The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association has launched a search for its next president and CEO as the organization looks to strengthen its role across the fresh-food industry. The incoming leader will oversee strategic growth initiatives, member engagement and the continued evolution of the association’s flagship trade show.
The Sweets & Snacks Expo recognized the year’s most innovative confectionery and snack launches, highlighting trends ranging from nostalgic flavors to premium formats and experiential snacking. Organizers say the record number of entries reflects continued momentum in consumer-driven product innovation.
B-SIDES closed a $500,000 seed round to support expansion of its allergen-friendly snack puff brand made with upcycled ingredients from oat milk and grits production. The funding will help accelerate retail distribution, strengthen sales infrastructure and advance vertically integrated sourcing aimed at improving scalability and unit economics.
Circana’s expanded Purchase to Consumption solution connects receipt-level purchase data with consumption behaviors from the same consumers, offering deeper visibility into food and beverage occasions. Early findings reveal opportunities for retailers and CPG brands to better capture at-home dinner spending and refine targeted growth strategies.
Whole Foods Market plans to expand its smaller-format Daily Shop concept into Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia over the next two years. The streamlined stores are designed to offer curated assortments, grab-and-go options and faster shopping experiences tailored to dense urban neighborhoods.
Golden Waffles introduced new Protein and Fiber Nutritional Boost Packs designed to work with its existing fresh-baked waffle program. The launch gives operators a simple way to align with growing consumer demand for protein, fiber and gut health while maintaining operational efficiency.
The Almond Board of California appointed two industry veterans to leadership roles focused on strategic operations, science and innovation. The hires reflect the organization’s continued investment in expanding market opportunities and accelerating research and product innovation across the almond industry.
Vibrant Ingredients has opened an 11,000sq-ft Innovation Center in Cranbury, N.J., designed to accelerate product development through hands-on collaboration and rapid prototyping. The facility expands the company’s technical capabilities for beverage and food applications while giving customers direct access to formulation, flavor and commercialization expertise.
A-Sha Foods has partnered with Chef Andrew Zimmern on a new line of chef-driven pantry staples and comfort foods debuting exclusively at Target in May 2026. The collection combines A-Sha’s air-dried noodle platform with globally inspired flavors across cheesy noodles, soup bowls and peanut butter chili crisp.
Cargill and Voyage Foods are bringing cocoa-free confectionery alternatives to the US market with the launch of NextCoa. The product line aims to provide manufacturers with more stable sourcing, allergen-friendly formulations and a lower carbon footprint while maintaining familiar chocolatey flavors and functionality.