Based on sales data from the past three calendar years, the new Specialty Food Association's (SFA) annual State of the Specialty Food Industry Report  reveals a robust specialty food industry hitting $158.4 billion in sales, a 10.7% increase since 2017. The full report includes commentary throughout that reflects the impact and ramifications of COVID-19.

Idahoan Foods announced Stephanie (Steph) Tripp as director of foodservice marketing. Tripp will report to vice president of foodservice Craig Gentry and will lead all foodservice marketing efforts, including a strategic focus on innovation and the digital engagement of operators.

If the COVID-19 pandemic has had big impacts on how you’re eating, shopping for food and thinking about food you’re far from alone. According to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2020 Food & Health Survey, 85% of Americans have made at least some change in the food they eat or how they prepare it because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Whole Earth Brands, Inc., formerly known as Act II Global Acquisition Corp., announced  the completion of its business combination transaction with Flavors Holdings Inc. subsidiaries Merisant Company, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of calorie-FREE and low-calorie sugar substitutes, and MAFCO Worldwide LLC, a leading manufacturer of natural licorice products.

As a result of this transaction, Sensient will be named a core supplier of flavors, colors, and other related products used by Frulact in its fruit preparation business. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2020.

Sesajal S.A. de C.V. announced that it has taken a minority investment in Rhythm Superfoods, a US-based manufacturer of organic and non-GMO innovative plant-based superfood snacks. As part of the investment, the two companies will partner to continue to drive growth, expand capacity, as well as increase investments in marketing initiatives and new product innovation.

AAK USA Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of value-adding specialty vegetable fats and oils, announced that Anthony JaliJali has joined as head of finance and a member of AAK USA’s leadership team.

Construction of Merit Functional Foods’ 94,000-square foot production facility is underway.Merit’s facility will produce the high purity and quality pea and canola protein

BlueNalu, Inc., a food technology company developing cell-based seafood products, announced several key strategic developments including a substantial expansion of the company’s operations, the hiring of a chief financial officer, and the enhancement of its R&D, project management, and engineering teams. 

The LIVEKINDLY co., a collective of heritage and startup brands on track to become one of the world’s largest plant-based food companies, announced the acquisition of Oumph!, a multi-award winning plant-based brand from Sweden.