Following an open call for applicants and a rigorous evaluation process, Keto Kind and Superfrau emerged as the winners of the start-up challenge. These exceptional startups have demonstrated outstanding potential in advancing science and driving new solutions in the food and nutrition space.

The Illinois Wheat Initiative will bring together faculty to collaborate on research related to wheat cultivation in Illinois. The hope is that other entities throughout the wheat value chain — including growers, millers, and food companies — will invest in the Illinois Wheat Initiative to advance the industry. 

The Center has expanded flavor creation lab, analytical and application spaces to facilitate collaborative sessions with a technical team that has expertise in food and beverage flavor solutions.

PANOS brands, LLC, a provider of branded consumer foods, announced that it has acquired certain assets of Tessemae's LLC, including the Salad Dressings & Condiments Business. Tessemae's is a leading brand in refrigerated and shelf stable organic salad dressings.

Our Home, the family of brands providing wholesome snacks to communities throughout the US, announced its entry into a definitive agreement with Utz Brands, Inc. to acquire from certain subsidiaries of Utz the R.W. Garcia® and Good Health® brands, along with two new manufacturing plants, and the assumption of Utz's Las Vegas, Nev., facility's lease and manufacturing operation.

UPSIDE Foods, a cultivated meat, poultry and seafood company, announced that Jeremy Hux has joined UPSIDE Foods as chief financial officer (CFO), and Sheetal Shah, former senior vice president (SVP) of supply chain and manufacturing at UPSIDE, has been promoted to chief supply chain and manufacturing officer. 

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced the upcoming retirement of Mark Coffey, group vice president of supply chain. 

"Our new chewable line represents our commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry and aligning with the desires of today's fitness enthusiasts and athletes," said Jad Khairallah, Universal’s senior vice president of marketing. “We understand that convenience, speed, and customization are essential to their success, and our delicious chewable energy and recovery offerings embody these principles."

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) recently published new consumer research, Public Perceptions of Processed Foods, measuring consumers’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about processed foods.

The Almond Board of California (ABC) announced the kickoff of its national Tastemaker Trials student competition, which invites U.S. college and university students to create delicious almond-based snack products that excite the tastebuds of younger generations and set a new standard for "intentional indulgence" in snacks.