Food News

A Sizable Bet on Turnaround Potential (Image Credits: Pixabay) Idaho-based frozen potato producer Lamb Weston Holdings faced renewed activist scrutiny after Starboard Value disclosed a significant stake and outlined steps to boost profitability.[1][2] A Sizable Bet on Turnaround Potential Starboard Value LP built a substantial position in Lamb Weston over time, emerging as one of the company’s largest shareholders. The activist investor, led by Jeffrey Smith, viewed the shares as undervalued amid recent market weakness. Lamb Weston, with a market value near $6.5 billion, supplies french fries and other potato products to major fast-food chains including McDonald’s and Yum Brands.[3][1] … Read more

Transition from Interim Role Signals Stability (Image Credits: Foodbusinessnews.net) Minneapolis – General Mills announced Jonathan Ness’s appointment as Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective March 16, after he led the division on an interim basis.[1][2] Transition from Interim Role Signals Stability Ness stepped in as interim chief supply chain officer in late January. The move followed Paul Gallagher’s departure from the position he held since June 2021. Gallagher joined 3M as enterprise supply chain group president.[2] In his new permanent role, Ness reports directly to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Harmening. He also joins the company’s Senior Leadership Team. Responsibilities … Read more

Operational Expertise Takes Center Stage (Image Credits: Foodbusinessnews.net) Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts strengthened its senior leadership team with three strategic hires as the iconic chain approaches its 400th location.[1][2] Operational Expertise Takes Center Stage Matt Kafka joined Shipley as chief operating officer, bringing nearly 30 years of restaurant operations experience. He most recently served as senior vice president and interim COO at Smoothie King, where he managed franchise and corporate operations across roughly 1,250 stores. Earlier in his career, Kafka held key operations roles at Jamba Juice.[1] His appointment aims to elevate operational excellence and support franchisee partnerships during a … Read more

Scaling Up to Meet Surging Demand (Image Credits: Foodbusinessnews.net) Yorkton, Saskatchewan – Louis Dreyfus Company marked a key milestone on March 3, 2026, by beginning the commissioning of its new pea protein isolate production facility at its existing oilseeds complex.[1][2] Scaling Up to Meet Surging Demand The launch reflects the rapid growth in global interest for pea-based ingredients. Pea proteins stand out for their non-allergen properties, non-GMO status, and versatility in various applications.[1] Industry leaders note that demand continues to rise as consumers seek sustainable, high-quality alternatives in food products. James Zhou, LDC’s Chief Commercial Officer and Head of the … Read more

A Dream Realized in Sweetness (Image Credits: Pixabay) Global ingredients leader Tate & Lyle partnered with biotech innovator Manus to introduce Yume™, a new sweetener brand aimed at delivering premium taste and reliable supply for healthier foods.[1][2] A Dream Realized in Sweetness The name Yume™, drawn from the Japanese word for “dream,” captured attention when Tate & Lyle and Manus announced the brand on February 23, 2026, from London and Boston. This launch marked a milestone under The Sweetener Alliance, their strategic collaboration initiated a year earlier.[1] Executives positioned it as a fusion of nature’s potential and advanced biotechnology, promising … Read more

Density and Creaminess Set a New Standard (Image Credits: Unsplash) Petaluma, California – Clover Sonoma marked its return to the ice cream category with a super premium line featuring four indulgent flavors set for nationwide launch.[1][2] Density and Creaminess Set a New Standard The debut collection stands out for its exceptional texture and richness. Clover Sonoma crafted these ice creams with significantly more cream and far less air than typical brands. Low overrun at 30 percent ensures a dense, luxurious mouthfeel in every bite. High butterfat content of 14 percent contributes to the smooth finish without excess sweetness.[1] Generous inclusions … Read more

A Timely Boost for Busy Lifestyles (Image Credits: Foodbusinessnews.net) Charlotte, NC – Truly Good Foods announced a fresh addition to its snack lineup with the launch of Golden Hour snack bars last month. A Timely Boost for Busy Lifestyles Consumers seeking convenient, guilt-free snacks now have a new choice. The Golden Hour bars deliver 110 calories per serving and cater specifically to those with dietary restrictions.[1] Produced in a dedicated nut-free facility, these bars stand out in a market filled with compromises. They target on-the-go eaters while serving institutions like schools and offices. The design emphasizes simplicity and satisfaction. Truly … Read more

A Bold Step for Better-for-You Snacking (Image Credits: Pixabay) Fairfield, California — Calbee America, Inc. announced a significant update to its flagship Harvest Snaps portfolio by switching to avocado oil formulation across all products.[1][2] A Bold Step for Better-for-You Snacking Consumers seeking healthier snack options received welcome news from Calbee America. The company decided to replace vegetable and seed oils with avocado oil in its entire Harvest Snaps range, including the popular crunchy loops variety.[1] This change marked a key milestone for the brand, which pioneered baked veggie crisps years ago. Maiko Shimano, director of marketing at Calbee America, emphasized … Read more

A Fresh Take on Texture and Taste (Image Credits: Pexels) New York – Plant-based snack innovator Mezcla secured $9.5 million in Series B funding to fuel its expansion in the competitive protein bar market.[1][2] A Fresh Take on Texture and Taste Mezcla disrupted the protein bar category with its puff-crispy bars that mimic the lightness of rice crispy treats while delivering solid nutrition. Founders Griffin Spolansky and Coco Sotelo developed the concept after meeting in a social entrepreneurship class at the University of Virginia.[2] Each 40-gram bar packs 10 grams of plant-based protein from pea protein puffs, along with 170 … Read more

$80 Million Brand Fuels Morinaga’s Frozen Ambitions (Image Credits: Pexels) Irvine, California — Morinaga & Co., Ltd. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream, the top mochi ice cream brand in the United States, bolstering its push into the frozen snacks arena.[1][2] $80 Million Brand Fuels Morinaga’s Frozen Ambitions My/Mochi posted $80 million in sales over the 52 weeks ending January 25, 2026, according to SPINS MULO data. This performance solidified its dominance in the mochi ice cream niche. The acquisition positions Morinaga to tap directly into this momentum.[1] Executives highlighted the union’s potential right away. Teruhiro … Read more