Vestar Capital Partners, a US middle-market private equity firm, announced that it has made a majority growth investment into Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, a fast-growing brand specializing in nutritious plant-based frozen and refrigerated foods made from simple ingredients. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Marquee Brands LLC and Mediacast Holdings announced the initial launch of Martha Stewart Kitchen (MSK), a new retail brand of frozen and prepared food products from Martha Stewart, which are being brought to the market by the newly formed MSK Foods LLC.

Path of Life, makers of frozen quinoa, rice and veggie blends is ready to go beyond the frozen side category. In order to create innovative new product lines, the Live Simple brand announced its preferred partnerships with two product development firms – Artisan Row and Brisan Group.

Batter and breaded frozen food products are widely consumed both in restaurants and at home. Such products are usually accompanied with a variety of dipping sauces to add flavor and visual appeal.

With a combination of sesame seeds, salt, poppy seeds, dried garlic and dried onion, SeaPak Everything Bagel Butterfly Shrimp is the latest introduction from the frozen seafood company.

The drumstick-shaped dark meat nugget is inspired by traditional sides like cranberry sauce and stuffing, while the turkey-shaped white meat nugget is inspired by everyone's favorite Thanksgiving vegetable: sweet potato.

Expresco Foods, a producer of protein meal and snack solutions, launched a frozen skewer line. The new protein line intends to marry consumer demand for quality protein with whole breast muscle chicken in a simple, ready to heat and serve format.

Gerber announced its entry into the frozen aisle with the launch of new frozen products from Freshful Start™, a premium, organic, simple-ingredient line of foods made with veggies and whole grains. Freshful Start™ bowls come in three varieties – Tomato Basil, Mac & Cheese and Southwest Style – and are designed for toddlers 12 months and up.

Banza, a company that has developed chickpea-based pasta, rice, and mac & cheese, announced its largest category expansion to date with the introduction of frozen pizza made with a chickpea crust.

Van Cleve-Talbert grew up around seafood as a family member-employee in The Van Cleve Seafood Co. in Spotsylvania, Va. The company dates back to 2001 when her mom, Shelly, opened a small seafood “shack” to source and sell better quality seafood in the area. From the start, Monica and her sister, Allie, were involved in every step of the business.