Vegetables news

• University of Florida strawberry varieties resist chilli thrips

  28-03-2025 06:00 via vegetablegrowersnews.com
  
  New University of Florida (UF) research has found two strawberry varieties that show less harm from chilli thrips.
  The finding comes through research funded in part by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch program.
  That’s helpful news for growers in the $400 million-a-year Florida strawberry industry because if chilli thrips are not managed properly, they can damage up to 60% of a farmer’s crop, according to a news release.
  Last season, growers harvested 14,000 ac
  
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• ADM connects gut and brain health at Expo West

  27-03-2025 14:45 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  ADM’s partnership with Asahi Group lays the foundation for the ingredient supplier to innovate in digestive and women's health, as consumers awareness of the gut-brain axis grows.
  
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• Mondelez SnackFutures’ investments reveal playbook to tackle snack industry’s biggest challenges

  27-03-2025 14:33 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Snacking may be here to stay, but what consumers want - and how companies source it - are evolving quickly, prompting Mondelez to narrow the aperture of its investment strategy
  
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• Health-food donut? Baked goods startup finds sweet spot with allulose

  27-03-2025 14:31 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Allulose is a popular sweetener in the burgeoning better-for-you baked goods category, with brands like Planet Bake, Drumroll and others using the ingredient to reduce or eliminate sugar.
  
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• Startup taps into guar protein for food fortification

  27-03-2025 14:16 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Protein innovation was a key focus at Future Food-Tech San Francisco, where CoryPro Ingredients was one of many startups looking to find new ways to maximize every part of an ingredient.
  
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• Are taste and texture challenges still holding back plant-based milks?

  26-03-2025 14:41 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  A slumping plant-based milk market is not stopping newcomer Whole Moon from innovating and addressing taste and texture challenges.
  
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• What - and who - is driving growth in the organic industry?

  26-03-2025 14:30 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  The organic industry reached a record-breaking $70 billion in US sales in the last year, thanks in large part to the innovation, education and the scientific research driven by the Organic Trade Association and the brands, farmers and others who make up its membership and who recently gathered to celebrate the Second Annual Organic Night Out at Natural Products Expo West
  
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• From click to conversion: How brands can bridge the gap between social media and website experience

  26-03-2025 14:29 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  A seamless digital experience can make or break a brand, according to – Samantha McClure, director of marketing at Cro Metrics, who says brands can optimize their digital experience for higher conversions by mapping the customer journey to identify drop-off points.
  
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• Why functional is the future of alcohol-free

  25-03-2025 14:43 via beveragedaily.com
  
  Functional ingredients allow beverage innovators to conjure up an exciting new world of beverages that are ready to make the most of the alcohol-free potential.
  
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• Plant-based milk’s makeover: Fixing sales and perception

  25-03-2025 14:43 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  As the plant-based milk category grapples with declining sales and consumer skepticism over nutritional benefits and manufacturing processes, companies including Califia Farms, Elmhurst 1925, Virginia Dare and Oatlystrengthening their portfolios and rebuilding consumer trust with new products and education campaigns, which they highlighted at Natural Products Expo West earlier this month.
  
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• Global Food Tech Awards 2025: Innovation shines in Americas heat as finalists announced

  25-03-2025 14:41 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  The inaugural Global Food Tech Awards kicked off with the Americas heat, spotlighting 10 breakthrough start-ups and naming Hydrosome Labs as the regional winner. Discover the finalists, runners up, and what's next for this global innovation competition.
  
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• Nectar’s Tasty Award-winners blaze trail for mainstream adoption of plant-based meat

  25-03-2025 14:35 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  To help plant-based players close the taste and sales gap with animal products, the non-profit Nectar tapped a diverse group of more than 2,600 omnivores to blind taste test and assess 122 meat alternatives across 14 categories, the results of which helped create a roadmap for all plant-based meat manufacturers to compete and win against their animal-based counterparts.
  
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• Consumers demand more transparency around meat, as organic and grass-fed options grow

  25-03-2025 14:31 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Organic and grass-fed meats are growing in popularity and dollar sales, while consumers balance their demand for sustainability and transparency with price.
  
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• A new dawn in soft drinks: SunSip rises as prebiotic soda competition enters new era

  25-03-2025 14:19 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  When other soda manufacturers go high, Health-Ade is going low, and the strategy is paying off for the company’s prebiotic pop brand SunSip, which is carving out space for itself in the so-called modern soda set with distribution in more than 5,000 retailers and more than 1.8 million cans sold since its launch one year ago
  
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• Ventura VINE Connect field day set

  24-03-2025 17:36 via vegetablegrowersnews.com
  
  The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) has scheduled its VINE Connect Field Day for April 10.
  The event, to be at the Hansen Research and Extension Center in Camarillo, California, is designed to bring together growers, startups, researchers and investors to explore practical, innovative ag-tech solutions for real on-farm challenges, according to a news release.
  The VINE Connect Field Day offers a unique opportunity for farmers, industry professionals and technolo
  
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• Sakata Seed America makes leadership changes

  24-03-2025 17:18 via vegetablegrowersnews.com
  
  Vegetable and melon seed supplier Sakata Seed America has announced an executive leadership transition.
  After more than 15 years of service as Sakata Seed America’s president and chief executive officer, Dave Armstrong plans to step into the role of executive chairman, where he will continue to provide oversight and guidance for the business.
  Eduardo Flores
  Eduardo (Ed) Flores will assume the position of president and CEO, taking over operational responsibility and leading Sakata Seed Amer
  
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• From tuber to egg replacements: The rising potential of potatoes

  24-03-2025 15:02 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Israeli molecular farm startup Polopo is scaling its first sample batch of patatin (potato protein) from genetically modified potatoes to meet the global demand for egg replacements and meat and dairy alternatives that enhance satiety and nutrition without compromising taste.
  
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• Mushroom coffees percolate: Functional beverages reinvent morning ritual at Expo West

  24-03-2025 14:36 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Mushroom coffees are mixing up morning rituals – delivering caffeine moderation and functional properties to the morning cup of Joe – as brands like Four Sigmatic brew new innovations in the face of supply chain complications.
  
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• Chobani bets big on protein in yogurt and RTD coffee

  24-03-2025 14:24 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Chobani’s product innovations in both the yogurt and RTD coffee markets address consumer preferences for high protein, natural ingredients and functional benefits.
  
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• NutraCast: Delivering on women’s health: How a meal service took the market by storm

  21-03-2025 15:25 via nutraingredients-usa.com
  
  Without any marketing, Chiyo became the top Google search result for postpartum nutrition, attracting thousands of pre-orders and recognition from The New York Times and Bon Appétit. The company has since expanded beyond postpartum care to address various women’s health concerns including fertility, PCOS and endometriosis.
  
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• Dole Packaged Foods navigates trade challenges to make 2025 the ‘year of the mango’

  21-03-2025 14:26 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Dole Packaged Foods is carefully tracking tariffs and trade tensions for supply chain ramifications, as the CPG company aims to recreate the success it had with pineapple with another tropical fruit – mango.
  
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• How stealth health is reframing processed foods

  21-03-2025 14:25 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  By embedding health benefits seamlessly into fortified foods, some companies like Nuseed, Bay State Milling and Arborea are aligning with the stealth health movement – delivering functional nutrition without requiring consumers to compromise on taste or lifestyle.
  
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• Hydrosome Labs’ ultrafine bubbles take top prize in Global Food Tech Awards Americas heat

  21-03-2025 14:22 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Hydrosome Labs, which is “improving the power of water” with ultrafine bubbles that can turbo-charge precision fermentation and enhance the nutritional and functional benefit of food and beverages, scoops up first place in Americas heat for inaugural Global Food Tech Awards
  
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• Avocado rises alongside seed oil health debate

  21-03-2025 14:07 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Avocado oil is gaining popularity as a key ingredient in condiments by brands like Chosen Foods, due partly to its health halo and flavor as consumers become more cautious about products made with seed oils due to perceived health concerns.
  
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• University of Vermont conducting national agritourism survey

  20-03-2025 23:16 via vegetablegrowersnews.com
  
  The deadline has been extended for participation in an agritourism survey.
  Agritourism operators are being encouraged to participate in a national survey on agritourism operations.
  The University of Vermont (UVM) is conducting a survey to assess how and why agricultural operations welcome visitors and identify opportunities for support.
  The survey plans to query operators of these types of agritourism businesses:Farms
  Farmstands
  U-picks
  Vineyards
  Ranches
  Agroforestry
  Aquaculture
  Tours
  Overnight
  
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• Why are gut health drinks booming?

  20-03-2025 16:56 via beveragedaily.com
  
  PepsiCo has just bought gut health superstar Poppi. Coca-Cola is launching its own prebiotic soda Simply Pop. What’s the growth potential of the gut health soda category?
  
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• Global alcohol-free volumes set to grow 7% as category booms

  20-03-2025 15:52 via beveragedaily.com
  
  The low and no alcohol category is expected to grow 4% volume CAGR through 2028: which compares very favorably to subdued growth in alcohol (where volumes can be expected to rise 1%), according to the latest figures from IWSR.
  But delve into the sub-sectors and the opportunities are even greater.
  
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• Unilever sells Vegetarian Butcher as part of brutal €1bn clear out

  20-03-2025 15:48 via foodnavigator.com
  
  Unilever is selling its vegetarian alternative protein brand Vegetarian Butcher to Vivera after several months on the market and as part of a big portfolio clear out
  
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• Perfecting the pitch: Startup CPG’s new female focused community cultivates confidence and shares tips for successfully selling brands to retailers and consumers

  20-03-2025 14:53 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Pitching pumps the lifeblood of most startups as a fundamental strategy for receiving funding, securing shelf space and earning consumer engagement, but it doesn’t come naturally to most entrepreneurs, which is why Startup CPG is creating safe spaces for founders to practice perfecting their pitch
  
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• Format, function and fun: Children’s brands debut trending snacks at Expo West

  20-03-2025 14:35 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Functional brain and gut health trends are making their way into children foods, as format innovation help with fine motor skills.
  
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• Format, function and fun: Children brands debut trending snacks at Expo West

  20-03-2025 14:35 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Functional brain and gut health trends are making their way into children foods, as format innovation help with fine motor skills.
  
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• Are four casein proteins better than one? Better Dairy mimics ripened cheese

  20-03-2025 14:23 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  London-based precision fermentation company Better Dairy’s production of dairy proteins – primarily casein and osteopontin – address the growing demand for infant nutrition and health foods.
  
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• ‘Revolutionary sustainable fats’ from carbon promise to cut emissions but not flavor or function

  20-03-2025 14:06 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Celebrity Chef Julia Child famously said, ‘with enough butter, anything is good,’ and while the ingredient can add much needed flavor, mouthfeel and satiety to dishes, producing it, and other fats and oils, can take a hefty toll on the environment – until now, thanks to food-tech startup Savor
  
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• Trump’s trade policies: A ticking time bomb for the snacks industry?

  19-03-2025 18:05 via bakeryandsnacks.com
  
  Snack prices are soaring and Americans are cutting back - leaving chips, crackers and cookies on the shelves. Is Trump’s chaotic trade policy to blame for crushing the snack market?
  
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• From metrics to market: Data strategies to succeed in retail

  19-03-2025 14:51 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Building a successful CPG company comes down to understanding metrics, like velocity and gross margins, and navigating dynamic retail channels, as Spins and NielsenIQ representatives shared at Natural Products Expo West.
  
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• Organic industry lobbies to enhance seal’s advertising appeal & boost marketing

  19-03-2025 14:44 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Gen Z and Millennials are more willing than older generations to pay a premium for organic, prompting industry stakeholders to rethink their marketing strategy to win over more shoppers and further drive sales.
  
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• From niche to necessity: How global flavors are shaping grocery

  19-03-2025 14:33 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Introducing global flavors and cuisines consumers want often requires a dose of cultural education for both shoppers and investors, according to brands showcasing at Natural Products Expo West.
  
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• Do bioactives hold the key to improving nutrient density in food?

  19-03-2025 14:20 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Plant cell cultivation company Ayana Bio aims to bring its bioactive ingredients from holy basil and sage into packaged foods and beverages to improve nutrient density without impacting taste or color.
  
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• California Berry Cultivars expands variety portfolio

  19-03-2025 13:53 via vegetablegrowersnews.com
  
  California Berry Cultivars LLC has commercially released two new strawberry varieties.
  Castaic and Alhambra are “breakthrough additions” to CBC’s established varieties Adelanto, Belvedere and Alturas, creating the industry’s “most comprehensive portfolio addressing critical production challenges,” according to a news release.
  Castaic emerges as a yield powerhouse for short-day strawberry production. Routinely achieving yields exceeding 8,000 trays per acre, Ca
  
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• Trump’s ‘zero-sum game’ on trade reshapes global food and beverage supply chains

  18-03-2025 14:52 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  The Trump administration’s trade and health policies are complicating supply chains in several key areas, requiring CPG companies to take a proactive approach to maintain market share and margins.
  
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• Spate uses Popularity Index to award ‘top trending’ brands at Expo West and uncover effective marketing strategies

  18-03-2025 14:41 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  All of the cool kids are at Natural Products Expo West, but with thousands of exhibitors and more than 60,000 attendees at this year’s show, finding the brands with the trendiest products and the most traction is a challenge – which is where market research platform Spate’s new Popularity Index comes in
  
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• Trendspotting at Expo West: Emerging flavors, textures and health benefits

  18-03-2025 14:30 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Thousands of food and beverage companies debuted new products at Natural Product Expo West earlier this month – making it the perfect place to spot new breakout ingredients, certifications, claims, flavors and more.
  
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• Unilever reveals top 4 innovation-driving food trends

  18-03-2025 13:00 via foodnavigator.com
  
  The in-depth Unilever Future Menus research reveals how chefs and operators can meet the demands of consumers, with a particular focus on Gen Z to keep their businesses relevant, drive footfall and unlock spend.
  
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• NCAE launches search for new president and CEO

  17-03-2025 23:09 via vegetablegrowersnews.com
  
  The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) is seeking a new leader to fill its president and CEO position following the planned retirement of Michael Marsh at the end of 2025.
  Marsh, who announced his retirement during the organization’s annual Ag Employer Labor Forum in December, has led NCAE since 2017.
  Michael Marsh
  “Michael’s outstanding leadership has been integral to the success and growth of the Council,” said Joel Anderson, chair of NCAE’s executi
  
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• PepsiCo buys modern soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion in continued better-for-you push

  17-03-2025 22:08 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  PepsiCo tries to shake off recent market challenges with a revamped better-for-you portfolio, acquiring Siete Foods, Sabra and now Poppi.
  
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• Sláinte to snacks: A roundup of St Patrick’s Day treats

  17-03-2025 12:57 via bakeryandsnacks.com
  
  Milseáin draíochta (magical treats) await! The craic is mighty (the fun is great) this St Patrick’s Day with a feast of festive flavours - from golden shortbread to cereal that turns your milk green - because every bite should be as magical as the day itself.
  
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• Is innovation returning to food and beverage?

  17-03-2025 10:37 via foodnavigator.com
  
  Following years of decline, innovation in food and beverage is showing strong signs of recovery.
  
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• Ignite20 Ventures seeks 20 CPG startups for inaugural fund

  14-03-2025 13:31 via foodnavigator-usa.com
  
  Pre-seed and seed CPG companies have a new opportunity to secure venture funding courtesy of Ignite20 Ventures, a fund and accelerator program designed to educate and support early-stage food and beverage brands.
  
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• Why US shoppers still prioritise treats despite rising food costs

  13-03-2025 19:51 via confectionerynews.com
  
  Discover how US confectionery sales hit $54 billion in 2024, with consumers prioritizing value, seasonal treats, and indulgence despite cost pressures.
  
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• The US is turning to egg imports, but will trade wars scramble the plan?

  13-03-2025 18:56 via bakeryandsnacks.com
  
  With the US now relying on imports to ease its egg crisis, could retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners crack the plan or keep the industry sunny side up? The American Egg Board (AEB) is closely monitoring the situation, providing resources and market insights to help businesses navigate the turmoil.
  
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