Prepared Foods Editorial Staff

Idaho Milk Products has opened a new ice cream and powder blending facility in Jerome, Idaho, expanding its capabilities in value-added dairy ingredients. The integrated operation combines high-volume ice cream production with advanced dry blending technology, supporting retail, foodservice and custom formulation needs.

Hot Pockets is expanding beyond handheld sandwiches with the launch of Snack Breaks, a new line of bite-sized frozen snacks featuring sweet and savory flavor combinations. The launch highlights continued innovation around portable snacking, texture-driven formulations and crossover flavor inspiration from across the snack aisle.

Gelatys has opened a new 30,000sq-ft production facility in Fort Myers, Fla., aimed at scaling manufacturing capacity for its premium frozen novelties portfolio. The investment highlights continued growth in the frozen dessert category, with brands expanding operations to support national retail distribution and accelerate product innovation.

Popeyes is bringing its signature buttery biscuits into home kitchens with new easy-to-make biscuit mixes. The launch reflects continued growth in restaurant brands expanding into consumer-packaged goods and at-home meal occasions.

T. Hasegawa USA introduced HASEMILK, a powdered flavor technology designed to deliver the taste and texture of real milk without dairy ingredients. The ingredient aims to help manufacturers improve flavor performance in dairy-free and reduced-dairy applications while supporting clean-label and allergen-free formulations.

Nature’s Path Organic Foods introduced two new Love Crunch granola flavors inspired by trending dessert profiles, including Dubai Style Chocolate and Dark Chocolate & Blueberry Cream. The launches build on strong demand for the brand’s Strawberry Cheesecake variety and reflect continued interest in indulgent, trend-driven flavors paired with organic and gluten-free positioning.

Ajinomoto Foods North America appointed supply chain executive Dave Gardner as president and CEO, signaling continued focus on operational growth, innovation and global flavor trends. The leadership transition comes as demand for multicultural frozen foods continues to expand across retail and foodservice channels.

GHOST is expanding its energy portfolio with the launch of GHOST Energy Sticks, a portable powder format designed to deliver the same energy and focus benefits as its canned beverages. The launch reflects growing consumer demand for convenient, mix-anywhere functional drink options.

PopCorners expanded its snack portfolio with a protein-focused line designed to meet growing consumer demand for convenient, high-protein snacks. Available in three flavors, the popped snacks deliver 9g of protein per serving while maintaining the brand’s signature airy crunch.

Heartland Food Products Group signed an agreement to acquire the Americas business of Whole Earth Brands, adding several established sweetener brands to its portfolio. The move strengthens Heartland’s position in sugar reduction and alternative sweeteners while expanding its capabilities across retail, foodservice and ingredient solutions.