Convenient produce options pop

Finding new ways to blend the snacking and fresh food trends could further bolster natural retail stores' already strong produce departments.

5@5: The battle over 'natural' carries on | Center for Food Safety sues USDA over delayed GMO labeling study

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Presence and confidence drive Pickled Pink success

This gourmet pickle brand went all in on trade and consumer shows. Here's how taking risks has fueled its growth.

5@5: New fodder in the carbs vs. fat debate | Natural beauty brands face supply strains

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Is there room in the plant-based future for old-school meat alternatives?

A conversation about the future of veganism with Dan Staackmann, owner and president of the super-hip meat alternative brand Upton’s Naturals.

Hain Celestial's Irwin Simon sees opportunities in Amazon-Whole Foods deal

Increased consumer traffic and awareness could benefit Hain Celestial and natural brands across channels, Hain's leader said as he reported the company's earning and year-end results. This is what he sees at bricks and mortar and online.

CV Sciences Retailer Spotlight: Windmill Farms

Hemp CBD oil has been in the natural products industry for several years now, with many natural health retailers joining the CBD Evolution with CV Sciences. Learn from one of the very first pioneering stores to carry hemp CBD oil products, Windmill F

5@5: Amazon wastes no time cutting prices at Whole Foods | Organic milk prices drop

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

OTA’s 2017 Rising Star is a sprouted foods champion

In addition to running a sprouted flour company, Peggy Sutton has a vision to increase availability of organic grains and protect the integrity of the "sprouted" claim.

Nutrition Business Journal Millennial Issue examines generational attitudes about nutrition

Despite digital distraction, millennials are focusing on nutrition. The generation is both more segmented and more reachable than previous generations.

Fiesta Nutrition Center led by a true pioneer

Angie O'Pry Blades inspires in her store, in her community and across the nation. This is how she leads as a Retailer of the Year Inspiring Retail Woman finalist.

Latest Oliver’s Market location doubles down on local

Oliver's Markets made local priority number one with its latest location. Here is what that looks like for the Retailer of the Year Creative New Store/Remodel finalist.

Access is king at Mississippi Market

Retailer of the Year Standout Health Food/Supplement Store finalist Mississippi Market features seed-to-kitchen shelf support.

Terry DeBlasio's extensive expertise inspires at PCC Natural Markets

Terry DeBlasio's health and body care leadership extends beyond PCC Natural Markets' aisles. Here's why she stands out as a Retailer of the Year Inspiring Retail Woman finalist.

Environmental efforts drive MOM’s Organic Market

This Retailer of the Year finalist in the Best Community Project category is the enterprise itself. MOM's Organic Market was founded on improving the environment with efforts like these.

Community counts for Perelandra Natural Food Center co-owner

Allison Buckingham enriches her community with outreach and creative product development. Creativity abounds for this Retailer of the Year Inspiring Retail Woman finalist.

Fresh Thyme’s Indianapolis store has a fresh look

Fast-growing chain Fresh Thyme Farmers Market refined its format for an Indianapolis store. Here's how the Retailer of the Year finalist for creative new store/remodel made its mark.

Alfalfa’s Market builds on strong roots

Alfalfa's Market proves even retailers can go back home and make a local impact. This is what the Retailer of the Year Standout Health Food/Supplement Store finalist focuses on today.

Tunie’s VegFest: Something for everyone

Tunie's built a community event that attracts and educates in a big way. Here's what the Retailer of the Year finalist in the Best Community Project category does.

MaMa Jean’s new natural foods concept store appeals to all

MJ's Market and Deli, a MaMa Jean's Natural Market concept, gained nomination in the Retailer of the Year creative new store/remodel category. The market takes convenience to a new level.

Mission drives business at Leg Up Farmers Market

Market and community service are one at Leg Up Farmers Market, a 2017 Retailer of the Year Best Community Project finalist. This unique creation serves its community and nonprofit.

2017 natural Retailer of the Year finalists announced

Meet the 2017 Retailer of the Year finalists. These creative retailers represent natural and organic industry values as individuals and standout stores.

5@5: Study finds microbiome influenced by seasons, diet | Kind’s Times Square sugar stunt

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

This week: Kind enters fruit snack category | Mikey's adds grain-free tortillas

New product launches, certifications, hires and appointments, and other natural products company news this week.

Not your average food bank: Metro Caring addresses hunger at its root

Here's an inside look at Metro Caring's smart method to reduce hunger in Denver.

How to save the world, and other big ideas with activist Raj Patel

He’s been tear-gassed while protesting. He’s authored four books. He’s a keynote at Esca Bona 2017. We’re not talking about Dos Equis’ 'Most Interesting Man In The World.' We’re talking about author, activist and academic Raj Patel.

Peet's Coffee bets on bubbles, invests in Revive Kombucha

Revive Kombucha raises $7.5 million in a Series B funding round led by Peet's Coffee.

5 steps to prepare for successful fundraising

Follow these fundraise essentials well before you start raising money.

5@5: An online model for small-scale beef producers | IBM, food industry partner on food safety technology

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

5 steps to preparing for successful fundraising

Follow these fundraise essentials well before you start raising money.

Amazon’s Whole Foods vision: ‘Affordable for everyone’

Lower prices, in-store benefits for Prime members and online availability of Whole Foods private label products are in the works, according to Amazon.

Natural Grocers uncovers top 3 reasons why shoppers buy organic produce

In a recent survey, Natural Grocers asked customers to weigh in on what matters most when shopping organic.

5@5: Regulators clear Amazon-Whole Foods deal | Grocery refrigeration revamp

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Memphis Meats scores investment from Cargill, Bill Gates

In its Series A fundraising round, the cultured meat company garners $17 million from high-profile investors including Cargill, Bill Gates, Richard Branson and more.

Announcing the NEXTY Award finalists for Natural Products Expo East 2017

Check out these 66 innovative products that inspire and uphold the integrity of the natural products industry at Natural Products Expo East 2017.

5@5: Inside Walmart's organic fast food joint | Food allergies a growing public health issue

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Amazon is here to stay. What now for brands?

Certain natural products companies are uniquely positioned to maximize Amazon's power, but an e-commerce consultant says first they must protect their brand's image.

Essential oils are popping. How can retailers capture more sales?

Three experts offer up practical ideas for how retailers can capitalize on essential oils' popularity through demos, cross-merchandising and more.

Q&A: Disruptive opportunities in plant-based foods

This investor has seen the plant-based foods industry grow from a rag-tag group of brands serving a niche customer base to a powerful mainstream market force. But he says many exciting and rewarding opportunities for growth still exist.

5@5: SoapBox CEO's 7 steps to launching a product | Target won't restock Hampton Creek products

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

CV Sciences Retailer Spotlight: Grassroots Natural Market & Kitchen

Retailers across the country are joining the CBD Evolution with PlusCBD Oil by CV Sciences. Join Stuart Tomc and the CV Sciences team as they visit Grassroots Natural Market & Kitchen in South Pasadena, California to talk with the Puni family abo

B&G Foods buys Back To Nature from Mondelez, Brynwood Partners

For $162.5 million, B&G Foods—which owns the Mrs. Dash, Ortega, Pirate's Booty, Green Giant and other brands—adds Back to Nature's portfolio of snacks, soups and juices, as well as SnackWell's cookies, to its offerings.

5@5: In search of the next big sweetener | The problem with Daiya's acquirer

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Fast-casual concepts turn to jars for to-go convenience

From salads to cake, jarred meals are green, photo-worthy and portable. Could they be good for your store?

This week: Applegate introduces sugar-free bacon | New plant protein source hits the market

New product launches, certifications, hires and appointments, and other natural products company news this week.

5@5: A big, significant probiotics study | How governments are taking action against food waste

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Glyphosate-free certification debuts—and brands jump on board

The Detox Project's fledgling certification program tests raw ingredients and finished products for glyphosate residue.

The doctors are in: Opportunities for supplements in the practitioner channel

A new report from Pure Branding explores subtleties and segments in the physician supplement market.

5@5: Encore invests in Veggie Noodle Co. | Study finds global potential for fish farming

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

These are America’s favorite vegan brands

Gardein, Daiya and other plant-based leaders came out on top in a poll conducted by vegan advocacy group Veganuary.

4 key steps to define your 'why?' and create profits with purpose

The trending support for business as a force for good is an encouraging indicator that brands can be both profitable and vision driven. To successfully compete in the future, in fact, you may need both. What is your “why?” In order to build a mission

A powerful antidote to fear of selling

We all sell things to others, whether it's products, services, ideas or our own skills. Take these notes from a leadership coach on how to develop strong selling confidence.

5@5: How to develop a productive CEO-investor relationship | Progress in poultry standards

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

This film explores the debate over homeopathy

Natural Products Expo East attendees can catch a screening of a new film that digs into the history of and controversy over the alternative system of medicine.

Four key steps to define your 'why?' and create profits with purpose

The trending support for business as a force for good is an encouraging indicator that brands can be both profitable and vision driven. To successfully compete in the future, in fact, you may need both. What is your “why?” In order to build a mission

Unboxed: 9 functional sips to stock

These smart drinks feature tasty formulations that energize, calm, improve gut health and more.

5@5: Tech investors back vegan brands | Who's behind Trader Joe's popular private label products?

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Pure hustle: How Birch Benders got its pancake mixes into 7,000 stores

Two young Colorado food entrepreneurs share how they built a better-for-you pancake mix brand from the ground up.

5@5: Seltzer sales soar | GM salmon makes its debut

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

6 steps to transforming your startup dreams to reality with 'regulation crowdfunding'

Equity Crowdfunding, a product of the 2012 JOBS Act, allows businesses to raise up to $1M from friends, family and the public on registered debt and equity crowdfunding platforms. Here are 6 steps to mastering this new fundraising avenue.

This week: Gluten-free leader Pamela's debuts pastas | NurturMe grows 'tummy friendly' baby food line

New product launches, certifications, hires and appointments, and other natural products company news this week.

Latest in organic vs. conventional debate: Organic onions boast more antioxidants

A six-year study found more antioxidant activity and higher flavonol content in organic onions over conventional.

5@5: Hampton Creek makes progress on vegan egg product | Big losses for Blue Apron

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Amazon may face limits in cutting Whole Foods’ prices

The pending merger is, however, expanding opportunities for natural and organic brands, industry watchers say.

The Sage Project wants to help shoppers navigate nutrition with data and design

In a world of "product sameness," The Sage Project sees a big opportunity for retailers and brands to help consumers make healthy decisions through greater access to personalized food information. CEO Sam Slover explains.

5@5: A prescription for nutrition | Poll: 84% of Americans don't grocery shop online

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

The Vitamin Shoppe advances 'reinvention' amid sales struggles

The Vitamin Shoppe expects mid-single digit sales losses through 2017. Here's what the company is doing to ease the falling sales it has already experienced this year.

Krill consolidation: Aker BioMarine buys Neptune krill oil operations

The Aker-Neptune deal further strengthens Aker's already strong position.

Artisanal cheese culture is alive and delicious

For retailers, viewing cheese assortment with a top-down approach is key.

5@5: Impossible Burger illustrates challenges for food tech | Sprouts stands out among publicly traded grocers

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Annie's launches adorable new TV commercial

Dancing macaroni and cheese and illustrated bunnies abound in Annie's first television campaign that tells the story of its 30-year-old brand.

Wellnext adds collagen supplement brand NeoCell to portfolio

Florida-based dietary supplement manufacturer Wellnext, which also owns Rainbow Light and Natural Vitality, completes its fourth acquisition in two years.

Lotus Foods proves helping small farmers preserve biodiversity can pay off

In addition to bringing tasty rice products to market, this mission-based brand is working to improve farmer yields, preserve rice biodiversity and reduce water use and emissions during production.

3 ways leaders can be faster, smarter and more adaptive to accelerate their impact

Jenelle Cobb, CEO of the Food + Health Collective, explores three ways leaders can breathe, think and do like an exponential leader.

5@5: When restaurants meet grocery stores | Amazon talks with organic ranchers

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

This week: Nutiva launches organic liquid coconut oils | Jarrow makes protein powder from pumpkin seed

New product launches, certifications, hires and appointments, and other natural products company news this week.

Just how important is 'natural' to consumers when making food decisions? Here's a look at the research

Consumers tend to define natural in three different ways, according to a new research review.

Bill could make multivitamins eligible for food stamp purchases

SNAP program authorization has long been a goal for industry trade groups.

5@5: 25 innovative CPG brands | John Foraker to leave Annie's

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Natural Grocers plans to slow growth

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage plans to refocus on operations as its path to improved profitability. Here's how it has been performing and why its leadership thinks it can profit from the Amazon-Whole Foods Market deal.

Here are the NEXTY Award judges for Natural Products Expo East 2017

The next batch of NEXTY winners will be awarded on the show floor at Natural Products Expo East 2017 in Baltimore.

Climate Collaborative announces new director

The Climate Collaborative today announced that Erin Callahan has joined as its new director. The collaborative, a three-year project of OSC2 and Sustainable Food Trade Association (SFTA), was created to catalyze bold action for climate change in the

Bill Brevoort, Chinese herb pioneer, dies at 75

Iconic Chinese medicinal herb pioneer Bill Brevoort, 75, passed away at his home in Kona, Hawaii, on July 28. He had been recently diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. Frank Lampe, VP of communications and industry relations at United Natural Products

4 reasons why outsourcing financial resources is a smart bet

As your company outgrows bookkeeping, you’ll be tempted to hire a full-time financial person. Outsourcing financials can be a better way to navigate the awkward adolescence of building an in-house finance team.

5@5: Google nudges employees to eat less meat| FDA approves heart health claim for soybean oil

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Congresswoman from Utah steps up as co-chair of dietary supplement caucus

Mia Love replaces Jason Chaffetz, who retired from Congress in June.

Sprouts Farmers Market delivery and brick-and-mortar outlets to grow

Sprouts remains committed to affordable, healthier-for-you products provided conveniently as it grows and shifts to meet consumer demand. The retailer reported positive quarterly results and a brighter 2017 outlook during its second-quarter earnings call.

Millennials eye alternative channels for produce

Price remains an important factor in where consumers shop, but eye-catching merchandising and promotions can drive impulse produce purchases in the store, a new report finds.

5 modern package design updates that work

These contemporary natural product redesigns are sure to impress core consumers—and attract new ones.

5@5: Women's vitamin startup raises $10.5M | The diet industry in the anti-dieting era

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Recognition of brain-nutrition connection needed for better brain health outcomes

Nutrition Business Journal’s 'Letter from the Editor' in the 2017 Head Games issue calls out the need for heightened public awareness of nutrition’s effect on the brain.

Q&A: Brandless, an online retailer with a mission and a $3 price point, arrives amid buzz

A new e-commerce site sells better-for-you private label products for $3 a piece.

How Vital Farms builds its brand by educating consumers

The egg company takes action to eliminate the confusion that exists around egg designations.

Shopper insights: Decision-making at shelf [infographic]

From local to non-GMO, new data shed light on product qualities shoppers seek and why.

Grow your business with these 3 insights

Experts at an educational series focused on entreprenuers shared a few secrets to success in scaling a brand.

5@5: How a frozen food startup leverages Instagram and influencers | States take the lead in food waste battle

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Is seafood poised for the next meal kit?

Over time consumer confidence in delivered fish selections may grow, but retailers can counter with in-store options.

National Co+op Grocers and natural products partners raise $144K for Project Drawdown

The grocery cooperative organization selects Project Drawdown's worldwide efforts to reverse global warming as its Co+nvergence fundraising beneficiary for 2017.

5@5: Bison's big comeback | Chef: It's time to address food labor issues

Each day at 5 p.m. we collect the five top food and supplement headlines of the day, making it easy for you to catch up on today's most important natural products industry news.

Polyunsaturated fats may help boost natural appetite control

A new study in millennials shows that a PUFA-rich diet may improve levels of certain hormones with importance for weight control,