Single-serve formats part of Kellogg's growth plan for snacks

(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Introducing smaller packaging formats for Cheez-It and Pringles will position both brands for growth by creating more snacking opportunities, said Paul Norman, president of Kellogg North America. The company is also hoping to boost sales of its Kashi brand with the introduction of new Go Lean cereal and bars, Norman said. BakeryAndSnacks.com (France) (2/18)

McCormick plans to cut costs by $400M
Continuing cost-effective practices throughout its supply chain and streamlining its global operations are among the strategies McCormick executives are planning to cut its costs by $400 million in four years, said Executive Vice President and CFO Gordon Stetz. The company also plans to boost sales growth by expanding its organic and non-GMO product portfolio, Stetz said. BakingBusiness.com (2/18)

Jones Soda develops premium soda line for 7-Eleven
7-Eleven partnered with Jones Soda on a co-branded soda line called 7-Select that will enter US stores next month. The five sodas are the first caffeinated beverages produced by Jones. "We spent a lot of time analyzing the 7-Eleven guest," Jones Soda CEO Jennifer Cue said. "It's a guest that's on-the-go. Energy drinks do very well in 7-Eleven, so we definitely felt that we wanted to include something that would give the guests a bit of a pick-up in the afternoon." BevNet.com (2/18), FoodBusinessNews.net (free registration) (2/18), CSP (2/18)

PepsiCo CEO: "5 Cs" model is recipe for success

Nooyi (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi credits the company's continued strong performance to its focus on culture, a commercial agenda, cost focus, capital allocation and building capabilities, which she calls the "5 Cs" model. "We have the right balance, the right priorities, the right vision and a commitment to creating long-term value for all of our shareholders," Nooyi said. FoodBusinessNews.net (free registration) (2/19)

Trends

Natural snacks and sodas, exotic foods poised for growth

(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Food retailers and brands should be ready to meet consumer demand for all-natural snacks that are "as close to their most natural form as possible," sodas without artificial dyes and international and unconventional foods that appeal to shoppers' taste for exotic flavors, writes Joel Goldstein, president of Mr. Checkout Distributors. Progressive Grocer (2/19)

Most Read by the C-Suite

SmartBrief Exclusives

Food brands find ways to make mobile connections
Food retailers and packaged food brands have a large and growing array of mobile options to choose from, and they're working to tailor their mobile offerings to meet customers' needs, experts said at the National Retail Federation's BIG Show last month. Finding a balance between reaching customers where they are and not overwhelming them to the point that your message is lost is vital to mobile success, said Tim Burke, director of category leadership at Kraft Heinz. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Food & Beverage (2/22)

Advertising & Marketing

Pepsi plans worldwide campaign centered on emojis

(Pixabay)

Pepsi is gearing up to roll out a range of emoji-designed bottles and cans to 100 markets around the world, including the US. The push includes country-specific emojis, and the brand is extending the designs beyond its own products with items such as emoji-inspired sunglasses. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model) (2/19)

Retail Spotlight

Raley's teams with food truck to boost its brand
Raley's Family of Fine Stores is partnering with food truck operator Flavor Face to provide all of its food, as part of an effort to increase Raley's brand recognition and establish a presence at community events, the retailer said. "The food truck revolution has become the newest, convenient, entertaining dining experience and Raley's is eager to be a part of it," the company said. Progressive Grocer (2/18)

Health & Wellness

Functional beverage trend drives brain-boosting drinks
The growing functional beverage trend and interest in cognitive health are driving an increase in the use of ingredients such as antioxidants and omega-3s in beverages, industry experts say. "The market is just beginning to gain traction for these products and the future could see impressive growth with innovative formulation and ingredients in a variety of liquid formats, such as shots, beverages, tinctures, liquid concentrates, etc. I think we’ll see that the companies who invest in this category early will have a considerable advantage and be well-positioned to succeed," said Matt Phillips, chief commercial officer at Nutegrity. BevIndustry.com (2/15)

GMA News

Don't delay! Register for GMA's Food Safety Modernization Workshops!

(GMA)

GMA's multi-part Beyond the Basics Workshop Series will prepare your company to address every aspect of Food Safety Modernization. It takes a deeper dive into FSMA, providing attendees the required tools to implement each essential component of a Food Safety Plan. Join us as we guide manufacturers in the transition from HACCP to an effective food safety plan -- register today!

Government & Food Safety

Proposed Senate bill would block Vermont food labeling law
Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan, introduced proposed legislation late Friday that would block a Vermont bill requiring states to label genetically modified foods. Food industry groups that want a more streamlined labeling process have voiced support for Roberts' bill. "Congress must pass a national food labeling solution that offers farmers, families and food producers the certainty and access to the affordable and sustainable food supply they deserve," said GMA president Pamela Bailey. The Associated Press (2/19), FoodNavigator (2/21)

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