NotCo, a food-tech company in Latin America backed by key venture capital names like Jeff Bezos has been named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021. The company ranked No.1 in Latin America and top 50 globally.

As the coronavirus pandemic caused lockdowns and a number of office workers relocated to working at home full-time in 2020, many consumers began to spend most of their time at home and looked for more home-based activities. Baking activity took off, and subsequently, sales of baking-related products soared by 24% last year to reach to $26.5 billion, reports market research firm Packaged Facts in the new report Home Baking: US Market Trends & Opportunities.

The Almond Board of California (ABC) welcomed Charice Grace to the organization as new manager of trade marketing and stewardship. In her position, Grace will lead the execution of all trade public relations and advertising activities for North America.

Hormel Foods Corporation, a global branded food company, announced the appointment of Jacinth Smiley as group vice president of corporate strategy. Smiley will report to Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods.

Tate & Lyle, a global provider of food and beverage solutions and ingredients, introduced the “Collaborate at Home Kitchen”, a digital engagement hub where food and beverage manufacturers can explore trends, science and solutions that power modern consumer choices. The hub also provides users with access to Tate & Lyle’s experts, as well as additional resources to help them find solutions to their formulation challenges.

Mars Wrigley and Danimer Scientific, a developer and manufacturer of biodegradable materials, announced a two-year partnership to develop an innovative home compostable packaging for a more sustainable planet.

Benson Hill, a food tech company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants with cutting-edge food innovation engine, announced the launch of its ingredient and fresh business segments, including prior acquisition of critical supply chain infrastructure, to deliver enhanced products using the company's proprietary CropOS™ technology platform. 

In many countries, including those in Europe and North America, COVID-related disruptions remain the most relevant driver of foodservice performance in the near term. The pandemic has accelerated several strategic elements of the foodservice industry, which will continue to drive agendas even after the current crisis ends.

Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, recently announced the addition of two new members to the technical team for Kemin Food Technologies - Americas. Daiki Murayama has joined the business unit as associate Scientist, and Michael Cropp has joined as technical services associate.

Barvecue, producers of wood-smoked, plant-based barbecue, broke ground on its new plant-based smokehouse. The 10,000-sq-ft production facility, to be called the Carolina Smokehouse, is scheduled to open in July 2021.