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Saint James enters yerba mate with first new product extension
Saint James Tea launches new yerba mate products as the brand's first product line extension. The product contains 150 milligrams of caffeine, about twice that of traditional yerba mate but lower than energy drinks. The products will debut on Amazon and its own e-commerce platform, followed by entry into Kroger and Albertsons stores.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak impacts US fruit and vegetable sales: salad platters and pre-cut vegetable packs see declining sales
The cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to impact US agricultural product sales. Numerator data shows that in the month ending July 26, over 6.5 million households stopped buying salad platters and pre-cut vegetable packs; about 10% of households reduced spending on salads and leafy greens, and more than a quarter of households completely stopped purchasing. The outbreak may put approximately $280 million in monthly agricultural product consumption at risk. Most consumers plan to resume purchases after the outbreak ends, but fresh produce sales face pressure in the short term.
Mondelēz brings UK protein bar Grenade to the US
Mondelez International has officially introduced the UK sports nutrition brand Grenade to the US market, launching with four protein bars, including an Oreo flavor, each containing 20 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar. Grenade is already sold in Europe, Australia, and Canada, and its entry into the US is seen as new competition in the protein bar market. According to NielsenIQ data, protein bars are the fastest-growing category in the US snack market, growing at four times the rate of overall protein snacks. Products will be sold through channels such as GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe, with plans to expand to convenience stores, grocery stores, and gyms.
Sazerac Acquires Idle Kentucky Distillery to Expand Spirits Production
Sazerac announced the acquisition of the Garrard County Distilling distillery in Lancaster, Kentucky, which opened in 2024 but closed in 2025 due to financial difficulties. The acquisition was completed through a court auction at a price of approximately $20 million. Sazerac plans to use the facility to expand capacity to meet market demand for its spirits brands and continue its investment layout in Kentucky.
With ‘shackles off’ after Unilever split, Magnum Ice Cream takes new approach to innovation
Since being spun off from Unilever in late 2025, Magnum Ice Cream has been driving product innovation across brands such as Talenti, Ben & Jerry's, and Yasso with a leaner decision-making process and a fresh perspective. The company is no longer satisfied with simply launching new flavors; instead, it views ice cream as a snack option, exploring new formats such as portable packs and cups, while using artificial intelligence and existing research data to accelerate new product launches.
US to temporarily relieve ground beef tariffs in bid to lower prices
U.S. President Trump stated that the country will temporarily reduce tariffs on some ground beef imports to lower consumer prices that are near record highs. Over the next 90 days, the U.S. will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported with zero out-of-quota tariffs, requiring prices to be 25% lower than current market levels. This move aims to ease the burden on consumers while buying time for domestic ranchers to rebuild supply.
PepsiCo to End Warehouse Operations at Tulsa Production Facility, Relocate Duties to New Site
PepsiCo plans to cease warehouse operations at its Pepsi Beverages production facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by November 15, 2026, resulting in the permanent layoff of 184 warehouse employees. The company will move warehouse duties to a new site in the Tulsa area while production continues at the existing facility. Affected workers will receive support, including assistance applying for roles with the new logistics provider.
Inside Utz’s rise from regional potato chip brand to salty snack juggernaut
Utz Brands, a 105-year-old family business, has grown from a regional brand on the U.S. East Coast into the largest publicly traded pure-play salty snack company in the country, with annual sales of $1.4 billion. Under the leadership of CEO Howard Friedman, the company is capturing share in the $32 billion salty snack market through supply chain modernization, regional expansion, and product innovation, while carefully navigating competition and shifting consumer trends.
Breakfast food is breaking free of the morning routine
Breakfast foods are breaking through the traditional breakfast period and extending into lunch, dinner, and snack scenarios. Conagra data shows that lunchtime consumption of frozen breakfast foods has grown 18% year-over-year; Ferrero, through portable packaging and new products like ice cream, has increased Nutella brand penetration from 18% to 28%. Industry observers believe this trend is particularly notable among younger consumers and is expected to continue.
From ‘newstalgia’ to ‘swangy’: The flavor trends taking over 2026
The 2026 food and beverage flavor trends present a coexistence of contradictions: consumers seek both surprise and adventure, as well as nostalgia and comfort. Industry reports show that "sweet and spicy" is evolving into complex layers like "sweet, sour, and spicy," with tropical fruits and forest-inspired flavors on the rise, while "new nostalgia" products have become a strategy for brands to balance innovation and tradition.