Get ahead of the competition by becoming a BevNET & Nosh Insider. In just a few clicks, unlock exclusive benefits including data insights from top industry providers, the Insider Daily Briefing for the latest headlines, unlimited access to comprehensive content on BevNET.com and Nosh.com, and discounts on job listings and tickets to BevNET Live and Nosh Live.

Join us on the Inside.

The chocolate sector is closing out a year plagued by adverse weather conditions and supply chain woes in West Africa on an increasingly bitter note.

Prices for the commodity (as measured by the New York cocoa futures index) rose to a new record high – about 5.5% to $11,938 per metric ton on Monday – and reinstated concerns over extreme price volatility, CNBC reported. What’s more, the 2023-24 marketing year saw the global cocoa market register a deficit of 478kt, its largest in over 60 years. 

How did we get here? A mix of low rainfall, plant disease, and aging trees in 2023 led to a “disappointing crop” in the Ivory Coast and Ghana this fall. The two countries produce roughly two-thirds of the world’s cocoa, so the shortage quickly led to dramatic price swings. 

Nosh Insiders can access the full briefing to understand how the alt-cocoa sector is working to capitalize on the commodity market's cost challenges.

Loma Linda parent company Atlantic Natural Foods (ANF) has withdrawn from a three-year-old agreement to enter the public market alongside regenerative ingredient platform Above Foods.

⏪ Above has had numerous starts and stops since it first moved to take the company public via a SPAC merger with Bite Acquisition Corp. in 2023. The company acquired the GoodWheat brand earlier this year and completed the business combination in June 2024.

✂️ However, now, ANF (which also owns alt-protein brands TUNO and neat) has decided it would be better off going at it solo. While both said they will maintain “collaborative ties” and both ANF and Above will retain shares in the other company, ANF will no longer pursue a public strategy.

💬 “This decision reflects a strategic realignment following a comprehensive evaluation of the evolving business landscape… Factors such as the global impact of COVID-19, supply chain disruptions and rising food inflation played a key role in its decision,” ANF said in a statement. 

Being “basic” has long been a theme of Trey Kennedy’s popular standup routine and sketch comedy. He recently introduced the perfect pairing for his humor, Basic Cellars. In this episode, Trey talks about how the upstart wine brand presents itself as both an accessible and premium option and how he attempts to authentically incorporate the brand into his social media content.

Listen to the episode here.

• Will Duke's Mayonaisse be heading to a new home?
• Details on a starchy and unexpected deal
• Why Grubhub is facing a stiff bill from the FTC

In the highly competitive food and beverage industry, staying informed is key to success. As a BevNET & Nosh Insider, you'll gain access to the latest data reports, breaking news, and industry insights that empower you to drive product innovation, optimize your marketing strategies, and effectively reach your target audience. Stay ahead, make smarter decisions, and fuel your business growth with Insider access.

Become an Insider.