Chicago to become largest innovation hub in the world for the global snacks and treats maker
June 21, 2022
Mars Wrigley broke ground on a new, best-in-class, global research and development hub adjacent to the company's existing Global Innovation Center on Goose Island. Leaders from Mars as well as key Chicago stakeholders, including Michael Fassnacht, CEO, World Business Chicago, and Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., gathered together to commemorate the milestone for the company.
When broadline foodservice distributor US Foods Holding Corp., introduced as many as 18 “Spring Scoop” products this March, it embraced the theme, “Do More with Less” and emphasized versatile items to help operator customers manage labor shortages and other operational challenges.
The virtual pitch event featured 12 emerging brands presenting to a national audience of CPG investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders
June 15, 2022
Founders of the 12 startup brands participating in the Austin and Atlanta cohorts in the SKU (CPG) accelerator celebrated the culmination of the rigorous 12-week program with the premiere of their virtual pitches. The brands span multiple categories, including non-alcoholic cocktails, plant-based burgers, healthy snacks and beauty.
Innovative manufacturers navigated an uncertain year by focusing on new flavors and experiences, and household and personal cleanliness
June 9, 2022
The unpredictability of the pandemic made the work of manufacturers even more difficult than in 2020, as COVID-19 and the resultant behavior of shoppers ebbed and flowed during 2021. Despite this and other challenges, this year’s New Product Pacesetters delivered an impressive $6 billion in aggregate Year 1 sales across food and beverage and nonfood products.
Innovative sweet treats and intense flavors lead the trend-scape in the candy and snack categories
May 25, 2022
The Sweets & Snacks Expo showcases the latest products and innovations in candy and snacks, and for the past 25 years, those products have made it onto store shelves and paved the way for groundbreaking flavor trends in the industry and beyond.
Company acknowledged for strong innovation ethos, a learning culture and good documentation process for innovative practices
May 19, 2022
Mane Kancor, received the prestigious opportunity of being one of the four finalists at the Outstanding Corporate Innovator (OCI) Awards for the year 2021, organized by Product Development & Management Association (PDMA).
Specialty Food Association to announce Product of the Year Award and New Product of the Year Awards at Summer Fancy Food Show in June
May 11, 2022
Available only to product-qualified members of the SFA, the sofi Awards were judged at the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University (FIC), the SFA's partner for the awards. FIC experts evaluated products using anonymous tastings across 47 categories using criteria that included flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation. 102 specialty food products were awarded Gold, and New Product, trophies.
SKU has worked with more than 100 alumni, including a variety of innovative and successful brands, including EPIC Provisions, Siete, DUDE Wipes and Seaweed Bath Co.
April 18, 2022
Ideal candidates are market-validated companies with compelling founders and innovative products in hot categories. Brands can be from a wide range of areas in CPG, including food, beverage, apparel, personal care, and household products..
The company will invest $300 million to expand alternative protein production
April 12, 2022
ADM, a global leader in nutrition, announced that it will invest approximately $300 million to significantly expand its Decatur, Ill., alternative protein production, as the company continues to add capacity to meet strong demand growth. ADM will further enhance its alternative protein capabilities by opening a new, state-of-the-art Protein Innovation Center, also in Decatur.