Articles by Robert Garrison

Van Cleve-Talbert grew up around seafood as a family member-employee in The Van Cleve Seafood Co. in Spotsylvania, Va. The company dates back to 2001 when her mom, Shelly, opened a small seafood “shack” to source and sell better quality seafood in the area. From the start, Monica and her sister, Allie, were involved in every step of the business. 

Grand View data show North America as the largest regional kombucha market and the firm’s analysts divide the category into “original” and “flavored” segments. These analysts expect flavored kombucha to continue holding the leading market share and register the fastest CAGR of 21.8% during the 2020-2027 forecast period.

Last February saw foodservice distributing giant Sysco Corp. approve and start selling Tyson Crispy Thigh Wings. These are boneless, skinless, whole muscle chicken thigh portions uniquely cut to look and eat just bone-in wings. It’s all to give consumers the tender, juicy taste of wings they crave—but without the bones. 

The well-known proverb used to be “if at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again.” As ascribed to Thomas Palmer, the phrase had everything to do with education and encouraging 19th century American school children.

Here’s a twist on the dinnertime dilemma between parents and picky eaters. Want your kids to eat more vegetables? Just hand them a breadstick. Actually, that’s part of the magic behind B&G Foods’ new Green Giant Cauliflower Breadsticks, which made their freezercase debut in March 2020. 

Understandably, it hasn’t been the best time for CPG food and beverage processors to unveil new products to retail customers or their consumers. Yet it doesn’t have to bring an end to strategic innovation—involving insights, ideation or product development. 

I am inviting all food and beverage processors to tell us about your new product achievements and enter Prepared Foods’ upcoming 18th annual Spirit of Innovation Awards.

Effects of the global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic were dramatically evident in early March when New Hope Network postponed the annual Natural Products Expo West exhibition in Anaheim. The move immediately impacted an estimated 90,000 attendees and 3,600 exhibitors.

Today's consumers are weighing taste adventure and convenience with new considerations related to what's better for me (diet and personal health) and better for the planet (ethics, sustainability).

More than half of US adults claim they really enjoy cooking (53%) and more than one-third consider the kitchen to be the most important room in the home (35%), according to Packaged Facts’ report, “Eating Trends: Cooking & Food Shopping” Officials note these percentages have risen compared to a decade ago.