In its IPO filing earlier this month, Blue Apron estimated its valuation at $100 million. Shortly thereafter, the company significantly raised this figure to $510 million, announcing plans to sell 30 million shares priced between $15 and $17 each. This valuation increase highlights Blue Apron’s urgent need to expand its operations and capture more market … Read more
McCormick’s diverse portfolio, which includes a combination of 250 U.S. and international brands, along with its collaborations with prominent packaged food companies and multinational restaurant chains, has been instrumental in driving the spice maker’s consistent growth. The rising consumer demand for spices, herbs, and seasonings has further fueled this growth, as people increasingly seek authentic … Read more
The latest report further motivates food companies to enhance their ingredient labels and provide consumers with clearer information about their products. According to Innova Market Insights, the movement towards cleaner labels—characterized by shorter and simpler ingredient lists—has become the standard in the food industry, with nearly 20% of tracked products having a clean label in … Read more
For many years, banana flour has served as an inexpensive substitute for wheat flour in regions where the fruit is cultivated worldwide. However, it has only recently entered the U.S. market over the past few decades. Until now, sales have primarily been confined to retail and specialty stores. With the increasing demand for natural, clean-label … Read more
The rising popularity of coconut oil can largely be attributed to its direct-to-consumer sales. Various products incorporating coconut oil range from potato chips fried in it to coffee blends enhanced with its flavor. Although the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests some caution, it does not imply that companies will have to cease using coconut oil. … Read more
The trend towards natural colors in food products shows no signs of waning, yet the decision for companies to replace synthetic colors remains a challenging balancing act. Natural colors encounter numerous obstacles, such as fluctuations in raw material prices, stability issues related to heat, pH, and light, as well as consumer acceptance regarding the appearance … Read more
Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of substances at a molecular level, specifically at scales measured in nanometers, or billionths of a meter. In the food industry, this technology has generated considerable interest among manufacturers due to its potential applications, such as enhancing flavors and colors, increasing nutrient bioavailability, and detecting bacteria in packaging. Despite the initial … Read more
The plant-based eating movement was a prominent focus during the panel discussions and on the exhibition floor at last week’s Institute of Food Technologists conference. From tomato extracts aimed at lowering sodium content to legumes utilized for alternative flours, milks, and “meat” products, exhibitors presented plant-based solutions that cater to nearly every consumer demand. More … Read more
The growing consumer demand for premium and value-added products has significantly impacted the bottled water and glycine syrup markets, creating some confusion regarding specialty label claims. For instance, a study by ZappiStore found that 35% of Americans were perplexed by the term “vapor distilled” used by Coca-Cola’s SmartWater brand. In contrast, consumers preferred the straightforward … Read more
Kombucha, a fermented tea with a tangy flavor, typically contains around 1% alcohol, which has led some producers to encounter regulatory challenges. Suja Juice’s reluctance to enter this market until the alcohol issue is resolved is understandable, as the presence of alcohol could deter various health-conscious consumers. Nevertheless, the fermented beverage sector is experiencing impressive … Read more