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Avocado consumption hits record highs, driven by health trends

As consumers seek out the superfood fruit for its nutritional punch and versatility, avocados may face issues around sourcing and sustainability, according to a report by Rabobank.

Krave revisits its better-for-you origins in brand refresh

One year after being reacquired by its founder, the jerky brand revamps its packaging, shifts to 100% grass-fed beef and launches a zero-sugar line.

Vertical farming company Bowery raises $300M, valuing firm at $2.3B

Investors have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into indoor agriculture as demand for freshly grown, locally produced offerings has soared among consumers.

Danone partners with upstart to create food derived from the pongamia tree

Terviva's deal with the French CPG giant could provide a major boost for ingredients extracted from the plant that it says is more sustainable than other oilseed crops, such as palm and soy. 

Pandemic has provided a sharp boost for plant-based foods, Instacart survey shows

Sales of meat analogs on Instacart's platform grew 42% in 2020, while the adoption rate for dairy-free milk was up 27% last year, according to data released by the e-commerce provider.

Post Holdings prices SPAC units at $10 in deal that could raise more than $300M

The CPG maker, which said in February its SPAC aimed to raise $400 million, is expected to stay close to the food and beverage space as it looks for companies that will benefit from the experience of its management team.

UPDATED: May 26, 2021 at 12:31 p.m.

Organic food sales hit record $56.4B in 2020

The pandemic contributed to double-digit increases for fresh and frozen offerings, the Organic Trade Association reported.

Kodiak Cakes purchased by private equity firm L Catterton

The pancake and waffle manufacturer is the latest small company to get acquired in recent months as investors cash in on the growth of better-for-you food offerings.

Cargill receives GRAS status for EpiCor postbiotic

The dried yeast fermentate can now be used in food and beverages as consumers seek out ingredients that support the immune system and gut health.

General Mills shuffles execs as part of restructuring

At least five high-profile moves have happened as part of the company's Accelerate strategy for growth, with two new executive positions created and at least two eliminated.

Diageo launches DEI initiative to boost Black community in spirits industry

A new partnership seeks to generate $2 billion in economic value in the U.S. by supporting incipient brands and businesses.

Takis expands further into snacking with 4 new products

In addition to the Hot Nuts it debuted in October, the spicy brand loved by younger consumers is launching popcorn, potato chips, corn sticks and cheesy snacks.

Ferrara and Utz partner on sweet and salty snack multipacks

Debuting in January 2022, the variety packs will provide both companies with exposure to new segments and introduce their brands to more consumers.

Better Brand seeks to improve bagels with low-carb launch

The new company, with baked goods developed through a proprietary process, raised $1.2 million in February and plans to launch its first product this week.

Opinion

How Perdue and Mercy For Animals found common ground

The journey from adversaries to allies required conversation and compromise and often caused tension, but ultimately proved rewarding, write Perdue's Mark McKay and Mercy for Animals' Leah Garcés.

Column

Leftovers: Gatorade lightens up for rehydration; Airly crackers take a bite out of climate change

PepsiCo's latest sports drink offers more electrolytes with less sugar, while McCormick puts the Thanksgiving feast in a more portable, snackable form.

Planters cleans up Mr. Peanut in brand refresh ahead of sale to Hormel

New creative focuses on the nutritious benefits of peanuts and adheres to a yearlong campaign that rewards acts of authenticity.

Consumers to snack more outside the home but e-commerce is here to stay, survey finds

Frito-Lay's latest U.S. Snack Index finds an appetite for in-person purchases and spicy, bold flavors, but online will continue to grow in importance as the pandemic lifts.

PETA-affiliated lawsuit accuses Vital Farms of lying about ethical treatment

The class-action lawsuit claims consumers were duped into paying more for products from the pasture-raised egg company, which the plaintiffs say does not treat its hens humanely.

PepsiCo is making 'a much bigger play' for sales in the burgeoning plant-based market

The CPG giant has made several acquisitions and introduced new products in an effort to scale quickly and build what it hopes will become household names in the category. 

Claxton Poultry Farms charged with chicken price-fixing in long-running case

The DOJ said the company and two executives conspired to suppress and eliminate competition beginning as early as 2012.

UPDATED: May 20, 2021 at 3:17 p.m.

Superbrewed Food unlocks herbivores' secret to healthy eating and brings it to dairy alternatives

The fermented protein essentially feeds good gut health to people, said founder Bryan Tracy, whose first products should hit shelves in the second half of the year. 

Oatly CEO sees a long runway for growth on its Wall Street debut

As the Sweden-based company with a valuation of $10 billion enters the markets, Toni Petersson plans to add more manufacturing capacity to meet the global demand for oat milk.

Hershey to buy low-sugar confectionery brand Lily's

The startup's products, which include chocolate bars, baking chips and peanut butter cups, will complement the candy giant's better-for-you snacking strategy.

Consumers are more confident about healthy eating as pandemic impacts wane, study says

The International Food Information Council's 16th annual report on consumer attitudes and priorities found some predictable shifts and some surprises.