5@5: California Baby founder an entrepreneur ahead of her time | Non-GMO claims and purchase intent

Jessica Iclisoy built a $260 million fortune making organic baby products

This label-reading mom started mixing baby shampoo in her kitchen back in the '90s. In 1995, she borrowed $2,000 from her mother to bring to market a nontoxic shampoo and body wash under the brand California Baby. Today the company offers 90 nontoxic, organic products and chalked up $80 million in sales last year. Iclisoy, who still owns 100 percent of the company, has maintained tight control over the company's operations, buying a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in 2001 and 100 acres of organic farmland in 2011. Read more at Forbes...

 

GMO labeling remains a 'front-panel' issue for brands

Consumers today don't avoid GMOs as much as they do artificial flavors, sweeteners and preservatives, but around one-third of millennials and baby boomers are actively avoiding genetically modified foods, according to new Mintel research. The research also showed higher consumer perceptions of taste, quality and trustworthiness with products that feature a GMO-free claim. Read more at Packaging Digest...

 

New crowdfunding platform to connect funders and small farmers

Empowered small farmers have the ability to sequester carbon with a shift to regenerative agriculture practices and ultimately help cool the planet. With Grow Ahead, consumers and organizations can lend or make a donation directly to farmer initiatives and training that support the global effort to address climate change on the farm. Read more at Food Tank...

 

Campbell Soup misses Wall Street forecasts, cuts sales outlook

Sales dropped 1 percent in the third quarter for the food company, which has been trying to adapt to shifting consumer tastes by ramping up its fresh product offerings. "It was a challenging quarter across the industry as top line growth remains scarce, especially in center-store categories," CEO Denise Morrison said. Read more at USA Today...

 

Delta changes up in-flight snacks

Gluten-free travelers, rejoice. Delta is adding almonds, gluten-free pretzel sticks and Kind bars to its lineup of snacks starting in June. Read more at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution...