If 2020 had gone to plan, Natural Products Expo East 2020 would have been just around the corner and the NEXT team would have been presenting on the top growing and emerging trends that were unfolding on the trade show floor. Instead, we're looking to Natural Products Expo's Spark Change, which kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 26. 

Thanks to a partnership with Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University (FIC), the Specialty Food Association (SFA) persevered, and produced its 48th annual sofi™ Awards competition, resulting in 157 winners across 49 categories from around the world.

Not too sweet and not too tart, the creamy yogurts come in six unique flavor combinations and offer what the company describes as the "perfect bite" of yogurt made with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives.

Prepared Foods is talking new products and honoring nine food and beverage companies for their excellence in consumer insights, R&D teamwork, cross-functional execution and overall innovation. Specifically, there are six category winners and three additional honorable mentions in Prepared Foods’ 18th annual Spirit of Innovation Awards (SOI).

Utz Quality Foods, LLC. announced its newest creation, Guacamole flavored TORTIYAHS!® tortilla chips.

KIT KAT® brand introduced the second DUOS bar with the debut of KIT KAT® DUOS MOCHA + CHOCOLATE. The launch follows the success of the initial DUOS - KIT KAT® DUOS Mint + Dark Chocolate in 2019.

Made with a one-of-a-kind animal-free whey protein and changing how ice cream treats the environment, Brave Robot is a brand for The Urgent Company, a new, next generation natural foods CPG company that is committed to making the world a better place through everything from ingredients to conscious packaging.

American Licorice® Company, one of the original licorice manufacturers in the US candy industry since 1914, launched five product varieties to its Red Vines® and Sour Punch® brands, inspired by support and feedback from fans of both brands.  

Green Giant® announced the introduction of Green Giant™ Cauliflower Breadsticks to its popular Green Giant Veggie Swap-Ins® line. Green Giant Cauliflower Breadsticks are available in Original and Garlic flavors in the frozen foods aisle.

LonoLife, a brand of portable, powdered bone broth and collagen products, announced its newest innovation, which aims to meet consumers’ need for elevated nutrition, convenience and flavor. LonoLife Noodle Soups are made with 20g of protein, use high quality egg noodles and contain savory, flavorful bone broth.