New Hope Network's in-house judging team and a group of natural products industry experts chose the 18 winners from the 100 finalist products.

The SimplyProtein® brand has its sights on 2022 being its most transformative yet as it continues to expand in the North American market. In November 2021, Wellness Natural Inc., the parent company of the SimplyProtein brand, raised $8.5M in a Series B funding round.

Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, is launching its global “61 Since ’61” themed anniversary celebration to commemorate 61 years since its founding in 1961. 

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting marks the grand opening of a new, cutting-edge creative center. In tandem with upgrades to its nearby manufacturing center, Tastepoint is now poised to service customers nationwide with expanded capabilities and services.

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.  

LesserEvil, the better-for-you snack brand on a mission to make healthy, organic, less-processed, and sustainable snacks more accessible, has teamed up with A Dozen Cousins, Cappello’s, Primal Kitchen, and RIND Snacks to create the Clean Oil Crew— a coalition of brands joining forces for an educational campaign, limited-edition starter pack available for purchase, and a special giveaway to educate about clean oils and inspire others to join the movement.

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer families, and Canomiks, a startup technology company transforming the functional food and beverage industry, announced research leveraging Canomiks' A.I. based technology platform to test and certify the biological efficacy of the cranberry. 

Riviana Foods Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of InHarvest, Inc. which specializes in the production, marketing and sale of premium specialty rice, quinoa and grains.

The Kraft Heinz Company and Simplot Food Group, a division of the J.R. Simplot Company, announced that the two companies have signed a long-term agreement naming Simplot as the exclusive manufacturer and supplier of Ore-Ida. Kraft Heinz will continue to own the Ore-Ida brand. 

Both Kraft Heinz and NotCo share a desire to change the world for the better and believe that working together they can and will accelerate adoption of plant-based foods.