Eat the Change (ETC) has brought in another $14 million in growth capital, aimed at widening distribution of Just Ice Tea and further testing its Cosmic Chews snacks. 

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Daily Harvest founder and CEO Rachel Drori is stepping away from overseeing day-to-day operations at the frozen food company, turning the reins over to chief supply chain officer Ricky Silver. Silver has been promoted immediately to the newly created role of president and will subsequently move into the role of CEO next February. Drori, meanwhile, will remain on as Daily Harvest’s chair of the board and continue to be involved with business and brand strategy.

“Ricky has been by my side for over five years” Drori wrote in a LinkedIn post about the leadership transition. “He is deeply committed to our mission and values.” 

Silver’s appointment, however, comes at a challenging time for the frozen smoothie and meal company. After receiving a valuation of over $1 billion in 2021, the company made the leap from D2C into retail, launching into about 1,000 Kroger-owned stores this past summer. However, In June 2022 the company was forced to issue a recall after its protein crumbles sickened hundreds, causing gastrointestinal illness and liver dysfunction. 

In addition to Silver’s promotion, earlier this week Andrew Noyes joined Daily Harvest as the company’s new head of communications and corporate affairs.

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In its ninth annual trend forecast report, Whole Foods predicts there will be a resurgence of vegetable-based ingredients within plant-based foods in 2024. 

The retailer cited rising consumer demand for shorter ingredient lists as one of the main drivers, but noted that producers themselves are also bringing back the plants. For example, Whole Foods added unClassic Foods’ oyster mushroom steak tips, as well as appropriately-named Actual Veggies.

The natural food retailer’s crystal ball also says there will be a rise in: Products made with buckwheat, using the whole ingredient including by-products (a.k.a. upcycling), “fancy faux fish,” water-use and cleanliness conscious items, more global pepper flavors, gourmet instant noodles, little luxuries (meaning any treat priced at under $10), women’s health products, and caffeine that comes with an added benefit like mushrooms or probiotics.

NOSH Live Winter 2023 takes place on Nov. 30 + Dec. 1 in Marina del Rey, CA. Save $100 per registration through this Saturday, October 21.

This year, attending brands can meet one-to-one with buyers from well-known retailers. Plus, we recently announced that Ayeshah Abuelhiga, the founder and CEO of Mason Dixie, will join us to discuss how she developed a growth strategy and approached the process of raising money to fund the frozen bakery brand’s expansion. Learn more + register.

Fresh Thyme is a midwest chain of natural/organic focused stores that focuses on bringing the organic lifestyle to the masses. Jonathan Lawrence, VP of Center Store, will join Community Call to help brands understand which brands & products have the best opportunity to grow at Fresh Thyme, what his customers are looking for, and how this chain fits into the national landscape of grocery retail. Tune in tomorrow, 10/19 at 3 PM ET. Register for free.

• Learn more about Eat The Change's plans for growth
• What retailer has General Mills partnered with for a regen ag push?

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