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Exclusive: What NCA’s John Downs is most looking forward to at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo
NCA's John Downs reveals what he is most looking forward to at this year's Sweets & Snacks Expo
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The reasons why CPG brands are returning to retail
Sweet Nothings shares the three core reasons behind the brand's decision to cease its frozen DTC operations.
CPG
Sleep health foods and drinks transform how we rest
Consumers are looking to address their sleep issues, and consumer packaged goods brands are introducing food and beverage products to meet the needs of those customers.
Technology
How plant-based meat is evolving for the future
The future for plant-based meat goes way beyond burgers, chicken nuggets and traditional retail channels.
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Why consumers are reaching for the avocado oil
The health benefits, food waste reductions and high smoke point are among the reasons why avocado oil is a major trend in 2023.
CPG
How consumers are keeping their furry friends fed
Global sales of pet food grew to an estimated $120.9 billion last year and are on track to hit $177.1 billion by 2030, according...
Consumer Insights
Legacy CPG brands infiltrate the alcohol category
Coca-Cola and PepsiCo initially identified their forays into alcohol as experimenting, but the two are committed to expanding their presence in the alcohol category.
Technology
Wading into the world of plant-based seafood
Plant-based seafood alternatives aim for realism to court chefs, consumers.
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Upcycled food helps brands, consumers combat waste
As food waste becomes a significant issue for consumers, the upcycled food market is set to grow by 15% over the next decade.
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CPG brands take customer loyalty into their own hands
Loyalty programs are a key way for CPG manufacturers to connect with consumers and gain valuable insights.
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Bubble tea has hit the sweet spot
Boba tea shops have become practically mainstream, and bubble tea products are now beginning to enter the CPG market, indicating consumers’ desire to replicate the experience at home.
Consumer Insights
Plant-based meat trends go beyond the burger
The plant-based meat category is growing beyond burgers to feed consumers' cravings for more exotic fare.
CPG
Functional fungi: Mushroom-based drinks deliver health benefits
Functional mushrooms are trending, especially in the beverage category, due to increased interest in natural health and wellness products.
CPG
Smart labels, sustainability and food safety: What’s new, now and next in food packaging innovations
From improving food safety and offering sustainable material alternatives to helping retailers glean more customer data, food packaging innovations are revolutionizing the food and beverage retail industries.
Technology
Exploring the next generation of plant-based innovation
Exhibitors at this year's Plant Based World Expo showed off the growing array of options designed to feed the cravings of all types of eaters.
Technology
The changing face of plant-based dining in the digital age
Author and researcher Eve Turow-Paul shared insights into the way digital technology has influenced the way millennials and Gen Z experience food.
CPG
Sugar reduction trend makes way for alternative sweeteners
Sweeteners such as stevia are trending as consumers are still attracted to sweet foods and beverages while cutting down on sugar consumption.
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Consumers seek out the heat in unexpected spicy foods
Spicy foods are trending, and brands are offering innovative products to keep the flavor profile new and exciting.
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Fancy food brands find growth potential in the pandemic
Fancy food startups found their way during the pandemic with mission-driven models.
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How fancy food brands are faring amid the shifting supply chain
(Image credit: Angel Planet Foods) Sign up for Restaurant SmartBrief today, free. The specialty food industry is still growing and winning new startups,...
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How to create successful in-person, digital candy shopping
Industry experts at the National Confectioners Association’s Sweets & Snacks Expo share what the online and in-person retail journeys can take from each other.
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Cultured meat could come further out of the lab in 2022
Cultured meat could come into its own in the coming years as startups scale production and work to win regulatory approval.
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Better-for-you brands are disrupting the snacks category
As health and wellness have become increasingly important, consumers seek out snacks with nutritional value.
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Connected packaging builds valuable digital experiences
Consumer packaged goods brands seek out connected packaging to create innovative marketing opportunities establish consumer trust.
Consumer Insights
How women are forging paths in the plant-based food world
Events like the Vegan Women Summit and successful entrepreneurs like Miyoko Schinner are focused on helping women-led plant-based ventures grow.
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How the CPG industry is advocating for COVID-19 vaccine, tests
Joseph Aquilina, director and counsel for the Consumer Brands Association, shares how the organization is providing education on the COVID-19 vaccine and how to keep workers healthy.
Consumer Insights
Startups chart a new course for vegan e-commerce
Startups including Vejii and PlantBelly aim to make it easier for consumers to discover and purchase vegan products online.
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Energy drinks attract people with better-for-you ingredients
While the energy drink category has historically been perceived as unhealthy, several new brands have emerged with more natural, healthier options.
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Brand relevance today: The role of “brand” in guiding shoppers’ choices
Brands are working harder than ever to gain attention and loyalty, regardless of whether they are national, name brands or a retailer’s own private brand.
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Trends report: The latest in sweets and snacks
From combination flavors to better-for-you treats, the sweets and snacks category is seeing a bevy of new trends.
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Investors see the potential in plant-based alternatives
Investor interest in plant-based foods continues to grow after high-profile IPOs and growing consumer demand.
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Is the future of produce all in the genes?
Gene-editing tool Crispr could be responsible for more of what's in consumers' crisper drawers.
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Why consumer data is key to growth for F&B companies
The ability to speedily gather, analyze and act on massive amounts of information is permanently changing the food and beverage landscape.
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Branding lessons from top food and beverage companies
How do the top food and beverage brands dominate the industry? They've invested in consistent branding.
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CPG brands develop creative breakfast food during COVID-19
As more people enjoy eating breakfast at home during the pandemic, CPG companies have created new products to meet the varying needs of consumers.
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Is the plant-based seafood industry swimming upstream?
New plant-based seafood products and brands are gaining momentum with a focus on sustainability.
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Foodservice brands move into the grocery aisle
Restaurants turn to CPG product sales as the coronavirus pandemic continues to restrict indoor dining.
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Q&A: Consumer Brands brings leaders together for CPG Speaks
SmartBrief spoke with Ellen Davis, executive vice president of industry engagement at the Consumer Brands Association, about the success of the group’s virtual leadership series CPG Speaks.
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Candy makers create celebrations for a COVID-19 Halloween
Halloween in 2020 looks very different from past years, but candy makers have pivoted to help consumers celebrate at home.
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Is the world getting close to its first taste of cultured meat?
Cultured meat startups won bigger investments in 2019 as they worked to make their products affordable and accessible.
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Food companies, restaurants take new approaches to marketing amid pandemic
How are restaurants, CPG suppliers and grocers changing their marketing messages in the time of coronavirus?
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Category challenges: Catalysts for greater innovation or causes for decline
Between the rise of challenger categories and private label pursuers, how can we continue to unlock growth potential in the complicated and fast-changing food business?