Emily Romanelli

In this new article, Sorenson Impact Institute CEO Katie Macc revisits her personal journey of eating only locally grown foods, reflecting on the challenges and benefits of the process. Weighing the nutritional value with the complexities of sourcing locally grown food, Macc wonders how we can transform our food systems to prioritize health and sustainability. 🌱 Read more about her pursuit of nutritious food and the role the impact community can play in finding a solution to this critical issue: https://lnkd.in/g7DZHr7A

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https://lnkd.in/gzdsPiVB - Thom King, chief innovations officer at Icon Foods, Portland, OR, says that functional carbonated beverages with prebiotic fibers, such as poppi, OLIPOP PBC, Mighty Pop and Perfy, have benefited. Beverages containing electrolytes also have reaped the benefits of clean label interest. “Nutrient-dense, high protein, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are also growing with the clean label trend,” King notes. “Many are more than 30 grams of protein per serving, with no added sugars, prebiotic fibers, as well as some with greens.” He suggests that RTD, clean label, protein meal replacement beverages are a big trend that will continue to grow. Icon Foods is here to help you clean up your ingredient declaration and nutritional fact panel with sweeteners, fibers, sweetening systems, and sweetness modulator all design to make deep clean cuts to #addedsugar

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Food loss is not just about the food we see; it’s about the water, land, energy, and labor invested in producing it, not to mention the environmental cost. If you care about sustainability, reducing hunger, and creating a more equitable food system, I encourage you to take a moment to read Jenny's article. The more we understand, the more empowered we are to act.

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Despite the challenges of the last three years, there are commercial and economic opportunities presented by the plant-based sector as does the environmental, health and societal imperative to diversify our protein supply with more familiar and convenient alternatives. This report provides quite a detailed in-depth explanation of the plant based sector in Australia in both retail and foodservice. The Australian foodservice sector presents the most immediate opportunity for plant-based meat manufacturers to continue to grow in coming years. Wiith relatively small penetration of plant- based meat in just a few segments of the foodservice category, such as in QSRs and fast casual outlets, a large share of the foodservice market remains untapped for the plant-based meat industry with the potential to generate sustained and long-term growth across the next decade. Thanks to the team Food Frontier for this detailed analysis of the Australian market. https://lnkd.in/ggQ9r4Rb FoodFrontier-2023-State-of-the-Industry-report

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“Growing a CPG company, especially in the food and beverage space, ‘is astronomically harder today,’. ” Paul Voge you said it, man. So many truth bombs dropped in this article about the challenges and difficulties growing and scaling a CPG brand in today’s world. The cruel reality is that it takes a whole lot of money or a whole lot of time (and most times both) along with a fair amount of luck to have a chance at making it. If you dont have a ton of money then you better have a ton of time, some good fortune, and a product that can withstand many changes of the seasons (and "trends"). For most emerging brands today its all about survival and just finding a way.  There are lots of traps out there– lots of shiny objects– lots of vanity metrics hoping to be noticed and cared about–but at the end of the day sometimes its just about living to see another one. Here’s to all you day-to-dayers and week-to-weekers out there that are all just finding a way. Keep finding it.

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The #coffee prosumer market is evolving. "#Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. In fact, in the National Coffee Association USA’s most recent 2024 National Coffee Data Trends report, 67% of US adults said they drank coffee the previous day – marking a 20-year high for #coffeeconsumption in the country. The report also found that US specialty coffee consumption was up by 7.5% on the previous year, with #espresso-based drinks leading the trend. So as the global specialty coffee market grows, so too does consumer knowledge and interest – especially alongside a huge focus on #consumereducation following the pandemic." This article has great insights and data you can't miss. Matthew Hill spoke with Josh Hockin, Head of Coffee at Eight Ounce Coffee Co to learn more about how the coffee prosumer market has changed and how it could evolve further. https://lnkd.in/e3gi-_J6

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Is your business targeting #GenZ coffee consumers? "Recent analyses, including insights from The Economist, have highlighted that Gen Z have a higher income than its predecessors, the #babyboomers and #millennials.  The article reports that a typical 25-year-old Gen Z-er (or Zoomer) has an annual household income of over $40,000, more than 50% above baby-boomers at the same age. While factoring in inflation and current cost of living might make these numbers less sensational, they still demonstrate that Gen Z holds considerable #economicpower." Check out today's article at Coffee Intelligence. Sarah Eleanor Charles spoke with William Dunaway about the preferences of Gen Z and millennial coffee consumers, as well as their priorities such as sustainability, community, brand building, and fun and exciting products. https://lnkd.in/e9NMCTqn

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Did you think we were done with big news after yesterday...? Well think again, my friend! Hot off the presses is our inaugural, landmark report: 🔥 The State of Regenerative CPG – Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities for Collective Action 🔥 Our inaugural report synthesizes ReGen Brands' proprietary learnings from almost three years studying regenerative CPG, including 80 podcast episodes interviewing brand executives and other key ecosystem stakeholders. Here's what you'll learn about: 1️⃣ How ReGen Brands Are Winning Today How regenerative CPG products win over consumers, drive profitable businesses and deliver impact for people, climate and nature. 2️⃣ Key Challenges & Calls To Action Sticky challenges that regenerative brands face and our thoughts on how brands and the wider industry can promote creative solutions. 3️⃣ The New ReGen Brands Ecosystem A new, unprecedented, and multifaceted support ecosystem for CPG brands supporting regenerative agriculture. 👉 CHECK OUT THE REPORT HERE: https://bit.ly/4h7l0jZ This paper is PACKED with clear and concise insights distilled by our legendary lead author, Katey Finnegan. Working on this paper with Katey has been one of my most enjoyable professional experiences in recent memory - she crushed it!! Plus our friends at JellyShot brought the 🔥 with the design work. And we're so grateful to Kristina Tober for her help with final edits! We're planning on bringing you more high-value, long-form content like this in the future through the ReGen Brands Institute. What's your favorite takeaway? What do you want to know more about? #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativefarming #regenerativefoodsystems #cpg #regenbrands #report #whitepaper #stateofregenerativeCPG

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Interesting that they've tiered third-party verifications vs. soil health assessments in the regenerative ingredient sourcing policy. It would be good to know if soil health-assessed ingredients command a premium, or if it's become the cost of accessing this retail channel. According to their May newsletter, Farmer Direct Organic in Saskatchewan is "actively seeking partnerships with farmers who are cultivating organic and ROC certified lentils. We have significant demand for ROC and organic lentils into retailer bulk bins, Farmer Direct Organic packaged products and retailer private labels." Their bid for certified organic French green lentils is currently $1.15/lb, picked up on farm (no trucking cost to the farmer) on net clean weight (no payment to the farmer for non-lentil dockage in the shipment). The premium for ROC-certified French green lentils is $.15/lb (all values in Canadian dollars). So from $1.30/lb to the farmer (+/- depending on dockage and location), in theory we could now expose the supply chain margins involved in trading into Whole Foods' retail channel. Historically this has been impossible - but the new money, new demand, new intermediaries, etc. that make up the regenerative movement are a lot more interested in transparency than commercial sensitivities in business.

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We have some very big news to share today! 🚀 ReGen Brands has launched a new ecosystem to provide education, community, and financing for CPG brands supporting regenerative agriculture. The ecosystem features non-profit and for-profit entities dedicated to nourishing brands that regenerate life. 1️⃣ ReGen Brands Institute: Informing brands that regenerate life. This insights engine provides news, perspectives, and education on the world of regenerative CPG to brands, retailers, investors, and other food system stakeholders. To date, this entity has produced 80 podcasts, 76 email newsletters, and 81 blog posts, becoming the most trusted and followed resource in regenerative CPG. 2️⃣ ReGen Brands Coalition: Unifying brands that regenerate life. This new trade association is the FIRST dedicated community exclusively for brands supporting regenerative agriculture and the FIRST organization to unite brands with various types of regenerative product claims to take collective action for positive change. 3️⃣ ReGen Brands Capital: Funding brands that regenerate life. Coming in 2025, this will be a brand capitalization advisor, provider, and connector, aligning regenerative CPG growth strategies and needs with the most symbiotic funding sources. Capital aims to help close the massive funding gap for regenerative brands by championing new, innovative financial products and fund models. You’ll find all the full information in the press release and on our new website. 🗞️ Press release: https://bit.ly/4f1XIdG 💻 Website: https://bit.ly/4h5sDaG I could write 100 posts about the journey that went into building this and how I’ve never been more convinced that we are the right people in the right place doing the right work. But for now, I’d like to say thank you to the people who’ve made today possible: Kyle - thanks for taking a chance on my crazy idea to start a podcast back in May of 2022, and thanks for riding with me on all the 100 crazy ideas since. Arron - thanks for believing in the vision and for helping to steward these essential months of formation. Our ReGen Brands Institute Board: Kevin, Caroline, & Ben - especially Kevin who has been a cornerstone supporter and thought partner in these early days. Our ReGen Brands Coalition Board: Kyle, Daniela, and Hayley - especially Daniela who has been supporting us for years and is a steadfast champion for progress and unity. And various folks who have worked, volunteered, or interned to help advance all this work in some way: Hannah, Connor, Katey, Alexi, Kristina, Brad, Stacey, and Michelle - we could not have accomplished any of this without the contributions you all made and your level of care for our mission and our community. And last but certainly not least, all of YOU. Anyone who has followed, listened, read, shared, or engaged with our work has made a difference - and we hope we can continue to serve you in new and better ways moving forward.

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https://lnkd.in/guWHQbA6 - Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) has introduced what would be a paradigm-shifting legislative package intended to improve the dietary health of Americans by banning high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and certain color additives in foods produced in the U.S. The legislative package includes two distinct acts: the Stop Spoonfuls of Fake Sugar Act and the Do or Dye Act. The Do or Dye Act targets toxic food dyes like Red No. 40 and Yellow Nos. 5 and 6. There is already mounting pressure to place further scrutiny on these chemicals, some of which have been restricted in the EU and elsewhere. The primary focus of the Stop Spoonfuls of Fake Sugar Act is to restrict the use of HFCS, which is often alleged to promote obesity and other chronic health issues. Does this go to far in the fight against #addedsugar - or not far enough?

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🌱 Exciting News for FoodTech Enthusiasts! 🌱 Check out Christina Senn-Jakobsen in the latest episode of the FoodTech Junkies podcast! Dive deep into the evolving world of food systems with an expert who is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the industry. 🎙️ In this episode, Christina will share her insights on: 📈 The latest trends reshaping our food systems 🚀 Innovative technologies and startups 🌱 How consumers and companies can make impactful choices 📅 Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that promises to fuel your thoughts and inspire action in the agrifood tech space. Whether you’re a professional in the industry, a budding entrepreneur, or simply a curious foodie, there’s something in it for everyone. 🔗 Tune in by clicking the link in bio/ Edible Planet Ventures or any podcasting platform. Let’s explore how we can collectively enhance our food systems for a better tomorrow. #FoodTech #Sustainability #Agtech #Innovation #ClimateChange #Podcast #FoodSystems #FoodTechJunkies #EPV

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Today on the Fresh Takes on Tech podcast, we're joined by Peter Wells, Chief Strategy Director at Elevated Foods, who shares insights into the company's innovative approach to agriculture. Listen in as Peter discusses the challenges faced by family farms and the importance of data gathering in market development. Discover how Elevated Foods navigates enrollment processes, provides technical assistance to growers, and fosters collaboration and partnerships in climate-smart agriculture. International Fresh Produce Association #climatesmartag #innovation USDA

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Hi LinkedIn friends, I need your help! Please consider voting for our SXSW panel topic, "Plant-Based Meat is Dying: How Can We Bring It Back to Life?" so that I can represent People For Better Food in a conversation alongside Katie Cantrell from Greener by Default, Caroline Cotto from NECTAR, and Jennifer Stojkovic, best-selling author and General Partner at Joyful VC.  Negative media and slowing sales have led some to say plant-based meat is dead. But given animal agriculture’s climate impact, category adoption remains imperative for achieving collective climate goals. So, how do we fix this industry? Together, we’ll explore a reimagining of product and positioning needed to shift dietary norms.  Please note that this panel isn’t just meant for those involved in the alternative protein sector, but for anyone interested in food innovation or creating a healthier, more sustainable food culture. We’d love your vote here before August 18! https://lnkd.in/eeevnYzQ Thanks so much!

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🚨 Regenerative Agriculture Trend Report 🚨 Socialike has just dropped a 50-slide presentation summarizing its findings from multiple podcast conversations with Big Picture Foods, Alec's Ice Cream, Nutrient Density Alliance, & ReGen Brands. Our focus at ReGen Brands is "to nourish brands that nourish all life." We do this by advancing the work of brands supporting regenerative agriculture. And we're focused on a B2B stakeholder group that includes brands, distributors, retailers, farmers, investors, and others. For us, it is always interesting and informative to see how folks in the CPG ecosystem learn about regenerative for the first time. Check out the report below! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eMwVBXsu Socialike | A Creative Social Media Agency Since 2010 #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativefarming #regenerativefoodsystems #cpg #regenbrands #food #beverage #podcast #sustainability #innovation

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How to Ditch Poisonous Snacks for Real Food Steven Rofrano talks about removing harmful ingredients from our diets and introducing healthier alternatives. Clip from this podcast conversation: https://lnkd.in/dycUbsFJ Try MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn and grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils, artificial ingredients, etc. Use code MIND for 20% off: https://lnkd.in/gbP47gek #Diet #Health #Food #Nutrition #Science #Metabolism #Biology #Podcast

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Chef Terri's Tip #210: How to create a sustainable, plant-based, Made in the USA CPG food brand, company, etc. THINK BIG! As pioneers in the market, our real stories are a crucial part of the puzzle. Whistleblowers are not always employees of a large corporation. Sometimes, we are Founders. Sometimes, we are CEOs. Sometimes, we are customers. Sometimes, like me, we are all three. Whistleblowers are not born; we are made, and we have the power to influence business success. "When we live in the experience of our knowledge (our past journeys), that's when we reach the pinnacle of leadership." - Chef Terri Rogers https://lnkd.in/gbvhN7Ep

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