help farmers boost water quality improvements and conservation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The new Chesapeake Bay States’ Partnerships Initiative will support Bay-area farmers, building on a $1.1 billion investment made by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service over the past decade. USDA is also announcing a new task force – jointly with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – to better quantify the voluntary conservation efforts of farmers in the Bay watershed. Read more.


 

Coors Light Energy-Efficient Rooftop Ads Have Chilling Effect

Coors Light has debuted Chillboards, rooftop billboard installations proven to cool buildings down. The new rooftop Coors Light ads, which have different phrases such as, “Chillboards” and “Ads Nobody Can See, But Everyone Can Feel,” are written in the typeface “coolest,” designed to cover more than 95 percent of the surface space in reflective white paint. Read more.


MTN DEW Purple Thunder Debuts at Circle K

MTN DEW Purple Thunder, a new beverage that combines the flavors of blackberry and plum is now only available at Circle K. Read more.


 

Jack Daniel’s Launches First Super Premium Whiskey Line Extension in 25 Years

The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey as the first two permanent expressions in the brand’s new Bonded Series. The Bonded Series honors the whiskey making excellence of the iconic Jack Daniel Distillery and will be a permanent extension in the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands. Read more.


 

SEG Partners with Local Animal Rescues, Shelters for National Pet Month

Southeastern Grocers is raising support for local animal rescues and shelters through its Community Bag program in honor of National Pet Month. Read more.


 

Spiceology Holds Golden Tongs Sweepstakes for Barbecue Month

Spiceology is kicking off National Barbecue Month with its first Golden Tongs Sweepstakes. Known for its innovative spice blends and barbecue rubs, Spiceology is giving three lucky flavor fans a chance to create a BBQ blend worthy of joining the ranks of the Spiceology ‘Grill Greats’ such as Derek Wolf, Christie Vanover and Chad White. Read more.


 

Beyoncé Headlines Investors in $31M Fundraising for Lemon Perfect Enhanced Water

Lemon Perfect, a fast-rising hydrating lemon water brand in the enhanced water category, raised $31 million in Series A funding from an influential network of investors across food and beverage, media, music, sports and entertainment headlined by internationally celebrated award-winning artist and entrepreneur Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Read more.


 

National Inventors Hall of Fame to Induct 27 Innovators

A horticulturist and biochemist who identified a novel compound that extends the freshness and storage life of fruits, vegetables and flowers and a team that created the Kiva system, which advanced warehouse order fulfillment for e-commerce, are among innovators being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Read more.


 

Dollywood Flower & Food Festival Ready to Bloom Again

For a third year, Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (April 22 – June 5) presented by Covenant Health blossoms against a Smoky Mountain backdrop to deliver brilliant floral hues to guests. During this year’s installment of the festival, guests can appreciate the vibrant beauty of more than a million blooms, explore the fresh flavors of spring with an immersive tasting pass and delight in entertainment offerings. Read more.


 

Albertsons Sets ESG Goals, Long-Term Sustainability Strategies

Albertsons Companies has launched long-term sustainability goals and strategies focused on maximizing the company’s positive impact across four pillars: Planet, People, Product and Community. The company’s Environmental, Social and Governance framework, called “Recipe for Change,” further solidifies Albertsons Cos.’ commitment to using its national presence and resources to drive meaningful, proactive change. Read more.


 

Stoli Promotion to Benefit World Central Kitchen for Ukraine Relief

Stoli Group has launched a limited-edition bottle of Stoli Vodka to benefit Ukraine. Proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization founded by Chef José Andrés that provides fresh, nutritious meals to refugees fleeing Ukraine and those who are staying in cities impacted by the war.
“As Ukrainians continue to suffer unimaginable losses, we are doing our small part to show unequivocal support,” said Damian McKinney, global CEO. “This Stoli Vodka bottle will not only provide financial resources to Ukraine, but is also a symbol of solidarity.” Read more.


 

Neat Food Expands Team Before Expansion, Product Launches

Neat Food Co. – one of the world’s fastest growing alternative-protein food groups backed by Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton, a key investor who helped found the company in 2019 – announced multiple senior hires as it builds critical mass in key roles as part of its international expansion plans, starting in the key U.S. market. Read more.


 

Meowy Anniversary, Made by Nacho Cat Food and Chef Bobby Flay

Made by Nacho is commemorating its first year in business by debuting more than 18 products, launching new distribution partnerships with Chewy and Petco.com, and releasing its first-ever merchandise collection, among other initiatives. Read more.


 

Sprouts to Hold First Private Brand Sustainability Vendor Summit

Sprouts Farmers Market will host its first Our Brands focused Sustainability Vendor Summit June 21-24 as part of the company’s commitment to offer responsibly grown and sourced food to customers. Read more.


 

DJ Khaled’s Another Wing Drops Plant-Based LikeWings

DJ Khaled’s Another Wing unveiled LikeWings, plant-based additions to its U.S. menu in partnership with LikeMeat, a LIVEKINDLY Collective brand. The collaboration marks LikeMeat’s first ghost kitchen partnership. Read more.


 

Wegmans to End Plastic Bag Use by End of 2022

Wegmans will eliminate plastic bag use companywide by the end of 2022, with a goal to shift customers to reusable bags, the best option to solve the environmental challenge of single-use grocery bags. Read more.


 

San Diego Co. Wine Sales Up 19%, Exceed $44M

The San Diego County Vintners Association, a trade organization dedicated to supporting the winemaking community in San Diego County, released the 2022 San Diego County Economic Impact of Wineries report  that shows county wineries realized about $44.1 million in gross sales last year, a 19 percent increase from 2020 but not yet reaching the local winery industry’s all-time-high of sales in 2019 ($46.2 million). The number of active wineries in San Diego County also rose to 160 in 2021.  Read more.


 

Misfits Market Launches Private Label Brand

Online grocery platform Misfits Market has launched its first private label, Odds & Ends, which includes pantry staples such as coffee and snacks like nuts, dried fruit and dark chocolate-covered mini pretzels. Many of Misfits Market’s Odds & Ends products have been specifically designed to address supply chain inefficiencies. By working directly with farmers and producers who share the company’s vision of eliminating waste, Misfits Market is taking new steps to prioritize sustainability and utilize creative sourcing methods to offer high-quality staple products at value.  Read more.


 

Mark Irby Joins Publix Board of Directors

During Publix’s annual stockholders’ meeting, Mark Irby, retired Publix vice president of marketing, was elected to the company’s board of directors.  Read more.


 

Gas, Groceries, Dining Out Top List for Rising Costs

Gasoline, groceries, and dining out top a list of the 12 most acute inflation pain points for consumers today, according to First Insight’s latest study detailing the impacts of inflation on consumer spending.  Read more.


 

Wiley Wallaby Kicks Off Tour on National Licorice Day (April 12)

Wiley Wallaby, a popular soft-and-chewy licorice, is celebrating National Licorice Day by hosting the inaugural stop of its 29-city mobile marketing tour Apr. 12 in New York City. The five-month tour will cover more than 10,000 miles and distribute more than 500,000 samples of delicious Wiley Wallaby licorice in 17 flavors. Read more.


 

Cedar’s Foods Donates $100K to World Central Kitchen for Ukraine Relief

Cedar’s Foods, a Haverhill, Mass.-based company with national distribution of hommus and Mediterranean products, has donated $100,000 to World Central Kitchen to help feed Ukrainian refugees.  Read more.


Miami Marlins Sign Multi-Year Deal With nudge Coffee Snacks

The Miami Marlins baseball team has entered into a multi-year partnership with nudge coffee snacks, a new brand sponsor and coffee confection startup based in Miami. The brand’s Coffee Bombs and Coffee Bars will be the Official Coffee Snacks of the Marlins.  Read more.


 

Belle Pulses to Expand Production in Response to Global Food Supply Chain Crisis, Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Eat Well Investment Group Inc. ‘s portfolio company, Belle Pulses, plans to upgrade and expand its production facilities to meet recent demand increases caused by the global food supply chain crisis. International markets for pulses entered a period of unprecedented uncertainty following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting wave of sanctions from North America, European Union member states, and most of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries.  Read more.


 

Kingswood Acquires Save Mart Companies

Kingswood Capital Management LP has acquired the Save Mart Companies. Kingswood is an operationally focused private equity firm based in Los Angeles, with significant experience in the retail sector. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Read more.


 

Eataly Leaves Russia Due to Ukraine Invasion

Eataly has decided to dissolve operations in Moscow due to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.
Eataly has ended our franchising agreement for Eataly Moscow, the only Eataly store operating in Russia,” said CEO Nicola Ferinetti. “During a moment of escalating humanitarian crisis, our hearts are with the victims of this devastating conflict. We as a company and as human beings unequivocally condemn the war in Ukraine, and join the world in hoping for a peaceful resolution.” Read more.


 

SEG Donates $1.1M+ in Supplies for Ukraine Relief

Southeastern Grocers Inc. is extending additional support for Ukraine relief with a donation of more than $1.1 million worth of cleaning and sanitation supplies, personal protective equipment and nonperishable food items to humanitarian nonprofit organization Mission 823. Read more.


 

FDA seeks $8.4B for Core Food Safety, Other Health Programs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requesting a total budget of $8.4 billion as part of the President’s fiscal year 2023 budget – a nearly 34 percent ($2.1 billion) increase over the agency’s FY 2022 appropriated funding level for investments in critical public health modernization, core food safety and medical product safety programs and other vital public health infrastructure. Read more.


 

Healthy Snack StickyLickits Features YouTuber at Walmart in 11 States

Healthy snack StickyLickits, a line of edible stickers that entice kids to be more adventurous eaters, especially when it comes to fruits and veggies, is featuring YouTube kidfluencer Ryan Kaji of Ryan’s World at more than 350 Walmart stores in California, Arizona, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon, New Mexico and Montana. Read more.


 

Good Eggs Online Grocery Expands in Orange County

Good Eggs has introduced its online grocery marketplace across Orange County, bringing the brand’s food offerings and service to Orange County residents as it continues its expansion throughout Southern California. Read more.


 

Guru Plant-Based Drink to Launch Campaign Across Canada

Montreal-based Guru Organic Energy Corp., Canada’s leading organic energy drink brand, announces the launch of “Made with Plants,” a national campaign that highlights Guru ’s exclusive market position as the only plant-based drink in its category and introduces Guayusa Tropical Punch to Canadians from coast to coast after its successful launch in Quebec in late 2021. Read more.


 

Starbucks Outlines Reusable Cup, Recycle App, EV Route Plans

Starbucks has outlined efforts to reduce waste through innovative reusable cup programs, launched a waste and recycling app to support partners’ sustainability efforts and a pilot program with Volvo to help electrify a driving route from the Colorado Rockies to Seattle. Read more.


 

Goya Delivers Food, Rosaries for Ukraine Relief

What started as a mission to nourish the body, has turned into a mission of nourishing the soul to bring peace and prayer to the people of Ukraine. Goya arrived in Poland to distribute more than 15,000 rosaries that were donated by Americans from around the country for Ukraine relief. Read more.


 

Coors Light Chillollipops – Yes, Beer-Flavored Lollipops – May Calm March Madness

During the three weeks of nail-biting basketball games, stressed out sports fans watch as their favorite college b-ball teams advance to the next round or while their brackets are busted. Either way, Coors Light thought fans could use a little chill in a new form of “Chillollipop,” beer-flavored lollipops. Read more.


 

Sweets & Snacks Expo to Rotate Between Indianapolis, Las Vegas

The  National Confectioners Association’s Sweets & Snacks Expo will make a historic move to host the premier trade show for the confectionery and snack industries in a rotation between Indianapolis and Las Vegas over the next 10 years. This announcement comes as the show convenes to celebrate 25 years of candy and snack innovation. Read more.


 

PFG Donates to World Central Kitchen for Ukraine Relief

Virginia-based Performance Food Group Company is donating $50,000 to World Central Kitchen to help support the organization’s Ukraine relief efforts to provide meals to refugees. Read more.


 

SpartanNash Ships Critical Supplies for Ukraine Relief

Michigan-based food solutions company SpartanNash has shipped to Europe the first of several containers of critical supplies as part of its $1 million commitment for Ukraine relief. SpartanNash’s military division coordinated the export, which included baby formula, diapers, over-the-counter medicines, sports energy drinks and personal hygiene items. Read more.


 

Napa Seafood Foundation Provides Meals for Ukraine Relief

Napa Seafood Foundation is on the ground, mobilized and ready to help the people of Ukraine. Through World Central Kitchen, the foundation can provide seafood meals to healthcare workers, first responders and volunteers who are putting their lives on the line and doing whatever they can for Ukraine relief.  Read more.


 

TA Associates to Acquire Stonewall Kitchen

Stonewall Kitchen, a leading family of specialty food, home goods and personal care lifestyle brands, has been advised by Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in H&A advisory services, in its sale to TA Associates. Read more.


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2022 Sizzles So Far for Craft Meat Producer The Baconer

California-based The Baconer, which was featured in a front cover story in February’s Gourmet News, is off to a good start this year with a new partnership, new award and new way to invest in its growth. Read more.


 

Southern Glazer’s Matches Employee Donations for Ukraine Relief

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will match 100 percent of all employee donations made to three charitable organizations supporting Ukraine relief during the next 90 days. Read more.


 

California Megadrought to Hit Wine Industry Hard

2021 presented an extraordinary level of soil water deficit and irrigation that could sometimes be ineffective due to the severity of the California megadrought, according to a new report on two =counties, Sonoma and Napa, conducted by Agrology. Read more.


 

Study: Americans See Food Inflation Rate Higher Than Reality

U.S. consumers are more worried about rising food prices, the economy and their own personal finances than they are with getting COVID, according to a new study by dunnhumby. Read more.


 

Little Spoon Launches Clean Label Baby Food Transition Meals

Building on the success of Little Spoon Babyblends, which has earned Clean Label verification, the company has launched a baby food line of Transition Meals. The new line offers support in taking the baby-led weaning route, aging out of purees and into whole foods or for parents looking to add variety to a baby’s mealtime. Read more.


 

SEG Donates $250K, Proceeds of Ukrainian Vodka to Ukrainian Relief

Southeastern Grocers has donated $250,000 and will donate proceeds from its private label Ukrainian vodka for Ukrainian relief. Read more.


 

USDA Commits $215M to Enhance US Food Supply Chain

U.S. Department of Agriculture is making available up to $215 million in grants and other support to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain and create jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas. Read more.


 

Bredemeier Takes Helm of Grand Havana Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee company Grand Havana has appointed founding member Tanya Bredemeier as CEO, as Robert Rico’s five-year agreement ends. Rico will remain on the company’s board of directors and serve as a consultant. Read more.


 

American Seafoods Appoints Gustafsson CEO, Andreassen COO

Seattle-based American Seafoods Group, a global leader in sustainable protein and one of the world’s largest at-sea processor of wild Alaska pollock and Pacific hake, announced the appointment of Einar Gustafsson to chief executive officer, effective upon completion of his transition. Gustafsson will succeed Mikel Durham, who stepped down. Read more.


 

Kraft Heinz to Appoint Patricio as Chair, Park to Board

The Kraft Heinz Company announced that the Board of Directors intends to appoint Chief Executive Officer Miguel Patricio as chair, subject to his re-election at the Kraft Heinz 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Chair of the Board of Directors Alexandre Behring will retire following the end of his term. Read more.


 

IDF Announces Dairy Innovation Awards

The International Dairy Federation has announced the launch of the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards, which are designed to encourage and celebrate innovative practices across the dairy sector. Read more.


 

Japan to Promote Food Products in New York

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan will promote Japanese food products – primarily food from Fukushima Prefecture – in New York City during February and March, taking advantage of the deactivation of Japanese food import measures by the United States in September. Read more.


 

Clubby Seltzers to Branch Into New States, Expand Lineup

Clubby Seltzers, Oklahoma’s leading independent craft seltzer, has recently closed its Series A round of funding. The round was led by Lane Gibbs & Matt Whitaker, two of the founding partners, and a group of individual investors that included Fort Worth’s Cody Campbell and John Sellers (Double Eagle Seltzers Holdco). The funding will help propel the launch of Clubby Seltzers in several states, including Texas, California, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, South Carolina and Colorado. Read more.


 

LaCroix Cherry Blossom Sparkling Water to Launch at Major Retailers

Florida-based National Beverage Corp. said its newest sparkling water flavor: Cherry Blossom, which will be available at select retailers nationwide in March. Read more.


 

Retail Brands Institute Becomes Velocity Institute

Retail Brands Institute, which works to transform private label into a retail brand-centric and consumer-focused industry, has changed its name to Velocity Institute. Read more.


 

San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Under Way

Entries are being accepted for the 7th annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition. Extra virgin olive oil and flavored olive oil entries from commercial producers in the state of California are eligible; olive oil must be made from producers’ most recent olive harvest. Deadline for entries is March 25. Read more.


 

Idahoan Foods Appoints Dale Clemiss as CEO

Idahoan Foods has appointed Dale Clemiss as chief executive officer effective March 7. During his 30-year career, Clemiss shaped iconic brands and consumer-favorite foods, including Campbell’s Chunky® soup, Swanson broth, Prego sauce, Birds Eye, and Marie Callender’s frozen meals.
Read more.


 

New England Breweries Go ‘Green’ for Super Bowl

Super Bowl Sunday is one of the days that Americans consume the most beer – approximately 325 million gallons, which creates a lot of waste that gets sent to landfills or dumped down the drain. Vanguard Renewables in Massachusetts believes that waste is only waste if you waste it. Waste can be recycled and harnessed to make renewable energy. Read more.


 

Smaller Companies Take Spotlight at Winter Fancy Food 2022

The Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food 2022 show ended with a big focus on smaller and newer companies, many of which launched during the pandemic.
At a fraction of the previous exhibitors and hours shorted to six hours for the first two days and four hours for the last day, even with COVID precautions, many of the larger exhibitors chose to sit the winter show out.
That left a lot of room for smaller companies and first-time exhibitors to catch some attention.
Read more.


 

Tastes of Winter Fancy Food Show Day 2

Many exhibitors at the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food 2022 show were breathing a sigh of relief today as the second full day was under way today. Foot traffic was light Sunday morning, but built up during the day. Today, aisles were crowded as people browsed the booths. Read more.


 

Wizardry and Bubbly From Jelly Belly

Jelly Belly brought its world renowned jelly beans to the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food show with a spread of new products to herald. No doubt the company’s Harry Potter products will be on many a holiday list. And relatives of Jelly Belly’s founding family came up with a sure-fire idea: to incorporate Jelly Belly’s flavors with sparkling water. Alas, the pandemic took hold and the Joffer family had to wait awhile to launch Jelly Belly sparkling water, but they’re here now. Read more.


 

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen at WFF?

Rumor has it that entertainer John Legend and his wife, model Chrissy Teigen, may stop in at the Winter Fancy Food show, now in progress in Las Vegas. We’ll let you know if they do show up.


 

Cooleeney Farm Debuts Irish Cheese at Winter Fancy Food Show

Sean Deane, U.S. market advisor for the Irish cheesemaker Cooleeney Farm, had no sooner moved to New York City than the company sent him to Las Vegas for the farm’s first Winter Fancy Food Show. Read more.


(c) J. Martin Harris Photography

Asian Flavors Inspire Torani’s Newest Flavor

Leading flavor creator Torani raised a lot of eyebrows when it announced its inaugural Pourcast Flavor of the Year: Salted Egg Yolk Syrup. But it brought a smile to expert bartender Ty Young’s face. Read more.


Giant Food Courts Local Vendors to Expand Grocery Offerings

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington, D.C. regional grocery chain, is hosting its first Local Vendor Summit to collaborate with local businesses and, in turn, provide stores with an increased variety of local products. Read more.


Supplant Sugars From Fiber to Debut at WFF

The Supplant Company has announced the introduction of premium inclusions made with the company’s flagship ingredient, Supplant sugars from fiber, beginning with Supplant Chocolate Chips. To mark the launch of the Chocolate Chips, and coinciding with the Winter Fancy Food Show Feb. 6-8, Bouchon Las Vegas will be announcing a limited-edition menu item showcasing the new product made with Supplant sugars from fiber for locals and food show attendees. Read more.


Darigold Resumes Production in Burned Dairy Facility

Seattle-based Darigold has resumed partial butter production at its facility in Caldwell, Idaho, a 91-year-old dairy production facility that produces butter and powdered milk products for the farmer-owned co-op. Darigold closed the facility after an Oct. 12 fire tore through parts of the plant, causing significant damage to the facility’s production capability and structural damage to some of the building. Read more.


Cheese Industry Group Seeks Board of Directors Nominations

Each year, the ACS Nominating Committee seeks nominations of cheese industry professionals from all types and sizes of eligible organizations to serve on the ACS Board of Directors. Read more.


SFA Adjusts Winter Fancy Food Hours

The Specialty Food Association has adjusted the hours for its 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in response to member feedback.

Based on member feedback, hours have been shortened to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday. Sampling of specialty food and beverages from domestic and international exhibitors, and educational programming will still be featured. Read more.


Macklemore Endorses Recovery Drink CLEAN Cause

CLEAN Cause, the Austin-based sparkling yerba maté beverage company, announced Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Ben Haggerty, better known as Macklemore, as the brand’s first creative director and celebrity investor. Read more.


Thomas Tew Craft Rum to Rock Boston Calling Festival

Newport, Rhode Island-based Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. will be serving up its Thomas Tew craft rum line as an official partner of the Boston Calling Music Festival. Read more.


Sprouts Reaches Cage-Free, Better Eggs Commitment

Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market is sourcing all shell and liquid eggs sold across its more than 370 stores from cage-free, organic or free-range farms. Read more.


Belgian Boys’ Female CEO Gets Recognition

The company name may be Belgian Boys, in honor of two boyhood friends who couldn’t find beloved treats as adults in New York City, but “there was always a woman behind the boys,” said Anouck Gotlib, CEO of the Brooklyn startup. Read more.


US Company Impossible Foods Ranks 1st in Global Funding Survey

To no one’s surprise, the U.S. company Impossible Foods is the best-funded vegan company of 2021, a new study shows, with more than $1 billion in funding. Another U.S. company, Eat Just, came in fourth with $450 million in funding. Read more.



PlantPlus Acquires Plant-Based Food Makers Sol Cuisine, DEW

Chicago-based PlantPlus Foods, maker of plant-based foods with a joint venture between a leading global food solutions and nutrition company, ADM, and one of the leaders in the protein sector, Marfrig, announced its portfolio expansion in North America with the acquisition of Sol Cuisine following the recent acquisition of DEW Drink Eat Well, which has the Hilary’s brand. Read more.


Giant Food Encourages Employees to Get #HealthyAtWork

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington, D.C. regional grocery chain, concluded its annual companywide #HealthyAtWork associate challenge by rewarding 22 employees with free fruits and vegetables for a year. Read more.


Annual Meat Conference Canceled

The North American Meat Institute and FMI have announced that the Annual Meat Conference, which had been set for Feb. 7-9 in Washington, D.C., has been canceled. Read more.


ABB’s Updated Sugar Library Boosts Monitoring, Control Flexibility

ABB has launched its latest release of ABB Ability Sugar Library, which is now enhanced with functionalities for control engineering inventory for sugar manufacturers. Read more.


Organic Food Show BIOFACH Pushed to July 26-29

The international organic food trade show BIOFACH has been pushed back from February to July 26-29 in Nuremburg, Germany, due to health concerns.Read more.


Darigold President, CEO Stan Ryan to Retire

Darigold, Inc.’s President and CEO Stan Ryan will retire at the end of the co-op’s fiscal year on March 31, after leading the global dairy company for six years. Read more.


Messer to Display Cryogenic Technologies at IPPE

New Jersey-based Messer is helping food processors during the COVID-19 pandemic by installing innovative cryogenic technologies to address production challenges. Messer will showcase these technologies at the 2022 International Production & Processing Expo Jan. 25-27 in Atlanta Read more.


TapouT Makes a Splash for Its Design

Splash Beverage Group, Inc.’s design agency has won the Graphic Design USA award for packaging design for the recently rebranded TapouT performance hydration drink. Read more.


Better-for-You Market

Adam Kukoff of Nutsóla and Lior Lewensztain of That’s It. are among the numerous entrepreneurs building momentum for the better-for-you movement that promotes simple, limited ingredients in functional food and beverages across all food categories. This story and more in January’s Gourmet News. Read more.


Alkame Acquires Jams & Jellies Brands

Alkame Holdings’ wholly owned subsidiary, West Coast Copacker, has acquired two specialty food jams and jellies brands: Maury Island Farm and Quinn’s Pepper Jellies. Read more.


Oterra Acquires US Color Producer

Oterra, the world’s leading supplier of natural colors with the widest portfolio in the industry, continues its growth acceleration with the acquisition of Food Ingredient Solutions, a leading American producer of colors and natural antioxidants with a strong exposure to, and growth from, natural colors. Read more.


Vita Coco, Lyft Team Up for New Year’s Eve

Leading coconut water brand Vita Coco is bringing convenience and recovery straight to consumers this New Year’s Eve by partnering with Lyft to offer discounts on rides home and hydrating coconut water, perfect after a night out. Read more.


Southeastern Grocers Ends Year With Wins

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is celebrating its wins both for its customers and the community.Read more.


Oterra Welcomes ‘King of Red Beets’

Oterra, the world’s leading supplier of natural colors with the widest portfolio in the industry, completed the acquisition of Diana Food’s natural food coloring business on Dec. 29.Read more.


Fortune Fish & Gourmet Expands Reach Into Texas

Fortune International announced the acquisition of Ocean Harvest Wholesale, Inc., a Houston and Delcambre, La., based seafood and shrimp processor and distributor. Read more.


Warren Decries Soaring Food Costs, Profits

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren asked CEOs of Kroger, Publix and Albertsons to justify rewarding executives and shareholders while raising food costs.Read more.


ECRM Fall Global Market Sets Record

Ohio-based ECRM, a leader in end-to-end product sourcing solutions for retailers, hosted a record number of participants at its October 2021 Global Market: Fall Experience, with more than 3,700 buyers and sellers gathering virtually from 68 countries.Read more.


Southeastern Grocers Fights Holiday Food Insecurity

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has donated $362,600 to Feeding America to fight food insecurity during the holidays and all year long.Read more.


Poll: Cultured Butter a Holiday Must-Have

Nearly half of Americans are likely to use cultured butter over traditional butter when making holiday dishes this year, according to a new poll. Read more.


Graeter’s Ice Cream CEO Inducted Into Hall of Fame

For generations of Midwesterners, Graeter’s ice cream is a comfort food – uncommonly creamy, with wholesome ingredients and no grain of sugar spared. It’s Americana in a cone. Read more.


National Beverage Corp. Supports St. Jude

For 28 years, National Beverage Corp. has partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and encourages support for inspiring hope in children facing serious illnesses. Read more.


Westrock Coffee Expands U.S. Plants

Westrock Coffee Company has announced plans to expand its operations and beverage capabilities by buying a new facility in Conway, Ark., that will be the largest facility of its type in the United States. Read more.


USDA Seeks Food Safety Advisory Committee Members

SThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is seeking nominations for membership to the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection. Read more.


Shots Box Is Ringing in the Holidays

Shots Box, experts in delivering curated craft, artisanal, and small-batch spirits to people’s doorsteps, is helping people keep warm and celebrate this holiday season with deliveries of its most popular and trending whiskey flavors of the season. Read more.


UNFI Names 360PR+ Agency of Record

United Natural Foods, Inc., the largest publicly traded grocery distributor in the United States, has named 360PR+ as public relations agency of record. Read more.


Cacique LLC Certified as Great Place to Work For Fourth Year

Cacique LLC., one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands, has been recertified as a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work® for the fourth year running. The company earned this honor based on extensive ratings provided directly by its employees through anonymous surveys. Read more. 


A Greener World Names Emily Moose Executive Director

Following the sudden passing of founding Executive Director Andrew Gunther, A Greener World (AGW) announced that Emily Moose has been named Executive Director of the globally active nonprofit dedicated to empowering sustainable solutions in agriculture. While Gunther’s passing was tragic and unexpected, his succession plan included Moose at the helm, and AGW’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to have her succeed Gunther as Executive Director. Read more.