Campbell pledges $125M in funding for food startups
Campbell Soup will invest $125 million in food startups through the new Acre Venture Partners fund, as part of an effort to develop a better approach to investing in startups, CEO Denise Morrison said Wednesday. "There's a massive influx of venture capital aimed at disrupting the food ecosystem, flowing from traditional VC firms and from funds managed by large food companies," Morrison said. But "a more strategic and methodical approach" is necessary, she added. Advertising Age (free access for SmartBrief readers) (2/17), The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (2/17)

Smithfield Foods, United Suppliers team on soil conservation project
Smithfield Foods is teaming with agricultural cooperative United Suppliers to improve soil conservation and reduce erosion at its hog-sourcing plants in the Midwest. Smithfield plans to use United's SUSTAIN platform in locations in Iowa and Missouri. Meat & Poultry Online (2/17)

Abbott eschews standard flavors to help snack bars stand out
Ensure-maker Abbott Laboratories is counting on sophisticated flavors and bright packaging to help its new Curate line stand out in the crowded snack bar category. Ingredients such as sea salt and vinegar lend a savory flavor that may appeal to consumers looking for snacks with less sugar. FoodNavigator (2/17)

Sports drink targets athletes with sugar beet sweetener
Sports drink brand Nth Degree Innovations designed its line of beverages with serious athletes in mind and uses a low glycemic sugar beet-derived sweetener called Palatinose, said co-founder Peter Strahm. The company plans to expand distribution from New York and New Jersey to regions including Southern California and select markets in the Southeastern US. CNBC (2/16)

Trends

Data: Brands must rethink meals as consumer habits shift

(FoodBankCENC.org/Flickr)

Consumers are trading traditional three-part meals for one- and two-dish meals, especially at dinner, according to data from NPD Group. "This doesn't mean that main meals, ingredients, condiments and side dishes are going away, it just requires food manufacturers to reconsider the role of these items in the occasion and how these items can stay relevant to consumers' new eating patterns," said David Portalatin, vice president and food industry analyst at NPD. Supermarket News (free registration) (2/16)

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain managers are more important than ever
The role of the supply chain manager is critical to increasing visibility, Larry Lewis writes. Transportation management systems are helping to identify problems in the supply chain, and managers must make sure regulations and compliance standards are being met and the right software is being used. Industrial Distribution online (2/16)

Advertising & Marketing

Snickers mocks airbrushing in SI Swimsuit spot

(Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

Snickers has used the back cover of the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated to poke fun at the art of airbrushing. The ad from BBDO New York shows a model in a bikini with some unusual features due to photoshopping mistakes. The headline reads: "Photo retouchers get confused when they're hungry." Adweek (2/17), Advertising Age (free access for SmartBrief readers) (2/17)

Retail Spotlight

Moms find a lot to like about Kroger's ClickList service

(Mike Kalasnik/Flickr)

Kroger is finding success with its ClickList online grocery program, especially among shoppers with young children, according to online consumer feedback. "Dear Kroger ClickList...You have changed my life. I don't know if I'll ever go in a grocery store again. Ok maybe that's exaggerating but with twins and 20-degree weather, having groceries brought to my car was awesome!!!" customer Audra Logan wrote on Facebook. Business Insider (2/17)

GMA News

Start the path to compliance through the FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Course

(GMA)

GMA's nationally recognized food safety experts will train you to support your FSMA compliance! This training curriculum, recognized by the FDA, is focused on arming attendees with the essential food safety knowledge, tools, and documentation requirements necessary to develop a Food Safety Plan. Now is the time to prepare! Join GMA March 15-17 or May 17-19 in Washington, D.C. Secure your spot today!

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