Elizabeth Crawford

FDA wants more GRAS oversight – but can it handle the workload?

FDA wants companies to notify the agency when they determine food ingredients are Generally Recognized As Safe. But with hundreds of potential notifications and fewer staff, questions remain over whether FDA has the resources to review them

McCormick and Unilever ‘well underway’ with $40 billion merger despite investor fears

More than 200 employees are meeting in Baltimore this week to blueprint the integration as executives tout growth, margin expansion and up to $600 million in synergies

US patent for Solar Foods’ air-based protein production opens door for scaling

The approval gives the Finnish company exclusive rights to produce its air-derived Solein protein in the US and reinforces its intellectual property position as it prepares for major factory expansion

Fiber sells – when shoppers can find it

Americans want more fiber but don’t know where to find it – opening the door for clearer claims, education and better-tasting products, according to a survey by the International Food Information Council

Monster Beverage energizes growth through innovation that reinforces, not replaces what consumers love

By pairing fan favorites with innovative new products, Monster expands occasions, recruits new consumers, and protects its core amid industry-wide unit declines

Premier Protein’s playbook for holding the lead when a category takes off

The hardest part about winning a new category isn’t getting there first – it’s surviving the stampede that follows, as illustrated by BellRing Brands’ aggressive growth strategy for convenient nutrition leader Premier Protein

Danone tackles the big question for GLP-1 users: What should they eat?

Grounded in emerging science, Danone’s research and innovation team is developing nutrient-dense products tailored to every stage of the GLP-1 user journey – and meeting the needs of the broader health conscious consumer

Monster’s momentum: Energy drink sale surge as innovation and ‘affordable luxury’ positioning redefine the category

Innovation, affordability and shifting perceptions fuel 16.8% year-over-year growth, as Monster Beverage broadens its appeal beyond core users and positions energy drinks as an affordable alternative to coffee

FDA ‘no questions’ letter for Verley’s whey proteins unlocks new functionality for high-protein foods

The French startup’s FermWhey Native and FermWhey MicroStab expands formulation options for RTD beverages, shots and plant-based hybrids to better meet demands for consumers using GLP-1s and seeking support for active lifestyles and healthy aging

Startup Spotlight

Niche vs mainstream: Startup ReadyBar sees big potential in focused market

ReadyBar’s founder warns CPG startups against trying to be everything to everyone. His lesson: focus on a niche, like first responders, to build real traction