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Subject:
FOOD BUSINESS NEWS
Period: February 6, 2022 to February 13, 2022
Geographies:
Worldwide
Categories:
Comment & Opinion or Companies, Organizations or Consumers or Controversies & Disputes or Deals, M&A, JVs, Licensing or Earnings Release or Finance, Economics, Tax or Innovation & New Ideas or Legal, Legislation, Regulation, Policy or Market News or Marketing & Advertising or Other or People & Personalities or Press Release or Products & Brands or Research, Studies, Advice or Supply Chain or Trends
Contents
 

BRB Popcorn Chips Launches In Four Flavours

Indian company BRB Chips is debuting BRB Popcorn Chips for snacking at home and away, including in cinemas. The range has four flavors - Golden Butter, Salted Caramel, Salsa and Cheese & Olive – and can be purchased on the company's website and at Amazon, as well as offline and online at the 24x7 convenience platform, The New Shop. Co-founder and CEO, Anuj Krishan, said “popcorn chips are the latest result of our product development engine, and we are extremely excited to bring this new product to the market.” The Popcorn Chips are healthier than traditional chips and are made using European popping technology rather than frying or baking. They are gluten-free, cholesterol- and trans-fat-free, and contain no preservatives or artificial flavors. BRB plans to invest around US$2 million in the coming months on marketing, additional capacity, and expanding distribution. The new product adds to the brand’s Popped Potato Chips, which is aimed at the country’s Gen-Z demographic that is ...  More

"BRB Chips Unveils New Snacking Product 'BRB Popcorn Chips'", Indian Retailer , February 02, 2022

Pandemic Changed UK Consumers’ Relationship With Breakfast Cereals

In a long article, the authors look at how lockdowns changed our relationship with breakfast. With breakfast eaten by 98 per cent of the U.K. population, according to Kantar, healthy breakfast options represent a massive opportunity. Although more people were eating breakfast at home during the pandemic, the meal was often taken later, and some consumers were cooking it rather than turning to cereals. The U.K. cereals category is dominated by the big brands. Darryl Burgess from Weetabix says they are backing their big brands this year and looking to bring in innovation after the successful launch of Weetabix Melts. It’s also reviewing pack sizes to optimize them for convenience retailers and the impulse channel. Another issue driving Weetabix’s innovation and communication efforts is impending HFSS legislation and the impact it will have on consumer preferences and expectations. All Weetabix-branded products, including its more indulgent options, are already HFSS compliant, and as a ...  More

"The 2022 big breakfast opportunity for healthy sales", Asian Trader, January 29, 2022

TagZ Foods Focuses On Healthier Options, Attracts Investment

Indian startup TagZ Foods is aiming to expand internationally. Launched in 2019 and based in Bengaluru, it targets urban Gen Z consumers by offering healthier snacks. It launched with popped potato chips with 50 per cent less fat than fried chips, in two ranges: classic Indian flavours like Masala and Cream Onion; and international bar snacks, like Beer n Barbeque and Italian Wine n Cheese. The ranges contain no cholesterol, trans-fat, artificial colors, preservatives, palm oil or gluten. It recently launched a range of international gourmet dips, and it sells its products on its website, around 30 other online stores and in more than 2,000 physical stores nationwide. It identifies Pringles and KETTLE as its primary competitors in the premium potato chips category, and Cornitos and Doritos in the nachos category. It has raised close to $1 million from several investors. Most recently, it raised an undisclosed amount from Ashneer Grover of BharatPe and Namita Thapar, Executive Director ...  More

"Shark Namita Thapar Ashneer Grover Invests Undisclosed Amount In TagZ Foods", Business World, January 28, 2022

 
Comment & Opinion  

Japanese Consumers Are Warming To Bug-Based Snacks

With growing demand among Japanese for bugs as food and a source of protein as well as nutritional and environmental benefits, the snacks category is looking at opportunities for marketing packets of insects on a mass scale. Today, specialist shops in the country sell options that contain a range of insects, but distribution is expected to expand. Crickets are a popular insect option with a long tradition as food in Japan, and Gryllus Co. is one food technology company, set up in 2019, to look at how best to incorporate them in foodstuffs. They are high in dietary fiber and vitamins, as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron. A vending machine in the city of Kumamoto sells cooked insects like beetles, crickets and insect pupae as snacks, some coated in chocolate. 

"Japan: Why are bugs becoming big business in Japan?", Deutsche Welle (DW), January 27, 2022

Companies, Organizations  

New Non-HFSS Crisp Brand Launches In The U.K.

Simply Roasted, a Norfolk-based non-HFSS crisp brand, is launching exclusively in northern England through 27 Booths supermarkets. The line includes Sea Salt, Mature Cheddar & Red Onion, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar and Black Truffle. The company has a patented roasting process using whole slices of potato, for crisps that contain half the fat and 25% less salt than traditional crisps.”

"Simply Roasted launches non-HFSS crisp range into Booths", Food Manufacture UK, February 07, 2022

Nestlé Extends Its Non-HFSS Range With SHREDDIES® The Honey One

Nestlé Cereals’ new variant brings to 24 the company’s non-HFSS Nestlé Cereals brands and follows an announcement from the business that it has so far removed nearly 60 million teaspoons of sugar since 2003, and 3 million teaspoons of salt. 

"Nestlé Cereals unveils Shreddies The Honey One", conveniencestore.co.uk, February 01, 2022

Consumers  

Keto-Focused Products Expected To Have A Strong Year

Consumers seeking healthier eating with low-carb ketogenic diets have encouraged startups to meet the growing demand for keto food and beverage options. Keto product launches doubled in the 12 months to May 2021, according to Mintel data. A survey of nearly 1,200 Registered Dietician Nutritionists found the keto diet to be the second most popular diet trend for 2022, and there has been massive growth in the number of Google searches for keto snacks. Brands have responded with popular products like Perfect Keto’s Banana Bread Keto Bars from Perfect Keto and CHOMPS Grass Fed Beef Jerky Meat Snack Sticks. HighKey, a startup making keto snacks, launched its products at Costco in 2021. Joseph Chen, CEO of consulting firm Leo & Dragon, expects more keto products on the market across all food and beverage categories. 

"Demand for Keto Products to Remain High in 2022", Powder & Bulk Solids Magazine, February 26, 2022

Finance, Economics, Tax  

Rule Breaker Snacks® Hits $100,000 Crowdfunding Level

The vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, allergy-friendly, kosher, nut-free, snacks brand continues to seek investors after exceeding $100,000 in its first equity crowdfunding campaign on Republic. It aims to raise over $1 million. Chickpeas are the products’ main ingredient, which are available in both singles and bite formats. The company was founded by health journalist and health coach Nancy Kalish, and the snacks are available online and in over 3,500 physical locations in the U.S. The funding will support sales and marketing initiatives, distribution expansion nationally and internationally, and product innovation.

"Rule Breaker Snacks Reaches 100K Milestone In Equity Crowdfunding Campaign", EIN Presswire , February 04, 2022

Granola Brand Purely Elizabeth Completes Series B Financing

New financing of $50 million will support innovation, a new category launch and efforts to build the core business and capacity in Boulder, Colo. The financing round includes the new SEMCAP Food & Nutrition division, Swander Pace Capital and Fresh Del Monte. The company’s founder and the investors see strong opportunities to expand its distribution network of over 15,000 retailers, building on a CAGR of over 50% for the past six years. It adds that it was a gamble to include ingredients like chia seeds when it set out over a decade ago, but it has paid off. For sweetener it uses coconut sugar, which retains nutrients such including potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and B vitamins. The granola products have ancient grains, like amaranth and quinoa. 

"Purely Elizabeth closes $50m Series B funding round: 'There's an opportunity to double distribution'", FoodNavigator-USA.com, January 31, 2022

Innovation & New Ideas  

Good Source Snacks® Ancient Grains Addresses Hot Trends

The new Good Source Snacks Ancient Grains line contains grains in heart-healthy chocolate and superfoods. It is also low in sugar and calories and brings portion control and functional benefits. There are three flavors - Quinoa Crunch, Hemp Hearts and Simply Seeds – and each is all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free and Fair Trade. John Byrnes, Founder and CEO, says the company is “in this for the long-term mission to help consumers 'Get Healthy, Stay Healthy and Enjoy Life.”

"Good Source Foods® Continues to Innovate with Expansion of Healthy Snack Line", PR Newswire, February 01, 2022

Marketing & Advertising  

Rhythm Superfoods Extends Plant-Based Snack Range

The Austin-based brand is showcasing its new Mushroom Crisps at the Winter Fancy Food Show this February in Las Vegas. The product launched nationally last fall at Kroger and Sprouts in two flavors: Sea Salt and Fire Roasted. The brand uses brown and white button mushrooms, crisped at a low temperature, to produce a umami flavor. They are non-GMO certified, gluten-free certified and Vegan-certified and contain Vitamins D, B2, B3 and B5 as well as Folic Acid and fiber. The Mushroom Crisps are available in a 2 oz bag. The company will also show their Cauliflower Bites, Broccoli Bites, Watermelon Slices, Kale Chips, Beet Chips, and Carrot Sticks.

"Rhythm Superfoods Showcases New Mushroom Crisps At The Winter Fancy Food Show", Specialty Food Association , February 06, 2022

Other  

TSUMo Snacks Receives $4 Million In Seed Funding

TSUMo Snacks, a snacks brand that makes tortilla chips and cheese puffs infused with 10mg of THC per bag, raised $4 million seed funding led by a Casa Verde, a Los Angeles venture capital firm co-founded by Snoop Dogg. The snacks company is aiming to provide a product that stands out against a THC edibles market that typically offers chocolates, lozenges and gummies. TSUMo officially launched in September last year and sells its snacks in five flavors from Californian dispensaries. The products are currently in one-serving packs, but the company will debut multi-serving bags in February and will use the investment for product innovation.

"Snoop Dogg’s Cannabis VC Firm Sparks Savory Edible Brand With $4 Million", Dot.LA, January 27, 2022

Products & Brands  

European Food Safety Authority Confirms Rejection Of Nestlé's Beta-Glucan Health Claim

EFSA has denied Nestlé’s claim that the oat and barley beta-glucan-fortified breakfast cereals, sold by the Cereal Partners Worldwide joint venture, could help reduce blood glucose increases after consuming the meal. The products include Fitness, Cheerios and Cocoa Puffs sold in the EU. Although it is accepted that beta-glucans can reduce the blood glucose response to eating, EFSA said that to obtain the effect claimed, 4g of beta-glucans from oats or barley should be consumed for each 30g of available carbohydrate per meal. Nestlé's application was based on just 1.3g of beta‐glucans per 25g of available carbohydrate, arguing that the cooking process would boost the effect of the beta-glucans. EFSA was asked to review its negative 2021 findings and has upheld that decision. 

"EFSA upholds rejection of Nestlé's beta-glucan health claim for cereals", FoodNavigator.com, February 07, 2022

New Line Of Vegan And Non-GMO Pretzels Launched By Stellar Snacks

Stellar Snacks’ vegan, non-GMO, no-MSG pretzels are available in four flavors - Bold & Herby, seasoned with Roasted Garlic, Onion and Monk Fruit; Simply Stellar, with Sea Salt; Maui Monk, with Monk Fruit; and Sweet & Sparky, with Spicy Buffalo Seasoning and Monk Fruit. The Stella Braids are seasoned with salt imported from Italy, sweetened by monk fruit and baked with vegan butter. The products are available nationwide this month at Cost Plus World Market, Central Market in Texas, Whole Foods in Florida, Mariano’s in Chicago and Ralph’s in Los Angeles.

"Stellar Snacks Launches Your New Favorite Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified Seasoned Pretzels", Specialty Food Association , February 05, 2022

New Keto Cereal Brand, Incredi-Bowl, Available In Three Childhood-Inspired Flavors

Incredi-Bowl has launched in three varieties - Chocolate Crunch, Frosted Flakes and Honey Nut Hoops. The products are low in sugar, high in protein, keto-friendly and grain-free. Each serving provides at least 15g of protein, 7g net carbs, 2g total sugars and 8-9g total fat. The products are through the company’s website, other e-commerce retailers, and in grocery stores. 

"The Incredible Incredi-Bowl: The New Keto-Friendly Cereal Here To Save The Day", PR Newswire, February 03, 2022

Mary’s Gone Crackers Extends Its Gluten-Free Offerings

Organic, gluten free and non-GMO cracker-maker Mary’s Gone Crackers has launched a new line of sweet treats, Mary's Gone Kookies Graham-style Snacks, in Sprouts and other outlets. The product comes in three flavors: Honey, Chocolate and Cinnamon. They should be on the shelves this quarter. The low-sugar, low-calorie Kookies add to the brand’s portfolio of Original, Super Seed and Real Thin Crackers. The company was established in 2004 and is based in Reno, Nevada.

"Mary's Gone Crackers Introduces Mary's Gone Kookies and Expands Their Iconic Gluten-Free Brand", PR Newswire, February 02, 2022

Arnold Palmer Brand Brings Its Products To The Snacks Category

A brand named after legendary golfer Arnold Palmer is launching a range of premium snacks in February 2022 aimed at golfers and non-golfers alike looking for a healthier option. Four products make up the line: Protein Nut Blend, Healthy Heart Blend, Grille Room Mix - Sweet and Salty, and Grille Room Mix - Santa Fe Spiced. All come in 2-ounce single-serve packs and larger stand-up packs. Edward Kelly, Jr., President of Arnold Palmer Snacks, said the brand is leveraging the traits of the golfer, such as quality, creativity, fun, energy and inspiration. 

"Arnold Palmer Brand Enters Snacking Category", Globe Newswire , January 25, 2022

Trends  

Microwave Popcorn Sales “Explode” In Pandemic

Michael Ehmann, CEO of French popcorn maker Natais, which has annual sales of around €65 million, said the pandemic has hit the company’s sales in cinemas, but had boosted sales of microwaveable popcorn. The company supplies over 80 percent of French cinemas, even though international sales represent around 90 percent of its total sales. Sales director Helene Ricau said that “with the health crisis, microwavable popcorn has exploded.” Natais expects annual growth rates of 4-5 percent per year going forwards, as the European market reaches the mature stage attained by the U.S. But cinema sales have not yet recovered as customers forced to wear masks during the films. 

"Pandemic sets sales of microwavable popcorn a-pinging", France 24, February 09, 2022

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