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It's been a jam-packed year for Smash Foods. 

The pantry staple and snack platform closed out 2025 on a hot streak that saw it triple revenue, grow its retail footprint 67% and land its first round of institutional funding. But the Jammy Protein Balls (more on that in a moment) have kept rolling.

This week, the company announced it has secured $18 million in a Series A round led by L Catterton.

Unlock the full story with BevNET & Nosh Insider

Every year, the packaged food industry gets a little harder to define.

The inaugural Nosh Impact 50 list recognizes the founders, executives, investors, retailers, policymakers and ecosystem builders whose decisions are having an outsized effect on the future of packaged food. 

It’s a recognition of influence – the people whose ideas, leadership and decisions are creating ripple effects throughout the industry.

▶️ Find out who made the list

🌾 Perfect Snacks introduced four new lines in the past five years, including its latest and largest expansion beyond its core with the nut butter-free Oaties line. Learn about the innovation strategy

🥣 Backflip launched its cereal line exclusively at Target this month with four flavors: Cinnamon Magic, Fruity Galaxy, Strawberry Milkshake and Chocolate Sundae. Read about the debut here

🧇 Evergreen is rolling out a frozen Protein Waffle line nationwide at Kroger and ShopRite. The products are made with Greek yogurt and egg whites. Check out the full press release

🍚 Yumbini Foods added Garden Herb No Salt Added Pinto Beans and Rice to its line of quick bean and rice dry mixes. Learn more here

We rounded up all the rest of the new food innovations hitting the market this week, including protein-packed candy, Harry Potter-inspired baking mixes and a cleaner take on the classic drive-thru chicken sandwich. 

🆓 Check out the full gallery on Nosh

Sprouts Farmers Market has become a key retailer for discovery in the natural channel with a handful of emerging brands expanding to their stores in recent weeks. 

Read the full analysis with Insider access

Albertsons Companies is overhauling its operating structure.

The grocery giant will consolidate its 11 operating divisions into four regions to accelerate decision-making and improve in-stock performance.

Continue reading the full breakdown with Insider access

Here’s a look at leading headlines from around the food industry. Go beyond the headlines with Insiders access.

1. Utz to Go Private in $2.9B Deal

2. Starco Brands Acquires Custom Bakehouse

3. Rebel Must Redesign Pints After $23.8M Van Leeuwen Loss

4. McCormick Details Post-Merger Structure as $45B Unilever Foods Deal Advances

5. Häppy Candy Makes Whole Foods Debut in Select Northeast, South Pacific Stores

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Can a brand built on purpose survive when its mission is put at risk? 

The hosts examine the high-stakes battle over Ben & Jerry's social identity, discuss what founders can learn about building a mission-driven business that lasts, and spotlight emerging brands proving that great products—not just great stories—win loyal customers.

Listen to the episode now.

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

That's all for today's Daily Briefing: Lite Edition. We'll be back in your inbox on Monday.

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