“Balancing Wholesome Eating and Indulgence: Hostess Responds to Consumer Trends”

Last year, an NPR survey revealed that 75% of consumers claimed they were focusing on wholesome foods, with similar studies yielding comparable results. However, indulgence remains a beloved aspect of many people’s diets. According to a Harris Poll, 87% of consumers prefer to consume their calories through food rather than beverages. Hostess, as a brand, … Read more

“Call for Transparency in Checkoff Programs: Addressing Misuse of Funds and Accountability in Agricultural Marketing”

Checkoff programs receive significant funding from farmers and producers, but there is currently no transparent system to track how these funds are utilized. Many stakeholders argue that this needs to change. The money collected through checkoff programs is intended to promote and market agricultural products; however, there have been numerous allegations over the years suggesting … Read more

“Optimizing Iron Supplementation: The Benefits of Ferrous Compounds and the Role of Calcium Citrate”

Ferrous iron sulfate heptahydrate is a common source of elemental iron, while ferrous fumarate provides 300 mg of iron per serving. Additionally, ferrous gluconate is another option available, along with ferrous bisglycinate. When comparing ferrous fumarate to ferric pyrophosphate, it’s essential to consider their differences in bioavailability and absorption rates. In terms of supplementation, many … Read more

“Coconut Craze: Assessing the Sustainability and Market Dynamics of Coconut Products Amid Rising Costs and Consumer Trends”

Coconut products gained significant traction in the mainstream market a few years ago, largely due to the rising popularity of coconut water as a natural sports drink. This initial wave soon expanded into dairy alternatives and a multitude of other categories, including shampoos, packaged soups, baby food, and topical beauty applications. While there is considerable … Read more

“Sustainability Challenges and Progress in the Palm Oil Industry: A Focus on Responsible Practices and Alternatives”

Morley stated that the sustainable palm oil market is fueled by the diverse applications of the product in various recipes, owing to its smooth and creamy texture as well as its neutral odor. However, the industry is intertwined with significant challenges such as deforestation, habitat loss, climate change, animal cruelty, and violations of indigenous rights … Read more

“Year-Round Blueberry Availability: The Impact of Chilean Imports and Crop Resilience”

Few consumers pause to consider how it’s possible to purchase fresh blueberries year-round. Unlike peaches, which are mainly a domestic crop, blueberries are increasingly imported from Chile and other South American countries. According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, Chile exports over 223.3 million tons of blueberries to the U.S. The growing season in Chile … Read more

“Ferrero Appoints New Leader Amidst Sales Surge and Industry Consolidation”

The producer of Tic Tacs, Kinder eggs, and Nutella has appointed an external leader for the privately-owned company, sparking mixed reactions among analysts about the implications. Under the leadership of Ferrero, the founder’s grandson, the company has recently seen an increase in sales and global market share. However, Civiletti, the new leader, is far from … Read more

“Unveiling Innovation: Highlights from the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis”

Last week, over 14,500 attendees flocked to Indianapolis for the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo, where major food brands like Hershey, Ferrero, Conagra Brands, and Mars Wrigley unveiled their signature products. Just a few steps away from these expansive displays, hundreds of smaller candy and snack innovators filled compact booths, showcasing their unique offerings to … Read more

Kraft Heinz Explores Strategic Transactions Amid Sales Decline and Consumer Shift to Healthier Options

Kraft Heinz announced on Tuesday that it is assessing “potential strategic transactions” as the manufacturer of ketchup and Lunchables seeks to reverse a trend of declining sales. The consumer packaged goods giant did not disclose further details, including a timeline for any decisions or whether the evaluation will lead to a transaction. “At Kraft Heinz, … Read more

“B&G Foods Shifts Strategy: Portfolio Streamlining and Focus on Health-Conscious Offerings Amidst Market Challenges”

Through a series of acquisitions, B&G Foods is now pursuing a markedly different strategy. The New Jersey-based company has been actively reducing its portfolio to sharpen its focus and alleviate its overall debt burden. In 2023, B&G sold its Green Giant canned business to Seneca Foods, and the previous year, it divested the snacks brand … Read more