Over the past decade, the cheese industry has exploded, with small-batch artisanal cheesemakers popping up in every state and the large cheesemakers increasing the sophistication of their offerings to compete. As specialty cheeses become more popular, their manufacturing processes become more streamlined, mechanized, and efficient.

Despite significant hurdles created by the COVID-19 pandemic, many new products managed to beat the odds and emerge as winners, making their way into shoppers' carts during unprecedented times and resulting in multiple $100 million launches. More than a quarter of the New Product Pacesetters launched in the fourth quarter of 2019 or January 2020 saw big performances, accounting for 51 of 200 Pacesetter products, with 27 in the food and beverage sector.

CP Kelco, a leader of nature-based ingredient solutions, launched a new global innovation center, adding to the company’s growing network of innovation and technical support facilities around the world. The Atlanta-based innovation center is designed as an open, collaborative space for scientists and customers alike to engage in ingredient research, problem-solving, development and pilot plant scale-up of food, beverage, home care, personal care and other consumer and industrial products.

ICL Group Ltd., a leading global specialty minerals and specialty chemicals company, launched ICL Planet Startup Hub.The new innovation platform is expected to help propel innovative foodTech and agriTech start-ups to the marketplace and to provide enterprises with an extensive network of support, including investment and mentorship.

Prinova, a worldwide provider of functional ingredients and manufacturer of nutrient premixes, creates an innovative online experience with the launch of its new website. 

The program, which launched in 2018 in collaboration with KitchenTown, a San Francisco based incubator, selects a small group of young companies from around the world to work directly with Barilla teams in developing and implementing innovative business solutions.

Welcome to my monthly series where we cover the most common mistakes suppliers make when calling on national foodservice accounts. This month we’ll discuss mistake No. 4, which is, “Not asking for feedback.”

SKU, an accelerator for consumer packaged goods (CPGs), announced six companies that will participate in the upcoming track of the Minneapolis program, ImpactSKU '21. Each was selected based on the basis of product innovation, market traction, and the passion of founders.

The program, sponsored by Gourmet Foods International, will enable Kroger to discover new suppliers to support the continued expansion of its fresh departments – including produce, deli, bakery, meat, seafood, dairy, specialty cheeses, and floral – and its commitment to being Fresh for Everyone™.

Memphis Meats, a company operating in cell-cultured meat, poultry and seafood (also known as cultured meat) became UPSIDE Foods. The move signifies that the company is now ready for business with its first consumer product: chicken.