With a sustained growth of over 70% (3-Yr CAGR), adding 18,000 new points of sale, and sustainability investments to its integrated structure, Solely has broken barriers in the healthy snacking landscape in 2023 and proved its journey is just getting started.

Prepared Foods speaks with Susan Guerin, CEO of World Finer Foods, Inc. and Cutting Vedge, Inc., makers of burgers, meatballs, crumbles, and sausage replacers from artichokes.

“Cultivating the next generation of culinary innovators is both a privilege and a passion. Working on the competition with the students at IIT, sponsored by the Washington Red Raspberry Commission, has been a rewarding journey,” said Zal Taleyarkhan, Corporate Research Chef, Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations.

Prepared Foods talks clean label snack trends and technology with Simon Sacal, CEO of Solely Inc. Since 2018-2019, this La Jolla, Calif., company has converted upcycled fruits and vegetables into a growing line of snacks (bars, jerky, dried fruit), confections (gummies) and even meal/side dish offerings (pastas).

Crunchy Nut Toppers are available now online and in-stores nationwide in four flavors including bacon-free Smoky Bacon Walnuts, dairy-free Garden Ranch Walnuts, Glazed Walnuts, and Glazed Pecans.

This strategic acquisition will unlock innovation offerings within SAMBAZON’s bowl portfolio with new dry toppings, savory toppings, organic fruit inclusions on top of bowls as well as innovative bases that include tropical fruits, purees, as well as emerging and popular seed bowls. 

Bob Evans introduced Farmhouse Favorites vegetable sides, now available in select Kroger locations. Made with real vegetables, Farmhouse Favorites make it easy to add veggies to dinners in under five minutes.

As an alternative to traditional fruit servings, Fruit Pearls® makes it easy for consumers to keep healthy snacks on hand and reduce food waste versus highly perishable products.

Keeping food safe (70%) and the use of pesticides (60%) are top concerns when considering how food is grown. Nutritional content, use of agricultural technology, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and farm workers welfare were other listed concerns consumers factor into their purchase decisions.  

Bolthouse Fresh Foods will carry on the century-old legacy of Bolthouse Farms as a leading supplier of fresh carrots to retailers across North America, with nearly 700 million pounds of carrots sold annually. 

WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE Extra Chunky Restaurant Style is made with chunks of real, 100% Hass avocados, tomatoes and red onions, as well as cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño peppers and a blend of seasonings.

Ingredion Incorporated announced that its Kerr by Ingredion division will offer a selection of products from its fruit and vegetable portfolio that are Upcycled Certified. 

Almonds are a key ingredient that can help broaden dietary options in snack products through their wide variety of forms that help introduce new flavor experiences and offer many health benefits.

The company has a broad and ambitious approach to expanding regenerative agriculture, working with partners spanning the value chain, connecting farmers to end customers, technology providers and technical experts.

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. invites attendees at the upcoming Institute of Food Technologies (IFT) 2024 Annual Event and Expo to visit booth #3634, where they can experience the bold, tart flavor of cranberries.

Launching in Strawberry, Mango-Peach, and Berry Medley varieties, all three flavors feature whole fruit as the main, or primary ingredient in a soft strip made of genuine fruit.

Beyond a refreshed corporate logo, Bolthouse Fresh Foods™ is revealing its new consumer brand, Bolthouse Fresh™, and packaging for its consumer-facing portfolio of fresh carrots, and on-the-go snacking solutions. 

Tree nuts have branched well beyond snack mixes to a new realm of premium, plant-based and better-for-you functional offerings with a health halo. For an in-depth look at this trend, we spoke with Robin Puskas, chief innovation officer at JPG Resources. Listen to the discussion!

Dr. Farhat will spearhead the company’s vision to develop groundbreaking ingredients, derived from both Fresh Del Monte’s portfolio and other agricultural products.

This collection presents mouthwatering seasoning blends ideal for proteins, soup, appetizers and sides. These items also are the starting point for food manufacturers to develop their own rich signature product offerings, with Fuchs’ culinary specialists at their side.

The company will add all new processing equipment, including a cutting-edge “spiral hydro chiller” for quick-chilling soups to lock in freshness, as well as proprietary cooking kettles that are both large enough for production efficiencies yet small enough to allow soup to be made largely by hand in small batches.

Soup Explorers soups are crafted in partnership with some of Chicago’s most beloved restaurants.

Prepared Foods talks about clean label formulating with Campbell's Foodservice executive chef Gerald Drummond and Alan Slesinski, director of R&D.

Mr Lee’s Pure Foods, the UK based award-winning gourmet instant-noodles in a cup, announced its US launch nationwide with Whole Foods Market. This is a milestone expansion for the young brand and speaks to its consumers’ growing interest and demand, according to the company.

Whole Foods Market stores nationwide now carry new Freak Flag Organics Bone Broth products. The retailer will sell three of the company’s bone broths, all of which are USDA-certified organic and GMO-free. The partnership allows for even more opportunities of expansion for other retailers to carry Freak Flag Organics Bone Broths.  

Pacific Foods introduced two new Plant-Based Creamy Soup varieties, made with ingredients such as turmeric, cauliflower, sweet potatoes and North African spices.

LonoLife, a brand of portable, powdered bone broth and collagen products, announced its newest innovation, which aims to meet consumers’ need for elevated nutrition, convenience and flavor. LonoLife Noodle Soups are made with 20g of protein, use high quality egg noodles and contain savory, flavorful bone broth. 

Progresso Toppers™ are an all-new way to enjoy soup without creating a mess in the kitchen. The products allow consumers to eat classic soups with toppings for an extra crunch.

Gardein, a brand of Conagra Brands, Inc. debuted five new Gardein Soups, the first-ever line-up of soups featuring plant-based meat alternatives.

Wind Point Partners and portfolio company Stir Foods, a custom manufacturer of soups, sauces, dressings, and fresh salsas for retail, industrial, and foodservice customers, announced that Stir has acquired Lancaster Fine Foods, Inc., a private label and contract manufacturer of custom sauces, dressings, and condiments for retail, industrial and foodservice customers.

Data suggest restaurant menus can showcase new regional and global takes on chicken soup. This will give consumers new ways to enjoy an old favorite. As plant-based options continue to take off, soup provides both easy and innovative ways to incorporate more vegetables and meat alternatives.

Soupergirl—the plant-based soup and gazpacho company based in Washington, DC—was one of five winning contestants of Kroger’s new "Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator," a national competition that ended with a Sharktank-like business presentation in front of a panel of judges in Cincinnati.

All 100% plant-based, no-sugar, oil-free, and low in sodium, these shelf-stable products are offer healthy plant-based convenience and taste, and can help consumers have a fast, healthy meal on the table in minutes.

Powered by 15g of protein and 5.5g of collagen per serving, the Dr. Kellyann broths can be a meal replacement, snack, or stock alternative for the entire family to enjoy.

Campbell Soup Company announced the appointment of Stewart Lindsay as vice president, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, effective Dec. 6, 2021. He joins Campbell from The Nature Conservancy.

Featuring high-quality ingredients and Indian family recipes, Maya Kaimal Foods is committed to taking the time to carefully prepare its namesake products, so consumers don't have to. The new Inspired Soup options are ready to eat, and simply need to be heated on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe container.

Kitchen Basics® has a portfolio of conventional and organic stocks and broths, including Chicken, Unsalted Chicken, Beef, Unsalted Beef, Vegetable, Unsalted Vegetable, Turkey, Seafood, and Creamy Bean & Vegetable.

Ocean's Halo use of the pod allows the company to expand its product offerings into a new market without creating more plastic pollution.

Developing comfort foods that are easy-to-prepare, taste great and convenient is not always simple. These are items people expect to have certain qualities, and standards may be higher compared to when consumers try a food that is new or less commonly consumed.

Every product from LonoLife totes a strict guideline of no artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives, or flavors, bringing health-conscious shoppers a convenient, shelf-stable, and nutritious solution.

Kettle cooked in small batches to feature rich, simmered-all-day taste, each are free of artificial ingredients and preservatives, and crafted with one of Zoup!'s homestyle broths as a base.

The NPD Group suggests reports that consumers still eat most meals at home. Meanwhile, they’re continuing to try plant-based or vegetable-forward options for reasons of health or interest in sustainability. Others follow specialty diets and welcome quick, easy options. Everyday eaters also crave more international tastes.

Campbell's® unveiled two gluten free cooking soups. The new condensed options, available in Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken, two of the brand's most popular flavors, will help serve the nearly one out of five Americans currently avoiding gluten.

KRAFT® Singles, joined forces with Top Chef finalist and dumpling extraordinaire, Shirley Chung, to develop a Chinese American fusion: KRAFT Singles’ Souplings.

The small batch release celebrates the brand's iconic Tomato Soup infused with the flavors of a grilled cheese sandwich for a spoonful of flavor and comfort.

Old El Paso is stepping into the soup aisle and launching a lineup of canned soups. With five new flavors, each style of Old El Paso Tex-Mex-inspired soup will bring life and zest to the dinner table without any artificial flavors or colors.

The inspiration for the recipe came courtesy of team member Feng Walkup, an international account manager of the fresh meat category at Hormel Foods and a 24-year veteran of the company. Walkup has been preparing and enjoying sweet garlic ginger pork for years, as the recipe has long been a family staple. 

Implementing this change across its entire beef hot dog portfolio is expected to contribute to the regeneration of six million acres of grasslands, which could increase the current regenerative acreage of Applegate suppliers by more than 2,200%.

The breakthrough will enable the company to produce cultivated meat significantly faster and at lower costs than industry norms, and is therefore an important step towards the commercialization of Meatable’s technology and large-scale production of cultivated meat products more broadly.

Land Frost, Inc., a brand of pre-sliced deli meats and a producer of specialty meats, announced the appointment of two new directors to its leadership team. Julie Lubash has been named director of research, development and innovation, while Paula Ford joins as brand marketing director.