Fruit, vegetable, nut ingredients

Health, environment or lactose intolerance: Why do people drink plant-based milk?

05-Jun-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Plant-based milk is one of the most successful categories of alternative protein, predicted to reach a value of $47 Billion by 2030. But why is it so successful? The driving force behind any alternative protein’s success is the motives people have for...

NutraCast: Power Leaves finds opportunity in decocainized coca

02-Jun-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Power Leaves says it's breaking the monopoly on the supply of coca leaf extract and bringing on a ‘new age of coca’. Through an exclusive agreement with indigenous communities, the ingredient manufacturer and supplier has developed a legal Colombian...

Mina supports global expansion with new facility, eyes snack category with on-the-go olives

02-Jun-2023 By Ryan Daily

Moroccan food and beverage brand Mina is gearing up to expand in the US and around the globe with a new production facility and plans to enter the snack category with an on-the-go olive snack, brand founder Fouad Kallamni told FoodNavigator-USA.

News in Brief

FDA caps inorganic arsenic in apple juice at 10 ppb – 10 years after proposing the limit

02-Jun-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Apple juice with more than 10 parts per billion of inorganic arsenic along with other factors could trigger enforcement action by FDA, the agency warned yesterday in guidance finalized ten years after it first proposed the limit.

Developing achievable ESG strategies "for the betterment of the planet"

01-Jun-2023 By Deniz Ataman

FoodNavigator-USA sat down with Jillian Semaan, VP, sustainability in Ketchum’s food, agriculture and ingredient division, during the Vegan Women Summit in New York City to discuss how food and beverage brands can cultivate an authentic ESG and DEI strategy...

Sustainability and future-proofing the food system

How does the food system impact the environment and what is its obligation to reduce climate change?

01-Jun-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

With between a quarter and a third of human caused greenhouse gas emissions linked to food production and climate change intensifying to a point that its impacting how, where and when key crops are grown, improving sustainability in the food system is...

Center store captures health-oriented shoppers’ attention more effectively than fresh dept

31-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Consumers interested in health and wellness continue to shop more often for groceries and spend more on food and beverage than all shoppers despite economic headwinds, but the bulk of their investment currently is in the center of the store – not the...

Campbell Soup Co. sells Emerald Nuts to Flagstone Foods as sales of snack nuts slip

30-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

With the sale of Emerald Nuts to private label manufacturer Flagstone Foods, Campbell Soup Co. exits one of the few major snacking segments in the US that contracted last year, according to data from consumer research firm Circana, previously known as...

Stressed consumers are shifting from the perimeter to center store to find solutions

26-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Consumers are turning away from fresh as their stress levels rise – preferring the convenience and mood management claims offered more prominently in the center of the store, suggests data from consumer research firm Circana, previously known as IRI....

USDA earmarks additional funds for organic transition, processing to meet consumer demand

26-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

The US Department of Agriculture promises to shoulder more of the cost for farmers and ranchers transitioning to organic and develop additional processing and aggregation facilities to ease supply chain bottenecks holding the organic industry back from...

Flashfood’s report addresses food inequity and food waste, offers its discount grocery app to SNAP recipients

24-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Flashfood’s State of Food Waste Impact report underscores the link between food waste and food insecurity in the midst of inflation-driven grocery prices and shifting food policies surrounding SNAP benefits and accessibility.

Grocers can defend against potential sales losses of $20b by better supporting SNAP shoppers, dunnhumby research reveals

23-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Grocery stores could lose upwards of $20b in sales in 2023, or 2.8% of the industry’s $850b in sales last year, due to cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, and unless they act with “genuine” empathy that...

A slowdown in food inflation allows consumers to buy more, but many still seek value

23-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

While inflation across food, beverage and other categories continues to take a sizable bite out of consumers’ grocery budgets and influence the way they manage their food stocks, a slight slowdown in inflation in recent months has reinforced demand across...

New York City’s adoption of plant-forward menus in hospitals and schools offer insight to replicability for the rest of the country

23-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

As “New York City’s most famous vegan,” Mayor Eric Adams’ reflected on his administration’s plant-forward initiatives in the city’s 11 hospitals and surrounding public schools during the opening reception of the Vegan Women Summit at the Mayor’s Mansion...

Growing plant-based milk sales serve as ‘gateway’ for other non-dairy categories

22-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Despite a slight dip in plant-based dairy sales in the last three quarters – mostly due to higher prices – “there is a lot of sustained appetite for plant-based dairy, and we’re very optimistic for future growth opportunities in this category,” Bethany...

Wildway refines its ESG strategy via direct sourcing, carbon neutral initiatives

18-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

The grain-free granola brand expanded into major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Kroger and Whole Foods with a better-for-the-planet philosophy promoting plastic and carbon-neutral initiatives and direct sourcing within its supply chain around the...

Watch on demand: FNU’s one-hour webinar Plant-Based Dairy – From Oatmilk to Chickpea Ice Cream

17-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Unit sales of plant-based dairy products are sliding even as dollar sales are up in most categories as inflation-related price hikes simultaneously cushion companies’ margins and discourage some consumers from trying new products and paying premium products....

WATCH: Working with fungi to ‘break the plant-based ceiling’

17-May-2023 By Flora Southey

Libre Foods is working with both fungi fruiting bodies and mycelia to boost diversity, functionality, and taste in meat-free offerings, CEO Alan Iván Ramos tells FoodNavigator.

Shroomeats makes the most of mushrooms with whole-food products

16-May-2023 By Ryan Daily

Plant-based, woman-owned company Shroomeatsoffers nutritious, minimally processed foods with its portfolio of shelf-stable shitake mushroom-based patties, meatballs, and crumbles, co-founder and CEO Dissaya Theerakaosal told FoodNavigator-USA.

Joint venture between Cult Foods and Peqish Food Co. focuses on medically tailored food and cellular agriculture

15-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Cult Foods, an investor of cellular agriculture technology and products, and Peqish Food Co., a ready-to-eat culinary medicine food brand, are joining forces to develop and commercialize cellular agriculture food products within the medical foods framework.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Plastic-free and recyclable aren’t always the most sustainable choices for food packaging

15-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Between consumer desire for a more sustainable food system, growing momentum behind extended producer responsibility legislation and – of course – a desire to do the right thing, many CPG manufacturers are exploring more environmentally friendly packaging....

AFFI members call for a unified food program under one leader and advocate for the passage of the SHOPP Act

12-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

During the American Frozen Food Institute’s (AFFI) Government Action Summit on May 9-10, leaders and executives in the frozen food industry met with Congressional representatives and staff to discuss the potential reorganization of the FDA’s food division...

Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee prioritizes eating patterns, nutrient intake for young Americans and caregivers through a health equity lens

12-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) revealed during a wide-ranging meeting May 10 that it will prioritize eating patterns during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence as well as review the dietary reference intakes for macronutrients and energy....

Brands, retailers ‘need to continuously earn shopper dedication’ amid inflation

10-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Developing sharp and effective messaging through loyalty programs can effectively strengthen consumer engagement and loyalty at a time when 65% of consumers are concerned about inflation, according to 84.51°’s recent Inflation Special Report.

Nestlé’s research institute addresses agricultural sustainability, aligning with its climate mitigation plans of reaching net-zero by 2050

10-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Nestlé officially inaugurated its Lausanne, Switzerland-based research institute, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, to improve agricultural sustainability throughout its supply chain.

HomeBake 425/:30 is Kraft Heinz’s latest foray into frozen entrees, side and veggie meal solutions

09-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Kraft Heinz’s recently launched HomeBake 425/:30 enters the frozen convenience category while playing to rising nostalgia for comfort foods like chicken parmesan, homestyle mac & cheese and cheesy broccoli.

Value remains key for e-grocery shoppers across income groups, says Brick Meets Click study

08-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Across income groups, shoppers continue to focus on value although retailers have an opportunity to instill a competitive edge by enhancing private label strategy.

Food-tech company Armored Fresh explores how to elevate plant-based dairy’s nutritional profile, environmental sustainability

04-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Even as plant-based dairy newcomer Armored Fresh prepares to roll out is innovative Almond Milk Cubes and American Slices at select Kroger stores next month and nationwide through its recently unveiled online storefronts, the food-tech company continues...

From Japan to the US: How 2foods is transitioning to the American plant-based market

03-May-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Tokyo-based 2foods' plant-based U.S. portfolio centers on taste to make “healthier versions of our favorite comfort foods,” says CEO Yoshikazu Azuma.

FDA reopens plant-based dairy draft labeling guidance amid consumer confusion complaints

02-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

FDA is reopening the comment period for draft guidance on labeing plant-based milk at the request of several stakeholder groups, but comments already submitted reveal a wide rift between dairy and plant-based players about how best to describe non-dairy...

Plant-based and cellular agriculture leaders raise awareness on Capitol Hill for sustainable food production ahead of 2023 Farm Bill

28-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

The delegation hosted policymakers, regulators and media on Capitol Hill this week to discuss the future of plant-based ingredients and cell-cultured meat production through “diversified, innovative agricultural tools and foods that utilize technological...

Seed To Surf reimagines whole vegetables blurring the category lines between seafood alternatives and plant-based cuisine

27-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

The brand’s line of canned plant-based fish and crab align with plant-based and seafood shoppers' desire for shelf-stable and easy to prepare ingredients.

Food as medicine gains traction as Veterans Health, Rockefeller Foundation pilot prescription produce

26-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

A new partnership between the US Department of Veteran Affairs and the Rockefeller Foundation will test the impact of fresh fruits and vegetables on veterans’ health, and could help build the business case for more health care systems and insurers nationwide...

Introducing FoodNavigator-USA’s free editorial webinar: Plant-Based Dairy – From Oatmilk to Chickpea Ice Cream on May 17 at 11:30 CT

24-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Sales of plant-based dairy, including milk, cheese and yogurt, continue to grow at a rapid clip despite challenging macroeconomic and market conditions, but units in some categories are dipping slightly, according to recently released SPINS data, raising...

Grocery prices may be dropping, but consumers continue to hold back on volume

20-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Food and beverage brands and retailers likely will not see any time soon a rebound in inflation-supressed units and volumes across categories despite the Labor Department reporting a dip in grocery prices in March for the first time in more than two and...

KIND Snacks uses digital activations to boost consumer loyalty as it ramps up sustainability

19-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Through a suite of virtual and augmented reality activations launched this week, KIND Snacks is breaking down for mainstream Americans the complicated concept of regenerative agriculture and the real-world environmental impact of its latest sustainability...

Ithaca Hummus’ expansion into salsa underscores retailers' need to rebalance private label sales with premium offerings

17-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Retailers investing in private label to cater to consumers trading down as inflation rises, simultaneously are looking to offset lower dollar sales with a broader selection of premium offerings that can boost basket rings – creating an opportunity for...

Plant-based seafood market continues to swim upstream, but adds variety to consumer diets

13-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

While plant-based seafood represents only a small fraction of the plant-based realm at $12m in revenue in 2022 versus dairy at $2.7b in the same period, according to NielsenIQ, there is still hope for it to make a splash as inflation pushes consumers...

News In Brief

Grocery prices drop for the first time in 2.5 years, but shoppers remain hesitant

13-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Grocery prices may finally be falling after stubbornly going up for more than two and a half years even as annual inflation across other categories and overall have dropped in recent months, according to the most recent data from the Labor Department....

Blueberries benefit postmenopausal women with high blood pressure: Study

05-Apr-2023 By Asia Sherman

Daily blueberry consumption improves endothelial function in postmenopausal women with high blood pressure, according to a recent study.

Natural Products Expo West

Dip, savory spread sales surge as consumers shake off pandemic era restrictions

05-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Once reserved for special occasions and parties, dips are breaking out as an everyday snack – and in some cases meal – to emerge as a fast-growing category driven by pandemic-fatigue, consumer interest in global flavors and an enviable family-friendly...

Natural Products Expo West

‘Gigantic’ untapped menopause market offers new frontier for food as medicine

05-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

For the 1 billion people worldwide projected to be menopausal by 2025, very few options for symptom management beyond hormone replacement therapy and an emerging selection of dietary supplements exists – creating a massive untapped market opportunity...

Mood foods: Study shows eating more vegetables benefits mental health, opens door for innovative cognitive-boosting snacks

04-Apr-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Americans who consume more fresh vegetables experience a better mood compared to those who skip the greens, according to recent USDA research. The study offers insight for food and beverage manufacturers to meet growing consumer demand for functional...

Natural Products Expo West

Upcycling food ‘is really one of the biggest opportunities facing the food industry’

04-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Upcycling food, or turning would-be wasted byproducts from one product into something delicious and nutritious for people, has emerged as one of the hottest trends in food and beverage in recent years with the market projected to grow at a compound annual...

Industry questions basis of FDA’s proposed caps for lead in baby food, seeks compliance guidance

03-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

While many industry stakeholders laud FDA’s efforts to reduce lead in baby food and products for children under 2 years old, they question the logic behind the tolerable levels proposed by the agency in draft regulation and want additional guidance on...

Meet the plant-based cheese that uses kimchi probiotics to bolster taste and nutrition

29-Mar-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

Armored Fresh says fermentation is a key step in developing the texture and flavor of its almond-based cheese range, which is expected to enter US nationwide distribution in summer 2023.

Natural Products Expo West

Simple Mills is creating market demand for biodiverse crops, pushing for equity

28-Mar-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Better for you snack brand Simple Mills is taking is mission and products beyond its initial “free from” roots to embrace a “for more” approach that not only skips artificial ingredients that consumers are avoiding but gives them more of what they want...

Plant-based meat has more to offer: Stakeholders share strategies for success

23-Mar-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

It is too soon to give up on the plant-based meat segment, which has seen sales and household penetration slip in the past year, but which is evolving to meet demand for products that are healthier, tastier and more convenient, argued industry stakeholders...

Natural Products Expo West

Plant Based Foods Association takes multi-prong approach to identify, meet growing consumer demand for options including and beyond protein

22-Mar-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

The plant-based market continues to grow at a rapid clip despite a notable slowdown from the double-digit gains in the first year of the pandemic, but to maintain and regain some of the segment’s momentum, the Plant Based Foods Association argues stakeholders...

FMI: Inflation, higher prices didn’t dent produce sales totals in 2022, but impacted volume sold

21-Mar-2023 By Lauren Nardella

Grocery shoppers continued purchasing fresh produce in 2022 as inflation pushed up prices but bought less of it on a volume basis, shifting to more affordable fresh fruit and vegetable options as well as frozen and canned items.