KPM Analytics has launched an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) business division to integrate its vision inspection and foreign material detection technologies, including AI applications, directly into food processing equipment. The division covers KPM’s EyePro System, Sightline Process Control and Smart Vision Works brands, with a combined 50 years in vision inspection and 17 years in AI model development for food applications. It will work directly with equipment manufacturers in sectors such as baking, meat and poultry, confectionery and root crops. KPM’s systems can detect surface and structural defects, monitor product uniformity and meet customer specifications. KPM's managing director for vision inspection systems, Andrea Bertuolo, said: "We have become a reference for the industry on vision inspection technology for food production thanks to our longevity and experience in the industry. By embedding our inspection systems into OEM equipment, we are helping manufacturers deliver tools that add real value for processors on day one." KPM's CEO, Brian Mitchell, added: "As food manufacturers face mounting demands for quality assurance, operational efficiency, food safety and transparency, our new OEM business division aims to make our vision-based inspection technologies more accessible than ever." "Our OEM division gives equipment manufacturers and integrators a direct pathway to incorporate KPM's vision inspection expertise into their designs."

Bühler has appointed Mike Häfeli as CEO of its Grains & Food business, effective from 1 January 2026. Häfeli (pictured above) will succeed Johannes Wick, who will step down from his role as CEO Grains & Food by the end of 2025 to take on a new strategic position within the company. In January, Häfeli will also become a member of Bühler’s executive board. Previously, he served as CEO of the Eisberg Group and member of the executive board of the Bell Food Group, and will now return to Bühler, where he started his career with an apprenticeship more than 30 years ago. From 2015 to 2023, he successfully led the business area Grain Quality & Supply at Bühler. Outgoing Grains & Food CEO Wick has played a key role in shaping Bühler’s Grains & Food business over the past ten years. Under his leadership, the business division has significantly expanded its global market share, launched new business ventures and achieved strong financial performance. Bühler praised Wick for building a diverse and high-performing team, driving innovation in grain processing, alternative proteins, chocolate processing and for confectionery products. His tenure also saw the successful development of collaboration with Imdher (Mexico), Endeco (Germany) and Premier Tech (Canada and China), as well as new ventures in nut de-bacterisation and grain puffing. Stefan Scheiber, CEO of Bühler Group, thanked Wick for his contributions, commenting: “His strategic vision, deep industry expertise, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting legacy”. He continued: “We are equally excited to welcome Mike Häfeli back to the company. His broad experience and leadership across both Bühler and the wider food industry make him the ideal successor to lead Grains & Food into its next chapter of innovation and growth.”

Nestlé UK & Ireland has unveiled its latest innovation in the confectionery market with the launch of the KitKat Minis range, designed to meet growing consumer demand for shareable snacks. The new line-up includes KitKat Chunky Minis and the KitKat Two Finger Mini Mix, offering a bite-sized twist on the beloved classic. The KitKat Chunky Minis deliver the same rich, chunky taste that consumers recognise, but in a more portable format. This product is aimed at consumers looking for a convenient treat that can be easily shared among friends and family. Meanwhile, the KitKat Two Finger Mini Mix provides a variety of flavours – milk chocolate, white chocolate, hazelnut, salted caramel and peanut butter – packed in one convenient bag, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Stephanie Scales, marketing manager for KitKat at Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “We've taken our much-loved KitKat products and turned them into mini versions that can easily be shared. Individually wrapped, this launch is about offering shoppers a bite of the delicious KitKat bars they know and love, in smaller, convenient portion sizes.” The KitKat Chunky Minis are available in packs of 20, while the KitKat Two Finger Mini Mix comes in packs of 14. Both products are set to enhance Nestlé’s portfolio in the competitive snack market, particularly as consumers increasingly seek out shareable options for social occasions. Nestlé is also reinforcing its commitment to sustainable sourcing with this launch. Both products are made using cocoa sourced from Nestlé’s income accelerator programme, which aims to support cocoa farming families by improving their livelihoods, promoting reforestation and providing educational opportunities for children. The KitKat Chunky Minis hit retail shelves in August, followed by the KitKat Two Finger Mini Mix in September, strategically timed to capture the upcoming holiday season when sharing treats becomes a focal point for consumers.

MBC Companies, a player in the frozen foods sector, has announced its acquisition of Alpha Foods, a family-owned manufacturer of frozen pizzas based in Waller, Texas. This deal aims to enhance MBC's manufacturing capabilities, product innovation and national distribution across foodservice and retail channels. The acquisition marks a significant expansion for MBC, which is backed by Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (e2p), a private equity firm specialising in the food and beverage industries. Jeff Ahlers, CEO of MBC Companies, said: “The due diligence process was almost like looking in a mirror. Alpha and MBC share so much in common, from our strong family-focused culture to our commitment to quality, safety and customer service.” Founded in 1984 by Greek immigrants George and Athena Sarandos, Alpha Foods has evolved from a regional foodservice distributor into a national producer of frozen pizzas and related products. The company serves a diverse clientele, including K-12 schools, national grocery chains and leading consumer packaged goods brands. MBC’s acquisition of Alpha follows its recent purchase of Nardone Brothers Baking, further solidifying its position in the frozen pizza market. This dual acquisition strategy positions MBC as a comprehensive provider of frozen meal solutions, catering to various dayparts from breakfast to late-night dining. Currently, MBC operates three production facilities in Pennsylvania and is poised to leverage Alpha’s capabilities to meet the growing demand for frozen pizzas across different sectors. Athena Sarandos added: “While many firms wanted to buy our company, the best path forward was to combine with a company that shares our values, understands our business and protects what our people have built. I believe that with MBC, we have found a perfect match.” The frozen pizza market has seen robust growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient meal solutions. As dining habits evolve, more consumers are seeking quick, high-quality meal options that do not compromise on taste or nutrition. MBC's diverse product offerings are designed to meet the needs of various end markets, including K-12 schools, private label retail, convenience stores and quick-service restaurants.

Heinz is set to launch of a new range of bean and pulse-based meal pouches, designed to cater to the growing consumer demand for convenient, nutritious and flavourful meal options. The new meal pouches, which are ready to eat in just 90 seconds, include three distinct flavours: Chilli Black Beanz, Curry Chickpeaz and Tomato Cannellini Beanz. Each pouch is crafted from natural ingredients, contains no artificial flavours and is low in sugar while being a source of protein and fibre. Additionally, each serving contributes at least one portion towards the recommended five-a-day fruit and vegetable intake. Chilli Black Beanz: This dish features hearty black beans simmered in a smoky chipotle sauce, ideal for pairing with rice or tacos for a quick, Mexican-inspired meal. Curry Chickpeaz: Mildly spiced chickpeas combined with spinach in a coconut curry sauce offer a flavourful option that can be served with rice or naan for an easy curry night. Tomato Cannellini Beanz: Cannellini beans in an Italian-inspired tomato and garlic sauce, making them a good accompaniment to fresh sourdough, perfect for a modern twist on traditional beans on toast. Heinz's new range aims to meet the needs of busy consumers who seek both convenience and taste. "Combining our years of beans expertise with consumer cravings for adventurous recipes and world foods, our new range takes everything people love about beans – taste, convenience, comfort – and serves them up in new, delicious ways," said Alessandra de Dreuille, director of meals at Heinz. The launch comes at a time when the global consumption of beans and pulses has surged by 30% over the past decade, driven largely by changing eating habits. According to recent surveys, 63% of UK consumers express a desire to eat healthier, 61% are reducing their meat intake and 49% are looking to increase their protein consumption. Despite this growing interest, UK consumption of beans remains relatively low, with the average consumer consuming only 28g per day. Additionally, adventurous flavour trends are gaining momentum, with cuisines such as Mexican, Italian and Indian leading the way in UK kitchens. This trend presents a opportunity for brands like Heinz to innovate and capture the attention of health-conscious consumers seeking diverse meal options. Heinz Beanz Meal pouches are now available in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide and online via Ocado, with a recommended retail price of £2.50.

Mars Snacking and Unreasonable Group have announced the addition of 14 innovative ventures to their Unreasonable Food initiative. The collaboration aims to address critical challenges within the food supply chain while promoting sustainability and resilience in food systems. Launched in 2024, Unreasonable Food is designed to support growth-stage entrepreneurs who are pioneering solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the food sector. Amanda Davies, chief R&D, procurement and sustainability officer at Mars Snacking, said: “Addressing the challenges in our food system is a task bigger than any one organisation. Connecting brilliant minds behind pioneering ventures with scaled industry leaders is essential to unlock new possibilities.” The newly welcomed ventures represent a diverse array of sustainable innovations, focusing on reducing dairy emissions, scaling sustainable ingredients and exploring sustainable colour solutions. Here’s a closer look at each of the 14 start-ups in the 2025 cohort: Alpine Bio: This venture is engineering soybeans to produce dairy proteins, creating familiar textures such as melt, stretch and creaminess without relying on traditional dairy sources. This innovation aims to provide a plant-based alternative that mimics the sensory experience of dairy. Standing Ovation: Using precision fermentation, Standing Ovation produces animal-free casein, a protein found in dairy products. This technology allows the company to replicate the authentic textures of cheese and other dairy foods without animal ingredients, catering to the demand for vegan options. Oobli: Oobli harnesses sweet proteins derived from plants to create a sugar-like taste without the calories associated with sugar. Their scalable fermentation process enables the production of these sweet proteins, offering food manufacturers a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners. Debut Biotechnology: This start-up focuses on fermenting high-value ingredients to create natural colour alternatives. By replacing unsustainable or synthetic colour sources, Debut Biotechnology aims to provide food manufacturers with cleaner, more sustainable options for colouring their products. Octarine Bio: Octarine Bio specialises in producing a vibrant palette of natural colours through fermentation. Their sustainable colour solutions can be used in food and textiles, providing manufacturers with reliable, eco-friendly colouring options. DE3PBIO: Leveraging artificial intelligence and biotechnology, DE3PBIO unlocks functional ingredients from plants that enhance the nutritional profile of foods. Their approach aims to make food products cleaner and healthier without compromising on taste or quality. NuCicer: This venture is breeding new varieties of chickpeas that contain up to 75% more protein than traditional varieties. These new chickpeas are designed to improve taste, texture and resilience to climate stress, making them a valuable ingredient for plant-based products. Plantible Foods: Plantible Foods extracts Rubi protein from lemna (duckweed), a highly sustainable aquatic plant. This protein can replace eggs, dairy and additives in various food products, offering a versatile and eco-friendly ingredient for manufacturers. Hydrosome Labs: Utilising ultrafine bubbles, Hydrosome Labs enhances fermentation yields and nutrient delivery in biomanufacturing processes. This innovative approach improves efficiency and effectiveness in producing a variety of food ingredients. Pow.bio: Pow.bio is pioneering continuous fermentation technology, which reduces production costs and increases capacity for bio-based production. This advancement allows for more efficient manufacturing processes, particularly for sustainable food ingredients. The 2025 cohort will build upon the successes of the inaugural 2024 group, which has already demonstrated substantial impact, including nearly $200 million in additional revenue, significant reductions in CO₂ emissions and increased access to nutritious food for millions. Daniel Epstein, CEO of Unreasonable Group, added: “Their work reflects our shared ambition to evolve the food system sustainably and inclusively. Together with Mars, we are committed to providing mentorship and connecting stakeholders to accelerate their journeys.” The collective efforts of both the 2024 and 2025 cohorts will engage with Mars teams and a global network of investors, focusing on transforming food supply chains and shaping the future of food.

Kallø, a natural food products brand and part of the Ecotone UK family, is making its entry into the dairy alternatives market with the introduction of two new premium oat milks. This latest debut aligns with the growing consumer demand for clean label, plant-based products that prioritise health, ethical production and sustainability. The new products, Organic Oat & Protein Milk and Organic Gluten-Free Oat Milk, are crafted with minimal ingredients and processing, reflecting Kallø’s commitment to its 'Naturally Different' ethos. Both variants are unsweetened and free from preservatives, flavourings, oils and gums, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking high-quality dairy alternatives. Organic Oat & Protein Milk: This variant boasts 25g of natural plant protein per liter, making it a good choice for consumers looking for functional, dairy-free options without artificial fortification. Kallø Organic Gluten-Free Oat Milk: Made entirely from 100% gluten-free oats, this product is designed for individuals with gluten sensitivities, offering a clean and minimally processed alternative. The oat milks will initially be available for purchase online through Amazon and in health food stores across the UK, with a recommended retail price of £2.30. Caroline Mitchell, free from brand controller at Ecotone UK, said: “We’re excited to bring Kallø’s natural and organic credentials into dairy alternatives. This category typically appeals to consumers who are conscious about their health and the environment. Our products are designed to support those looking to increase their protein intake without compromising on quality.” Kallø’s foray into dairy alternatives comes on the heels of its successful launch of clean label cooking broths, including Organic Chicken Bone Broth and Vegetable Broth, which have positioned the brand as one of the fastest-selling in the ready-made stock category. The oat milks will be produced at Ecotone’s B-Corp certified facilities, further underscoring the brand’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Additionally, the products will be packaged in fully recyclable cartons, aligning with Kallø’s sustainability goals. As consumers increasingly seek out clean-label and organic options, Kallø’s entry into the dairy alternatives sector is poised to capture the attention of health-conscious shoppers, reinforcing the brand’s status as a leader in innovative, plant-based products.

NSF International has unveiled its latest certification protocol, NSF P525: Safe Food Packaging. This new protocol aims to empower consumers and food manufacturers by ensuring packaging is free from harmful chemicals that could leach into food and beverages, addressing rising concerns about food contact materials (FCCs) linked to serious health risks. The NSF P525 certification will cover a wide range of commonly used packaging items, including takeaway containers, coffee cups, food wrappers, ready meal trays and drink bottles. The protocol employs rigorous laboratory testing to validate that materials such as plastics, paper, glass, and ceramics do not transfer toxic substances, including Bisphenol A (BPA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, and phthalates, into food products. “Recent studies have highlighted the alarming health risks associated with toxic substances leaching from food packaging, raising concerns among consumers and manufacturers alike,” said Sam Cole, director of food contact evaluations at NSF. He coninued: “The NSF P525 certification mark gives consumers confidence that the products they purchase have undergone thorough evaluation by independent experts, ensuring limited exposure to harmful chemicals”. The launch of NSF’s Safe Food Packaging protocol comes at a crucial time when consumer awareness regarding food safety is at an all-time high. With 80 known hazardous FCCs identified in humans – many of which are reported to be carcinogenic and endocrine disruptors – the new certification seeks to protect public health while enhancing consumer trust in food brands. The protocol was developed with input from a diverse Protocol Development Panel, comprising key stakeholders from the food packaging industry, retailers and food manufacturers. This collaborative approach ensures that the certification meets the needs of various sectors within the food and beverage industry. The certification process involves comprehensive evaluations, including: Regulatory compliance: Assessing packaging products for adherence to specific regional regulations. Material migration testing: Conducting laboratory tests using food simulants to evaluate the potential leaching of harmful chemicals. “Free from” claim verification: Confirming that packaging materials are genuinely free from specific harmful substances such as BPA, PFAS, phthalates and heavy metals. Once certified, products will be permitted to display the official 'NSF Food Packaging' certification mark, and they will be listed on NSF’s public registry, enhancing visibility for manufacturers committed to food safety.

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission has this week unveiled the new Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy – a plan aiming to tackle chronic disease in American children. The MAHA Commission, chaired by US Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, was established with ambitions to address the root causes of the escalating health crisis in the US. The Commission is focusing heavily on dietary reform and the implementation of numerous major initiatives intended to improve public health, with secretary Kennedy having already been pushing for a number of changes – such as the removal of artificial dyes from food and beverage products – during his term. Its latest strategy report, published on 9 September 2025, outlines more than 120 actions aiming to ‘advance science, realign incentives, increase public awareness and strengthen cross-sector collaboration’. With several of the key initiatives focusing on dietary health, the food and beverage industry is set to be significantly impacted by these proposals, which Kennedy said will “realign” the food system.   Key focus points for the food industry   GRAS reform The Commission has proposed a significant overhaul of the current Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) approval process for food and beverage ingredients. The GRAS system was first introduced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1958 and was made voluntary in 1997. Manufacturers are encouraged to submit a GRAS notice to the FDA, providing an analysis of the substance, its properties and the necessary supporting information to determine its safety in food applications. The FDA will then review this and issue a ‘no questions letter’ to the company if it has no concerns. However, manufacturers can currently self-affirm their ingredient as GRAS without notifying the Food and Drug Administration. Kennedy has referred to this as a “loophole,” and is now planning to implement a mandatory GRAS notification programme with the FDA. The report states that this move will increase consumer transparency with respect to substances found in the nation’s food supply. While Kennedy first called on the FDA to review the rules back in March , the proposed changes have now been added to the FDA’s spring 2026 Unified Agenda for planning and consultation. The change will not impact ingredients that are already determined as GRAS. But for food-tech companies bringing novel ingredients to market that have not yet been affirmed, such as ingredients made using advanced fermentation methods, the reform would lengthen the regulatory approval process and result in significant delays for companies working toward launching their products/ingredients to market.   Defining UPFs The report touches on plans to develop a US government-wide definition for ‘ultra-processed foods’ (UPFs), aiming to improve clarity and support future research and policy activity. It highlights research suggesting that over 60% of children’s calories now come from highly processed foods in the US, which have been associated with a range of chronic health conditions including diabetes and obesity. While discussion around UPFs has been ramping up in recent years, there is currently no universally accepted definition of what this means and which foods fall into this category – though they are commonly defined by the Nova system, a framework developed by researchers in Brazil. Generally, UPFs are recognised to be pre-packaged foods that have undergone various industrial processing methods and often contain synthetic additives, as well as high levels of salt, sugar and saturated fat.   Food dyes The Commission said the FDA will work to continuously advance policies that limit or prohibit the use of petroleum-based food dues (FD&C certified colours) across all US food products. Kennedy has been increasingly calling on companies to eliminate artificial colours from their products, with several food giants including Hershey , Nestlé and JM Smucker having already announced commitments to phase out the dyes. Last month, Kellogg’s became the first food company to sign a legally binding agreement regarding the removal of all synthetic dyes from its cereals by the end of 2027 . This followed an investigation launched by Texas attorney general Ken Paxton earlier in the year after Kellogg’s claimed it would remove petroleum-based colourings in the US, but did not do so. More food and beverage manufacturers are likely to make similar commitments as situation continues to unfold, with regulatory pressures mounting and consumers becoming increasingly concerned about health effects linked to certain artificial colourants, including behavioural issues in children and even potential carcinogenic effects. The MAHA strategy noted that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services will work to develop research and policies that support domestic agriculture production of plants used as natural colour sources.   Nutrition labelling The FDA will consider revisions to its proposed front-of-pack nutrition information labelling rule changes based on input received during the comment period, and is working toward development of a final rule. Proposed in January 2025 , the changes would require front-of-pack nutrition labels on packaged foods sold in the US, prominently displaying the product’s saturated fat, sodium and added sugar levels. Named the Nutrition Info Box, the initiative aims to give consumers readily visible information about a food’s nutritional profile in order to encourage healthier food choices. Food manufacturers would be required to add a ‘Nutrition Info’ box to the front of most packaged food products, three years after the final rule’s effective date for businesses with $10 million or more in annual food sales, and four years after the rule’s effective date for businesses with less than $10 million in annual food sales.   Infant formula The strategy has pledged to modernise nutrient requirements for infant formula and increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants, aiming to ensure access to high-quality formula products in the US. The FDA is encouraging companies to develop new infant formula products while working on opportunities to help inform consumers about formula ingredients. Kennedy said that the agency will “use all resources and authorities at its disposal to make sure infant formula products are safe and wholesome for the families and children who rely on them,” aiming to bolster the resilience of the domestic formula supply while ensuring safety and nutritional adequacy.   Dairy and agriculture deregulation The Commission plans to undertake several actions that aim to ‘eliminate outdated or unnecessary regulations’ and ‘cut red tape’. Among these is a plan to remove restrictions on whole milk sales in schools, enabling districts to offer full-fat dairy options alongside reduced fat alternatives. Whole and 2% milk has been banned in US schools for more than a decade, an initiative implemented by the Obama administration amid efforts to reduce childhood obesity by providing low-fat alternatives. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act would eliminate these restrictions and could increase dairy uptake in schools if signed into law. The Commission also pledges to ‘remove barriers’ preventing small dairy operations from processing and selling their own products locally, though it does not expand on specific actions to be taken. Kennedy has previously been vocal about his advocacy of raw milk, believing it to offer health benefits despite safety risks posed by potential contamination with bacteria that would otherwise be killed during pasteurisation. The MAHA strategy also mentions plans to streamline organic certification processes and reduce costs for small farms transitioning to organic practices. Precision agriculture, pesticides and soil health The report affirms the government's current pesticide review procedures through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which it describes as 'robust'. However, it promises continued investment through a partnership between USDA, EPA and private sector businesses to allow more targeted and precise pesticide applications to support increased crop productivity and reduce the total amount of pesticides needed. These will focus on precision application methods including targeted drone applications, computer-assisted targeted spray technology, robotic monitoring and related innovations. The strategy also pledges to incentivise farming solutions in partnership with the private sector that focus on soil health and stewardship of the land. This includes providing growers with new tools to better enable soil health practices and prioritising the 'acres of shovel-ready conservation projects already planned by farmers'. Industry reaction The report has drawn mixed reactions from industry and in the media, with some criticising its vague nature and calling for expansion on the action points outlined in the strategy. Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health emerita at New York University, commented on the strategy: "The report has a lot of ideas for actions that really could improve health, but is short on specifics and weak on regulatory action". " It dropped any mention of reducing sugar and salt in processed foods... What’s still missing is regulation. So much of this is voluntary, work with, promote, partner." Sarah Starman, senior food and agriculture campaigner at Friends of the Earth, described it as a "slap in the face to millions of Americans," criticising its lack of focus on organic farming initiatives and reduction of pesticide use. She commented: "Laughably, the report calls the EPA’s lax, flawed and notoriously industry-friendly pesticide regulation process ‘robust.’ This, in spite of the fact that EPA currently allows more than 1 billion pounds of pesticide use on US crops each year, including the use of 85 pesticides that are banned in other countries because of the serious risks they pose to human health and the environment." "The American public deserves better than hollow assurances. We deserve a plan that would actually fix the EPA’s broken processes, curb the influence of the chemical industry over the agency, and decrease our exposure to toxic pesticides." Kenneth Hartman Jr, president of the National Corn Growers Association, said the strategy offers "a reasonable and science-based approach for achieving its objectives". "We are encouraged that when the commission engaged with agricultural stakeholders and followed the science, it reaffirmed what we already know: EPA is the appropriate agency for regulating crop inputs," Hartman said. "We are also delighted to see precision agriculture, soil health and land stewardship prioritised, as these are areas in which corn farmers have led the way for many years. We look forward to working with the administration and Congress as they turn to the implementation of the report."

Incredibles, a brand under cannabis company Rythm, has unveiled its latest product launch: Strawberry Supernova Comets. This new offering, which features bite-sized gummies coated in colourful candy, has launched on the company's direct-to-consumer platform, with availability in Rise Dispensaries across Illinois beginning September 15. As the cannabis edibles market continues to surge, projected to exceed $48 billion by 2030, Incredibles aims to capitalise on consumer preferences for innovative and flavourful products. “With edibles among the fastest-growing ways people enjoy cannabis, Comets joins the scene at an exciting time, offering a product that’s both craveable and unique,” said Dominic O’Brien, head of revenue and commercial services for Incredibles. Comets are designed to provide a multi-sensory experience, combining a crunchy outer layer with a chewy gummy center. Each piece contains 10mg of THC, with every package totaling 100mg. The launch of Strawberry Supernova is positioned to attract consumers looking for sweet, confectionery options in the cannabis space, which has seen increasing demand for such products. The introduction of Comets is timely, as the market for cannabis edibles, particularly gummies, remains one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing segments. According to GMI Insights, this category is expected to reach a global valuation of over $27 billion by 2032. As consumer tastes evolve, products like Comets are likely to resonate with those seeking novel and enjoyable ways to consume cannabis. Incredibles has served the cannabis confections space since 2010. The launch of Comets marks a significant milestone for the brand as it celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Better-for-you snack company Tandem Foods has officially launched its first manufacturing line at a new facility in Cypress, California, marking a significant milestone in the company’s 40-year history. This investment, touted as the largest in the company's timeline, positions Tandem Foods as the largest wafer bar manufacturer in the US. The new facility is designed to enhance production capabilities and support the growth of Tandem's strategic partners. According to CEO Michael Buick, this expansion is a direct response to the increasing demand from existing customers and a robust pipeline of new business opportunities. “Bringing this facility online enhances our ability to serve existing customers and provides the flexibility to scale with new opportunities,” Buick said. The inaugural manufacturing line is dedicated to producing high-quality wafer bars, boosting Tandem Foods’ capacity in this critical segment by over 150%. This expansion not only reinforces Tandem's status as a trusted partner in the snack industry but also underscores its commitment to operational excellence and innovation. In line with contemporary sustainability practices, the new line incorporates eco-efficient baking technology that significantly reduces gas consumption and emissions. By optimizing heat capture during the baking process, Tandem Foods sets a new standard for responsible manufacturing in the snack category, aligning with growing consumer and regulatory demands for sustainable practices. The Cypress facility is designed with future growth in mind, providing ample space for additional manufacturing lines to accommodate anticipated demand. Featured image: © Tandem Foods.

Sprinkles Chocolate, the consumer packaged goods extension of the renowned Sprinkles bakery, is set to debut its latest innovation, Cupcake Bites, this September. This new product line aims to capture the indulgent flavours of traditional cupcakes in a convenient, snackable format, catering to the growing demand for portable treats in the F&B sector. The Cupcake Bites feature a soft, cupcake-like center enveloped in a rich, frosting-flavoured shell, allowing consumers to enjoy the nostalgic taste of Sprinkles’ iconic cupcakes on the go. The initial flavour offerings include: Birthday Cake: A vanilla cupcake center with birthday cake frosting and rainbow sprinkles. Cookie Dough: Classic cookie dough flavour with a sweet frosting shell and cookie crumbles. Red Velvet: A rich red velvet center with a cream cheese-flavoured coating. Cookies & Cream: Chocolate cake blended with cookies & cream frosting and crunchy cookie bits. These products will be available on Amazon and at Sprouts locations starting this month. Ashley Rogers, CEO of Sprinkles CPG, highlighted the strategic importance of this launch: “Cupcake Bites represent a meaningful step into a new snacking category, seamlessly fitting into today’s consumer routines”. The introduction of these bite-sized treats aligns with broader trends in the food industry, where convenience and on-the-go options are increasingly favoured by consumers. In addition to Cupcake Bites, Sprinkles is expanding its Cupcake Cups line with limited-edition seasonal flavours. Since its launch last year, the Cupcake Cups have successfully brought the flavors of Sprinkles’ classic cupcakes into a portable format. The upcoming seasonal offerings, available exclusively at Whole Foods and later on Amazon, include: Pumpkin Spice: A white chocolate treat filled with pumpkin frosting, topped with graham cookie crumbles. Apple Pie: A white chocolate cup filled with apple pie frosting, topped with graham crumbles. Hot Cocoa: A milk chocolate cup filled with marshmallow frosting, topped with marshmallow crumbles. Christmas Cookie: A festive treat of white chocolate filled with sugar cookie frosting and topped with festive sprinkles. The seasonal flavours are expected to resonate with consumers looking for festive indulgences as the holiday season approaches.