News

Good Food Awards Honor 242 Products in 2026 Competition

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The Specialty Food Association announced the winners of the 2026 Good Food Awards, recognizing 242 products from 198 makers selected through a blind tasting process from more than 1,200 entries. The awards offer food and beverage product developers a look at emerging innovation, craftsmanship and ingredient trends shaping the specialty food market.

SunOpta Expands Fruit Snack Production in Washington

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

SunOpta has opened an expanded fruit snack production line at its Omak, Wash., facility following an investment of more than $25 million. The expansion increases production capacity by 25% and supports growing demand for fruit-based snacks made without artificial colors, high-fructose corn syrup or major allergens.

BlueNalu CEO to Keynote NJ FoodTech 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

As keynote speaker at NJ FoodTech 2026, BlueNalu Founder, President & CEO Lou Cooperhouse will explore how food companies can build durable value propositions in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In an interview with Prepared Foods, Cooperhouse said today's investors prioritize operational discipline, scalability and profitability, while long-term success depends on treating the company—not just the product—as the value proposition.

Idaho Milk Products Opens Ice Cream, Blending Facility

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Gelatys Opens Florida Production Facility

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

T. Hasegawa Launches Dairy-Free Milk Flavor Technology

Fri, 29 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Ajinomoto Foods North America Names CEO

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Heartland Expands Sweetener Portfolio With Whole Earth Brands Acquisition

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Circana Highlights 2025 CPG Pacesetters

Tue, 26 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Circana’s 2025 New Product Pacesetters report found the year’s top food, beverage and nonfood CPG launches generated a combined $6.2 billion in first-year sales. The research points to experience-led innovation, AI-driven discovery and social commerce as key forces shaping how consumers find and engage with new products.

Sodium Reduction Efforts Must Balance Nutrient Density

Mon, 25 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Many foods contributing the most sodium to US diets also provide nutrients Americans lack, according to new research. The findings underscore the challenge for food developers seeking to reduce sodium without compromising nutritional value.

IDDBA Launches CEO Search

Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Sweets & Snacks Expo Honors Innovation

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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 Secures Seed Funding to Expand Upcycled Snack Brand

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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 Expands Purchase-to-Consumption Consumer Insights Solution

Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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 Expands Daily Shop Format

Mon, 18 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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 Launches Protein, Fiber Boost Packs

Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Almond Board of California Adds Strategic Innovation Leaders

Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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 Unveils Innovation Center to Advance Product Development

Thu, 14 May 2026 07:30:00 -0400

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, Andrew Zimmern Launch Pantry Line

Thu, 14 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

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, Voyage Foods Launch Cocoa-Free Chocolate Alternative

Wed, 13 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

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.

Building Stronger Teams Through Better Leadership

Wed, 13 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Leadership expert Alain Hunkins will share practical strategies for building stronger teams through authentic connection, clearer communication and better collaboration. The session will provide attendees with actionable leadership tools designed to improve engagement, reduce silos and support talent development.

Bel Expands Better-for-You Snack Portfolio With Brainiac Acquisition

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Bel Group is expanding its North American snack portfolio through the acquisition of Ingenuity Foods’ Brainiac and Little Brainiac brands. The move adds fast-growing, omega-3-fortified snacks to Bel’s better-for-you lineup while strengthening its presence in functional snacks for children and families.

Campbell’s Acquires Stake in Rao’s Sauce Maker

Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Campbell’s has acquired a 49% interest in La Regina, the longtime manufacturer behind Rao’s Homemade tomato-based sauces. The investment reinforces the company’s focus on preserving Rao’s artisanal production approach as the brand surpasses $1 billion in annual sales.

Conagra Highlights Progress in 2025 Citizenship Report

Fri, 08 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Dairy Leaders Align on Sustainability Progress

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Survey Shows Fast Uptake, Ongoing Nutrition Confusion

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A new IFIC survey finds nearly half of Americans quickly recognized the updated Dietary Guidelines and Food Pyramid, but many remain unclear on how to apply the advice. The findings highlight ongoing challenges — and opportunities — in communicating nutrition guidance, particularly around cost perceptions, protein priorities and emerging food trends.

Flowers Foods Expands Breakfast, Snacks

Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Flowers Foods is rolling out a wide range of breakfast and snack innovations across its brand portfolio, from gluten-free bagels to protein bars and indulgent baked goods. The launches reflect growing demand for personalized, convenient and better-for-you options, including regenerative organic and non-UPF formulations.

Nestlé Launches Minor’s Kitchen Line

Mon, 04 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Nestlé enters the US at-home condiment space with Minor’s Kitchen, a line of chef-developed sauces inspired by foodservice. The launch reflects demand for premium, flavor-forward options that bring restaurant-style experiences into home cooking.

Butter Buds Names Sales, Marketing Lead for Latin America

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Butter Buds appoints Rosaura Quesada to lead sales and marketing across Latin America. Her experience in distribution and technical leadership signals a focus on regional growth and customer partnerships.

Ferrero Opens Nutella Peanut Production Line

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The $75M investment in the company's Franklin Park, IL plant creates 50 new jobs, marking its first-ever new flavor.