Upton’s Naturals, an ethical vegan company that helped kickstart the jackfruit food trend, is bringing Banana Blossom to market. Mimicking the texture of flaky fish, this 100% vegan, certified organic and Kosher whole-food meat alternative makes creating a plant-based version of the British classic recipe possible.

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) represents as many as 4,000 independent specialty food companies. Its two annual conventions—the Winter Fancy Food Show in January and Summer Fancy Food Show in June—prove to be key scouting opportunities for those manufacturers, retailers and foodservice operators interested to preview food and beverage trends.

During this peculiar time when so many aspects of life are uncertain, assessing the present moment is difficult.

How can a company revitalize its innovation program—from consumer insights all the way through R&D and packaging? Prepared Foods put that question and others to Mario DiFalco, senior director of Innovation& New Ventures at Del Monte Foods Inc.

Twang Partners, Ltd., a San Antonio family-owned company best known as the originators of citrus flavored beer salts, launched Pickle Beer Salt.

Steve's Mediterranean Chef, known for its handcrafted Mediterranean recipes, is expanding its product lineup with the introduction of a line of hummus based on a longstanding Lebanese family recipe.

This Saves Lives, a snack brand on a mission to end early childhood malnutrition, launched its second kids snack line, Kids Krispy Kritter Treats, in addition to four new Classic Bar flavors and two new Kids Snack Bar flavors. 

Evolution Fresh, a division of Starbucks Corp., released two new juices: Organic Vital Berry and Carrot Citrus Radiance.

Political and economic unease, here and abroad, has been growing well before the onset of COVID-19.  What the spread of COVID-19 has caused, is an amplification and acceleration of the Tide that was already rolling in.  It's no less significant for its abruptness and shock value, but pandemics can have the effect of shaping and altering the trajectory of already identified trends.