Food News

Timing Aligns with Surging Consumer Demand (Image Credits: Foodbusinessnews.net) Megan Westgate, CEO of Non-UPF Verified, recently shared insights into the certification program’s push to clarify minimally processed foods amid widespread confusion over ultra-processed options.[1] Timing Aligns with Surging Consumer Demand The natural products industry faced a widening gap between shopper expectations and available choices. Westgate noted that even products at events like Natural Products Expo West often fell short of true nourishment standards. Her organization identified the absence of clear definitions for minimally processed foods as a critical void.[1] Development of the Non-UPF Verified standard predated recent trends like MAHA … Read more

The Steep Financial Toll (Image Credits: Salon.com) Food delivery services surged in popularity during the pandemic and remain entrenched in daily routines for millions of users nationwide. The Steep Financial Toll Users often overlooked how quickly fees piled up with each order. Delivery charges, service fees, taxes, and tips transformed modest meals into extravagant expenses. One analysis revealed that restaurants marked up menu prices by an average of 24 percent on third-party apps, with fast-food spots increasing by 27 percent.[1][2] A simple $15 meal ballooned to over $30 after add-ons, as noted in financial advice discussions. Surveys showed 40 percent … Read more

Executives from Fresh Thyme, Kroger, and Meijer Take the Stage (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org) Kalamazoo, Michigan – Industry leaders from major grocery chains prepare to gather for the annual Food Marketing Conference, spotlighting merchandising and consumer trends.[1] Executives from Fresh Thyme, Kroger, and Meijer Take the Stage More than 30 presenters will address attendees over two days, drawing executives from key sectors of the grocery world. The event promises direct insights from top decision-makers. Fresh Thyme President Liz Zolcak leads the lineup, joined by Wakefern Food Corp. President Mike Stigers.[1] Other notable speakers include Kroger’s National Director of Health & Wellness … Read more

Carrie Barber and Top CEOs Headline the Lineup (Image Credits: Unsplash) Kalamazoo, Michigan – Leaders from major food and beverage firms prepare to dissect merchandising trends, marketing tactics, and consumer behaviors at Western Michigan University’s annual Food Marketing Conference. Carrie Barber and Top CEOs Headline the Lineup The event boasts a roster of high-profile speakers ready to offer frontline perspectives on industry challenges. Carrie Barber, CEO of Dawn Foods, anchors the processor executives alongside other influential voices. Attendees will hear from 11 representatives across prominent companies. These leaders hold pivotal roles in sales, growth, and customer strategy. Their sessions promise … Read more

A Fiery Evolution of a Fan Favorite (Image Credits: Unsplash) Snack enthusiasts now have a bold new option that combines the crunch of puffcorn with a zesty, spicy dill pickle profile. A Fiery Evolution of a Fan Favorite Like Air took its well-received dill pickle puffcorn and cranked up the intensity. The new Spicy Dill Pickle Puffcorn introduces a spicy kick drawn from the tangy world of snacking pickles. This limited-edition release promises to captivate taste buds seeking adventure in every bite. Consumers who enjoyed the original dill flavor will find this version elevates the experience. The partnership behind it … Read more

A Champion for Science in Ingredients (Image Credits: Unsplash) The food ingredient sector marked a somber moment with AIDP’s announcement of founder Edward Lee’s death. A Champion for Science in Ingredients Edward Lee, PhD, built AIDP into a cornerstone of the ingredient industry through unwavering commitment to scientific rigor. Colleagues remembered him as a driving force behind advancements that prioritized evidence-based solutions. His tenure emphasized breakthroughs that met growing demands for quality and reliability in food production. Lee championed core principles that reshaped industry standards. He focused on fostering trust among manufacturers and consumers alike. Under his guidance, AIDP expanded … Read more

A Fresh Take on Daily Hydration Rituals (Image Credits: Unsplash) True Citrus has introduced a new series of powdered drink mixes aimed at supporting key wellness goals through simple, everyday hydration. A Fresh Take on Daily Hydration Rituals In an era where consumers seek convenient ways to bolster health without added sugars, True Citrus delivers innovation with its latest offerings. The company, long recognized for natural citrus products, now targets functional wellness by transforming ordinary water into purposeful beverages. These mixes address specific needs like managing cravings, strengthening immunity, and providing sustained energy. Each formulation stands out for its clean … Read more

A Fresh Take on Daily Nourishment (Image Credits: Unsplash) Greater Than unveiled its GoddessLand platform, a bold initiative that reimagines hydration by aligning it directly with the physiological realities of women’s bodies. A Fresh Take on Daily Nourishment The launch marked a significant shift in the beverage industry, where hydration products often catered to general fitness goals rather than specific gender-based needs. Greater Than positioned GoddessLand as more than a thirst quencher; it emerged as a comprehensive daily nourishment solution. Company representatives emphasized that traditional drinks overlooked how women’s hormonal cycles and metabolic processes influence fluid balance and nutrient absorption. … Read more

FSMA 204 Pushes Traceability to the Forefront (Image Credits: Unsplash) Food manufacturers faced intensified scrutiny over traceability as the FDA’s FSMA 204 rule took effect, exposing vulnerabilities in aging enterprise resource planning systems.[1][2] FSMA 204 Pushes Traceability to the Forefront The Food Safety Modernization Act’s Section 204 mandated detailed records for high-risk foods to accelerate contamination tracking and removal from markets. Regulators extended the compliance deadline to July 20, 2028, granting manufacturers additional time for preparation.[1] Legacy ERP systems struggled with these demands, lacking the integrated data flows essential for rapid traceability. Manufacturers relied on fragmented records, which slowed responses … Read more

Tuna Disguised as Pasta Signals a Bold New Era (Image Credits: Unsplash) Tampa, Florida – Chef Eric Fralick unveiled Kinjo last August, turning two decades of culinary inspiration into a pioneering Japanese-Italian fusion spot in Hyde Park.[1] Tuna Disguised as Pasta Signals a Bold New Era Lean bluefin tuna, meticulously sliced into spaghettoni-like strands and cloaked in bagna cauda cream sauce, lime, and pistachio, captures the essence of Kinjo’s ingenuity from the first bite.[2][1] Eric Fralick, executive chef and co-owner alongside his wife Adriana, harbored this restaurant concept for over 20 years.[1] His time in Japan during the early 2000s, … Read more