Gourmet News

Neat Food Expands Team Before Expansion, Product Launches

Published April 20, 2022

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.

Neat Food Co. has bolstered its Advisory Board with two appointments: Jeffrey S. Fried, former Chairman of Sweetgreen, who has a wealth of experience nurturing high growth companies; and Henrik Fjordbak, former COO at Joe & The Juice, who is an expert in equity funds, specializing in F&B and lifestyle companies
At the helm of NEAT’s expansion into the U.S. market is newly appointed Vincent Herbert, the former CEO of Le Pain Quotidien, who joins the brand as chief executive of Neat Burger USA and will oversee all aspects of the group’s rapid site expansion strategy in the United States including the development of products at Neat Burger’s innovation center in New York and CPG distribution into the retail arena
The group is expanding its food technology division with the establishment of new innovation centers, and implementation of its cutting edge texturized protein innovation
NEAT plans to roll out its award-winning burger patty and a range of other proprietary products – including improved versions of its plant-based chicken patty, hot dog, nuggets and shakes – by the end of the year
Neat Food Co plans to expand to 1,000 corporately owned, franchise and dark kitchens by 2030

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

Published April 20, 2022

This month, Made by Nacho, the world’s first cat-crafted, chef-approved cat food, celebrates its one-year anniversary. Launched in April 2021 by Chef Bobby Flay and his cat, Nacho, alongside food industry veteran Elly Truesdell, the brand offers premium ingredients that support the needs of cats. On the heels of announcing its Series A funding round, 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.

“When Nacho and I set out to create Made by Nacho, we wanted to provide cats with food that was not only healthful and nutritious, but also delicious – something we truly felt was missing in the market,” Flay said. “Our rapid growth in our first year proves to me that other cat parents have been feeling the same way, and we’re grateful to all who have welcomed Made by Nacho into their homes. For us, the work has just begun; we can’t wait to show you the exciting things we have in store as we head into year two.”

Made by Nacho has surpassed 400,000 transactions to date.

“Though cats now outnumber dogs as household pets in the U.S., there’s huge stagnation in the marketplace when it comes to cats,” said Tessa Gould, CEO of Made by Nacho. “Half of all cat parents don’t think enough attention is paid to cats, and nearly three-quarters wish there were healthier options available for felines.

“Yet, despite the clear consumer desire for innovation and the fact that cat food is a large, $40b+ and growing market globally, nearly all venture capital funding in the pet industry goes to dog-centric companies. Made by Nacho is changing that. When we launched a year ago, we knew we had something special with our culinary-first approach – thanks to Chef Bobby Flay – but we’re blown away by the consumer response to our brand and recipes in our first year in business.”

Beginning this month, Made by Nacho will expand its distribution through new partnerships with two major retailers; the brand will now be stocked and distributed through Chewy, as well as will launch on Petco.com. Made by Nacho launched with a six-month nationwide exclusive in more than 1,300 PetSmart stores, as well as on their own direct to consumer site. The brand is also sold on Amazon.com.

To celebrate its one-year anniversary, Made by Nacho recently debuted its first merchandise collection – limited-run hats and mugs that pay homage to Nacho’s instincts as a founder and business mogul – which sold out in the first week. One hundred percent of all profits from the “Very Serious Business Cat” collection were donated to the Made by Nacho Charitable Fund at New York Community Trust, which supports feline rescue and research organizations.

Giving back is a core aspect of the brand, which is committed to helping every cat live a happy, healthy life. In addition to providing assistance to those making a difference on the ground—including shelters, adoption initiatives, cat health researchers and more through the Made by Nacho Charitable Fund at the New York Community Trust—Made by Nacho has donated over 200,000 meals to cats in need to date. Most recently, Made by Nacho teamed up with the International Fund for Animal Welfare, a non-profit rushing emergency aid to shelters in Ukraine.

Also launching this month, Made by Nacho will roll out 18 new SKUs, including the brand’s first-ever Pâté – its most-requested texture – and recipes designed specifically for kittens. While Made by Nacho is chef-inspired, the brand works with Nacho’s lifelong veterinarian, Dr. Katja Lang, to help craft the menu, which now includes 48 items that deliver the balanced nutrition cats need.

New products include:

Pâté ($2.99/6.4 oz): Grain-Free Pollack & Salmon; Grain-cat Free Chicken; Grain-Free Skin & Coat Support Herring & Cod
Functional Puréed Toppers ($1.19/1.4 oz): Cage-Free Chicken with Bone Broth available in Immune Support; Digestive Support; and Bone & Joint Support
Culinary Kibble ($13.99/2 lb; $24.99/4 lb; $44.99/10 lb): Paella-Inspired Sustainably caught Whitefish, Chicken, and Bone Broth Recipe with Freeze-Dried Pork Livers; Provençal-style Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken, Turkey, and Bone Broth Recipe with Freeze-Dried Pork Livers
Kitten Kibble ($13.99/2 lb; $24.99/4 lb): Chicken, Chicken Liver & Bone Broth Formula
Additional Minced Recipes ($2.99/6.4 oz): Grain-Free Pollack & Salmon, Grain-Free Chicken
Value Sized Treats ($9.99/1.6-1.9 oz): Freeze-Dried Salmon, Freeze-Dried Ahi Tuna
Made by Nacho’s complete line is available on madebynacho.com

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Sprouts to Hold First Private Brand Sustainability Vendor Summit

Published April 20, 2022

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.

The virtual event, hosted in partnership with ECRM and RangeMe, will allow Sprouts to discover new suppliers to support the continued expansion of Sprouts Branded items in departments including grocery, produce, frozen, deli, bulk foods, meat and seafood, and vitamins and supplements.

“At Sprouts, we believe that doing good extends beyond selling healthy products,” said Jac Ross, VP of Our Brands. “Our long-term growth strategy is rooted in sustainability efforts that improve our business while caring for our customers, team members, local communities and planet. Sprouts Sustainability Vendor Summit will help advance our dedication to expand our sustainable selection of Sprouts Branded products in our over 380 stores across the country and beyond.”

Starting now through April 25, Sprouts encourages private brand suppliers and manufacturers who align with its commitment to ensure ethically source ingredients and sustainable packaging and who prioritize and support improved animal welfare to sign up at www.rangeme.com/sproutssustainabilitysummit.

Learn more about Sprouts’ ESG initiatives at sprouts.com/sustainability.

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