Start-Up Snack Company Debuts Flagship Product Made From Sprouted Almonds June 23, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Calif.-based plant-based snack start-up AKA Snacks has launched its flagship sprouted almonds product. Palmonds are soy–free, gluten–free, dairy–free, paleo, and vegan, made from sprouted – not roasted – almonds that are dehydrated and flavored with organic spices, coconut sugar, and coconut aminos, a condiment typically used as a savory alternative to soy sauce. Palmonds, which deliver 10 grams of plant–based protein per serving, are available in salty sweet, cinnamon sugar, sweet barbecue, and spicy nacho flavors, each containing between 250 and 280 calories. AKA Snacks is named for founder and CEO Ashley Kathleen Allyn, who created the brand after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.[Image Credit: © AKA Snacks] Rebekah Schouten, "New plant–based snack company launches its first product", Food Business News, June 23, 2020, © SOSLAND PUBLISHING COMPANY

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Three Wishes Adds Cocoa Flavor To Line Of Plant-Based Breakfast Cereals June 23, 2020: 12:00 AM EST New York City-based Three Wishes cereals, founded in October 2019 by a husband-and-wife entrepreneurial team, has launched a new flavor, cocoa, which joins cinnamon, honey, and unsweetened flavors. Three Wishes cereals are high protein (eight grams per serving) and low sugar (three grams from monkfruit and cane sugar). The grain-free breakfast cereals are made with chickpeas, pea protein, and tapioca, are gluten–free, and free from wheat, dairy, soy, oats, corn, rice and peanuts. The cereals are available on the company website and on Amazon, and in select retailers across the country. [Image Credit: © Three Wishes] "Three Wishes Cereal Launches New Cocoa Flavor, Original 1971 Willy Wonka Cast is Obsessed", PR Newswire, June 23, 2020, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Wisconsin’s Kohler Chocolates Debuts Line of Protein Bars In Three Flavors June 23, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Wisconsin-based Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates’ new protein bars combine 21 grams of protein with plant–based ingredients, including peanuts, quinoa, chia seeds and hemp hearts. The bars are low in sugar and sodium and free from egg, soy, and gluten. They retail for $2.49 for a 2.1–oz. bar and $24.99 for a 12–pack. Available flavors include berries, coffee, and peanut butter. The company also introduced new flavors and packing for its handcrafted chocolate bars. With two bars to a pack, they contain natural ingredients such as Colectivo coffee and the brand’s own 70 percent Andoa Dark Chocolate. The bars retail $3.49 per two–pack and $19.99 for six two–packs. The new lines are available at the Craverie Chocolatier Café and Woodlake Market in Kohler, Wis., or online at kohlerchocolates.com.[Image Credit: © Kohler Co.] Alyse Thompson, "Kohler Chocolates introduces line of protein bars", Candy Industry, June 23, 2020, © BNP Media

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Advanced Technologies Help Snack Makers Get Rid Of Sodium But Not Flavor June 22, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Consumers in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region today are better–informed and more health–conscious about their diets, and well aware of the health risks associated with too much sodium. But when snack makers try to reduce sodium they run into a few challenges. Flavor complexity may be compromised, for example, and must be built back to create full–flavored snacks that deliver the umami mouthfeel and fullness in taste that consumers crave. The cost of reformulating without salt is another challenge: salt is cheap and snack manufacturers want cost–effective solutions. Though there are problems associated with use of potassium chloride as a salt substitute, a 45 to 50 percent sodium reduction in snacks can be achieved through a combination of KCl and various flavors. But thanks to the success of taste modulator technology, masking systems, and texture solutions, some of the flavor challenges arising from developing new products that are clean label, healthful. and nutritious are being solved.[Image Credit: © Thomas B. from Pixabay] "Savory Snacks: Less Sodium, More Deliciousness", Asia Pacific Food Industry , June 22, 2020, © Asia Pacific Food Industry (APFI)

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Israeli Firm Develops Powdered Version Of Sodium-Cutting Mediterranean Umami For Snacks June 20, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Atlit, Israel-based sustainable sea salt provider Salt of the Earth, Ltd., has developed a clean–label sodium–reduction ingredient for snack applications. With 38 percent of consumers acknowledging they are snacking more during the COVID-19 crisis, this may be the perfect time to introduce Mediterranean Umami Powder, described as a drop–in replacement for salt in snack applications, yielding a 40 percent reduction in sodium. Mediterranean Umami is a clean–label, plant–based solution designed to maintain savory taste. The product is also in demand from spice blenders and flavor houses as a tool to provide flavor and reduced sodium in seasoning blends, the company said[Image Credit: © Salt of The Earth Ltd.] "New Mediterranean Umami Powder Cuts Salt in Snacks", newkerala.com, June 20, 2020

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Delivering Dairy Protein-Based Snacks Offers Numerous New Product Opportunities June 19, 2020: 12:00 AM EST The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and Innova Market Insights reveal in a new webinar that, while traditional snacks still dominate the market, unique new dairy-protein formats are grabbing some attention, including brownie protein bars, tortilla–style protein chips, protein crisps, and puffs, among others. Protein snacks have evolved into convenient solutions for today’s health–conscious consumers who realize that the benefits of dairy proteins are not reserved for young people or competitive athletes. Enticing new flavors, shapes, and sizes attract consumers of all ages. Traditional protein bars are still strong, but alternative forms such as bites and balls, gels, pastes, and jellies continue to grow in popularity to meet the needs of the “on–the–go” consumer.[Image Credit: © Tumisu from Pixabay] "New formats, flavors and texture: USDEC webinar spotlights functional dairy protein stars", Food Ingredients First, June 19, 2020, © CNS Media BV

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Blake’s Seed Based Broadens Market Reach Beyond People With Food Allergies June 17, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Chicago-based snack company Blake's Seed Based’s niche market is consumers with food allergies who need snack bars free from the top eight allergens. It’s a big market: more than 32 million people in the U.S. live with food allergies, 90 percent of whom are affected by the top eight allergens. But company founder Blake Sorenson is positioning his company to attract more than people with food allergies, so he is now focusing marketing on the general health benefits of seeds, while appealing to those looking for an alternative to nut–based and granola bars. Consumers are getting more savvy about seeds, which "are still trending," says Sorensen, and his seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, and flax) pack a lot of nutrition per serving (i.e., healthy fats, protein, and fiber). Launched as an online brand, the products can now be found in 1,000 brick–and–mortar stores nationally, often positioned next to category giants such as KIND. Still, the new pandemic-driven stay-at-home lifestyle has forced the company to rethink and strengthen its Direct-to-Consumer marketing strategy: it is building a new website to reflect the change in course.[Image Credit: © Blake's Seed Based] Mary Ellen Shoup, "Blake's Seed Based founder: 'It s important that we re not just an allergen brand'", FoodNavigator–USA.com, June 17, 2020, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Magic Spoon Adds Two New Flavors To Its Keto-Friendly Cereal Line June 17, 2020: 12:00 AM EST New York-based Magic Spoon has added two new flavors to its line of keto-friendly gluten-free cereals. The peanut butter- and honey nut–flavored cereals, available in a $39 “Nutty” four–box (seven ounces each) variety pack, are grain–free, naturally flavored. and sugar–free. Each contains 11 grams of protein and three grams of net carbs per serving. Magic Spoon is also donating $1 for every box sold of either new flavor to organizations fighting food insecurity and injustice, like No Kid Hungry and the National Black Food and Justice Alliance.[Image Credit: © Magic Spoon] "Magic Spoon – the Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Cereal That Keeps Selling Out – Just Added 2 New Flavors", PureWow, June 17, 2020, © Wow Media Products, Inc doing business as PureWow

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RXBAR Reformulates Children’s Sugar-Free Protein Snack Bars June 17, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Chicago-based RXBAR has launched its reformulated RX Kids line, featuring sugar-free protein snack bars made with five grams of protein and no artificial colors or flavors. The core ingredients of the RX Kids line are egg whites, dates, whole grain, gluten–free oats and “a few other real, high–quality ingredients.” The snack bars come in chocolate chip, strawberry, double chocolate, and peanut butter chocolate chip flavors, are available online at RXBAR.com and Amazon.com, and will soon be sold at select grocery, natural, specialty, club, and mass retailers nationwide, the company says.[Image Credit: © Chicago Bar Company LLC. dba RXBAR] "Introducing the New RX Kids Protein Snack Bar: It's Scary Simple", PR Newswire, June 17, 2020, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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From Doritos to Vlasic, pickle flavored chips are a sweet trend for salty snacks June 17, 2020: 12:00 AM EST PepsiCo-owned Frito Lays has jumped on the pickle-flavored chips bandwagon with a Doritos version only available at Dollar General and Circle K store for a limited time. Several other chip brands are offering pickled versions, including Lay’s (also PepsiCo), Utz, Pringles (owned by Kellogg's), and Kettle (owned by Campbell's Soup). Craft chip makers Herr’s, Uncle Ray’s, and Louisiana's iconic Zapp’s brands have also introduced pickle chips. ConAgra Foods pickle company Vlasic has a line of pickle chips, made from real pickles. Competing pickle company McClure’s offers pickle–flavored crinkle cut chips, including Spicy Pickle and Garlic and Dill Pickle. It’s possible pickle chips are growing in popularity because the flavor seems more “artisanal” than standard salt and vinegar chips, according to a report from food news website Eater.[Image Credit: © Conagra Brands] "From Doritos to Vlasic, pickle flavored chips are a sweet trend for salty snacks", Fox Business, June 17, 2020, © FOX News Network, LLC

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As The Pandemic Grinds On, Coke Believes Even More Strongly in Innovation June 16, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Coca-Cola is committed to innovation as a growth engine, especially now during the coronavirus pandemic. By staying local, by reacting quickly to developments, by staying tuned to consumer needs, and by determining “what behaviors are short-term versus those that may stick” as the pandemic drags on, the company will be able to turn challenges into opportunities. An example is hygiene, a particular concern of consumers now. "Building touchless solutions in the away-from-home channel is a big opportunity we need to tap into,” says Coca-Cola CFO John Murphy. In Australia and New Zealand, for example, Coca-Cola vending machines have started to accept bitcoin to reduce the number of contacts consumers need with the machine. [Image Credit: © The Coca Cola Company] Rachel Arthur , "What does innovation look like in a coronavirus era? Coca-Cola reveals its strategy", Beverage Daily, June 16, 2020, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Sainsbury’s Showcases Start-Up Snack Maker’s Products In Its Future Brands Category June 11, 2020: 12:00 AM EST U.K. grocery chain Sainsbury’s has chosen start-up Pep & Lekker's Seed Snacks to be part of its Future Brands category showcasing tomorrow’s pioneering brands. The chain announced it would test two flavors – Fennel & Chia and Rosemary & Hemp – under the label in 70 stores beginning June 9. The baked snacks are billed as healthier living, vegan-friendly, crunchy snacks with a low-carbon footprint that represent a no-added-sugar, high-fiber, high-protein, gut-healthy alternative to standard crisps. Each 30-gram pack has a recommended sale price of £2 ($2.53). Sainsbury’s also helped Pep & Lekker shift to colorful, compostable packaging that stands out on store shelves. The grocery chain launched its Future Brands program two years ago to support small and innovative suppliers.[Image Credit: © Pep & Lekker] Rod Addy, "Seed Snacks partners Sainsbury's in Future Brands strategy", FoodManufacture.co.uk, June 11, 2020, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Royal Hawaiian Introduces 24-Ounce Bag Of Macadamia Nuts For At-Home Snacking June 11, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Royal Hawaiian Orchards (MacFarms, LLC, Dana Point, Calif.) has introduced a family-sized bag (24 ounces) of Sea Salt macadamia nuts. The company says the larger bag gives consumers “a one-stop, healthy option to help feed and nourish the entire household” while homebound during the pandemic. Royal Hawaiian says its macadamia nuts are gluten-free, keto-, paleo-, and vegan-friendly. The new 24-oz option is available online and in select retail locations.[Image Credit: © Business Wire, Inc.] "Royal Hawaiian Orchards Releases Family-sized Option for Healthy At-Home Snacking", Business Wire , June 11, 2020, © Business Wire, Inc.

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Nestlé Health Science To Buy Majority Stake In Vital Proteins June 10, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Nutritional science company Nestlé Health Science (NHSc) announced it will acquire a majority stake in Chicago-based Vital Proteins, a collagen brand and lifestyle/wellness platform offering supplements, beverages, and food products. Vital Proteins will continue to operate as a standalone business, but will become part of the Nestlé Health Science portfolio, giving it access to “a variety of resources to scale their reach and innovation in pursuit of global wellness.” Vital Proteins has 150 SKUs across 35,000 retail stores in North America and Europe, including Whole Foods, Costco, Target, Walgreens, and Kroger. NHSc said Vital Proteins’ products complement its own vitamin, mineral, supplement, and wellness brands, including Atrium Innovations, Garden of Life, Pure Encapsulations, and Persona. Founder and CEO Kurt Seidensticker will remain the head of the company. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval.[Image Credit: © Nestlé] "Nestlé Health Science agrees to acquire majority stake in Vital Proteins", Nestlé, June 10, 2020, © Nestlé

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Utz To Go Public After Merger With Acquisition Company Collier Creek June 9, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Century-old Utz Quality Foods LLC will become a public company valued at $1 billion as part of a merger agreement with acquisition company Collier Creek Holdings that is expected to close in the fall. The merged companies will be known as Utz Brands Inc., will trade under the NYSE ticker symbol UTZ, and will remain in Hanover, Pa. The Rice and Lissette family, the founding family and owners of Utz, will retain more than 90 percent of its existing equity stake, which will represent more than 50 percent ownership in Utz Brands after closing. The deal will likely leave Chester-County-based Herr's Foods Inc. as the largest privately-held and family-owned snack company in the U.S. Utz had $768 million in revenue last year and ranked fourth in market share for U.S. salty snacks behind PepsiCo, Campbell Soup Co., and Kellogg Co. According to news reports, executives from Utz and Collier Creek say acquisitions will play a key part of future growth strategy.[Image Credit: © Utz Quality Foods, LLC] Harold Brubaker, "A new stock listing for an old snack-food firm; Deal will let Utz become publicly traded company.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 09, 2020, © The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC

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Singapore Company Searches For Perfect Blend Of Insects, Plants For New Snacks June 9, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Insect-based foods firm Bugsolutely is developing a new snack with the help of Singapore-based partner Asia Insect Farm Solutions (AIFS) and supported by the government-based Food Innovation and Resource Centre (FIRC). The new snack will be formulated with both insect- and plant-based proteins to maximize nutrition, while minimizing processing costs and maximizing consumer benefits, according to founder Massimo Reverberi. Production costs can be steep in the insect-based foods sector, which is why Riverberi is working plants into the mix. He says the nutritional profile of insects is rich: protein content is between 50 and 70 percent, they contain omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, and a variety of minerals and vitamins. Supplementing with plants that require little processing to extract the desired proteins makes the formulation very cost-effective. Plants used to make the snacks include mung beans, seeds, and flours; cricket flour is the current choice for the insect portion.[Image Credit: © Bugsolutely Ltd] Pearly Neo, "Best of both worlds? Bugsolutely fuses insect and plant proteins in new snack to maximise health and cost benefits", Food Navigator Asia, June 09, 2020, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Without Trade Show Presence, Snack Companies Continue To Debut New Nut-Based Snacks June 9, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Despite the coronavirus cancelation of several trade shows traditionally important to new product introductions, snack makers are riding a wave of innovation in nut snacks and butters as they seek to fill consumer demand for better-for-you snacks. Among the new nut-based snacks and butters are: Blüm Toasty Almonds (Chico Nut Co., Calif.) in five kit varieties (e.g., cinnamon spice, cocoa espresso, etc.) all designed to be oven-baked with almond oil; BNutty gourmet peanut butter with organic raspberries and white chocolate; Jake’s Nut Roasters (Jasper Specialty Foods, Calif.) in six varieties (e.g., barbecue, bleu cheese cracked pepper, bloody Mary, etc.); a bourbon-baked pecan nut mix from Nodder Snacks (Ga.); Nubu Nut Butter Bites (Mount Franklin Foods, Texas), a better-for-you snack that combines nuts with peanut butter; and Nut Butter Protein Bars from Boulder, Colo.-based Bobo’s, launched nationwide exclusively in Whole Foods Market. [Image Credit: © Chico Nut Company] Donna Berry, "Nut innovation accelerating in snacks, butters", Food Business News, June 09, 2020, © SOSLAND PUBLISHING COMPANY

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Researcher IRI Names Two New Pistachio Snack Flavors As “Rising Stars” In Sales June 9, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Chicago-based research firm IRI has named Wonderful Pistachios’ (Los Angeles, Calif.) No Shells Chili Roasted and Honey Roasted flavors as “Rising Stars” in its annual New Product Pacesetters Report. The status confirms the two flavors’ first-year sales success, according to a company news release. They are the only snack nut and healthy salty snack on this year’s list, the company said, and drove 94 percent of the company’s flavored snack nut growth, and more than 30 percent growth for the No Shells line. The IRI report features the biggest consumer packaged goods launches based on sales.[Image Credit: © PR Newswire Association LLC] Chris Koger, "Wonderful Pistachios’ No Shells flavors named Rising Stars", The Packer, June 09, 2020, © Farm Journal, Inc

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Indian Research Agency Develops Seaweed-Based Snack To Boost Immune System June 8, 2020: 12:00 AM EST India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a nutrient-dense, gut-friendly seaweed-based snack designed to boost immunity during the coronavirus pandemic. CSIR has already supplied tons of Spirulina Groundnut Chikki, which was endorsed by the Central Food Technological Research Institute, to healthcare professionals and migrants across Bengaluru, Mysore, and Delhi. The snack provides bioavailable micronutrients such as vitamin A, beta carotene, and easily digestible algal proteins. Chikki is a traditional Indian candy made of peanuts and sugar, and is known for its nutritional and energy-boosting properties.[Image Credit: © Anaïs CROUZET from Pixabay] "Spirulina Chikki, the seaweed-based super snack to boost immunity", India Today Online, June 08, 2020, © Living Media India Limited

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Brothers All Natural Launches Savory Freeze-Dried Snap Peas Snack June 4, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Rochester, N.Y.-based healthy snacks maker Brothers All Natural has launched the first of a line of savory vegetable snacks with the introduction of Freeze-Dried Sugar Snap Peas under the new Harvester Farms brand. Their Sugar Snap Peas, a blend of savory and crunchy flavors, are made with freeze-dried snap peas seasoned with salt and pepper. According to the company, the crispy, vegan snap peas are “largely allergy-sensitive” – peanut-free, tree-nut free, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. The peas contain five grams of plant protein, consisting of 18 percent of a recommended daily dietary fiber intake; a 28-gram (one ounce) bag contains only 120 calories. Harvester Farms plans to introduce more Freeze-Dried Snap Pea flavors in the coming months. The snack is available at CVS, on Amazon, and can be purchased directly on the company website. [Image Credit: © PR Newswire Association LLC.] "Brothers All Natural Launches Savory, Crunchy Harvester Farms Freeze-Dried Sugar Snap Peas With Salt and Pepper", PR Newswire, June 04, 2020, © PR Newswire Association LLC.

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Hormel Introduces New Squeeze-Pouch Skippy Peanut Butter Snacks June 3, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Hormel Foods, makers of Skippy peanut butter, has launched three high-protein, plant-based functional snack foods in squeezable pouches and jars. Skippy Squeeze Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Spreads, Skippy No Sugar Added Peanut Butter Spreads, and Skippy Added Protein Peanut Butter will be available online and at select retailers across the country this month. Skippy Squeeze Creamy Peanut Butter and Squeeze Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread come in six-ounce squeeze pouches designed for portability and mess-free spreading on fruits or crackers. The squeeze pouches contain seven grams of protein per serving and only three ingredients: peanuts, palm oil, and salt. The Skippy No Sugar Added Peanut Butter Spreads are available in 16 oz. jars. Available in creamy and chunky varieties in 14-ounce squat jars, Skippy Peanut Butter Blended with Plant-Based Protein delivers three additional grams of plant-based protein per serving for a total of 10 grams.[Image Credit: © Hormel Foods Corporation/PR Newswire Association LLC] "The Makers of Skippy Peanut Butter Introduce a Trio of New, Innovative Products to Help Satisfy your Protein Cravings", PR Newswire, June 03, 2020, © PR Newswire Association LLC.

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Undercover Snacks Expands Distribution With CVS Pharmacy HealthHUB Deal June 1, 2020: 12:00 AM EST East Hanover, N.J.-based better-for-you snacks maker Undercover Snacks announced that its chocolate-covered crispy quinoa treats are now available in CVS Pharmacy's expanding national network of HealthHUB locations. Participating stores now carry Undercover's Dark Chocolate + Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate + Blueberries, and Milk Chocolate flavors. The snacks contain protein, fiber, and nutrients, and are allergy-friendly and school safe, gluten-free and peanut/tree-nut free, certified OU kosher, and non-GMO. The cocoa is Rainforest Alliance certified. Undercover Snacks are sold on Amazon, the company's website, and in select grocery, specialty and independent food stores nationwide. [Image Credit: © Undercover Chocolate Co., LLC] "Undercover Snacks Launches In CVS Pharmacy HealthHUB Stores Across The U.S.", New Kerala, June 01, 2020, © newkerala.com

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Nestlé U.K. Steps Up DTC Activities With Delivery Partnership May 29, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Nestlé U.K. has joined forces with Deliveroo’s Essentials delivery platform so that stay-at-home British consumers can have a variety of its brands delivered to their door during the pandemic. Customers place orders via the Deliveroo app with deliveries available from 11 sites in Leeds, London, Manchester, and Nottingham. Other big food manufacturers that have turned to the direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel in recent months include PepsiCo rolling out new websites selling its snacks and drinks in the U.S., and Kraft Heinz launching an e-commerce operation (Heinz to Home) in the U.K. giving consumers a chance to buy its products. The move to DTC at least partly replaces lost revenue from the closure of some retail stores and most hospitality venues during the pandemic.[Image Credit: © Nestlé] "Nestlé Products Being Delivered Direct To Consumers", Kam City, May 29, 2020, © EMR-NAMNEWS Ltd.

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Nestlé Nigeria: “Too Early To Quantify” Impact Of COVID-19 On Business May 11, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Nestlé Nigeria Plc reported revenue of $194 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2020, slightly below the $196 million reported in the same period of 2019, according to the unaudited financial results posted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) website. Profit before tax stood at $48.15 million, down from $53 million recorded in the same quarter of 2019. The company said in a statement that during the COVID-19 pandemic it is “working closely with the government, health authorities and other private sector players to respond to the challenge.” The company noted that it is too early to quantify the overall impact of the pandemic on its financial position, results of operations, or future cash flows.[Image Credit: © Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad] Samed Olukoya , "Nestlé Nigeria Reports N17.454bn Profit in Q1 2020", InvestorsKing, May 11, 2020, © InvestorsKing

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Nestlé Philippines Expects Surging Demand To Ebb As Buying Power Sinks May 5, 2020: 12:00 AM EST The current surging demand for its products is expected to be short-lived, Nestlé Philippines says, because many Filipino consumers have lost income because of the pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). In the near term, the company is ramping up production as it faces supply line shortages and a spurt in demand for food products among panic-buying consumers. The company had increased production to 80 percent from 60 percent in recent weeks after demand surged in March and April. Shipping delays, meanwhile, had caused a decrease in output. To address supply challenges, the company has put safety measures in place so that employees can report for work, and it is planning further ahead when ordering raw materials. To buoy demand, the company is considering adding free packs in products and increasing promotional strategies, an executive said.[Image Credit: © Nestle] Jenina P. Ibañez , "Nestlé ramps up production as supplies run low", Business World, May 05, 2020, © BusinessWorld Publishing

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Q1 Profit Slides As Nestlé Pakistan Posts Hike In Revenues April 30, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Nestlé Pakistan posted healthy first quarter (January to March) revenues of $189 billion, a 2.6 percent increase over last year, despite COVID-19 lockdowns that severely impacted the sales of juices and water as well as products for the out-of-home channel. The Afghanistan border closure also had a major impact on exports. Despite the rise in revenues, net profit for the same period slid 33 percent because of higher financing costs, currency devaluation, higher input and energy costs, and the imposition of sales tax and federal excise duties on milk powder and beverages. In a statement, the company pledged to prioritize the health and wellbeing of its employees, foster business continuity, and support communities with relief efforts.[Image Credit: © Canon/Nestle] "Nestlé Pakistan announces financial results – boasts 29.8 billion in revenue", Global Village Space, April 30, 2020, © Global Village Space

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CCEP Q1 Revenue Declines Four Percent April 28, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Coca-Cola European Partners plc (CCEP) reported that FY 2020 first quarter revenue slid four percent from a year ago to $2.7 million. Challenging comparables, some customer disruption due to a planned pricing strategy, and the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic all played a part in driving comparable volumes for the period down four percent. Revenue per unit case increased 1.5 percent, thanks to favorable price and promotions offset by negative channel and pack mix. The company is reducing discretionary spending in trade marketing, promotions, merchandising, incentives, seasonal labor, travel, and meetings, representing a potential fiscal year cost reduction of $218 million to $272 million. CCEP is also delaying some discretionary capital expenditure, resulting in a 2020 capex of about $381 million.[Image Credit: © The Coca-Cola Company] "Coca-Cola European Partners Q1 Revenue Down 4 percent - Quick Facts", Nasdaq, April 28, 2020, © Nasdaq, Inc.

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Microsoft Wins Business Software Contract With Coca-Cola April 27, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Microsoft Corp. has won a five-year deal with Coca-Cola to supply business software, including its Teams chat app and Dynamics 365, a suite of Microsoft tools that competes directly with Salesforce.com Inc. Microsoft has been working to win more customers for its specialized software such as apps used by customer service and sales employees. The company said Coca-Cola will use Microsoft technology to pull together information several internal systems, using artificial intelligence to fetch data from them and answer questions. A Coca-Cola information technology exec said in a statement that Microsoft’s software would help the company by “replacing previously disparate and fragmented systems” and will eventually be used to help quickly answer questions from the beverage maker’s customers, which include major retailers and grocers.[Image Credit: © The Coca-Cola Company] Stephen Nellis in San Francisco, "Microsoft wins five-year deal with Coca-Cola to supply business software", Reuters , April 27, 2020, © Thomson Reuters

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COVID-19 Bashes Coca-Cola Global Sales Volumes April 21, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Coca-Cola reported flat first quarter revenues as global sales volumes slid 25 percent this month due to COVID-19 disruption. Q1 revenues were $8.6 billion, one percent less than the same period last year. Operating income declined by two percent to $2.38 billion. Unit case volumes of sparkling soft drinks declined two percent in the quarter, while juice, dairy and plant-based beverages were down six percent and tea and coffee volume declined six percent. The company said that volume at the end of February was growing by three percent – excluding China – and was on track to achieve its full-year 2020 targets. But disruption due to COVID-19 in global markets from March significantly impacted sales, as social distancing measures and quarantine orders were put in place by governments around the world.  The company expects continued reduction in away-from-home activity will have a “significant impact on second-quarter results.”[Image Credit: © THE COCA-COLA COMPANY] Martin White, "Coca-Cola sales volume declines 25 percent in April due to COVID-19 impact", FoodBev Media , April 21, 2020, © FoodBev Media Ltd

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Danone Surprises Market With Healthy First Quarter Financials April 21, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Danone posted first quarter like-for-like net sales growth ahead of expectations at 3.7 percent to $6.8 billion, as consumers stockpile and increase their at-home consumption. The company withdrew its full-year financial guidance for 2020 owing to the lack of visibility caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Waters business reported a drop in net sales of 6.8 percent on a like-for-like basic due to closures in food service. About 40 percent of the division’s sales are normally consumed away from home. Its Essential Dairy & Plant-Based (EDP) unit recorded strong performance by its plant-based brands, Alpro in Europe and Silk in North America, and its top essential dairy brands such as Actimel, Danone and Danette in Europe, and Horizon and Two Good in the U.S.[Image Credit: © Danone S.A.] Emma Upshall, "Danone records stronger than expected first quarter results", FoodBev Media , April 21, 2020, © FoodBev Media Ltd

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Kellogg’s Launches Jumbo SNAX, Pushing Cereal-Based Snacks March 28, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Kellogg’s is hoping to extend four of its cereals into snacks as ‘Jumbo SNAX’. It has taken four flavors, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops and Frosted Flakes and is making them available in snackable form. Kellogg’s talks about them as an alternative to popcorn while watching movies or as an ice cream mix-in. Its Frosted Flakes comes as Tiger Paws, paw-shaped cereal bites that have 150 calories and 15 grams of sugar per 1.25-cup serving. The products will be available as single serving packs and a resealable shareable bag. Jumbo SNAX will be available in stores from May with the multi-packs retailing for $5.49 and the multi-serve bags for $4.99. "Kellogg’s Jumbo SNAX makes cereal snacking even bigger", March 28, 2020

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European Corn/Rice Miller Invests In Two-Year-Old Vegan Snack Start-Up March 25, 2020: 12:00 AM EST British snack company Cheeky P’s, which markets a line of vegan, gluten-free, protein- and fiber-rich ”beer snacks” made from roasted chickpeas, has secured an investment from European dry corn and rice miller Dacsa. The two-year-old company, founded by a brother-and-sister team originally from Malaysia, has also nailed down distribution deals with companies like Epicurium, which supplies health stores, convenience stores, farm shops, and pubs around the U.K. Co-founder Gregory Goh said the fresh cash would enable it to extend its product portfolio, grow the team, and expand to more international markets. Dacsa, a rice producer in Spain and Portugal, has nine production plants in six European locations. "Vegan snack company gets financial backing", March 25, 2020

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New Flavor From Undercover Snacks Wins NEXTY Award As Best New Sweet March 19, 2020: 12:00 AM EST New Jersey-based better-for-you snack maker Undercover Snacks has expanded its line of chocolatey “crispy quinoa” snacks with a Dark Chocolate + Pomegranate flavor. Like all of its products, the new pomegranate variant is gluten- and nut-free and features crispy organic quinoa, premium dark chocolate, and pomegranate arils (seed coverings). Media company New Hope Network recently selected Undercover Snacks as a 2020 NEXTY Awards Finalist, and the Dark Chocolate + Pomegranate flavor was named Best New Sweet or Dessert. All of the company’s products are available for purchase on UndercoverSnacks.com, Amazon, and at participating retailers. "Undercover Snacks Launches New Dark Chocolate + Pomegranate Flavor; Delicious Better-For-You-Snack Selected as NEXTY Awards Finalist", March 19, 2020, © Undercover Snacks

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Pipcorn Achieves National Distribution Of Its Heirloom Corn Snacks March 18, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Heirloom corn snack brand Pipcorn (Bethlehem, Pa.), whose heirloom popcorn is already available nationally at Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, The Fresh Market, Central Market, and on Amazon, has expanded distribution to include certain Kroger locations. The company has also debuted its Heirloom Snack Cracker line, made from upcycled corn flour and available in Cheddar, Sea Salt and Everything flavors. The crackers are made sustainably with leftover corn flour from the brand’s Heirloom Cheese Balls. The Heirloom Snack Crackers will be available exclusively at Whole Foods Market nationwide in April and in other retail locations later this year. The company also launched Heirloom Corn Dippers in three flavors, Heirloom Cheese Balls in four flavors and Heirloom Vegan Caramel Popcorn this past year. "Pipcorn Unveils New Snack Line As It Enters National Retail Locations", March 18, 2020

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ReGrained’s New Puffs Product Launches Online After Expo West Cancellation March 17, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Unable to launch at the coronavirus-cancelled Natural Products Expo West in early March, U.S. snack producer ReGrained is unveiling its new upcycled Puffs product virtually with online buyer meetings for retailers and a limited presale trial offer. ReGrained Puffs are made with SuperGrain+, an upcycled product created using spent brewers’ grain. The Puff chips blend ReGrained SuperGrain+ and non-GMO organic corn, are expanded and then dried, rather than fried. The Puff chips contain 100 calories per 39-piece serving, no saturated or trans fats, and are “a good source of fiber.” To overcome purchase barriers caused by the coronavirus outbreak, the company is offering free shipping so online shoppers may more easily try the new product. "ReGrained launches upcycled Puffs online amid COVID-19 ", March 17, 2020, via BakeryAndSnacks.com, © BakeryAndSnacks.com

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Australian Snack Maker Uncle Tobys Expands Flavors In Healthful Breakfast Bakes Line March 17, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Australia’s Uncle Tobys, a manufacturer of breakfast cereals and snack items, has expanded its Breakfast Bakes range with Roasted Cashew & Vanilla and Peanut Butter flavors. Containing no artificial colors or flavors, the products in the range have an Australian Health Star Rating of 4 or 4.5 (out of 5). Other flavors in the range include Honey & Almond, Berry Harvest Flavor, and Apple & Cinnamon. The breakfast bakes are available at Coles, Woolworths, and independent supermarkets in Australia and New Zealand in 65g x 4-packs. Australia’s Health Star Rating is a front-of-pack labeling system that rates the overall nutritional profile of packaged food. "Uncle Tobys expands range of Breakfast Bakes", March 17, 2020, © FFC Information Solution Private Limited

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Utz Adds Indulgent And Healthful Snacks To Lineup March 16, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Utz Quality Foods LLC has expanded its product lineup with both indulgent and better-for-you snack foods. The new additions include: Evil Eye-flavor New Orleans style kettle potato chips; Non-GMO Project Verified and gluten-free Good Health Creamy Onion & Chive Veggie Chips; TGIF Buffalo Blue Pub Bites and Party Sticks Zesty House Fries snacks; Tortiyahs premium dipping tortilla chips; Boulder Canyon Gourmet Medley Kettle Style Potato Chips; and a thicker ridge-cut sea salt potato chip. "Utz Quality Foods Adds Several New Snacks To Product Lineup", March 16, 2020

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Magic Spoon’s Low-Carb, High-Protein Breakfast Cereal Gets Recognized In NEXT Trends 2020 March 16, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Magic Spoon, which describes itself as the “world’s first low-carb, high-protein breakfast cereal”, was identified by New Hope for innovating in the "More Protein Please" trend amongst exhibitors at the Natural Products Expo West 2020. Magic Spoon, which looks much like Cheerios, is developed to be a healthier version of favorite childhood cereal ‘without the junk, sugar, carbs or guilt’. It is also grain-free without wheat, rice or soy. The products comes in four flavors, fruity, frosted, cocoa, and blueberry and is kosher, GMO-free and keto-friendly. The company took over a year to formulate its cereals which are make from a milk protein blend, natural sweeteners, and oils and sweetened with monk fruit, Stevia and Allulose. Each bowl of Magic Spoon has 11gs of complete protein, just three net carbs per bowl and costs $1.39 (or $1.25 with a subscription).  "5 protein-packed companies innovating in 'more protein please' trend", March 16, 2020

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Bakery On Main Adds Paleo, Keto Snack Options To Portfolio March 15, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Bakery On Main (East Hartford, Conn.) is adding a certified paleo and keto Grain Free Cluster Trail Trek Blend line to its portfolio of gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and dairy- and casein-free snacks. The new Trail Trek Blend is the company’s answer to demands for low-carb and grain-free paleo and keto snacking options. The snacks contain six grams of sugar, less than seven grams of carbs, and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) extracted from coconut oil. Available in an 8-oz. stand up resealable bag, the Grain Free Clusters are available in chocolate and maple vanilla trail trek blends. The suggested SRP is $6.99. "Bakery On Main Introduces Grain Free Clusters Snack Line", March 15, 2020

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Flavor And Color Trends That Will Impact The Snack Industry March 9, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Industry experts like IRI (Chicago) have found that most snack eaters in the U.S. identify taste/flavor as the top purchase driver for snacks, followed by colors. Pure flavors like cheese and chocolate will always dominate, but snack makers should also be aware that consumers look for combinations and variety, “from sweet all the way to hot.” In fact, over the past few years, there have been 4,160 flavor combinations introduced, more than half of which saw dollar growth in 2018 versus 2017. Future snack flavor stars and trends may include: sweet and sour combos like that found in dragonfruit; tart, sour, and fermented flavors (think yuzu); and savory and sweet applications featuring cardamom. Vibrant and bold colors continue to trend forward in snack and baked goods. These include the tried and true yellows and oranges popular in crackers, and the aqua, blue, and purple colors found in the baked goods category, especially in frosting applications. "Vibrant colors and bold flavors boost snack and bakery products", March 09, 2020

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Key Trends That Are Shaping The Evolution Of The Snack Industry In Asia March 9, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Several major trends – urbanization, industrialization, cultural expansion – are changing the way Asian consumers, especially Millennials, view snacking and are, in turn, changing the snacks industry. Rising living standards coupled with premiumization, meanwhile, are pushing younger consumers away from the tradition of three meals a day to the more flexible and accessible on-the-go snacking way of life. Other forces transforming the snacking landscape in Asia include: social media’s role in speeding the evolution and introduction of new snacks and flavors; accelerated food and beverage industry response to the demand for snacks that fit a busy yet simplified lifestyle; the rise of healthful, better-for-you, energizing snacks; and the emergence of “mindful snacking” that emphasizes sustainability, and ethical sourcing and production.  "Asian Millennials have evolved and so has snacking", March 09, 2020, via BakeryAndSnacks.com, © BakeryAndSnacks.com

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Snack Makers Tune Into The Buzz From Hot Pepper/Sour Flavor Combos March 9, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Inspired by the fact that more chefs are pairing peppers with sour flavors – and Americans are looking for more complicated snack flavors – makers of chips, candy, sauces, and drinks are increasingly combining hot pepper flavors with sour ones to create snacks that pack a flavor punch. Snack makers producing spicy-sour – also known as “spicy pucker” – products include: PepsiCo’s Doritos brand (Flamin’ Hot Limón and Ruffles Lime & Jalapeño) and Lay’s brand (Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle); Kettle Brand’s pepperoncini-flavored chips; Roaring Brands (Feast & Fury, recently added a creamy horseradish flavor); and Trader Joe’s (chili-and-lime chips). "Spicy Pucker Is a Real Flavor, and It’s Everywhere", March 09, 2020, © The Wall Street Journal

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Industry Experts Ask: Will The Current Success Of Sourdough Bread Endure? February 25, 2020: 12:00 AM EST According to Nielsen data, total bread sales in the United States have been stagnant since 2015, showing little to no growth leading up to 2020. The phenomenon has made it hard for smaller players to stay afloat and has led to industry consolidation among big players. But one corner of the bread industry has shown signs of a comeback: sourdough bread sales grew about 11 percent from 2015 to 2019 to over $325.9 million, and sourdough is becoming more popular at restaurants. Last year, sourdough bread was on 14.3 percent of restaurant menus, up from 11.6 percent 10 years earlier. A Grand View Research study saw the market value of sourdough jump from $298.7 million in 2014 to $2.4 billion in 2018. But, industry observers wonder, is this a solid and enduring trend, or a flash in the pan?[Image Credit: © sandid from Pixabay] Darren Geeter, "How sourdough bread is staging a comeback amid a stagnant US bread industry", CNBC, February 25, 2020, © CNBC LLC

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Einstein Bros.’s New Bagel-Burrito Mash-Up Launches Nationwide February 25, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Colorado-based Einstein Bros. Bagels has launched nationwide a bagel and burrito mash-up dubbed the Bagelrito after testing it successfully at five locations in the Denver area last October. The "big, bold and easy to hold" Bagelrito is made with two cage-free eggs, thick-cut bacon, turkey sausage, three cheeses, hash browns, salsa, and green chilies in a flour tortilla hand-wrapped in Asiago bagel dough and baked fresh. Einstein Bros. Bagels has more than 700 locations in 40 states and the District of Columbia. [Image Credit: © PRNewsfoto/Einstein Bros. Bagels] "After Bagelrito Test Market Frenzy, Einstein Bros. Bagels Launches Ultimate Breakfast Mash-Up Nationwide", PR Newswire, February 25, 2020, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Sara Lee Frozen To Acquire Cyrus O’Leary’s Pies February 24, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Sara Lee Frozen Bakery announced a definitive agreement to acquire Spokane, Wash.-based Cyrus O'Leary's Pies, known for its signature line of premium quality pies, The company started as a restaurant in 1981 and grew to a nationally distributed gourmet pie brand. Baked with made-from-scratch ingredients, Cyrus O'Leary's fruit and cream pies have earned a national reputation, winning 168 first place awards at the National Pie Championships over the past 20 years. Acquisition of the pie company is the most recent step in Sara Lee Frozen Bakery's plan to expand their presence in the in-store bakery (ISB) category that began with the acquisition of Superior Cake Products, Inc., in August 2019.[Image Credit: © Sara Lee Frozen Bakery] "Sara Lee Frozen Bakery Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Cyrus O'Leary's Pies", Business Wire, February 24, 2020, © Business Wire, Inc.

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Barilla’s Protein+ Pastas Are Now Made 100 Percent From Plant-Based Ingredients February 20, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Pasta company Barilla Group announced its Protein+ line is now made entirely with plant-based ingredients, specifically semolina durum wheat mixed with protein from lentils, chickpeas, and peas.  new recipe removes the egg whites from the formula, while maintaining the same great taste and "al dente" texture of traditional semolina pasta, the company says. The new formula includes shorter cook times to achieve al dente texture for all seven varieties: spaghetti, angel hair, thin spaghetti, farfalle, penne, elbows, and rotini. Protein+ pastas have the same amount of protein per serving (10g/2oz serving) as before, but now derived from plant-based sources. The pastas, a good source of iron, thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, and niacin, are non-GMO project certified, vegan-certified, and kosher.[Image Credit: © PRNewsfoto/Barilla] "Barilla Reformulates Protein+ Line", PR Newswire, February 20, 2020, © PR Newswire Association LLC.

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Innovation Helping General Mills Advance In An Improving Cereal Market February 20, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Successful cereal innovations are helping General Mills grow and take market share. In the first half of fiscal 2020 the company had five of the top six cereal launches in the United States and it continues with new launches. It has introduced Trix Trolls cereal and is experimenting with premium products such as its Morning Summit cereal that has almonds as a first ingredient and retails for $13 a box in the club channel. CEO Jeffrey L. Harmening said its fiscal year-to-date retail sales were up 2% on the back of “innovation, great marketing and excellent in-store execution”. He pointed to compelling marketing ideas such as its Cheerios heart health campaign and Cinnamon Toast Crunch’s Cinnaverse campaign as examples of combining meaningful innovation with smart marketing. In broader comments, Harmening believes the US cereal market is improving and no longer declining, supported by improving macro and demographic trends with a return to growth in the number of households with kids and a stabilization in breakfast eaten-at-home versus away-from-home. "General Mills cereal strategy centered on compelling innovation", February 20, 2020

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Amateur Baker With a Passion For Artistic Flat Bread Ignites A Social Media Craze February 19, 2020: 12:00 AM EST An amateur baker and chef from Raleigh, N.C., whose passion is art and cooking, spends her time creating flatbreads elaborately decorated with colorful landscapes and intricate garden scenes. Blondie and Rye, as she is known on Instagram, uses thinly sliced spring onion for stems, spheres of beetroot for flowers, shredded capsicum for grass, and cherry tomatoes as rosebuds. Her handiwork has attracted the attention of an army of amateur bakers, with close to 95,000 Instagram followers keeping track of her “spectacular” breads, pastries and pies. The creations have spurred a craze for creative baking on social media.[Image Credit: © Blondie + Rye (Hannah P.) from Instagram] Alice Murphy , "Foodies are obsessing over the latest trend for 'garden flatbreads' - which come complete with capsicum 'grass' and cherry tomato 'flowers'", MailOnline (Australia), February 19, 2020, © Associated Newspapers Ltd

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Kellogg’s Develops Fully Recyclable Stand-Up Pouch For Its Bear Naked Range February 18, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Bear Naked’s Fully Recyclable Stand-Up Pouch Wins Packaging Award Kellogg’s Bear Naked granola now uses the first fully recyclable stand-up barrier pouch made for food packaging that’s available nationwide. Development took over 18 months and required the collaboration of five partner companies. Bear Naked’s goal was to produce a stand-up pouch that met its specifications and could be recycled at a retail store, not sent to a special processing center as earlier packaging required. Developing flexible packaging that can be more easily recycled is challenging because of the multiple layers in the material that are often held together by adhesives that impair recycling. This issue was navigated by using a nine-layer material from Berry Global, called Entour, which leverages a technology from Dow called RETAIN. The pouch won a Silver Award in Sustainability in the Flexible Packaging Association’s 2020 FPA Achievement Awards. "Kellogg’s Develops Recyclable Cereal Pouch: The Nine Essentials", February 18, 2020

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The Search For A Healthful Whole-Grain Bread That Appeals To The Masses February 18, 2020: 12:00 AM EST Bread makers who consider themselves purists – healthful ingredients only, no preservatives or other additives, no pre-slicing, no pan baking, and no plastic packaging – have had to deal with a harsh reality: the market often rejects what they’re selling. As Vermont baker Blair Marvin discovered, some compromise has been necessary though the goal – a soft, sliced, affordable, and healthful whole wheat bread – is still the goal. So Marvin and colleagues in a baking collective that is helped by the famous Bread Lab of Washington State University are working toward making a whole-grain loaf that’s familiar-looking and affordable enough to appeal to a mass audience. The result, dubbed “The Approachable Loaf,” is now made in 20 states, as well as in England, Canada, and Australia. Disguised as a standard-issue sandwich bread that kids will eat, the loaf contains fiber and other nutritious ingredients, but no chemical preservatives or additives (i.e., flavor enhancers or sugars), found in mass-produced whole-wheat breads.[Image Credit: © Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay] Amelia Nierenberg, "The Whole-Grain Grail: A Sandwich Bread With Mass Appeal", The New York Times, February 18, 2020, © The New York Times Company

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