March is Women’s History Month and a great time to support local companies owned by women, as we mentioned in our last issue – but did you know that many national companies are also women-owned. Check out this list from Foodboro.
Registration is now open for the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo from May 22 – 25 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Ill. The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the can’t-miss event for the candy and snack industries – the best place for attendees to discover brand new innovations, gain actionable insights and benefit from unparalleled access to category and retail industry professionals. Booth costs start around $50/sq ft.
Natural Products Expo West wrapped up last week in Anaheim with more than 65,000 registered attendees and 3,000 exhibitors. This year’s event saw a resurgence of excitement and energy around natural products after a lull during the pandemic. Companies showcased innovative and sustainable products, and attendees were excited about the latest trends and insights in the industry.
Tim Prager of Capstone CPG and DFW CPG Membership Co-Chair had these comments, “One of the hottest ingredients that stole the show this year was mushrooms.” Companies from food to skincare showcased their products infused with mushroom extracts, such as reishi, chaga, and lion’s mane, touting their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. From mushroom jerky to mushroom coffee, it seemed like every aisle had a new mushroom-based product.
Another significant trend that emerged was functionality in beverages. Companies focused on creating drinks that offer more than just hydration, adding functional ingredients like adaptogens, probiotics, and fiber to their beverages to address specific health needs. From gut health to stress relief, the beverage industry is taking a more holistic approach to wellness with their offerings. Other hot trends: regenerative agriculture, zero waste and upcycling.
The show demonstrated that the industry is bouncing back, and there is a renewed interest in natural and sustainable products. As consumers increasingly demand healthier and more sustainable options, companies are clearly rising to the challenge.” Thanks, Tim, for your hands-on insight!
Exploring new packaging? Don’t miss the next Fortis Solutions Summit in Lewisville, TX, April 20 from 9-3. Visit mini-trade show booths featuring new packaging innovations, quality control, sustainability, and all Fortis packaging products. Learn more and RSVP here.
Ladies Who Launch, is seeking applicants for their $10k grant program supporting women and non-binary CPG small business owners. Their six-month program includes education and mentorship – SKU’s Michelle Breyer was a previous speaker. The group was co-founded by Sarah Friar – CEO of NextDoor, former CFO of Square – and Kelly McGonigle – from Square as well. Apply here by March 31.
Looking for Brand E X P O S U R E ? We’re on the look-out for a few highly-motivated Brand Founder/CEOs who are in need of free publicity. Are you interested in sharing your company’s journey? How you got to where you are and where you’re headed? If so, answer these 5 EASY QUESTIONS and spend a few moments talking to our very own in-house PR Guru Charles Nicolas and he’ll work his magic to create a high-impact Brand Profile of your dynamically-growing company.
Startup CPG has launched the Shelfies Awards with the goal of giving exceptional small CPG brands the recognition they deserve. As the first and only awards program specifically for emerging CPG brands, the Shelfies eliminate the typical hurdles involved in awards applications and create opportunity for brands in their earliest stages. Learn more here.
H-E-B is also accepting entries for the 10th Annual H-E-B Quest for Texas Best, thru April 6. Participants will compete for $70,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to feature their product on H-E-B shelves across the state. To prepare for Quest, a virtual info session will be held March 30. Registration is required and space is limited to competitors only. To apply, reserve your info meeting space, review details, and learn more about the video requirement, please visit heb.com/quest.
You’re invited to the best party of the year! Join The DEC Network’s State of Entrepreneurship presented by Bank of America, in person at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco on March 29th from 6:00-8:30 pm. The event will be the official kick-off to Dallas Startup Week sponsored by Capital One. Register here and be sure to mention that you heard about it from Richard Riccardi and DFW CPG.
Information Resources, Inc. (“IRI”) and The NPD Group (“NPD”) today unveiled a new combined company name and brand identity: Circana, purported to be the leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior. Circana will provide clarity that helps clients take action and unlock business growth. Learn more here.