Sustainable Food Production

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The Recycling Partnership unveiled a new Recycling Participation Fund supported by major industry partners to improve consumer engagement in recycling programs. The initiative will fund community-based strategies and research designed to increase recycling participation and help states meet emerging recycling performance goals.

A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry examined the sensory properties of Chardonnay grape marc, the source material behind WellVine. Researchers found a balanced taste profile characterized by mild sweetness, bright acidity and low bitterness, findings that may have implications for formulators developing fiber-rich, polyphenol-containing and clean-label products.

Unreal Snacks introduced Peanut Butter Drops exclusively at Whole Foods Markets nationwide. The new product taps into growing consumer interest in peanut butter flavors with a nostalgic sweet-and-salty profile, real ingredients and reduced sugar, offering product developers insight into how brands are reimagining familiar treats for health-conscious consumers.

 Upcycled ingredients continue to gain traction as brands look to reduce food waste while adding nutritional and functional value to formulations. Industry experts say the next phase of growth will depend on mainstream retail expansion, consumer education and scalable 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.

From upcycled cacao and regenerative beef to shelf-stable oat milk slices and organic ultra-filtered dairy, this video presentation showcases how brands are integrating sustainability across sourcing, processing and packaging. Explore the latest products reflecting evolving priorities in food and beverage innovation.

Simple Mills is entering the oat-based baking category with two Regenerative Organic Certified mixes designed to deliver familiar flavors with simplified ingredient lists. The launches reflect growing interest in regenerative agriculture, minimally processed foods and allergen-friendly pantry staples.

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.

Conagra Brands’ latest Citizenship Report outlines progress across its four-pillar strategy, from product transparency and responsible sourcing to climate targets and community impact. The update reflects how major food companies are embedding sustainability into core operations while aligning with evolving consumer and stakeholder expectations.

More than 260 dairy stakeholders gathered to advance shared sustainability goals, with a focus on turning alignment into measurable progress across the value chain. Discussions underscored new opportunities tied to updated Dietary Guidelines, alongside the need for practical, farmer-centered solutions that balance environmental, economic and social outcomes.