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• How Loopini is activating regional sampling as a workaround for in-store demos
• Details on the closure of an upstart kelp company
• News of fresh seed funding for an AI-driven retail sampling service

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I am back on the lupini bean beat again this week with a story that not only slings around the nutritional benefits of this mighty legume, but also ponders if it could cure the ills of our current society… 

“The Romans, Mayans, Egyptians – the best civilizations in the world [ate lupini beans] – and that’s when I realized that's why we're so f*cked up today because we don't consume lupini.” 

That was what Damiano Messineo, the co-founder and CEO of frozen protein pizza brand Loopini, shared with me this week as he discussed how the business is gearing up for a rollout to its first mass retail partner after nearly a year of building online and within New York City independent retailers. 

Insiders can access the full story for details on Loopini’s retail gains, supply chain strategy and how Russian missiles could impact its hero input.

This year at Nosh Live 2025, on December 4 and 5, we’re bringing Elevator Talk to the main stage, offering a unique opportunity for attending food brands to introduce themselves and their products to our full audience of investors, retailers, operators, and media.

It’s not a competition. It’s not a pitch. It’s a moment to be seen and remembered.

We’re reserving time for two high-energy sessions where pre-selected founders will each share a short (90-second) introduction on stage. 

• These segments will be recorded live and turned into Elevator Talk episodes, delivering valuable post-event exposure across Taste Radio, Nosh, and our digital channels.

🛗 Let us help amplify your voice. Apply Now for Elevator Talk at Nosh Live.

Looking to keep track of the latest in CPG innovation? As always, we’ve got you covered with this week’s new products gallery, featuring fresh launches from Issei, Jonnypops, Tandy and Jel Sert. 

Whether you’re gearing up for movie night with Graza’s limited-edition Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt Popcorn or upgrading your lunchbox with SmartSweets minis, there’s a full slate of new products to nosh on. 

🆓 Check out the full lineup here.

Amid a challenging climate for early-stage investment, a new resource is taking shape for food and beverage brands. Become an Insider for all of the details on the new fund for emerging brands.

Here’s a look at leading headlines from around the food industry. Insiders get access to the full story.

1. Can Big Food Compete Among Entrepreneurs?
2. After Conquering Olives, Freestyle Snacks Tackles Pickles
3. Protein Brewery Raises $35.2M To ‘Springboard’ Global Expansion
4. Hy-Vee Adds FoodHealth Score To Store Shelves
5. Absurd Snacks Ramps Up Production With New Co-Man, Goes National with TJX Companies

Looking to make more data-based decisions for your business? The Nombase Data Hub is your centralized resource for food, beverage, and beer industry reports, available exclusively to Insiders.

📊 Gain access to reports built from consumer insights, social listening, scan data, and on-premise surveys.

Unlock the full archive here.

In this reviews roundup, our team tastes Green & Sunny's snackable spin on a Thai fried noodle dish and True Dates' line of chewy dates coated in classic candy flavors.

We are sharing our takes on taste and texture, packaging and positioning and opportunities for improvement.

Check out this week’s review roundup on Nosh.

Want your product reviewed? Send an email to mwatrous@nosh.com.