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• How AI chatbots are infiltrating the grocery shopping process
• Inside General Mills’ innovation-driven return-to-growth strategy
• Details on one PE firm’s new $300M food-focused fund
• Why Danone is no longer courting Lifeway

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to change the consumer experience in a variety of ways, according to a few reports released this week. Let’s dig in…

While AI has already begun to shift how food and beverage companies ideate, formulate and find product-market fit (and VCs are using the tools to seek out safer investments), the new technologies’ influence on the shopping experience cannot be overlooked. Consumers are increasingly using AI to help make shopping decisions and guide choice from health impacts to prices.

Insiders can access the full breakdown to understand how CPGs can optimize innovations for this new frontier.

Snacking is going functional – and fast. 

The new Spate report shows how ingredients once reserved for supplements or beauty are now finding their way into everyday snack formats. 

• Collagen, for instance, has seen searches rise by nearly 400% year-over-year, with growing consumer curiosity linking it to both beauty and performance benefits. 
• Matcha, meanwhile, is thriving as both an indulgent flavor and a wellness booster. 
• Together with protein, coconut, and even emerging players like pumpkin and ube, these ingredients are reshaping the snack aisle into a destination for both health and enjoyment.

Insiders can access the full report here.

U.S.-based Winland Foods and Italy-based La Doria today announced they’ve merged to create a new global private label manufacturing platform – now known as Windoria – and boasts nearly $4 billion in annual sales.

Insiders can access the full story to understand the impact this deal could have for branded businesses. 

Consumer holding company Louisville Brands has acquired Louisville Vegan Jerky Company from early-stage investment firm Render Capital.

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In this episode of CPG Week, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery analyze the evolution of private label from off-brand to on-trend. The podcasters also discuss recent examples of the protein craze in Wandering Bear’s new latte line and Brami’s lupini bean-based pasta. Additionally, the hosts dig into British mixer brand Fever-Tree’s partnership with Molson Coors and an interesting new innovation in the frozen aisle.

Click here to listen to this week’s episode. Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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