BRAMI will use the investment to drive retail expansion, execute online and in-store marketing, and expand manufacturing capabilities.

McLane rebranded the service as the Center for Category Innovation to reflect in-depth data analytics, industry-leading category development expertise, and dedicated manufacturer expertise.

Beyond Meat will remain an independent, privately held company led by Founder and CEO Ethan Brown.

In June 2016, the company began building a new 70,000-sq.-ft. facility with seven raw slicing/breakaway lines and four cook lines, which is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2017.

Of the five nominated new products launched in August 2016, Prepared Foods readers selected Kashi Culturally Inspired Foods as their favorite.

AFT Holdings, Inc., announced it has completed its acquisition of the Loma Linda™ and Worthington Foods shelf stable business, as it has made its final payment to purchase the 101-year-old plant based protein brand from the Kellogg Company.

The newly formed combined division will be headquartered in Chicago and will be called Mars Wrigley Confectionery.

PepsiCo, Inc. announced an ambitious global sustainability agenda designed to foster continued business growth in a way that responds to changing consumer and societal needs. The company's efforts, which focus on creating a healthier relationship between people and food, include specific 2025 goals to continue transforming PepsiCo's food and beverage product portfolio, contribute to a more sustainable global food system and help make local communities more prosperous.

Campbell Soup Company announced the appointment of Ed Carolan as President – Campbell Fresh (C-Fresh). Carolan, 47, will lead the division that includes Bolthouse Farms beverages, salad dressings and carrots, Garden Fresh Gourmet salsa, hummus and dips, and fresh soup, which combined account for approximately $1 billion in net sales.

HORN, a North American distributor of specialty ingredients, announced it has earned a distribution agreement with Savoury Systems International (SSI), a leader in the savory enhancement industry. Effective Oct. 1, HORN is now the sole agent and distributor for SSI in the Western US.