Canadian Chickpea Chip Brand Expands Production

Canadian chickpea chip maker Peacasa is adding equipment to boost its production after only five months of business. The new machinery should be up and running by the end of February and will increase the company’s capacity to one million bags a year. Since launching in August, Peacasa has sold around 10,000 bags and has landed retail space in 150 stores across Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Peacasa’s chips are made from chickpea flour, olive oil, sunflower oil and spices and are high in protein and fiber. In 2023, Peacasa aims to expand its retail footprint and launch new flavors and pack sizes.

"In the bag: London company comes up with winning recipe for chickpea chips", London Free Press, December 20, 2022

Trader Joe’s Launches Gluten Free Super Seedy Cheese Snack Bites

Trader Joe’s has launched its Gluten Free Super Seedy Cheese Snack Bites make from parmesan cheese, puffed quinoa, seeds and peppercorns. With 12 grams of protein per serving, the snack can be enjoyed as crackers or used as a crunchy topping for salads and sandwiches. 

"Trader Joe's Fans Are Raving About Its New Gluten Free Cheese Snack Bites", Mashed.com, December 15, 2022

Nurture Brands Buys Seaweed Crisp Maker Abakus Foods

Sustainable, plant-based group Nurture Brands has acquired seaweed crisps producer Abakus Foods. It is the third deal in three months for Nurture Brands following its acquisition of confectionery brand Doisy & Dam from administration and premium pretzel maker Indie Bay Snacks. Alongside the latest acquisition, Nurture also completed a £3 million top-up funding round, valuing the group at £30 million. The group said the money would accelerate growth and provide liquidity for further deals in 2023.

"Nurture Brands buys seaweed crisp maker Abakus Foods", The Grocer UK, December 15, 2022

Sanfilippo Acquires Just The Cheese Snack Brand

U.S. nut processor John B. Sanfilippo & Son has acquired baked cheese snacking brand Just the Cheese from Specialty Cheese Company. Just the Cheese sells its 100% real cheese snack bars and crisps online and in retail outlets. The acquisition will expand Sanfilippo’s portfolio into new snacking categories and open up opportunities for innovation. 

"Sanfilippo purchases Just the Cheese snack brand", FoodBev Media , December 20, 2022

UK Chip Market Sees Volume Decrease

While the value of the U.K. chip market grew over the full-year period to September, volume has declined. Branded volumes fell 6.5 percent, with only eight of the top 25 brands experiencing volume growth. The declining volumes can partly be explained by the end of lockdown-driven stockpiling and more snacks being eaten in pubs and cafés. Price rises are also responsible - the average price per kilo of branded crisps, nuts and popcorn is up 14.4 percent. Much of this comes down to rising input costs. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has increased the prices of cooking oil and energy while the exceptionally warm, dry summer has affected crop growth and driven up the cost of potatoes. 

"Bagged snacks 2022: Crisps hit by rising costs before HFSS", The Grocer UK, December 17, 2022

Barilla Group Acquires Back To Nature

Barilla Group has acquired plant-based bakery brand Back to Nature from B&G Foods, Inc. Back to Nature features a portfolio of cookies, crackers, granola, and nuts and trail mixes. The acquisition of Back to Nature provides Barilla with a strong platform from which to build and grow in the North American bakery marketplace.

"Barilla Group announces the acquisition of the bakery brand Back To Nature", Barilla Group, December 16, 2022

Epicurium Adds PROPERCRISPS To Its PROPER Snacks Range

U.K.-based healthy snack wholesaler Epicurium has expanded its PROPER Snacks range with the addition of PROPERCRISPS. The ridged potato chips contain 30 percent less fat than the leading potato chip brand and provide a source of fiber due to the addition of pea fiber and protein. PROPERCRISPS are available in three vegan flavors: Thai Chilli, Cheese & Onion and Flame Grilled Steak.

"Epicurium expands PROPER Snacks range with the addition of PROPERCRISPS", Retail Times, December 15, 2022