“Kraft’s Bold Ad Challenges Motherhood Stereotypes: Embracing Imperfection and Authenticity”

For years, advertising has portrayed mothers as spotless, bland individuals whose primary roles revolve around happily preparing meals, tidying up after their children, and watching others enjoy life. However, Kraft’s latest advertisement serves as a refreshing counter to this stereotype. The “swearing expert” featured in the ad, Melissa Mohr, Ph.D., author of “Holy Sht: A … Read more

“Mars Joins the Chocolate Party Trend: A Sweet Approach to Community and Experience Marketing”

Mars is entering the chocolate party scene, enabling consumers to host their own in-home gatherings with friends and family, similar to the way Tupperware, Avon, and Pampered Chef have historically done. This innovative approach aims to generate excitement around cocoa products and chocolate, which are already thriving in the market. In fact, the U.S. chocolate … Read more

“Legal Challenges Over ‘Natural’ Labeling: Mott’s Lawsuit Highlights Ambiguities in Food Product Claims”

Mott’s is facing a lawsuit from Beyond Pesticides, which claims that the presence of chemicals in its “natural” applesauce disqualifies the product from being labeled as such. The challenge lies in the absence of a clear definition for the term “natural,” making it difficult for the plaintiffs to prove that Mott’s, owned by Dr Pepper … Read more

“Unprecedented Growth of Organic Farming in the U.S.: Challenges, Incentives, and Future Trends”

Organic farming in the United States has reached unprecedented levels. According to USDA statistics, the number of organic operations rose by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year and has surged nearly 300% since 2002. Despite this growth, organic farms still represent only 0.7% of the total agricultural operations in the country. One of … Read more

“Exploring the Role of Gut Bacteria and Probiotics in Obesity and Weight Management: Current Findings and Future Directions”

Gut bacteria have been linked to obesity, leading some to speculate that altering gut microbiota to resemble that of a healthier individual may facilitate weight loss. This connection, however, raises questions, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria directly contribute to obesity. Scientific reviews have produced mixed findings on this topic. In 2015, researchers identified … Read more

“Rising Demand for Gluten-Free Products: Opportunities and Challenges in Meeting Consumer Needs”

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, has become less popular among U.S. consumers. Approximately 1 in 133 Americans are affected by celiac disease, which necessitates a strict gluten-free diet to manage symptoms. Additionally, an increasing number of individuals claim to experience non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This shift in consumer behavior has created a … Read more

“Reassessing Food Additives: EFSA’s Ongoing Evaluations and the Shift Towards Natural Ingredients in Consumer Preferences”

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically requests reassessments of food additives’ safety to ensure that the evidence remains current and that existing consumption patterns and industrial applications are considered. This recent study is part of EFSA’s ongoing evaluations of additives previously classified as safe, in alignment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) … Read more

“Hampton Creek’s Turbulent Journey: From Scandal to Rebranding and Recovery”

Last fall, Hampton Creek was on the verge of concluding a funding round that could have brought in nearly $1.1 billion for the producer of mayo, dressings, cookies, and cookie dough. However, the financing quickly fell apart after Bloomberg published a report revealing that the company had orchestrated a large-scale operation involving contract employees purchasing … Read more

“Shifting Trends in Baby Food: How Health Consciousness is Redefining Parents’ Choices”

While flavor is a primary concern for adults purchasing food for themselves, it takes a backseat to health considerations when it comes to buying for children. Nonetheless, there is some intersection between health and appealing taste. Parents’ preference for foods free from additives extends beyond merely avoiding specific ingredients; it encompasses a perception of quality … Read more

“Yili Industrial Group’s Potential Acquisition of Stonyfield: A Strategic Move in the Organic Dairy Market”

Yili Industrial Group is no stranger to the dairy sector, and its efforts to incorporate Stonyfield into its portfolio represents a significant opportunity for expansion in the U.S. market while also enhancing its organic offerings. The production of Stonyfield’s organic 100% Grassfed Whole Milk yogurt begins in the pastures, where cows graze exclusively on grass. … Read more