General Mills Adds To Yop Potable Yogurt Line

The company has added a coloring-free chocolate flavor to the range sold in the U.K., which also includes strawberry and raspberry flavors targeted at teens.  as part of the Yop range, the new offering is free from colorings and is said to be great for portion control on the go. According to the company, Yop sales have increased by 12.6 percent, boosting household penetration by 72.6 percent. With an RRP of $2.74, Yop Chocolate is sold in Asda stores in four-packs. 

"General Mills unveils new chocolate drinkable yogurt", FoodBev Media, August 17, 2021

Sales Of Snacks Are Up, But Watch The Impact Of The Delta Variant

Sales of low-calorie, diet, and convenience foods have started to rise as vaccinations have slowly increased, more restaurants and bars are operating at greater capacity, and workers are heading back to their offices. Sales of low calorie/reduced fat snacks are up 20 percent, drinkable yogurt for adults up 23 percent, rice and popcorn cakes up 13 percent; diet measured meals/snack bars are up 11 percent, adult nutrition drinks and fresh fruit are up 12 percent, and adult nutrition bars rose 10 percent. But market researcher Catalina advises grocers that these sales trends may reverse as offices push back opening dates and events are canceled because of the burgeoning Delta variant of COVID-19. 

"The Next Big Shopper Behavior Shift Is Here", Progressive Grocer, August 13, 2021

Food Packaging Advances In The U.K.

U.K.-based premium snack manufacturer TruffleHunter has introduced new recyclable packaging materials for its line of truffle crisps. Black Truffle Crisps and the newly developed White Truffle & Lobster Crisps are now available in fully recyclable tins and compostable bags. The company upgraded its Cotswold factory to handle compostable truffle crisp bags. In other U.K. packaging news: organic cereal manufacturer Bauck has upgraded its production to handle sealable, paper-based, stand-up pouches produced by Sappi in partnership with machine manufacturer Rovema. The material features an integrated mineral oil barrier (MOSH/MOAH) and high heat-sealability; and cakes and baked goods manufacturer Finsbury Food Group has revamped its Thorntons Bites products to feature new-look packaging designed to increase product stand-out on shelves by evoking the “luxury and quality of Thorntons chocolate.”

"Packaging round-up: Rebrands and new developments", FoodManufacture.co.uk, August 11, 2021

GenTech Hires Agency To Boost Sales Of Recent Acquisitions

The Wheat Ridge, Colo.-based functional foods company has hired outsourced sales agency Vista Brands to drive a widened distribution footprint and expanded sales for its newly acquired product lines: Fizzique, a protein-infused sparkling water, and MPB Snacks, a high-end gluten-free protein snacks company. MPB products are sold at GNC, Circle K, FiveStar, Walmart, Canteen, and on Walmart.com, Amazon.com, QVC, and BodyBuilding.com. GenTech Holdings is a publicly traded company that owns the functional foods brand, SINFIT Nutrition.

"GenTech Hires Top Outsourced Sales Agency Vista Brands to Drive Sales Growth for Recent Brand Acquisitions", GlobeNewswire, August 12, 2021

Mackie’s Crisps Plans Expansion To U.S. Market

The Scotland-based maker of crisps, popcorn, and popped snacks, which already exports to Canada, says it is in talks with U.S. distributors “about setting something up” in the U.S. The company supplies major retailers in the U.K., and ships to Asian markets, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Japan. It has not focused on mainland Europe, although it does export to Belgium and Scandinavia, and is eyeing Spain and France.

"U.K.’s Mackie’s Crisps looks to U.S. for next export push", just-food global news, July 13, 2021

Nestlé Upgrades Singapore R&D; Operations

The Swiss company’s upgrade of the Singapore R&D facilities marks the 40-year anniversary of the center, which has played a key role in developing innovative products and technologies for South East Asia and beyond for both Nestlé's retail and out-of-home business. The R&D center has contributed to the innovation of coffee mixes, powdered beverages such as Milo, culinary products, plant-based foods & beverages and ice-cream. The center also supports the development of plant-based meal solutions for both retail and out-of-home for the Harvest Gourmet brand. 

"Nestlé expands R&D; facilities in Singapore, marking 40-year anniversary", Nestlé , August 23, 2021

Breakfast Cereals Tick A Lot Of Boxes As They Cater To Consumer Preferences

The growth of non-cereal breakfast categories – frozen, refrigerated, bagels, pastry/doughnuts, etc. – is outpacing the growth of cereals. But a number of seemingly conflicting benefits – cost-effectiveness, functional health, better-for-you, clean label, indulgence, nostalgia – could fuel category growth during the coming year. Yes, consumers are more motivated to try a new cereal with claims of reduced sugar, added protein, added fiber, and nutrient-dense ingredients. However, industry watchers say there’s still room for some indulgence in the category – think Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies cereal, Post’s Dunkin-inspired cereals, General Mills’ Dunkaroos Cereal, and Kellogg’s Special K Dipped Chocolatey Almond. A key factor driving their success is familiarity of flavors that hark back to their childhood breakfast tables.

"How Can the Cereal Aisle Reclaim Breakfast?", Progressive Grocer, August 16, 2021