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...

Special supplements for special diets

Gluten free, vegan, low glycemic. Seems as though everyone has a dietary preference these days. And sometimes it can be difficult to find the right supplement to fit a customer’s needs. The key, as obvious as it might seem, is to read the fine print on a label, and to ask questions if the details aren’t clear.

Over the past couple of decades, supplement companies in the natural foods industry have cleaned up their act, getting rid of most problematic ingredients. "That’s great news for careful eaters and people with food allergies," says Ron Hunninghake, MD, of Wichita, Kansas. "It’s easy to find supplements that complement the many dietary habits people have."

Years ago supplement companies commonly relied on lactose or sugars as binders and fillers. Following consumer demand, they reformulated products, and now you’ll find far fewer of these unwanted ingredients, at least in the brands sold in natural food stores. According to the Nutrition Business Journal, gluten-free supplements were estimated to reach $14.4 billion in sales in 2016, double the revenue of 2012. Similarly, diabetes-related supplements have seen steady growth, reaching $1.4 billion in sales in 2014. Supplement users who follow vegan or vegetarian diets generally know they need to add vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12 and enzymes.

Here’s the lowdown on what to look out for—and some common pitfalls to avoid.

Gluten-free supplements. It’s easy enough to eat gluten free at home, but customers risk bumping into trace amounts of gluten in restaurants. This is where supplemental dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) can help. DPP-IV is an enzyme that breaks down gluten. It won’t protect against a pizza or bowl of pasta, but it will likely counter small amounts of gluten, such as in soy sauce.

Most supplements don’t contain gluten, but read the label carefully anyway. Wheat free isn’t the same as gluten free. And some whole-food supplements might contain barley, rye, or wheat—all of which contain gluten. Don’t use wheat germ oil because small amounts of gluten pass through the oil-extraction process. And vitamin E? Don’t sweat it. Virtually all natural-source vitamin E now comes from soybean oil, so gluten shouldn’t be a problem.

Vegan-friendly supplements. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly supplements are usually clearly labeled. Still, read the fine print. Most but not all soft-gel capsules, which range from golden to brownish in color, are made from gelatin, an animal byproduct. Hard capsules may be derived from either gelatin or vegetarian sources, and companies usually state if it’s a vegetarian source.

Fish and krill oils are derived from sea creatures, but the omega-3 fats are now available from vegetarian sources. Vitamin D2 is made from fungi, and most vitamin D3 is produced from sheep lanolin (the oil found on sheep wool). However, some companies now sell lichen-source D3. Bone meal and some (but not all) digestive enzymes come from animal sources.

Strict vegans remain at risk for multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, iodine and amino acids (which the body uses to make protein). Vegetables are poor sources of vitamin B12, and plants contain phytates, which reduce the absorption of minerals. Have customers consider shoring up micronutrient intake with a quality multivitamin/multimineral supplement.

Blood-sugar management. With an estimated 100 million Americans prediabetic and another 30 million with type 2 diabetes, controlling blood sugar has gained a major focus. A low-carb diet is crucial, but supplements can provide an edge. Silymarin, an extract of the herb milk thistle, has been shown to lower blood sugar and other markers of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Chromium is needed for normal insulin function. And so does high-dose biotin, a B vitamin that regulates genes responsible for carb breakdown. Dose: 200 mg of silymarin three times daily; 500 mg of chromium twice daily; 5,000-10,000 mcg of biotin daily.

This week: Upton's Naturals launches vegan Thai meal kits | Terry Naturally puts olive oil's benefits in a pill

Upton’s Naturals is introducing shelf-stable, vegan meal kits to the natural food marketplace. Made with real, whole-food ingredients, this lineup of Thai-inspired dishes are ready after just one minute in the microwave. Pre-cooked noodles, fresh (never freeze-dried) vegetables and flavorful spices can be found in the fully cooked and composed Massaman Curry, Pad See Ew, Thai Spaghetti and Thai Curry Noodle meals. Each provide a convenient and inspiring lunch solution that is 100 percent vegan and free of trans fat, cholesterol, GMOs and preservatives. The meal kits will be available at natural and specialty stores nationwide this summer.

This summer, Hain Celestial will debut Terra Red, White and Blues, which combine a flavorful blend of beet-dipped sweet potatoes, naturally blue potatoes and Yukon Gold to bring a satisfying crunch. This patriotic blend includes the delicious Terra Blues and is made with non-GMO ingredients. Like all Terra real vegetable chips, Red, White, and Blues are gluten free and Kosher certified.

Firmenich has been recognized with the 2017 Ethical Business Award from the Better Society Network for its achievement in advancing social, environmental and ethical best-practices in business. The company has developed technologies that reduce sugar, salt and fat from the food and beverages that consumers love, without compromising on taste. It's also joined forces with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to address the Reinvent the Toilet Challenge, and developed breakthrough technologies that effectively counter mal-odor. In addition, it is committed to operating all of its 35 manufacturing sites with 100 percent renewable energy sources or offsets.

Less than two months after introducing its new organic line of gourmet pumpkin seeds, SuperSeedz announced it has received the ChefsBest Quality in Craft Award, an award presented to brands that surpass quality standards established by independent professional chefs. The three new SuperSeedz organic flavors—Pink Himalayan Salt, Garlicky Dill and Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt—were introduced earlier in the year. Each is organic certified, Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, allergy-friendly and contains up to 8 grams of complete, plant-based protein.

Kemin Industries supplement ingredient Neumentix Phenolic Complex K110-42 has received self-affirmed GRAS status after an intensive review of safety by an independent panel of scientific experts. The water-extracted spearmint can now be used in a variety of functional food and beverage applications. Neumentix contains more than 50 phenolic constituents and is naturally sourced from non-GMO lines of polyphenol-rich spearmint developed by Kemin. It is a clinically studied botanical ingredient that has been shown to support cognitive health, working memory performance and healthy sleep patterns in adults.

Probiotic brand Culturelle launched new Pro-well Immune + Energy, with ingredients that work naturally with the body to sustain optimum levels of energy and support immune health without caffeine. Each packet contains 10 billion colony forming units of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus GG and 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin C—equivalent to over three tangerines—which support the body's natural defenses.  Lastly, it includes 100 percent daily value of vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, and is an excellent source of B3, that work with the body to help build and sustain optimum energy levels.

BI just introduced a new ingredient featuring one of the oldest and most nutritious known vegetables, sweet potatoes. BI’s new Sweet Potato Powder provides an excellent nutritional profile with essential vitamins and minerals, protein and fiber. With up to 35 percent dietary fiber, the new powder can reach quadruple the fiber available in conventional sweet potato powders. And, the mildly sweet aroma and flavor with notes of raisin, dried fruit and honey make the powder a complimentary addition to a variety of applications, from baby foods to beverages and snacks.

What if you could get all the health benefits of olives (and olive oil) with a fraction of the calories? EuroPharma has launched O’live in its Terry Naturally brand of supplements. It's a proprietary blend of olive leaf, fruit and fruit oil extracts that provide all of the health benefits of olives (and olive oil) with a fraction of the calories. One softgel (5 calories) delivers the equivalent of two tablespoons of olive oil (120 calories), but without the volume of fat. O’live delivers the concentrated components of olives and olive oil for full spectrum benefits, including polyphenols, oleuropein, oleanolic acid, maslinic acid, tocopherols (vitamin E), triterpenic compounds, omega-9 fatty acid (oleic acid) and beta-sitosterol. 

VeganSmart is a new plant-based nutritional shake with no dairy, eggs, soy, artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, preservatives or cholesterol. It contains five different non-GMO proteins, nine fruits and vegetables, prebiotics, 6 grams of fiber, 22 vitamins and minerals and 5 grams of sugar. 

Nut butter brand Wild Friends Foods announced the appointment of James Moss as vice president of sales. Moss joins Wild Friends Foods from Hail Merry, a Dallas-based organization focused on snacking and desserts, where, in the role of senior vice president of sales, he was responsible for growing incremental distribution beyond the brand's natural channel roots. 

Frutarom Food Protection Business Unit expands its organic oxidation management solutions line with an organic rosemary extract designed to prevent oxidation and increase shelf-life of food products. This natural Mediterranean botanical has been made possible through collaboration between Hishtil Nurseries in Israel and organic farmers in Spain.

The latest creation from Expresco Foods is ProSticks, a line of grilled chicken-on-a-stick refrigerated snacks with 23 grams of protein. The 3.5 oz. snack comes in three varieties: Mediterranean-Style, Sweet Sriracha-Style and Chipotle-Style.

Activ'Inside's Memophenol is a proud winner of the NutraIngredients Awards 2017 "Ingredient of the Year" in the healthy aging category. Memophenol is formulated with a unique bioavailable association of French grape and North American wild blueberry extracts, having demonstrated, published and patented synergistic effects on human cognitive performances.

Are you making the right moves to attract investors?

5@5: Hampton Creek's rebrand | Chefs fuel a Rust Belt food renaissance

Artisanal branding grows up

Food tech darling Hampton Creek has rebranded its line of Just products, including spreads, cookies and cookie dough. Its old craft paper labels, according to CEO Josh Tetrick, just didn't resonate with bargain shoppers. Designer Sean Wolcott led a redesign of the brand, starting with the packaging, which now features the name "just." prominently—less as a modifier (like Just Mayo) and more as a self-standing brand—along with a single-color image of the respective product. Read more at Co.Design...

 

How food is bringing the Rust Belt out of its decades-long recession

The opening of Chef Michael Symon's upscale bistro Lola in 1997 triggered a movement that would take hold not just in its home of Cleveland but in an entire region of the country. Cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh have bounced back from deindustrialization and recession with vibrant food scenes—thanks in part to being located in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. Read more at Thrillist...

 

Scientists call on Price, FDA to keep Nutrition Facts deadline

As food industry trade groups lobby to delay the implementation of the new Nutrition Facts labels until 2021, more than 40 scientists and researchers wrote a letter to HHS Secretary Tom Price and FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb to stick to the July 2018 compliance date. "Any delay in the compliance deadline deals a blow to the health of our nation, especially to vulnerable populations that disproportionally suffer from obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and tooth decay—chronic diseases associated with the overconsumption of added sugars," the letter says. Read more at Wisconsin Gazette...

 

Has this Silicon Valley startup finally nailed the indoor farming model?

Vertical farming startup Plenty, which uses heirloom seems to grow greens and herbs in a former electronics distribution center in South San Francisco, says its method of growing allows it to be more efficient—energy, labor and cost-wise—than traditional farms and other indoor farming operations. With a purpose to scale up local food production and shorten the time it takes to deliver fresh food to customers, it's garnered $26 million in investment. Read more at Fast Company...

 

Weeds and herbicides put an organic farm at odds with neighboring growers in Oregon

The longstanding issue is whether Azure Standard, a 2,000-acre organic farm in Sherman County, Oregon, is letting its weeds spill over into neighboring property, and whether the government should intervene. Read more at OPB...

Dark Issue 2: The Stories

The stories from the second iteration of Nutrition Business Journal’s Dark Issue came in a different shade. As we learned in Rick Polito's Editor’s Letter from Dark Issue 2, it was also a little harder to put together. We’d hit the obvious issues and villains last year. This year we had to lean in a little closer to look for the stories you will read here.

Dark Issue 2 peers into the darkness through a new lens and ventures further into the stories to see how they connect and impact the industry for better or worse. Our not-so-scientific chart below plots the various stories from the issue, comparing their 'darkness' to their impact on the industry.

You'll notice that stories like The lessons of Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals vs. Pieter Cohen fall somewhere in the middle, supplements getting dragged into the bad light because of 'Bro-Science' is among the darkest, and questioning over nanotechnology is too small right now (pun intended) to really have an impact. Let us know where you agree, disagree or are downright outraged. We love a good debate.

Get the full scoop on these 10 stories (plus one Q/A) when you purchase The Dark Issue 2. Included in your purchase is the Dark Issue 2 webinar, where supplement attorney Rick Collins talks about the mistakes he sees too many companies making, food scientist and NBJ Advisory Board member Kantha Shelke speaks on emerging issues surrounding nanoparticle technology in food and supplements, and Joe Cannon (Supplement-Geek.com) provides an independent take on supplement industry science claims.

Happy Family debuts infant formula modeled after breast milk

Organic baby food brand Happy Family has come out with an infant formula, Happy Baby, that it says is modeled after breast milk. We asked CEO and founder Shazi Visram over email what exactly that means—here’s what we learned.

The main difference seems to be Happy Baby’s emphasis on prebiotics, because of the role that breast milk plays in encouraging healthy gut bacteria in infants. "Prebiotics (they are called human milk oligosaccharides but function as prebiotics) are the fourth most predominant component of breast milk after water, fats and carbohydrates. And while babies are not able to digest prebiotics, they serve as vital food for beneficial gut bacteria (or probiotics)," Visram said, adding that company's prebiotic mix of GOS and FOS mimics the function of what naturally occurs in breast milk. "Over the past four years, we have worked to deeply understand the organic infant formula market in the U.S. and have identified that prebiotics are an important ingredient present in breast milk (about 8 to 9 percent of the composition) and not very prominent in organic infant formula."

Visram said Happy Baby contains up to four times more prebiotics than other organic infant formulas on the U.S. market. It also contains organic lactose (the main carbohydrate in breast milk); the essential fatty acids DHA/ARA; key vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D and choline; and no corn syrup, taurine, nucleotides or lutein.

The company recognizes that breastfeeding is still optimal—it says it's just seeking to provide a best-for-baby alternative when breastfeeding isn’t an option. "While we recommend breastfeeding as the best option for newborns, we recognize it’s not always an exclusive option for all families," said Visram. "We know the incredible impact that nutrition has during the first year of a baby’s life. It’s during this vital window that a baby defines his or her wellness blueprint, both physically and mentally."

The formula, which is part of a larger new Infant Feeding platform—the brand now offers online support from its "Happy Mama Milk Mentors" lactation consultants, as well as breastfeeding support products—is available in both the natural and mainstream channels, with retail partners including Whole Foods, Babies-R-Us, Buy Buy Baby and soon Target, in addition to online sales through Amazon.