Available only to product-qualified members of the SFA, the sofi Awards were judged at the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University (FIC), the SFA's partner for the awards. FIC experts evaluated products using anonymous tastings across 47 categories using criteria that included flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation. 102 specialty food products were awarded Gold, and New Product, trophies. 

A new survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) is revealing just how big a role ingredients play in the food attitudes and purchasing habits of American consumers. The survey, “From ‘Chemical-Sounding’ to ‘Clean’: Consumer Perspectives on Food Ingredients,” shows that our interest is strong, “clean” is popular and health is paramount. 

Ideal candidates are market-validated companies with compelling founders and innovative products in hot categories. Brands can be from a wide range of areas in CPG, including food, beverage, apparel, personal care, and household products.. 

Misfits Market, the online grocery platform focused on accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, launched its first-ever private label, Odds & Ends. The launch of Misfits Market’s private label – which currently includes pantry staples such as coffee and snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate-covered mini pretzels – ensures Misfits Market’s customers can easily stock up on all of their favorite high-quality, affordable groceries during their weekly shop.

The Ship-to-Home segment experienced the largest sales contraction, plummeting over 30% in March compared to a year ago, from $2.1 billion to $1.4 billion. The decline was driven by a 13% reduction in the number of orders placed by Monthly Active Users combined with a 23% drop in the average order value.

Frozen convenience meals sold by food supply chain companies remain a major source of income. Convenience stores are expected to extend their frozen ready meal range in the near future, while online sales will tap into previously undiscovered market opportunities.

Entering a third year of the global COVID pandemic, shoppers and consumer packaged goods companies face issues of rising inflationary prices, supply chain disruptions and shortages of key ingredients or other materials.

Jones Soda Co. announced its entry into the cannabis-infused beverage and edibles business with the release of the first products from a new division operating under the Mary Jones brand.

Amidst turbulent economic conditions amplified by the pandemic, supply chain issues, and inflation, new data released today by the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), The Good Food Institute (GFI), and SPINS, shows US retail sales of plant-based foods grew 6.2% in 2021 over a record year of growth in 2020, bringing the total plant-based market value to an all-time high of $7.4 billion.

A key benefit of the program is the mentorship founders receive throughout the track. Each brand is paired with a carefully selected mentor team dedicated to helping them scale their business. SKU Elevate mentors are a who’s who of CPG leaders, successful founders and subject-matter experts who are all dedicated to helping to level the playing field for people of color in the consumer products industry.