REAL FOOD FROM THE GROUND UP, Snacks with a Plant-Based Twist, is upping its game just in time for spring, with the launch of a new vegetable base and cracker innovation.

Coinciding with this launch, Happy Family Organics is the largest baby food brand to date to announce it is joining Partnership for a Healthier America's (PHA) Veggies Early & Often campaign, making a series of commitments that include doubling its vegetable-forward products over the next three years. 

The innovation follows the release of two other products in the SNICKERS brownie line-up: SNICKERS Peanut Brownie, which features a chewy peanut-brownie filling, a layer of caramel and a classic SNICKERS chocolate coating, and SNICKERS Peanut Brownie Ice Cream.

Blue Diamond Growers introduced a line of Blue Diamond XTREMES™ almonds. Available in three hot flavors: Cayenne Pepper (hot), Ghost Pepper (hotter) and Carolina Reaper (hottest), the new almonds are made with real peppers and have a spicy flavor rush.

Pretzels, Inc., a manufacturer of pretzels and other snack products, announced it has expanded its product line to offer almond butter filled pretzels. This addition complements Pretzels’ other snack offerings, which fulfill consumer demand for pretzel-based snacks that are tasty, satiating, and healthy.

Adding fruit to formulations has become not only easier, but more exciting with the continuously expanding variety of fruits to choose from and the near disappearance of seasonality. When it comes to product formulation, developers can choose from a multitude of fruit-derived ingredients and types, including whole or prepped; fresh or frozen; freeze-dried, dehydrated, or puréed; and concentrates, juices, or powders.

LIVEKINDLY Collective, a collection of heritage and start-up brands on track to become one of the world’s largest plant-based food companies, announced a successful capital raise led by The Rise Fund, the global impact investing platform managed by TPG.

Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC (SNI), a processor and supplier of dehydrated vegetable products and natural food ingredients, announced that it has finalized a transaction to acquire New Mexico Chili Products Inc., a dehydrated chili production facility in Deming, N.M., that processes capsicums and a variety of specialty chilies for commercial sale to CPG food manufacturers, spice blenders, and foodservice customers.

Hilo Life launched a keto-friendly, almond flour-based chip. This innovation delivers a crunchy texture and bold flavor with 3g net carbs and 9g protein per serving1. Available in three snack flavor profiles, Nacho Cheese, Ranch and Spicy Salsa, the tortilla style chips were developed for carb-conscious snackers.

The Almond Board of California (ABC) welcomed Charice Grace to the organization as new manager of trade marketing and stewardship. In her position, Grace will lead the execution of all trade public relations and advertising activities for North America.