Each year, New York University’s Stern Center for Sustainable Business (CSB) partners with Circana (formerly IRI) to examine consumer purchases of sustainability-marketed consumer packaged goods (CPG). Last March, the partners released their fourth annual report, which summarized 2022 consumer insights and behaviors data.

Highlander Partners, L.P., a Dallas-based private investment firm, announced the merger of its portfolio company, Benestar Brands, with Palmex S. de R.L. de C.V., a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners. In this strategic move, Wind Point will become the majority shareholder of the combined business, while Highlander will retain a significant minority position.

Lamb Weston Inc., Eagle, Idaho, introduced Mini Waffled Hash Browns, billed as a “mini mashup of magnificent proportions.” Officials say product developers created a “hash brown that eats like a waffle” for on-the-go snacking as well as all dayparts. 

General Mills Foodservice, Minneapolis, plans February 2024 to start distributing its Pillsbury Mini Cinnis pull-apart line with a new caramel flavor. 

General Mills Foodservice, Minneapolis, is helping K-12 school foodservice program spice up their à la carte offerings. This November saw the business introduce CinnaFuego Toast Crunch Cereal Bars. Officials say the 1oz equivalent grain cereal bars offer an on-trend “sweet heat” snack.

"Maximizing pleasure and minimizing stress, as one Trendspotter put it, encapsulates the panel's picks for 2024," said Denise Purcell, vice president, resource development, for SFA.

Accenture joined forces with Unilever as part of a strategic initiative to leverage Unilever's AI research and implementation of technologies that enhance productivity, drive efficiencies, and accelerate disruptive and AI-powered innovations at scale.

General Mills, Inc. announced several changes to its senior leadership team to further advance the company’s enterprise strategy, Accelerate.

The Specialty Food Association announced the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show cohort, which is a mission-driven collective of BIPOC founders and executives, dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and creating equitable opportunities for diverse leaders across the consumer packaged goods ecosystem. 

McCormick Flavor Solutions announced the Flavor Forecast 24th Edition, the annual report illuminating the latest trends shaping the way people enjoy flavors worldwide to inspire future product innovations. With this year’s report, McCormick also shared its 2024 Flavor of the Year: Tamarind.