Food Industry News, Insights, and Education for the CPG Community

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard gear up for the annual trek to Anaheim for Natural Products Expo West. Listen in to learn about the brands, products and trends on our radar this year.

Protein bar maker Mezcla has closed a $9.5 million Series B funding round led by Bluestein Ventures, with participation from Santatera Capital, Grupo DMI, Lever VC, Habitat Partners, Tonic Ventures and Steve Platt, former chief executive of BrightFarms and Icelandic Provisions.

Hot on the heels of its label refresh, truffle-infused condiment maker TRUFF is doubling down on its positioning as the “ultimate culinary flex” with a new line of squeeze aiolis.

B&G Foods announced it has sold off the U.S. Green Giant frozen vegetable line to Seneca Foods Corporation.

Simple, clean ingredients and transparent, ethical sourcing have always been core to South 40’s product ethos and the launch of its new Craft Bars takes that combinations even deeper.

Actual Veggies is stomping into the kids’ aisle with a new line of vegetable-packed Dinosaur Nuggets launching nationwide this summer. The three offerings – Cauliflower & Potato, Sweet Potato & Carrot and Broccoli & Potato – will hit shelves at several existing retail partners in one of the brand’s largest coordinated launches to date.

Premium meat stick brand Chomps announced its first new protein in nearly eight years with its entrance into chicken sticks.

This week, we’re taking a look at a newly formed chocolate conglomerate cocoa foundation, reheating a bagel for breakfast, and getting absolutely blasted on a margarita booze cruise. Hey, what more could you ask for?

Legacy German chocolate producer Ritter Sport Group has named its American division leader Ralf Hilpuesch as CEO of Chocolove, the premium Colorado-based chocolate brand it acquired in November, taking over for outgoing founder and CEO Timothy Moley.

Target announced today that it will only sell cereals made without certified synthetic colors beginning in May. The retailer said it has worked closely with both national brand and its owned brand partners to reformulate products.

The Boston-based premium cookie maker is expanding into new foodservice channels with 1 oz. and 0.67 oz. trial packs designed for corporate cafes, hotels, universities and airlines.

In this week’s new product roundup, The Laughing Cow taps into the pickle flavor craze, Natty Ice Cream bulks up its portfolio, and Like Air partners with Freestyle Snacks on co-branded puffcorn.

Spare Food Co. is evolving its portfolio with two new blended meat products using its original upcycled Starter ingredient.

Tem Toa is a new Thai-inspired frozen food brand launched by Deep Indian Kitchen and marks the creation of its new brand platform, Deep Brands.