Mary Bentley

Snack Trends Alert! Protein power, sustainability strides, and flavor fusions are reshaping snacking in 2024! Key takeaways from a recent article in Food Business News by Brooke Just: Protein Reigns Supreme: General Mills, Kodiak Cakes, and @Wilde Brands are leading the charge with protein-packed snacks, responding to consumer demand for healthier options. From bars to chips, protein is the star of the show, offering guilt-free indulgence with a health halo. Sugar Reduction: Consumers are seeking sweet treats without the added sugar, driving brands to explore natural alternatives like dates. With Date Better Snacks leading the way, snacks sweetened with dates offer nostalgia without the naughty, appealing to health-conscious snackers. Sustainability: Upcycled foods are making waves in the snack industry, with brands like Mosh and Balanced Tiger leading the charge. By repurposing overlooked ingredients, these brands are not only reducing food waste but also creating sustainable snack options for a greener planet. Super Mushrooms: Mushrooms are emerging as a powerhouse ingredient in snacks, offering health benefits and unique flavor profiles. From bars to chips, lion's mane and other super mushrooms are becoming mainstream, blurring the lines between functional foods and indulgent treats. Evolving Flavors: Bold new flavors like jalapeño and dill pickle are shaking up the snack scene, appealing to adventurous taste buds. With brands like Sister Schubert's and Good Foods Group, LLC leading the way, savory snacks are getting a spicy makeover. Looking to tap into these trends and take your snacks to the next level? Upcycled Foods, Inc. (UP, Inc.) has the solution! Our ReGrained SuperGrain+ is a B2B ingredient that can enhance protein, fiber, and flavor in snack foods, all while addressing sustainability. By repurposing nutritious grains that would otherwise go to waste, Upcycled Foods helps snack food manufacturers create delicious, nutritious, and planet-friendly snacks that consumers will love. Join us in revolutionizing snacking for a healthier, more sustainable future! #SnackRevolution #alternativeproteins #upcycledfoods #foodwaste #snacktrends #SustainableSnacking #Regrained Daniel Kurzrock Upcycled Food Association

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In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by nutrition experts Jessie Shafer, RD and Debra Eschmeyer. According to Eschmeyer, two out of three children on average drink a sugary beverage every day. Moreover, children consume approximately fifty-three pounds of added #sugar per year. To combat this acclimation to extremely sweet products, many #CPG brands are starting to reduce added sugar and natural sweeteners in children’s products and increasing nutrients like fiber and protein. Bottom line: when it comes to sweetness, less is more. Listen here: https://utm.io/ugPXr #naturalproducts #brands #lowsugar #childrensnutrition

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The natural high in sales when you get a win and/or have a great review meeting...is worth ALL of the stress we absorb daily. #sales #cpg #wins #plantbasedmilk #organic #malkorganics

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👨🏼‍🍳 In this month's episode of Hungry for Change, we sit down with Thomas Wood, a neuroscientist dedicated to making science accessible and improving health through lifestyle and environment. Dr. Wood shares fascinating insights on how factors like food texture, flavor, and preparation can impact our feelings of fullness and nutrient absorption. 🥤🥩🥒 He explains that while fiber, water, and protein content play key roles in how satiated we feel, recent studies show that the texture of food also makes a difference. Crunchy and hard-to-eat foods can increase satiety more than soft foods. For example, consuming 2000 calories from a milkshake is much easier than from a steak with crunchy vegetables, which requires more chewing and is more satisfying. 👉 Learn how to chew your way to better health and make every bite count. Tune in to hear more from Dr. Tommy Wood and learn how to make smarter food choices for better satiety and nutrition! 🎙️Podcast available on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and Overcast. Link: https://tr.ee/7kbfohyUc- 

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Ingredient Spotlight: Get to Know the Spirits Used in Cocktails Spirits, also known as liquors, make for the base ingredient in most cocktail blends. They are supposed to have a neutral flavor profile and are used to add a boozy kick to the mix. If you know a little about cocktails, you’ll know that the base typically consists of distilled liquors such as vodka, whiskey, tequila, brandy, gin, rum, etc. These are the top choice in spirits and are always stocked in bars all around the world. If you’ve got an exquisite bottle of liquor sitting at home but don’t know what to do with it, try some of our favorite recipes. - Vodka Cocktails: Espresso Martini, Vodkatini, Black Russian, Milano, Vodka Sour, Kangaroo - Gin Cocktails: Negroni Cocktail, Dry Martini, Coffee Sour, Income Tax Cocktail, Clover Leaf - Whiskey Cocktails: Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Mint Julep, Old Fashioned, Scotch Sour, Scotch Negroni, Highlander, Dreamsicle - Rum Cocktails: Daiquiri, Mojito Cocktail, Casablanca, Sloppy Joe, Mint Daiquiri - Brandy Cocktails: Cognac Julep, Brandy Sour, Brandy Manhattan, Sidecar, Pierre Collins, Hot Toddy - Tequila Cocktails: Margarita, Picador, Tequila Sour, Mexican Manhattan, Tequila Sunset, Tequila’tini, Rosita Don’t have the right glassware for serving cocktails? Start your collection with a versatile set of go-to pieces like these round cups and goblet-style glasses. Then keep adding as you go! #CocktailIngredients #CocktailCreations #DrinkInspiration #MixologyMagic #BartenderEssentials #CraftingCocktails #CocktailCulture #CocktailHour #CocktailInspo #DrinkIdeas

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"What we do now is good enough..." Well, is it really? Beer glass rinsers were good for their time, because it was the best of what was available to clean bar tools. They were repurposed to clean bar tools because there was a definite need in the market. But when you use equipment for something it was never designed for, you end up with problems. Beer glass rinsers: ❌ are inconsistent ❌ waste a lot of time ❌ require manual operation ❌ only rinse one vessel at a time ❌ do not rinse the outside surfaces of vessels And the list goes on and on. That's why I invented a custom, bespoke solution to clean bar tools. Auto-Rinse™ is everything a beer glass rinser is trying to be: ✅ fast ✅ durable ✅ automatic ✅ easy to clean ✅ rinses 2 tins and a strainer simultaneously And the list goes on and on... If you really want the most efficient way to rinse bar tools, you need to consider Auto-Rinse™ for your operations. Saving seconds per drink build = getting your servers back on the floor so they can sell. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/et9MuYD #bars #restaurants #cocktails #specialtycoffee #bubbletea

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This is a very informative article that should be a must read for any leader in our industry. There are many unknowns after the Chevron ruling, and we all need to stay up to speed on how quickly things can change as a result of last weeks Supreme Court decision. Well done #StephenDaniels

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In 2024, energy drink sales in convenience stores are expected to remain robust despite anticipated price hikes. Sales surged 10.8% in the past year, with smaller brands like CELSIUS Holdings, Inc. and GHOST leading growth. These brands are forecasted to continue expanding shelf space significantly. C-store operators are preparing for higher prices by focusing on variety, promotional deals, and flexible sizing to maintain customer interest. Brands emphasizing functional and low-sugar claims are particularly popular, catering to consumer demand for health-focused beverages. Overall, while inflation poses challenges, the energy drink market in c-stores is poised for continued growth through strategic marketing and product innovation. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/e84H9Bbn C-Store Dive Branded Hospitality Ventures Sally Lyons Wyatt #hospitality #beverage #foodandbeverage #technology #innovation Joe Sobolewski Paul Storey John Fieldly Giancarlo Morena Jarrod Langhans Toby David Mark Magnesen Ryan Hughes

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Domino’s Hungry for MORE strategy drives strong Q1 Results 🚀 As we announced this morning, our first quarter results continue to demonstrate that our Hungry for MORE strategy is working, and our incredible team members and franchisees are delivering on our promise to drive MORE sales, MORE stores, and MORE profits.  Key Highlights: • MORE Sales: Excluding the impact of foreign currency, global retail sales grew 7.3%, driven by strong U.S. and Intl. comps and global net store growth. In the U.S., our same store sales rose by 5.6%, driven by both delivery and carryout, up 2.9% and 9.5%, respectively.    • MORE Stores: We added 20 net new stores in the U.S., bringing our U.S. system store count to 6,874 stores. Our international store count increased by 144 net stores in the first quarter, bringing our system store count to over 20,700 stores at the end of the quarter.   • MORE Profits: Our new and improved Domino’s Rewards loyalty program drove outsized comp performance and flowed through to our income from operations, which increased 19.4% (excluding FX). Our unit economics remain strong, and we remain on track to achieve our target of $170k or more in average U.S. franchise store profit for 2024. We made a number of key strides in the quarter to deliver against our Hungry for MORE strategic pillars. In the first quarter, we were on air with Pan Pizza for the first time since 2014, showcasing our Most Delicious Food and the variety of crusts that we have to offer. We continue to see benefits from our service initiatives that we rolled out in prior periods against our Operational Excellence objective. In Q1, we delivered more pizzas than we did in Q1 of last year, and at improved delivery times. We've always been known as a premier value player, but Renowned Value is not about having just the lowest price in the market, it’s about providing value that is innovative and memorable. Our Emergency Pizza campaign broke through the ‘sea of sameness’, performing better than any ‘BOGO’ I’ve done in my career. This innovative campaign drove active Domino’s Rewards member growth, particularly among new, lapsed and light users. This, in turn, helped to drive increased order counts in the U.S. across all income groups in both our carryout and delivery segments! Everything we do at Domino’s is Enhanced by our Best-in-Class Franchisees, and I can’t wait to host them at our Worldwide Rally next week. They were the inspiration behind Hungry for MORE and I’m looking forward to bringing our strategy to life across our global system. I could not be more excited about 2024 and beyond for Domino’s Pizza. Our first quarter results clearly show that our strategy is resonating with customers. This gives me great confidence in our ability to deliver against our short and long term Hungry for MORE goals and drive significant value creation for Domino’s franchisees and investors. #Dominos #HungryforMORE

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The rise of hard seltzer has shaken up the beverage industry, drawing in both consumers and marketers. With its crisp flavor and low calorie count, hard seltzer has swiftly become a popular choice for many. - Worldwide ready-to-drink Beverage sales will reach $17.67 billion by 2025, signaling enormous growth opportunities. - Digital ad spend in the spirits category increased 63% year-over-year, reflecting the industry's shift toward online channels. Since its inception in 2016, White Claw has captivated consumers with its simplicity and variety of flavors. Founder Anthony von Mandl's talent for storytelling has propelled the Brand to unprecedented success, attracting a loyal following and $2 billion in sales. Marketing Strategies: -White Claw's triumph lies in its ability to connect with consumers through compelling stories and innovative product lines. - The Brand's commitment to wellness and inclusivity resonated with millennials and Gen Z, driving Brand loyalty and advocacy. - Viral marketing campaigns such as the "No Laws When You Drink Claws" movement fueled organic growth and received widespread media attention. As the hard seltzer market continues to evolve, White Claw is serving as a trailblazer, setting the standard for innovation and Brand storytelling. With its unwavering commitment to quality and consumer-focused approach, White Claw is poised for sustained success in the ever-changing Beverage market. #WhiteClaw #HardSeltzer #MushroomMedia #MushroomMediaIo #DigitalStrategy #DigitalMedia #DigitalMarketingAgency #DigitalMarketing #Marketing

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We know that herbs and spices deliver a burst of flavor at mealtime. But did you know that herbs and spices can promote the consumption of healthier versions of classic meals, like chili? Research at Pennsylvania State University, funded by the McCormick Science Institute (MSI), has studied how to remove some saturated fat, sugar and salt from meals while ensuring they remain appealing to consumers. Learn more: https://ow.ly/ZWvo50SbK46 #NationalHerbsandSpicesDay

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In the realm of tree nuts, almonds often steal the spotlight. However, the creamy, protein-rich cashew is carving out its own niche. It is becoming a symbol of the health-conscious, vegetarian consumer. As demand skyrockets, especially in the U.S., which consumes nearly a third of the world's supply, cashews are more than just a trend—they are a movement. The market for cashew milk is expected to nearly triple, and nondairy cheese made from cashews is set to double in value over the next decade. Cashews are essential for a variety of plant-based products, contributing to a surge in the plant-based foods market. Cashews traverse an intricate global path, from West African farms to processing in Vietnam or India, before reaching local stores. This journey underscores the complex nature of modern agribusiness. Yet, the rise of cashews is not without challenges. The labor-intensive harvesting process, often involving impoverished farmers, raises ethical concerns. Additionally, environmental impacts such as deforestation and the strain of climate change on prime cashew-growing regions are significant issues. The industry is pushing for more responsible sourcing. Initiatives like those from Miyoko’s Creamery emphasize ethically traded, self-irrigating organic farms, setting a precedent for sustainability. As we celebrate the cashew's success, we must also champion ethical practices and sustainable growth. The journey of each cashew nut from farm to table should reflect our commitment to health, fairness, and environmental stewardship. #CashewRevolution #SustainableAgriculture #PlantBased #HealthConscious #EthicalFarming #GlobalTrade #ImiriSoma

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Flavorants, not terpenes, are responsible for the unique and diverse flavors and aromas of cannabis. While the term “flavorants” has been used to describe food additives for quite some time, cannabis flavorants are something else entirely. In the context of cannabis, flavorants are non-terpene compounds (esters, volatile sulfur compounds, alcohols, etc.) found in low concentrations that are responsible for the unique and diverse aromas of the plant. Yes, you read that right. Flavorants, not terpenes, are what make your favorite cultivars smell the way they do. That makes it sound like we just stumbled upon this information, but it took a LOT of time and research. Initially, we set out to discover the chemical origins of exotic canna aromatics, but we had no idea just how groundbreaking our results would be. Like how d-Limonene isn’t the citrus flavor-maker we always thought it was! Or that one of the flavorants we discovered is also found in feces—gross, but it only gets weirder and cooler. We encourage you to read our Science of Exotic Part I, II, III, and our upcoming Part IV for all the details on our research, but today we’re focusing on these special compounds. 📲 Read the full blog below to learn more about flavorants, individual cannabis flavorants, and their potential impact on the industry. #AbstraxTech #Flavorants #TheScienceOfExotic #Skatole #Indole #Mercaptohexanol #Tropicannasulfurs #PrenylatedSulfurCompounds #Thiols #Terplytics #Flavor #Aroma #Sensory #Botanicals #GCxGC #GasChromatography https://lnkd.in/e263GAyY

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The National Restaurant Association Show this year had a clear and major theme – easy, impactful changes to minimize labor costs and maximize consumer spending. The shift in focus from high-end aspirational changes and million-dollar equipment to practical, cost-effective solutions seems indicative of a shift in operator needs. Innovation at its Simplest: This year's show featured more startup equipment suppliers showcasing ingenious, homemade solutions. From mop cleaners made from five-gallon buckets to devices for slicing bar garnishes, these inventions were not only affordable but also offered significant labor savings. The absence of sleek, expensive robots highlighted a critical reality: operators need to reduce labor costs but can't afford high upfront investments. If last year was the year of the robot, this year was the year of the five-gallon bucket. Doing More with Less: Cooking demonstrations pivoted from creating complicated new dishes to upskilling labor. They showcased how fewer kitchen staff could still produce high-end meals through cross-training, simple equipment solutions, and simplified recipes. The focus was on practical inspiration, like rotating garnishes and sides to keep menus fresh without needing new techniques. Enhancing Customer Experience: Bartending mixology demos shifted from crafting complex cocktails to boosting sales through simple techniques. One standout tip was for bartenders to shake a cocktail shaker full of ice water early in the evening. The sound of ice being shaken creates a vibrant ambiance, encouraging customers to order more cocktails. It's a small hack with a big impact on sales. The foodservice industry's ability to quickly pivot and address operators' needs continues to impress me. This year's NRA trade show demonstrated the industry's resilience and adaptability, showcasing relevant product offerings and sales strategies that meet current demands. The speed at which this industry evolves is truly remarkable. #foodservice #nationalrestaurantassociationshow #peergroup

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Maybe my 4/20 birthday is what keeps steering my interest toward the CBD space. Trait Biosciences’ Trait Distilled™ is an exciting raw material, crystal clear in beverages and boasting bioavailability perks. As for beauty, let’s just say clarity is just as beautiful—🔮 Envisioning Trait at center stage with a uniquely clear raw material in beauty innovations. #CBD #TraitDistilled #beautybeverage #TransparentTransformation #RawMaterialRevolution #drinkcbd #InnovatingBeauty #cbdbeverages #beautybusiness #rawmaterial #thcbeverages

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Innovating in the beverage space can be tricky, but salt-based hydration-focused company Cadence is taking a strategic approach. Co-founders Ross Mackay and George Heaton are targeting Cadence at a niche market: the active community and those seeking to enhance their hydration routines to include more sodium. "Working at Daring and thinking about things for my core business, (I realized) there’s hydration drinks on the market, but the ingredient list is long or the sodium is low," Mackay said. "This was founders scratching an itch, and we felt this was an itch worth going after." Read more 🧊▶️ https://ow.ly/kGAK50SyTzo #foodbusiness #startup #beverage #hydration

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Local. Food. Is. Important.

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